Continuing Education Archives

What does equity in collection development really look like? Join a lively presentation that upends old techniques in favor of a thorough reassessment. Be ready to reconsider the role of everything from equity assessments and displays to weeding procedures, new tools, and how collection work can influence programming.

Presented by Betsy Bird, Collection Development Manager of Evanston Public Library and the former Youth Materials Specialist of New York Public Library.

This webinar was recorded on June 22nd and is approximately 90 mins long.

Those of us who work in a library aim to make all students and community members feel welcome, and to provide the best service to all who walk through our doors. Yet, research suggests that unconscious phenomena related to race, ethnicity, and other identity differences can get in the way of those goals. Core concepts from the mind sciences - including implicit bias, racial anxiety, and stereotype threat - can help to explain why identity differences can present challenges, even for those of us with values of equity.

Historically, children's and young adult Collection Development has been heavily reliant on reviewed materials. To order books for your library, all you had to do was receive carts of newly reviewed titles from your distributor, select them, and that was it. But as it turns out, the easy way is not the best way. Join Betsy Bird as she explains why Collection Development today is an active affair, and why making your children's and young adult collections diverse means visiting book fairs and street vendors, reaching out to local contacts, hunting down obscure book awards, and more.

The jjslist.com Disability Awareness Players are a troupe of volunteers who train audiences about disability awareness. The interactive presentation includes skills-building activities, role-play, and an anything goes Q&A. Topics covered include: Person-first language; Ten Tips Poster; Sighted-guiding; What to do when you don't understand someone; How to interact with someone in a wheelchair; How to interact with someone with a processing disorder; 508 compatibility.

Topics:
- Introduction
- Person-first language
- Role Play
- Q&A

Jessica Jupitus will provide information on gender identifications and appropriate terminology for use with genderqueer or nonbinary patrons, suggestions for titles to include in the collection, specific details on programming, and suggestions for ways to begin conversations in your community about serving LGBTQIA patrons.

Agenda:
* Make your space safe and welcoming
* Collection support
* Staff training & getting management on board
* Programming ideas
* Resources and what's next

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Join two leaders in the field to learn about models of service, programming and technologies that create a welcoming library environment for young patrons with disabilities. Learn about dynamic programs being offered at public libraries around the Chicagoland area that can be replicated at your library.

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The majority of library visitors are comfortable navigating their way through the library, approaching staff with questions and using available resources. But for some, these basic library experiences can be intimidating. This webinar will provide participants with the tools to make basic, yet effective changes to their programming in order to create an inclusive library atmosphere for adults with developmental disabilities.

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Library services to people with disabilities are provided by all levels of library staff. From the part-time aide checking out library materials to the library director determining policies, staff skills and attitudes are crucial for a satisfactory library experience. All libraries have a plan for serving people with disabilities, whether it is the installation of ramps or the creation of special needs story times. But improvements are always possible.

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