The Building Resilient Communities Project aims to enhance the collaborative efforts between public libraries and community-based organizations in addressing the pressing challenges posed by climate change and its associated social and health impacts. Recognizing the urgent need for action, this initiative focuses on empowering library and community leaders to create resilient environments through strategic partnerships.

Funded by the National Science Foundation, the project is led by the Space Science Institute with partner organizations, OCLC's WebJunction program, University of North Carolina Greensboro, and Interactive Learning Dynamics.

The project involves a range of deliverables designed to raise awareness and disseminate critical information,... Read more

Businesses make use of data analytics to gain valuable insights about their services, customers, and growth opportunities. Similarly, libraries are well positioned to play a pivotal role in analyzing raw data to assist community partners in identifying trends and patterns, thereby enabling them to address issues and make informed decisions for the greater good. Recognizing the immense potential of data analytics, the Providence Public Library in Rhode Island (PPL) secured funding through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to create “Data for Good,” a project to assist libraries in providing data analytics support to local nonprofits,... Read more

This month's list of free webinars brings a wealth of learning opportunities for library staff, trustees, and friends. From communication to fundraising, and from boards to programming, this list is sure to bring you new insights and inspiration. Remember that most of these offerings are recorded, so you can revisit when you have the time. The list, provided by the Maine State Library, includes over 60 webinars and two online conferences, covering 18 different topic areas.

View and subscribe to the Maine State Library Continuing Education (CE) Calendar at: https://maine-msl.libguides.com/CECAL.

Do you have a free program that you... Read more

Crisis management and planning have become an increasing focus for the staff of libraries, archives, and museums. This illustrative example demonstrates how a remote Alaska library consortium balances connecting the community to information and resources, while keeping staff, students, and patrons safe. 

Situated in the North Slope Borough of Alaska, about 150 miles north of the Arctic Circle, the town of Utqiaġvik is home to about 5,000 individuals, the majority of whom are native Iñupiat. The distinct landscape transitions from expansive green-brown tundra in summer to swaths of icy snow in winter. Rutted dirt roads meander around uniquely structured homes,... Read more