Continuing Education Archives

Discover how to build a strong, motivated volunteer team that enhances your library’s impact. This webinar covers the key benefits of engaging volunteers, the needs and interests of today’s volunteer workforce, and what drives them to get involved. Learn how to create effective volunteer job descriptions, develop targeted recruitment plans, and clarify staff roles to support successful volunteer engagement. Perfect for anyone looking to strengthen their library’s volunteer program.

Presented by Carla Lehn.

Mazi Robinson, licensed counselor and experienced speaker, shares practical strategies for handling criticism, reducing reliance on external validation, and refocusing energy on meaningful professional and personal goals.

When new trustees and directors start their roles at the library, some confusion about responsibilities can arise. Clarifying boundaries and roles helps strengthen relationships and the organization as a whole. Chatham Area Public Library Vice-President Christine Westerlund and Library Director Amy Byers discuss how each position is essential and how success depends on understanding their respective roles.

In this session you'll learn practical strategies for adapting your customer service to better support neurodivergent library users. You'll also gain insights from research interviews and leave equipped with tools to foster patience, empathy, and connection with all patrons, especially those with ADHD.

Dr. Brandy McNeil discusses the key ethical and operational considerations in AI use; translating library values into actionable AI principles; communicating policies effecitvely to staff and the public; and addressing bias, transparency, and accountability in AI tools.