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Many of our training events have been recorded. Search for past webinars and workshops below.

Some recordings are available only to people affiliated with RAILS libraries.

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  • Making Technology Accessible: Creating an Assistive Tools Kit

    In this interactive session, learn how we partnered across departments to create a service that connects our community to printable assistive technology with the development of the Assistive Tools Kit, a collection of seven small devices that can be used by people of all ages to help with daily tasks such as writing, carrying bags, and opening small lids or bottle caps. Customers can borrow an assembled kit to learn which tools are most useful and create their own custom kit using the library’s 3D printers for a nominal cost of materials.

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  • Putting the "U" in Digital Equity

    With the mega-funding coming for broadband improvements across the US, digital equity is suddenly a hot topic everywhere. We know that equity is at the very core of library services, but how can we apply the equity lens to digital services to include as many library patrons as possible? Please join technology consultant Carson Block and librarian and educational consultant Sarah Morris for a fun and engaging look at digital equity and an onramp to improve technology-driven library services for patrons and staff alike.

    Topics:

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  • Libraries In the Age of AI: A Primer

    The rapid rise of ChatGPT, text-to-image generators, and other iterations of artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked a range of reactions in libraries. These include fear, excitement, and a large dose of confusion! This presentation by nationally-renowned technology expert Nick Tanzi covers the basics of AI, before turning to specific (and popular) services, exploring their possibilities and pitfalls when used in a library setting.

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  • CES 2023: Technology of the Future and Libraries

     

    Join Brian Pichman and his Consumer Electronic Show (CES) recap. CES is the ultimate tech conference that unveils the latest and greatest in tech gadgets and gizmos. Brian will share his findings of the next must-have technology announced at the event, along with some library partnerships that can help evolve your library's maker spaces. Learn more about tech trends such as AI, Metaverse, Robotics, and more in this webinar.

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  • Artificial Intelligence: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

    What exactly is artificial intelligence? Join this thought-provoking webinar and learn more about AI…what it can do for you and what it can't. Discover how AI actually works and get some exciting hands-on demonstrations of the power of AI right from your own computer. Whether you're looking at implementing AI at the library or to simply understand its applications - this session will cover it all.

    This webinar was recorded on June 13, 2022, and lasts for approximately one hour.

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  • Fostering Tech-Savvy Staff

    In this time of rapid change, staff tech training can feel like a daunting task. In this program, our speaker identifies the skills needed to thrive in our present environment, and outlines strategies for effectively, and efficiently training tech-savvy staff. Learn how to build an organizational culture that views emerging technologies with anticipation rather than dread!
     

    Presented by Nick Tanzi , this webinar was recorded on May 17, 2022, and runs for approximately 55 minutes.

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  • Technology Assessment and Purchasing Guide

    With multiple funding opportunities now available to purchase library technology, it is a great time to assess and upgrade your technology based on your community's needs. But how does one even start such a daunting task?" Join library technologist Carson Block as he introduces tools for pinpointing technology problems and needs, provides strategies for prioritizing and purchasing new equipment, and explains how to create an ongoing maintenance plan for your library's technology.

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  • Advanced Uses of Zoom and Technology for Virtual Library Programming

    Arielle Raybuck, auditorium coordinator for Northbrook Public Library, will present on Zoom pre-production communication practices to ensure smooth programs, Zoom settings that will expand your program options, and the application of livestreaming using Zoom and YouTube.

    This presentation was recorded live on Thursday, June 17, 2021, and is 50 minutes in length.

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  • All About Database Searching

    Join Molly Mansfield, Online Learning and Instructional Services Librarian, as she leads participants through basic and advanced searching methods on a variety of databases. Tips and tricks on finding resources and teaching database searches will be shared.

    Molly Mansfield is the Online Learning and Instructional Services Librarian at Dominican University. She has over 10 years of experience as an academic librarian.

    This webinar was recorded on March 2, 2021, and is approximately 90 mins long.

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  • Libraries & Technology in the Post-pandemic Landscape

    COVID-19 has seen libraries rapidly integrate a variety of technologies into their organization to better serve their communities. While some of these changes may be temporary, it is clear that the pandemic will have a lasting impact on our organizations. Glimpse into the future at the intersection of libraries and technology!

    This webinar was recorded on February 18, 2021, and runs for approximately 70 minutes.

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  • Zoom Storytime Basics

    Learn the best practices of Zoom storytimes, including basic Zoom management, and gather new ideas for how to make your storytimes come alive over the screen. Whether you're just getting started with Zoom storytime, or you're a pro, there is something here for everyone.

    This webinar was recorded live on Tuesday, October 13, 2020, and runs just under one hour.

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  • Dashboard Design Part 2: How to Create Static One-Pagers in Excel

    In the second half of this two-part training, you'll spend most of your time building static one-pagers in Excel. Don't worry if you didn't attend the first part--because this second part will begin with a recap.

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  • Dashboard Design Part 1: What Type of Dashboard Do You Need?

    Why wait until the end of the year to write a lengthy report? You can share data early and often with one-pagers like dashboards. Your organization's leaders have more important things to do than read lengthy reports. Dashboards get to the point so that leaders can understand the numbers and take action. In this training, you'll learn about the four types of dashboards (static or interactive, single or series) and how to figure out which type is most useful for the staff and leaders you work with. The presentation will conclude with hands-on practice in Microsoft Excel.

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  • Virtual Advisory: Online Book Clubs

    As things change rapidly, libraries are having to quickly adjust our in-person book clubs advisory services online. Becca Boland of Skokie Public Library will talk about what libraries are already doing (and what is working) and discuss ideas for the future.

    This webinar was recorded on April 22, 2020, and runs approximately 70 minutes.

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  • Strategies for Managing Teams Remotely

    Managing remotely – regularly or on a temporary basis - is much more accessible than in the past. Technology has made things possible that we could never have imagined. It can help work to continue and business to go on during disruptions such as weather or pandemics. However, it takes a solid plan to ensure that things move smoothly and to avoid miscommunication and feelings of disconnection. In this session, we will (virtually) discuss: -

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