Library Staff Training

This 5-class series can be offered or taken a la carte, or in full. Students attending any one session will walk away with practical ideas they can apply right away to their work in libraries. Students attending all 5 sessions will encounter a system of interlocking concepts and a host of practical tools that taken together, will allow them to approach library service holistically, sustainably and confidently, even in the midst of constant instability and change.

An full day master class is also available for those seeking total immersion!

Class Descriptions:

Mission-Critical: The Digital Skill Divide, and What to Do About It
Challenge preconceived notions about digital literacy, re-awaken your long dormant inner reference librarian, and power up your library advocacy skills with a deep dive into the “why” of digital literacy instruction.

The Continuous Improvement Cycle: Creating and Sustaining Momentum as a Digital Literacy Instructor
Whether it’s providing on demand assistance at the reference desk, meeting with patrons one on one, or leading formal classes, teaching tech is tough! The pace of technological change is relentless, patrons often present with high levels of fear and stress around these topics, and turnout (either too much, or too little) is a perennial problem. Learn how applying the business concept of the “continuous Improvement cycle” can infuse energy and sustainability into digital literacy services – and into your own development as a library professional.

Teaching Adults and Seniors
Teaching adults comes with a host of specialized challenges and considerations – including issues around motivation, fear and self-deprecation, and the impact of aging on the brain – and unique rewards. Learn how to design and implement highly effective, welcoming digital literacy services for adults and seniors, including one on one help, drop in assistance, group workshops, and lectures.

Teaching Adults at a Distance: Virtual and Socially Distanced Digital Literacy Instruction
Teaching technology at a distance might seem like climbing the Mount Everest of digital literacy instruction – but it can be done, and your patrons will overflow with appreciation and relief at session’s end, having had their pressing information needs met. Learn how to facilitate in-person, socially distanced assistance effectively, and how to teach virtually in videoconference platforms like Zoom and GoToMeeting.

Engaging the Community in Digital Literacy Services
Learn promotion strategies to build and maintain a robust audience for your digital literacy services. Plus, learn why patron engagement and learning outcomes, rather than simple turnout, are the key measures of success when it comes to programs for adults – and how to measure, assess, and leverage these metrics.