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On the road: Why the hard work of public libraries matters

Andrew Harbison, WebJunction Director
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Published:  05 October 2026
On the road: Why the hard work of public libraries matters

As the Director of WebJunction, I've had a unique opportunity to attend several recent conferences to represent our work, learn from the library field, strengthen partnerships, identify trends, and network with the library community.

From Minneapolis (PLA) to Prague (EBLIDA) to Columbus (International Public Library Fundraising Conference, IPLFC), Chicago (ALA Annual), and most recently Montgomery (ARSL), the last stretch of conferences has felt like a rapid tour through the questions public libraries are wrestling with in real time: relevance, trust, capacity, sustainability, and impact.

Free October webinars for library staff

Compiled by the Maine State Library
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Published:  01 October 2026
Free October webinars for library staff

It's a great time to put a learning opportunity on your calendar, and you'll have plenty of choices this month. Whether you're looking to pick up some programming ideas, sharpen your technology skills, or gather tips on curating a digital collection, there's something here to support your growth. The list, provided by the Maine State Library, includes a variety of webinar topics.

Build community engagement skills for everyday library work with LiFT courses

WebJunction
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Published:  24 September 2026
Build community engagement skills for everyday library work with LiFT courses

Community engagement is not a single program, event, or department. It is an ongoing practice of listening, learning, building relationships, and working alongside community members to help the library better serve everyone. 

WebJunction offers two self-paced courses designed to help public library staff and leaders build the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make community engagement part of their everyday work:

·         Introduction to Community Engagement

·         Community Engagement for Leaders

Getting started with outreach: From your library to the community

WebJunction
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Published:  21 September 2026
Getting started with outreach: From your library to the community

New to outreach at your library? Explore these eight tips and first steps for new outreach librarians in this article from WebJunction. Ultimately, getting started in outreach is less about having all the answers upfront and more about showing up, staying curious, and building from there. 

Posted In: Outreach

Start strong by taking it slow: Tips for new public library directors and managers

Andrew Harbison, WebJunction Director
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Published:  02 September 2026
Start strong by taking it slow: Tips for new public library directors and managers

This article provides tips for new public library directors and managers. It is part of a WebJunction series offering practical guidance for library staff who are new to their roles. Looking for more support? Explore WebJunction's course catalog and specifically the LiFT courses for foundational training and professional development.


 

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Upcoming webinars

13 October 2026

How to host a job fair at your library

Public libraries are uniquely positioned to support workforce development and connect job seekers with meaningful employment opportunities. This session will guide attendees through the process of planning, promoting, and executing a successful job fair at their library.

03 November 2026

Middle management strategies for success in public libraries

Learn from Brooklyn Public Library staff about their successful middle management strategies. Leave with tips for managing expectations when directives are unclear and techniques for being an effective bridge between executive goals and daily library operations.

View webinar calendar