Free training: December 2024

Training opportunities for this month were compiled and shared by the Maine State Library. View and subscribe to the Maine State Library Continuing Education (CE) Calendar at: https://maine-msl.libguides.com/CECAL.

If you have a free program that you would like to have considered for next month, submit it by the 20^th here: https://www.maine.gov/msl/libs/ce/ce_program_submission_form.shtml

Questions or comments? Email: [email protected]

For upcoming WebJunction webinars check the WebJunction webinar calendar and visit the WebJunction Course Catalog for additional learning opportunities.

Event categories

ASSESMENT/PLANNING

• Dec 2: Managing (or Initiating) Rapid Growth: Collaborative Solutions for Visionary Leaders (Nonprofit Learning Lab)
• Dec 3: Growing Smarter: Strategies for Scaling and Sustaining Long-term Success at Your Organization (Blackbaud)
• Dec 3: Why Your Annual Report Should Be a Marketing Tool and Not a Snooze (Firespring)
• Dec 5: Harnessing Data and Analytics for Nonprofit Success (TechSoup)
• Dec 11: Start Your 2025 Grant Strategy Off Right! (CharityHowTo)
• Dec 11: What Counts? Finding Meaningful Metrics (RIPL)
• Dec 12: Grant Readiness Essentials: What Funders Want and How to Deliver (TechSoup)
• Dec 16: 2024 Grant Trends and What to Expect for 2025 (Nonprofit Learning Lab)

BOARDS

• Dec 10: Build the board you need (Candid Learning)
• Dec 11: Building an inclusive, innovative, and impactful board (Candid Learning)

CAREERS (Staff)

• Dec 4: Future of Gov — Where the Workforce Needs to Go (GovLoop)
• Dec 17: Overcome the Overwhelm: How to Manage Stress (GovLoop)
• Dec 17: Share Knowledge, Ideas, Learning, and Library Solutions! (Nebraska Library Commission)
• Dec 18: Bridging the Divide: A Panel Discussion on Library Workers Loneliness (Libraries Learn)

COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT

• Dec 12: The ABC’s and 123’s of Metadata Sharing & Harvesting (DPLA)

COMMUNICATION

• Dec 12: Why Your Business Needs to be a Media Company (TrainingMagazineNetwork)

DEVELOPMENT & MANAGING CHANGE        

• Dec 11: “Quiet Quitting,” Productivity, and the Future of Work (Niche Academy)
• Dec 16: How to Inspire an Unmotivated Team (GovLoop)

DIGITAL RESOURCES

• Dec 4: Reflections on Reality Hitting Home: Academic Impact of Database Cancellations Two Years Later (Georgia Library Association)

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION

• Dec 5: Demystifying LIS profession to BIPOC undergraduate students: BIPOC Become Librarians (NNLM)
• Dec 9: Building Belonging: EDI Strategies for Children's Services and Beyond (ALSC)

FUNDRAISING

• Dec 10: Cultivating Strategic Partnerships With Funders (GrantStation)
• Dec 11: Unleashing Creativity: 7 1⁄2 Innovative Fundraising Ideas for Nonprofit Success (Nonprofit Learning Lab)

LEGAL

• Dec 5: Preparing for a Nonprofit Audit (Propel Nonprofits)

MANAGEMENT

• Dec 3: Business Trends and Outlook Survey (FDLP)
• Dec 5: Climate change communication: How and why to do it in libraries (WebJunction)

OUTREACH & PARTNERS

• Dec 4: NOAA Library Seminar with SciStarter (SciStarter)
• Dec 4: Partnerships and Building Relationships: How, Why, and Who (Niche Academy)
• Dec 12: Reaching Expectant and New Parents through Community Partnerships (ALSC)

PROGRAMMING

• Dec 2: Book Madness: Engaging Schools, Teachers, and the Community (Libraries Learn)

READERS’ ADVISORY

• Dec 3: Picture Books for Winter, Spring, and Beyond (Booklist)
• Dec 11: Best New Children's Books of 2024 (Nebraska Library Commission)

REFERENCE

• Dec 3: The Web of Science Core Collection perimeter. Why does it matter to you? - America (ProQuest)
• Dec 4: NASA’s Eyes for Libraries (STAR Net)
• Dec 5: NASA@ My Library: Heliophysics Workshop Series Featuring Vincent, the “Aurora Guy” (STAR Net)
• Dec 10: American Indian/Alaska Native Resources at the Sequoyah National Research Center (FDLP)

SCHOOL LIBRARIES

• Dec 2: Setting AI Expectations: Creating Clarity in Classrooms (edWeb)
• Dec 3: Empowering Learning: Leading Whole-School Initiatives from the Library (Follett)
• Dec 5: Making Your Minutes Count: Driving Efficiency in Schools (Follett)
• Dec 5: Teaching Resilience and Responsibility in the Classroom: Up to the Challenge (edWeb)
• Dec 9: Promising Every Student a Future Starts with Your WHY! 18 Months to Celebration (edWeb)

TECHNOLOGY

• Dec 11: Leveraging Technology for Insight and Impact in K-12 Schools (Follett)
• Dec 11: Media Literacy Education for Adult Audiences: Exploring ChatGPT and Conversational AI (Programming Librarian)
• Dec 11: How to Build a Chatbot Using Gen AI: Accelerating Learning Through Conversation (TrainingMagazineNetwork)

At your leisure

Pre-recorded webinars to view at your convenience

Coordinate Volunteers for Greater Community Impact with Zoom Workplace (TechSoup)
Join us to learn how you can use Zoom to coordinate your volunteers and employees. You may already know Zoom for video meetings, but did you know your Zoom license comes with a platform’s worth of communication tools? Learn how Team Chat, AI Companion, and more can help you reimagine teamwork for your employees and volunteers.

E-rate Unlocked: Strategies for Library Directors and Business Offices (EveryLibrary Institute)
Dive into a comprehensive understanding of E-rate's technological and financial impacts, harness the strength of unified collaboration and sharpen your strategic foresight. With evolving compliance challenges and the pressing need to maximize funding, this webinar is your essential guide to confidently securing your library's digital future. E-rate benefits libraries by enhancing technology access, expanding their roles in the community, and providing patrons with essential digital tools and internet access. It also assists in alleviating budget constraints, allowing for service improvements. A unified approach is crucial, as better communication and understanding amongst departments ensure maximized funding, adherence to compliance, and more efficient processes. It is essential to clarify the distinct but complementary roles of the Library Director, Business Office, and IT department in the E-rate process. Effective management strategies for Library Directors to oversee E-rate operations without being overwhelmed include tips on fully utilizing E-rate funding and aligning efforts with the library's strategic goals for technology and community service. Common compliance pitfalls can be avoided with a unified approach, and non-compliance can jeopardize current and future funding.

Navigating Misinformation Online: Toolkit Resources for Impactful Library Programming (Programming Librarian)
Older adults, communities of color and rural populations in the U.S. are disproportionately affected by misinformation. This amplifies some of the biggest problems facing America today: intensifying polarization, promoting vaccine hesitancy and undermining faith in democratic institutions. MediaWise in collaboration with The American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office and Stanford Social Media Lab through support from Stanford Impact Labs and the Empowering Diverse Digital Citizens Lab, has created a digital toolkit that can be used by librarians across the country to teach digital media literacy to adults in their communities. This webinar will walk participants through the toolkit contents, highlight its key features and discuss concepts that can be introduced through a range of programming options.

Online conference

December 10: PRH Spring Book & Author Festival 2024 (SLJ)
Join Penguin Random House, Library Journal, and School Library Journal for our Winter 2024 virtual book and author festival, a free day-long event celebrating reading, authors, and librarians everywhere! Enjoy a day packed with author panels and interviews, book buzzes, virtual shelf browsing, and adding to your TBR pile. You’ll hear from many of your favorite authors, whose work runs the gamut from Picture Books to Young Adult titles to the best new Fiction and Nonfiction for adults. There is something of interest for every reader. Attendees will also have the opportunity to check out the virtual exhibit hall, access eGalleys, and enter to win prizes and giveaways.

Webinars

December 2

Managing (or Initiating) Rapid Growth: Collaborative Solutions for Visionary Leaders (Nonprofit Learning Lab)
If you're caught in a tidal wave of rapid growth or dreaming big about leveling up, there are tried and true methods for making sure your organization can keep pace with the scale of your vision. Collaboration is an underutilized tool for accelerating nonprofit impact. You'll leave this session with new insights and examples of collaborations that are turning start-up nonprofits into household names and tools to manage your growth trajectory.

Setting AI Expectations: Creating Clarity in Classrooms (edWeb)
As AI becomes a more common tool in students’ academic lives, many are left wondering, “Is this cheating?” Our students deserve clarity and a voice when it comes to AI expectations in their classes. This edWebinar will explore the steps Common Sense Education took to develop a common language tool that empowers teachers to set clear AI expectations at both the syllabus and assignment levels. These guides were developed alongside teachers and students, giving both a voice in the process. The guidelines are quick for teachers to adjust to meet learning goals of particular assignments and easy for students to understand. They provide consistency across teachers and subject areas. This edWebinar will be of interest to middle and high school teachers, school leaders, district leaders, and education technology leaders.  

Book Madness: Engaging Schools, Teachers, and the Community (Libraries Learn)
Are you familiar with NCAA Basketball March Madness and want to find a creative way to engage students, classroom teachers, parent volunteers, and community members in reading? Then Book Madness may be for you! Learn how to choose your Sweet Sixteen, plan your brackets, recruit a team of readers, and execute a successful Book Madness program. In just three short weeks you will have kids and adults asking for more!

December 3

Growing Smarter: Strategies for Scaling and Sustaining Long-term Success at Your Organization (Blackbaud)
In the for- and nonprofit worlds, finance has often been seen as at best a cost center, and at worst—a drag on growth or big ideas. The good news? This assessment is falling by the wayside as the CFO takes a long-overdue seat at the strategy table and plays a crucial role in conversations about growth, investment, and sustaining long-term success. In this live webinar with Stephanie Skryzowski, CFO and Founder of 100 Degrees Consulting, we’ll dive into essential tools and frameworks for assessing program performance, optimizing resources, and expanding funding sources to scale your organization’s impact. Whether your organization is looking to enhance its current work or unlock new growth opportunities, this session will provide actionable insights to drive smarter decision-making and help you—and your organization—leave a lasting legacy.

The Web of Science Core Collection perimeter. Why does it matter to you? - America (ProQuest)
In the pursuit of research excellence, the metrics we rely on are only as meaningful as the data behind them. This webinar delves into a critical but often overlooked factor in bibliometric analysis—the integrity and scope of the data used. Universities and research institutions increasingly depend on bibliometric indicators for evaluations, funding decisions, and global rankings, but flawed data or poorly defined analytical perimeters can lead to skewed results and misguided strategies. Attendees will explore how accurate data and a well-structured scope can provide deeper, more actionable insights into research performance, collaboration patterns, and impact.

Business Trends and Outlook Survey (FDLP)
This webinar will introduce you to the Business Trends and Outlook Survey, its history, structure, output options, and how to create customized data. Learn about a near “real-time” business data source from the U.S. Census Bureau that is better than online polling. Every two weeks, a new dataset is released from a sample base of 1.2 million businesses given 25 consistent questions. Respondents provide current sentiments and future perspectives that reflect operational changes and financial stress. Topics include changes in revenue, hours worked, employment, input/output prices, demand, inventory, delivery time, work from home, use of AI, and general performance, as well as the impact of interest rates, loss due to weather, and if they started or closed a business. If you work with people who need new data for their research or decision-makers interested in supply chain, sustainability, and economic development, this is the webinar for you.

Picture Books for Winter, Spring, and Beyond (Booklist)
Looking for picture books that will inform, inspire, and ignite the creative spirit? Then join us for a free, one-hour webinar featuring upcoming titles that will traverse the universe, introduce young readers to important cultural and historical figures, and reveal the extraordinary found in the ordinary. We’ll be joined by Quarto Kids, Greystone Kids, and Cherry Lake Publishing who will share highlights from their winter and spring lists.

Why Your Annual Report Should Be a Marketing Tool and Not a Snooze (Firespring)
Is your annual report a real bore? A good annual report goes beyond pages of financial data and compels your audience to take action. In this session you will discover: What an annual report is and what it isn’t, how to determine whether you need one, the best way to write the report for your target audience, the most common mistakes to avoid, tips for creating an engaging annual report. You’ll walk away with all the tools you need to create an annual report that spotlights your organization and energizes your donors!

Empowering Learning: Leading Whole-School Initiatives from the Library (Follett)
In this session, participants will explore how school librarians can take the lead in fostering a culture of whole-school literacy within their schools. By sharing a case study on implementing a whole-school free reading program, we will examine strategies for engaging educators, students, and the community. Additionally, we will discuss how to approach a whole school literacy audit to get a starting point of literacy within a school. Attendees will leave equipped with actionable insights to implement similar initiatives in their own schools.

December 4

Future of Gov — Where the Workforce Needs to Go (GovLoop)
What will the workforce look like in 2025? What skillsets and resources will government employees need to be effective in the coming year? To remain at the top of your game as a dedicated public servant, you need to pay attention to the skills agencies are looking for. And if you’re a supervisor, you need to understand the current workforce demands as well as how to adequately support your teams’ training and development. Join us to hear from government and industry leaders as we discuss the workforce trends you need to know as we head into 2025.

NOAA Library Seminar with SciStarter (SciStarter)
Join us on Wednesday, December 4th at 2pm EST for a NOAA Library Seminar: Libraries as community hubs for Citizen Science: How SciStarter is Supporting the Movement and hear from Tara Cox, the Director of the Citizen and Community Science Library Network and Emma Giles, the Manager of Public Outreach and Programs at SciStarter.

Reflections on Reality Hitting Home: Academic Impact of Database Cancellations Two Years Later (Georgia Library Association)
In the spring of 2022, our librarians had to deselect $300,000 in databases. This presentation will cover the process the librarians went through on which databases to deselect and reflect on the academic impacts of losing those databases two years later, and what we could do differently next time if, and when, we must cancel more databases.

Partnerships and Building Relationships: How, Why, and Who (Niche Academy)
It takes a village… What strategies work for libraries wanting to become stronger community partners? How can you do this work no matter your job title? Being strategic, accountable, and a library advocate focused on documentation are key, but so too is centering the entire process around joy. In this free one-hour webinar, Rebecca Hass and Noah Lenstra share how to center joy in the sometimes complicated work of building and maintaining community partnerships. They’ll present examples of libraries across America that have devised working systems for building partnerships and strong community relationships. And they’ll take a deep dive into the successes and challenges experienced at Maryland’s Anne Arundel County Public Library. You’ll leave this session not only with renewed confidence in your ability to find partners, but also with plans to integrate partnerships and relationships even more fully into your work, and into the work of your library.

NASA’s Eyes for Libraries (STAR Net)
NASA’s Eyes is a suite of 3D, interactive applications to allow anyone to see how NASA is exploring the universe. Join us to hear about how you can start utilizing this free, yet professional NASA tool today in your spaces.  Ask questions and contribute your voice to how NASA can make it more useful for you and your patrons!

December 5

Harnessing Data and Analytics for Nonprofit Success (TechSoup)
Discover how leveraging data can empower your organization to make informed decisions, measure impact, and optimize strategies for greater effectiveness. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, marketer, or fundraiser, this webinar will equip you with the knowledge and tools to unlock the full potential of your data.

Preparing for a Nonprofit Audit (Propel Nonprofits)
Preparing for an audit at your nonprofit organization can be a daunting process. In this webinar Propel trainers will walk through the important phases of preparing for an audit. You’ll leave this webinar empowered with a better understanding of the audit process, understanding of how your financial processes and procedures will help you prepare, tips for building a good relationship with your auditor, and what roles & responsibilities you’ll have during the audit process.

Demystifying LIS profession to BIPOC undergraduate students: BIPOC Become Librarians (NNLM)
In this presentation, our guest presenter will share the premise of the IMLS-funded program, 'BIPOC Become Librarians' which addresses the lack of diversity in the LIS profession.  They will discuss the process they developed and what was learned. This presentation champions increasing diversity in health sciences librarianship, highlighting an NLM and NIH priority.

Climate change communication: How and why to do it in libraries (WebJunction)
What are the best practices for discussing climate change? Join us to explore effective communication strategies developed through the Sustainable Libraries Initiative, which has been advancing this work for over a decade, and the new National Climate Action Strategy for Libraries. Gain insights from Seeding Action, an initiative aimed at fostering a culture of planetary health action with communities through science centers and museums. Discover how libraries and museums communicate about climate change, its causes, and solutions. Participants will leave empowered to engage staff, board members, and community members in meaningful conversations that inspire action and foster a proactive response to climate challenges.

Making Your Minutes Count: Driving Efficiency in Schools (Follett)
Join Oakwood City School District Superintendent Neil Gupta as he shares proven strategies for managing time effectively to boost efficiency and lighten workloads in schools. This webinar is designed for administrators, teachers, and school leaders seeking to maximize productivity while keeping student success at the center of their efforts.

Teaching Resilience and Responsibility in the Classroom: Up to the Challenge (edWeb)
School is a series of challenges. Every assignment, project, presentation, and assessment is a challenge; however, not all students understand why they are doing these challenges and how to persist when the challenge becomes difficult. To help students take charge of challenges, Jay Jackson helps educators lead class discussions regarding necessary character traits including self-awareness, integrity, purpose, passion, positive mindset, courage, commitment, and grit. Jay’s process uses simple tools that educators can use to foster deep and meaningful discussions about the aforementioned character traits, being very intentional about why and how to take on challenges without taking too much class time away from content. If your students need to improve their grit, this process will aid in helping students understand how they can be successful and happy by taking charge of challenges. This edWebinar will be of interest to K-12 teachers and school leaders.  

NASA@ My Library: Heliophysics Workshop Series Featuring Vincent, the “Aurora Guy” (STAR Net)
Are you interested in exploring the fascinating field of heliophysics? Join us for an exciting collaboration between NASA@ My Library and NASA SCoPE! You can engage with NASA experts, learn about heliophysics, and access valuable educational resources. This is a fantastic opportunity to ask questions, expand your knowledge, and get involved in groundbreaking science. Don’t miss out! Vincent, the “Aurora Guy,” will showcase amazing aurora displays and explain the science behind these phenomena.

December 9

Building Belonging: EDI Strategies for Children's Services and Beyond (ALSC)
Join us for an engaging panel discussion on fostering Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion among library staff. Designed for children's services managers, this session will offer actionable insights and real-world examples of successful EDI initiatives in libraries. Our panelists will share strategies on how to: Collaborate with library employees to reflect their voices and needs in policies and services, Train staff in culturally responsive practices to better serve diverse communities, Launch low-cost, resource-efficient EDI efforts within your team.

Promising Every Student a Future Starts with Your WHY! 18 Months to Celebration (edWeb)
Uncover the power of promising every student a future by exploring your WHY. This edWebinar will provide attendees with systematic approaches to craft an 18-month plan towards celebration. Learn how community involvement and establishing a mission, vision, core values, district goals, if/then statements, and a “good-to-great” mindset supports all stakeholders in achieving educational excellence. This edWebinar will be of interest to K-12 school leaders, district leaders, and education technology leaders.  

December 10

American Indian/Alaska Native Resources at the Sequoyah National Research Center (FDLP)
The Sequoyah National Research Center is home to the world's largest collection of Native American newspapers and periodicals. Attendees will learn about the Center's newspaper collection, manuscript collections, and ongoing projects like the Journey of Survival that maps Indian Removal through Arkansas and the Modern Warriors of World War I database.

Cultivating Strategic Partnerships with Funders (GrantStation)
Nonprofits often struggle to secure sustainable funding, which is essential for long-term growth. Building strong partnerships with funders can address these challenges by providing consistent support and aligning the goals of both parties. During this interactive session, Alice Ruhnke will help you explore the world of funders and master the art of engagement! This session will delve into the process of building partnerships with funders, from researching potential grantmakers to effective outreach and communication. You’ll learn: the various types of funders to consider; tailored strategies needed to connect with each type of funder; and, how to build and maintain relationships that yield long-term benefits. By the end of the session, you’ll be ready to maximize your time and resources by cultivating strategic partnerships that drive success for your organization and help you achieve your mission.

Build the board you need (Candid Learning)
Join us to learn practical strategies for creating a board that will move your organization forward. In this course, we’ll cover the board’s role, and what your organization needs from its board members. We will explore ways to find the right board members to serve your nonprofit at its current stage. We will also discuss how to create positive relationships with and within the board, and how to navigate the common challenges that arise with boards. Whether you’re an executive director, board member, or development professional, this course will help you plan for a healthy sustainable organization.

December 11

Best New Children's Books of 2024 (Nebraska Library Commission)
Sally Snyder, the Nebraska Library Commission's Coordinator of Children and Young Adult Library Services, will give brief book talks on titles published in the last year that could be good additions to your library's collection. Titles for pre-school through elementary school will be included.

Unleashing Creativity: 7 1⁄2 Innovative Fundraising Ideas for Nonprofit Success (Nonprofit Learning Lab)
In this dynamic session, you'll discover tips for infusing fun into every fundraising initiative, the power of storytelling to captivate donors, how to reimagine traditional events for maximum impact, innovative peer-to-peer fundraising techniques, and ways to leverage multiple smaller events for greater success.

Start Your 2025 Grant Strategy Off Right! (CharityHowTo)
As the calendar year begins to wind down and you think about the new year, are you also thinking about how to strengthen your grant-seeking strategy in the upcoming year? Starting your year off with a strong plan and clear goals in place will ensure that you secure the funding necessary to achieve your goals for grant revenue. Participating in “Start Your 2025 Grant Seeking Off Right!” will provide you with a strong understanding of your success in 2024 and how to set goals for 2025 that will help expand your grant-seeking strategy and revenue.  We will also discuss how to increase the engagement of your colleagues in being part of the grant planning process to further increase your success.

What Counts? Finding Meaningful Metrics (RIPL)
Metrics are one way we frequently measure success in libraries. But finding the right metrics isn’t easy. “Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted,” a quote from sociologist William Bruce Cameron, neatly summarizes why finding meaningful metrics is often challenging. Libraries count all kinds of things, many of which take a great deal of effort to collect and analyze. Which metrics have the most meaning and impact? In this session, you will learn about how metrics only have meaning in context. Our entire discussion will be framed by the understanding that metrics reflect and drive the values of your organization. So how do you create meaningful metrics? You will get hands-on time to revise a desired impact/outcome/definition of success, align metrics to that desired impact, and reflect on what metrics will help you learn and be intentional.

Leveraging Technology for Insight and Impact in K-12 Schools (Follett)
This webinar will explore the role of technology in facilitating data-driven decision-making, from resource management to student engagement. In today’s technology-rich educational landscape, K-12 schools have access to more data than ever before. But how can administrators and technology leaders ensure they’re using this data to make informed, impactful decisions? This webinar will explore the role of technology in facilitating data-driven decision-making, from resource management to student engagement. Attendees will learn how to harness the power of educational technology to not only collect data but also turn it into actionable insights that improve instruction, resource allocation, and operational efficiency.

Media Literacy Education for Adult Audiences: Exploring ChatGPT and Conversational AI (Programming Librarian)
Conversational AI is a technology that enable machines to simulate human conversation, or as ChatGPT would describe itself, “think of me as a really well-read assistant who’s here to help with a wide range of topics, from answering questions and offering advice to brainstorming ideas and providing a bit of entertainment.” Join us for the last session in our new Media Literacy Education for Adult Audiences: Architecture of the Internet webinar series, a five-part series that will focus on shedding light on the often-overlooked aspects of the internet that shape the information landscape online. In this session, "Media Literacy Education for Adult Audiences: Exploring ChatGPT and Conversational AI”, we will explore what conversational AI is as well as the risks, benefits, and considerations when utilizing this technology.

“Quiet Quitting,” Productivity, and the Future of Work (Niche Academy)
In today's rapidly evolving work landscape is a phenomenon known as "quiet quitting,” a subtle form of employee disengagement. Many experts feel this "checking out" is a rebellion against the persistent imbalance between work and life, a silent protest against the notion that the 40-hour workweek is both outdated and stifling. In this engaging presentation, Elaina Norlin will delve into both sides of this compelling issue. On one hand, the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped priorities for countless employees, leading them to discover newfound passions and embrace a slower-paced life. But, we must also consider the flip side. If everyone embraces a "Quiet Quitters" approach and productivity and creativity decline, how can organizations compete for vital resources in an increasingly competitive world?

December 11

Building an inclusive, innovative, and impactful board (Candid Learning)
At DiverseForce, our foundation is built upon the core values of inclusion, innovation, and impact. These values guide our work and drive our mission to promote inclusive ecosystems and cultivate diverse talent pipelines for the future of work, leadership and governance. An inclusive board culture is essential for nonprofit organizations of any size or sector. Join us to learn how encouraging diverse backgrounds and perspectives among board members can help organizations attract a varied donor community and enhance impact. This webinar will also highlight how good governance practices and fiduciary duties, alongside diverse perspectives, can enhance overall board engagement, such as fostering more collaboration, accountability, and effective decision-making.

How to Build a Chatbot Using Gen AI: Accelerating Learning Through Conversation (TrainingMagazineNetwork)
Are you ready to harness the power of generative AI to create engaging, interactive learning experiences? Join us for a deep dive into the world of AI-powered chatbots and discover how they're transforming the landscape of corporate training. In this 60-minute webinar, we'll explore the fascinating neuroscience behind chatbot learning, walk you through the step-by-step process of designing your own chatbot, and equip you with essential dos and don'ts for effective implementation.

December 12

Why Your Business Needs to be a Media Company (TrainingMagazineNetwork)
In today's digital age, every business, regardless of industry, must consider itself a media company. This presentation will explore the critical reasons behind this shift and how it can drive substantial business growth. By producing and distributing content, businesses can control their brand narrative, increase customer engagement, and significantly boost brand awareness. Content creation is not just about marketing—it's about positioning your company as a thought leader in your industry, establishing trust, and influencing market trends. Having your own podcast and/or TV content can amplify these efforts, helping you reach broader audiences, generate high-quality leads, and build deeper customer loyalty. Furthermore, the session will highlight the immense benefits of becoming the category thought leader, including increased credibility, market differentiation, and long-term business resilience. By the end of this discussion, you'll understand why being a media company and a thought leader is not just an option but a necessity for sustained success in a competitive marketplace.

The ABC’s and 123’s of Metadata Sharing & Harvesting (DPLA)
Whether you can tell OAI-PMH from JSON at a glance or if this is your first metadata harvesting rodeo, the DPLA Outreach & Assessment Working Group invites you to join the Metadata Harvesting Coffee Chat! We’ll get together to share experiences, build community, and commiserate about various metadata sharing methods. Please come with questions and thoughts to discuss with the group. See you there!

Grant Readiness Essentials: What Funders Want and How to Deliver (TechSoup)
Are you ready to take your organization to the next level with grant funding? Join us for this expert-guided workshop, where you'll gain exclusive insights into what it takes to become a top grant candidate. Learn exactly what funders are looking for — from mission alignment and financial stability to clear impact metrics and organizational readiness. Whether you're new to grants or looking to refine your approach, this session provides valuable guidance straight from the funder’s perspective, helping you stand out and improve your chances of becoming an ideal awardee. Plus, get a preview of our Grant Readiness Review service to support you even further on your funding journey.

Reaching Expectant and New Parents through Community Partnerships (ALSC)
How can we reach expectant and new parents from underserved populations with the message that literacy begins before birth, letting them know the important role they play in their babies' development while showing them playful ways to talk, sing, and share books with their babies from the very start? "Mother Goose on the Loose: Hatchlings" has completed three successful pilot years with English and Spanish speakers in Maryland, highlighting community partnerships to reach families who can greatly benefit from the messages of Hatchlings. In this interactive session, hear a program participant describe the value of Hatchlings for her family. You’ll learn adaptations to traditional songs and rhymes to increase relevance for unborn and newborn babies, hear how the program has been adapted for Spanish speakers, and discover how new roles created by community partners can bring in hesitant participants. The presenters will discuss strategies used to reach families unfamiliar with library services as well as the high impact of the Hatchlings program on parental early literacy behaviors.

December 16

2024 Grant Trends and What to Expect for 2025 (Nonprofit Learning Lab)
Join us to explore the latest trends in grant funding and provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to secure the resources that will propel your nonprofit forward. Understanding grant trends is crucial for maximizing your nonprofit's capacity and ensuring the best return on investment. Learn how to avoid the pitfalls of cold applications and instead, through diligent research and strategic relationships, send tailored proposals to the right funders.

How to Inspire an Unmotivated Team (GovLoop)
The days are getting shorter, and we’re spending more time indoors. The change of season can be hard for many of us, and frankly, our teams might be feeling unmotivated as we close out the year. However, as a supervisor, part of your job responsibilities include maintaining team productivity and protecting their well-being. So if you’re seeing a seasonal morale dip (or really, any time of year), how can you help your team recover? Join us to hear from a government management expert about how to inspire an unmotivated team.

December 17

Share Knowledge, Ideas, Learning, and Library Solutions! (Nebraska Library Commission)
Get together virtually with librarians to Share Knowledge, Ideas, Learning, and Library Solutions! You are welcome to join any or all of the meetings for networking and discussions. Research has shown that networking with fellow librarians is beneficial professional development that improves professional practice, promotes shared leadership, and helps people remain in the profession.

Overcome the Overwhelm: How to Manage Stress (GovLoop)
Take a deep breath in, now ask yourself this question and answer honestly: on a scale of one to ten, how stressed do you feel? Recent studies have shown that adults report higher stress levels than ever before – both in their personal and professional lives. As we enter a typical hectic holiday season, it’s important to check in with yourself and make sure you have healthy ways to process and cope with stress. Join us to hear from a government workplace expert about proven ways to help manage your stress.

December 18

Bridging the Divide: A Panel Discussion on Library Workers Loneliness (Libraries Learn)
Join us for our 5th and final Mental Health & Wellness panel. The consequences of loneliness among library workers extend beyond individual well-being to organizational effectiveness. Research has shown that lonely employees are less engaged, less productive, and more likely to leave their jobs. In the context of libraries, where staffing shortages and budget constraints are already significant challenges, addressing loneliness is not just a matter of employee satisfaction but also of organizational sustainability. Recent studies have shed light on the alarming prevalence of loneliness in the workplace, affecting up to 70% of employees globally. Within library settings, this issue poses unique challenges, as staff often grapple with a sense of isolation both professionally and personally.