Continuing Education Archives

Even if a library has been focusing on making its website more accessible, PDF files that patrons download are often overlooked. PDF documents are not inherently accessible and require specific effort to make them accessible. In this session, learn concrete actions you can take to make your library’s PDF content accessible.

In this two-part series, Heartland Forward uses their experience collaborating with The Public Library Association to create Getting Started with Telehealth, a new training module available on DigitalLearn.org, to give an overview of telehealth services and teach you how to use the training module to help your patrons.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly advancing, with the general public now able to access text-to-image generators, chatbots, and other AI-powered tools. In a time of deepfakes and AI hallucinations, how can we discern what is real? This talk by Nick Tanzi includes strategies for identifying AI-generated content and reducing AI hallucinations.

Includes information on processes and outcomes of the work of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. Learn methods you can implement now to make your library a harder target for eAccessibility complaints.  Learn about the supports a library needs to create and maintain an accessible digital footprint. 

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.