PLA Opens Registration for 2020 Virtual Conference
The Public Library Association (PLA) is offering an alternative opportunity for public library workers who are unable to attend the PLA 2020 Conference in Nashville, Tenn. PLA will present a condensed, live, online conference experience — the PLA 2020 Virtual Conference — February 27-28. The PLA Virtual Conference will consist of live programming, including five 60-minute-long programs each day, plus author interviews and opportunities for networking. Registration closes at 3:30 p.m. Mountain Time on Wednesday, Feb. 19.
Libraries as Partners in Healthy Communities: Upcoming Course
WebJunction is collaborating with the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NNLM) to design a series of courses for public library staff related to health topics. The next course, available in March, is Libraries as Partners in Healthy Communities. This free, two-week, instructor-led course, explores how your library can actively partner to promote the health of your community through responsive programs and services, and shows you how to incorporate this focus into your library’s strategic plan.
SirsiDynix Connections Summit Videos Available on Demand
Were you interested in the SirsiDynix Connections summit in November, but just couldn’t fit it into your schedule? All the sessions are available on demand. You can also access the archived versions of the two previous summits (June 2019 and November 2018). Sessions cover topics such as trends affecting libraries, library marketing, personnel management, fundraising, and more — with most being 15 minutes or less.
Answers for Your Toughest Government Information Questions
The Government Information Online (GIO) service is available to handle the toughest reference questions and requests for copies of documents. The service is a project of the American Library Association’s Government Documents Round Table (GODORT) Education Committee. In calendar year 2019, GIO responded to 180 inquiries that were submitted either via AskGPO or directly to GIO. It’s a great resource to link to on your website, to bookmark for your reference staff, and to promote to your colleagues.
ALSC Releases White Paper on an Outreach Model Serving All Children and Families
The Association for Library Service to Children has released a white paper titled, Engage, Cultivate, Provide, and Assess: An Outreach Model for Serving All Children and Families. The white paper outlines a research-based model of outreach development for libraries to connect services with children and families, particularly for those in underserved communities. The model was based on research that examined how libraries are going outside of their walls and into the community to reach and serve children and families in underserved communities who are not currently using the library.
Strategic Storytelling Toolkit for Public Libraries
The Library Story: A Strategic Storytelling Toolkit for Public Libraries was created by Michael Margolis and Kristina Drury of GetStoried.com in conjunction with input from Pennsylvania public library staff. It was designed to help librarians think about using the power of storytelling to more effectively communicate internally and externally. The Toolkit contains great content, exercises and examples to build your storytelling skills. It’s based on months of research, surveys and interviews with 200 Pennsylvania librarians and directors.
Digitized Historical Editions of U.S. Government Manual Available
The U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) has digitized the U.S. Government Manual and made content freely accessible and available on govinfo for the years 1935-1994. The Manual is the Government’s official handbook of agency organization for all three branches of Government. Listings include the legislative authority, programs, activities, and brief history of each agency; officials heading the major units of operation; and contact information for follow up or additional information.