Big Talk From Small Libraries 2024 Call for Speakers Now Open
Workers at small libraries of all types are encouraged to submit a proposal to be a speaker at Big Talk From Small Libraries 2024, which will be held on February 23. They’re looking for seven 50-minute presentations and four 10-minute “lightning round” presentations. This annual, free one-day online conference is tailored for staff from small libraries — the smaller the better! Proposals are due by December 15, 2023.
MPLA/ULA Joint Conference Puts Out Call for Proposals
The joint Mountain Plains Library Association/Utah Library Association Conference will be held in person at the Salt Palace Convention Center from May 8-10, 2024. This year’s theme is “Just Winging It”. The conference will feature presentations and poster sessions, providing an excellent opportunity for presenters to share information on project activities, practical problem-solving ideas, and innovative programs. Share your poster, workshop, or program session idea by submitting a proposal; deadline to submit is November 4, 2023.
New LibGuide on Programming with Library of Congress Digital Collections
The American Library Association (ALA) has released a new LibGuide designed to help library workers use Library of Congress (LOC) Digital Collections in programming and educational opportunities. Available now on the ALA Library’s LibGuide resource page, “Programming with Library of Congress Digital Collections,” is designed to help all types of libraries explore primary sources available from the Library of Congress online collection, and to connect with their communities through programming and educational opportunities. The guide focuses on eight LOC collections (Arts, Civics, Folklife, History, Literature, Maps, Military Experience and STEM) with collection highlights and suggested program ideas that are accessible and adaptable for various library types and audiences.
ALA Committee on Library Advocacy Releases Advocacy Action Plan Workbook
The ALA’s Public Policy and Advocacy Office (PPA) has announced the release of the updated ALA Advocacy Action Plan Workbook, available online. This free guide is a project of the Committee on Library Advocacy (COLA) and updates the 2009 workbook developed by the American Library Association (ALA) and United for Libraries (UFL). The downloadable workbook is an adaptable guide engaging individuals and groups in library advocacy on any issue. Users will take actionable steps in creating an advocacy plan through areas such as community analysis, building a library ecosystem, goal setting and message development and delivery.
PLA Seeks Responses to 2023 Public Library Technology Survey
The Public Library Association (PLA) has opened its annual survey and seeks responses to the 2023 Public Library Technology Survey. This unique national survey focuses on resources, infrastructure, training, staff, and funding related to technology. This data is vital to understand how libraries serve as hubs of knowledge and innovation in our communities and continue to evolve to meet patron needs. PLA invites all public libraries to participate in this survey, which is open through December 16, 2023. The Public Library Technology Survey was first administered in 2020 and provides an essential snapshot of public library technology services and capacity.
Redefining the Library Experience: Global Insights for Future Planning
The “Redefining the library experience” global survey collected feedback from more than 1,600 respondents from 77 countries and territories. And while it garnered data across a wide variety of questions, a handful of findings stand out regarding changing library experiences: libraries will increasingly play the role of “space providers”; demand for open access in academic libraries will intensify; resource sharing through consortia will increase; partnerships with nonprofit and government agencies will increase for public libraries; academic librarians expect increased partnerships with consortia and other libraries; library workers may see more flexible working options and access to mental health care; and additional need for data analytics is expected. The resulting report provides an overview of how these findings relate to what resources and services libraries offer, how libraries engage with their communities and partners, and the evolving needs of library workers.
OCLC Offers Four New On-Demand Courses for Libraries, Archives, and Museums
OCLC has published four new on-demand courses to empower library, archive, and museum staff and leaders with essential knowledge and strategies. These free, on-demand courses respond to training needs identified by the field to help navigate crises effectively, find work-life balance, and de-escalate difficult situations.