Listed below are FREE programs The Accessible Technology Coalition , American Management Association, Booklist, Colorado State Library, Grantspace, Insync Training, NASA, National Library of Medicine, Nebraska Library Commission, Nonprofit Webinars, O’Reilly, VolunteerMatch, Washington State Library, WebJunction, and the West Virginia Library Commission, will be webcasting during August.
In the event that you aren’t available during those times, or you would like to check out past webinars, here are the links to archived events:
SirsiDynix Institute Webinars
August 1 (1-2 pm)
Strategies for Success: Board Member Recruitment & Retention (Nonprofit Webinars)
Don’t have the board members you need to serve the organization and can’t keep the great ones you have recruited? Building a strong and reliable nonprofit board of directors is no easy task, but leveraging simple best practices and innovative strategies can mean the difference between an engaged, effective board of directors and a social club with minimal leadership. There are new strategies and vehicles for recruiting board members and concrete steps your organization can take to set the board, and your nonprofit, up for success.
For more information and to register for this program, visit: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/
August 2 (1-2 pm)
Storytelling for Fundraising Success (Grantspace)
Everyone loves a powerful and inspiring story, and your donors and potential donors are no exceptions. Of course, each nonprofit has many stories to share, but how can you feature those stories that best connect with your donors? In this webinar, you will: Identify essential components of great stories, Find out how to gather them, Begin to shape them for maximum use in your materials, and Get extra tips on how to use them on the web.
For more information and to register for this program, visit: http://tinyurl.com/bpeghew
August 2 (1-2 pm)
Librarians are Wikipedians Too (WebJunction)
This webinar will overview past efforts and future potential of libraries and librarians working with Wikipedia. Wikipedia is an increasingly prominent player in the web search environment, and more people are finding it “a good place to start research.” Despite open questions regarding quality, Wikipedia shares common goals with libraries in ensuring free accessibility to information, and relying on authoritative sources. This presentation will overview the past efforts and future potential of public libraries and librarians working with Wikipedia. Discussed are strategies to drive web- and foot-traffic to libraries through the use of Wikipedia. Plus powerful tips and tricks are revealed into the software and policies of Wikipedia, helping librarians to critically address quality for themselves.
For more information and to register for this program, visit: http://tinyurl.com/bqvygko
August 2 (2-3 pm)
Managing Difficult Volunteer Transitions (Volunteer Match)
What do you do when it’s time to ask a volunteer to leave your organization? This webinar will give you the tools to address challenges around difficult volunteers, volunteers aging in place, and suggestions to minimize these situations in the future. Suggestions for determining when a volunteer should be terminated, and making it easier on you, other volunteers, and staff will be presented. And, the role that risk management plays in these decisions will also be included.
For more information and to register for this program, visit: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/
August 3 (10-11 am)
Marketing your library like a bookstore (West Virginia Library Commission)
Megan Tarbett of WVLC, author of a recent article in the October 2011 issue of VOYA, will share tips on how to use bookstore-style marketing strategies to get your library rocking.
For more information and to register for this program, visit: http://wvlc.libcal.com/event.
August 7 (12-1 pm)
US Citizenship & Immigration Services (Washington State Library)
This session will provide libraries with an overview of the general eligibility requirements for naturalization, how residents in their community can file for naturalization, the naturalization interview process, and the USCIS publications and resources to help immigrants prepare for naturalization. Information from this session will assist libraries in serving immigrant communities in their areas. It will provide up-to-date information to staff who already teach ESL/citizenship information and will provide an overview for those libraries that might wish to engage in such a service.
For more information and to register for this program, visit: http://www.sos.wa.gov/library/
August 7 (2-3 pm)
Playing by the Rules: Creating an Effective Volunteer Handbook (Volunteer Match)
When was the last time you reviewed your Volunteer Handbook or Policies and Procedures Manual? It’s probably been too long. Learn how to create a living document that can help both paid and volunteer staff be better informed and know what is expected of them. A good Volunteer Handbook can also help you better identify and deal with challenging volunteers. Whether you’re just starting to create a Handbook or if you’re looking for best practices on information to include, this webinar will evaluate the Handbook you have and help you create a stronger framework for your volunteer engagement program.
For more information and to register for this program, visit: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/
August 7 (3-4 pm)
An Introduction to the LSSC Program (American Library Association)
The Library Support Staff Certification Program will offer an hour-long webinar on the program and how it works. The presentation will explain the value of this certification to Library Support Staff, employers, and library users. You will also have the opportunity to have all of your questions answered by program staff members. This webinar is open to all interested candidates. Register to attend at
For more information and to register for this program, visit: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/
August 7 (3-4 pm)
Census Data Immersion: From Novice to Skilled Data Miner in 60 Minutes (Infopeople)
The goal of this webinar is to demystify the process of accessing Census Bureau data by imparting the LOGIC of the data access tool, American FactFinder (AFF). After this 1-hour series of exercises demonstrating the functionality and various features of the AFF (along with step-by-step instructions provided on the handout), library professionals should be able to simply “plug in” their choices of topic and geography to answer the real world questions posed by their users.
For more information and to register for this program, visit: http://infopeople.org/
August 7 (3-4 pm)
Google Apps for Nonprofits: Running Your Nonprofit In the Cloud (Nonprofit Webinars)
Nonprofit organizations, in an effort to streamline their costs and their efforts, need to think strategically about technology. Not to mention that hard economic times demand that all organizations develop creative and innovative ways of looking at their programming, infrastructure, and fundraising. In this workshop, we’ll show you how to save costs on IT by moving your infrastructure to the cloud, specifically talking about Google Apps (Google Email, Calendar, Documents/Drive and Sites), which are available at NO COST to nonprofit organizations through the Google for Nonprofits program at http://www.google.com/
For more information and to register for this program, visit: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/
August 8 (11 am-12 pm)
LibraryBox: a Mobile DIY Library (Nebraska Library Commission)
Jason Griffey, Head of Library IT at the Univeristy of Tennessee Chattanooga, will demo his LibraryBox, a self-contained digital resource sharing device. With just a small router, a flash drive and a battery pack, LibraryBox utilizes Free, Libre and Open Source software (FLOSS) to create mobile wireless file access networks where users can download digital content – a portable, download only digital library.
For more information and to register for this program, visit: http://nlc.nebraska.gov/
August 8 (1-2 pm)
High-speed Wireless Networks (O’Reilly)
Until the widespread use of 802.11n, wireless LANs traded lower connection speed for convenience. With 802.11n, wireless LANs blow past Fast Ethernet through a combination of new radio techniques and improvements to the efficiency of the underlying protocol. Join Matthew Gast to learn why 802.11n is so fast, how to build a network based on it, and take a peek ahead at the coming gigabit standards.
For more information and to register for this program, visit: http://tinyurl.com/d885hht
August 8 (3-4 pm)
Writing Amazing Appeal Letters That Are…Appealing! (Nonprofit Webinars)
Fall is a great time for at least one appeal letter (maybe more). If you’re making an important contribution to your community, many others will want to be part of that! The idea is to ask community members to invest in your organization’s vision and results. Appeal letters offer the opportunity to build/maintain relationships with community members and encourage the attitude that everyone can contribute.
For more information and to register for this program, visit: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/
August 9 (2-3 pm)
Enjoy Your Job, Enjoy Your Life (Insync Training)
So often we focus on the negatives and tasks we don’t enjoy. This workshop helps participants identify the things about work they enjoy and find satisfying, look at ways of creating more of those items, and develop skill in recognizing and appreciating small accomplishments and savoring small successes.
For more information and to register for this program, visit: http://tinyurl.com/d6rdo95
August 9 (3-4 pm)
Writing for the Web (Infopeople)
Learn how to make your content not only attractive, but also palatable to today’s online reader. Some simple guidelines will make all the difference. At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will: Be able to identify at least two ways to write effective headlines, Be able to list at least three writing conventions to avoid, and Be familiar with how to format content specifically for online readers.
For more information and to register for this program, visit: http://infopeople.org/
August 10 (10-11 am)
Between the Covers: Reading Romance (West Virginia Library Commission)
Can you judge a romance novel by its cover? Sometimes. WVLC’s Suzy McGinley will share vignettes of romance novel covers through history.
For more information and to register for this program, contact: http://wvlc.libcal.com/event.
August 10 (2-4 pm)
Explore NASA Space Science Webinar: Growing up Moon (NASA)
During the webinar you will: Learn about our Moon’s origins and its long and turbulent history, Follow along as Lunar and Planetary Institute staff members conduct hands-on activities designed specifically for children and youth ages 8 to 13 in the library learning environment, and Participants are encouraged to do the activities for themselves during the webinar (using inexpensive, easily acquired materials purchased ahead-of-time).
For more information and to register for this program, visit: http://www.lpi.usra.edu/
August 14 (1-2 pm)
YouTube Access (Accessible Technology Coalition)
Learn how to increase access to YouTube for those with hearing and vision impairments, from the perspective of the user and the content provider.
For more information and to register for this program, visit: http://atcoalition.org/
August 14 (2-3 pm)
Grantseeking Basics (Grantspace)
Gain an introduction to the world of foundation fundraising. Are you a representative of a nonprofit organization? Are you new to fundraising? Do you want to learn how the funding research process works, and what tools and resources are available? Learn how to become a better grantseeker! In this class we will cover: what you need to have in place before you seek a grant; the world of grantmakers; the grantseeking process; and available tools and resources.
For more information and to register for this program, visit: http://tinyurl.com/ce8xbkw
August 14 (2-3 pm)
YA Announcements: Fall Preview (Booklist)
Get a sneak peak at the hottest new YA releases during this free, hour-long webinar. Representatives from Disney Book Group, Harlequin Teen, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, Sourcebooks Fire, and Tor will fill you in on their leading teen titles for autumn and beyond. Moderated by Annie Kelley, Booklist’s Books for Youth associate editor.
For more information and to register for this program, visit: http://tinyurl.com/cqaxse7
August 14 (3-4 pm)
Developing Your Plan for Successful Career Growth and Advancement (Infopeople)
The first webinar in this series focused broadly on skills that are needed in the contemporary library environment, and where to find training in those skills. This webinar will focus on your individual skills and skill gaps. Determining the specific combination of skills you need to acquire in order to advance your career or take it in a different direction can be a daunting challenge.
For more information and to register for this program, visit: http://infopeople.org/
August 15 (11 am-12 pm)
Renew Yourself, Your Library and Your Career (Nebraska Library Commission)
As society and technology evolve in ways that can sometimes be startling, we may find ourselves occasionally wondering “What can *I* really do to make a real difference at work?”. In this session we’ll come together to learn and think about the role of the modern library and how you, regardless of the position you fill at your day job, can make substantial impacts you might not have felt empowered to before. Come for ideas, motivation and inspiration about your work and the work of libraries. Leave ready to affect more change and create more opportunity for yourself and your local community than you may have ever imagined possible.
For more information and to register for this program, visit: http://nlc.nebraska.gov/
August 15 (12-1 pm)
Breezing Along with the RML (National Library of Medicine)
NN/LM MCR Coordinators present updates on Regional Medical Library activities relevant to librarians, be they public or health sciences.
To log in, visit https://webmeeting.nih.gov/mcr . Enter as a guest. Sign in with your first and last names. Follow the instructions in the meeting room to have the Adobe Acrobat Connect system call you on your telephone. For more information contact Jim Honour jhonour@uwyo.edu or call 307-766-6537.
August 15 (12-1 pm)
Crafting Business Stories That Captivate, Convince, and Inspire (American Management Association)
Companies like Disney, 3M, Motorola, and the World Bank have adopted storytelling as a key method of influence and leadership. Instead of corporate memos, email, and PowerPoint presentations, storytelling is now being used to inspire and motivate organizations, to create a vision for the future, to define culture and values, to set goals and build commitment to them, and to lead change. What You Will Learn: WHY storytelling works, and WHEN to use it, A simple, three-part story structure that’s proven to work, and Tips for turning a good story into a great story by using metaphors, emotion, and surprises, while keeping the style concrete, direct, and engaging.
For more information and to register for this program, visit: http://www.amanet.org/
August 15 (12-1 pm)
Skip Tracing: Finding Personal and Business Information (Washington State Library)
There are many websites that provide information on individuals and businesses but not all are created equal. This class will help public librarians know where to look for different types of information and how to evaluate a site to determine its accuracy and trustworthiness. Participants will learn how to use free web-based resources to find: • Telephone, Address and Other Verification Information • Professional Licensing • Real Property • Criminal and Court • Web Presence (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
For more information and to register for this program, visit: http://tinyurl.com/cr2v4rq
August 15 (2:30-3:30 pm)
Teen Read Week (Colorado State Library)
Teen Read Week (TRW) is an annual event to celebrate reading for fun and to encourage teens to take advantage of reading in all its forms–books, magazines, e-books, audiobooks and more. Join this interactive conversation to share your plans and ideas with colleagues on creating a fun and meaningful TRW for your community, including: outreach and partnering opportunities, involving teens themselves in planning your TRW, and using TRW to spur in-house improvements and awareness of teen services.
For more information and to register for this program, visit: http://cslinsession.cvlsites.
August 15 (3-4 pm)
Organizational Storytelling for Librarians (Infopeople)
This webinar will cover the basics of organizational storytelling and will give examples of its uses in communicating vision, managing change, and creating community. Special guest Waynn Pearson, former City Librarian of the Cerritos (CA) Library, will talk about telling stories through architecture as he describes the narratives embedded in the Cerritos Library building dedicated in 2002.
For more information and to register for this program, visit: http://infopeople.org/
August 16 (2-3 pm)
The Influential Trainer (Insync Training)
Trainers have enormous potential to influence their whole organizations. In this session, we’ll explore ways to enhance transfer of training, get support and resources for training initiatives, and develop solution-focused strategies while avoiding self-defeating behaviors. Target audience: trainers and those who supervise trainers.
For more information and to register for this program, visit: http://tinyurl.com/d6r9ksq
August 17 (10-11 am)
Comics, Graphic novels and Manga, Oh MY! (West Virginia Library Commission)
WVLC’s Heather Campbell-Shock explains how comics, graphic novels, and manga are no longer for geeks thanks to popular television shows and movies. Learn the basics of these three types of materials, how to predict what will be popular among your users, and have programming that appeals to all ages.
For more information and to register for this program, visit: http://wvlc.libcal.com/event.
August 22 (10-11 am)
Your Government Online: The Executive Branch and Cabinet (Nebraska Library Commission)
The U.S. government provides a wealth of services and information on the Web with a great many Web sites. Laura Johnson will review “who’s got what” in a whirlwind virtual tour of the federal government on the Web. This Webinar, the first of a series, starts with the executive branch and Cabinet departments. Future programs will cover the legislative and judicial branches and independent agencies. Be sure to get the list of sites covered (available on Tuesday before the program) so you can take notes on it.
For more information and to register for this program, visit: http://nlc.nebraska.gov/
August 22 (3-4 pm)
Spotlight!on National Library of Medicine Resources (National Library of Medicine)
This Spotlight! session will focus on a NLM resource and will be presented by Marty Magee, NN/LM MCR Nebraska/Education Coordinator. Taking the one-hour class and completing the exercises and class evaluation makes you eligible to receive 1 Medical Library Association Continuing Education credit. This online training is FREE.
URL: https://webmeeting.nih.gov/mcr Equipment: connection to the Internet and a phone, Login: as a guest with your first and last name. Instructions to connect to the audio will show up once you’ve logged in. Captioning will be provided.
August 23 (1-3 pm)
Telling the Library Story (WebJunction)
Learn how to tell a succinct, powerful story about the value of libraries. Based on OCLC’s “From Awareness to Funding” and the latest findings of brain research, this session focuses on turning the evidence of our daily patron encounters into short, compelling, and memorable messages that build support.
For more information and to register for this program, visit: http://tinyurl.com/c7zbzvw
August 29 (12-1 pm)
Transforming Your Workforce with Games (American Management Association)
When we play games we’re more engaged, motivated, and likely to succeed. Aaron Dignan has explored the emerging field of games while researching his book on the subject, and has returned with some lessons for anyone who wants to turn their office, classroom, or home into something more like a game. The webcast will explore: What is a game and why it matters, What are the most powerful game ingredients and how can we use them, What forces hold us back, and How to design a game in the workplace.
For more information and to register for this program, visit: http://www.amanet.org/