Category: CE Around the State

Hello again! June is off to a quick start–so quick that I got busy and missed it! Lucky for us the rest of June has a few things to offer, take a look.

 

Still time to get in and sign up for WebX‘s webinar Worldshare ILL Borrowing on Monday, June 10 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. This course is part of a series to help transition member libraries already familiar with WorldCat Resource Sharing and its functionality to OCLC’s new WorldShare ILL service. Specifically, it will concentrate on Borrower activities that libraries need to know as they transition to, and begin to make borrowing requests in WorldShare ILL (WSILL). There are several more sessions scheduled throughout the month, check the L2 calendar here if you can’t make these. FREE! Register HERE

Summer is a great time to catch a few webinars, like Webjunction‘s Support Patron Learning in Small Spaces with Small Budgets on Wednesday, June 12 from 1-2 p.m. This webinar will showcase how small and rural libraries can provide effective training to patrons even with limited staff, resources, or space. This webinar is hosted in collaboration with TechSoup for Libraries and the Association for Rural and Small Libraries. Presented by: Brenda Hough and Stephanie Gerding, consultants, TechSoup for Libraries and Wendy Street, director, Pella Public Library, Iowa. FREE! Register HERE

Finally, if you’re interested in learning more about OCLC Connexion, check out this free workshop happening at Mascoutah Public Library Wednesday, June 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Presented by Shelley Stone, this workshop will introduce the windows-based client interface to OCLC Connexion. Participants will learn how to search, edit and take final action on those records to be imported into SHARE. Good for three CPDU credits, register by June 18 HERE

Hello there! Sorry for the late start, we’ve had a bit of baton passing here in this column so bear with me and we’ll get back on track for next month. So I know that a week or so has already flown by this month but maybe you’ll still find some interest in these programs happening around Illinois the rest of May.

Librarians looking to update their tech skills in Polaris  can attend a couple of different training sessions Monday, May 13 courtesy of the Illinois Heartland Library System. SHARE Serials for Polaris from 9am-12pm, and SHARE Barcoding in Polaris from 1:30-3:30pm. Information here and here. There are several more sessions scheduled throughout the month, check the L2 calendar here if you can’t make these. FREE!

Spending so much time in meetings you can’t get your work done? Worried that meetings aren’t worth the staff time they consume? Maybe you should attend How to Have Shorter, More Productive Meetings at the Matteson Public Library Thursday, May 16, 2013 from 9 am – 12:30 pm. Sponsored by Dominican University, GSLIS, Cont. Professional Development, Cynthia Aaronson of Milestone Partners will teach you how to become both a better meeting participant and effective meeting leader. Information and registration here. FREE!

LACONI presents Playing the Part: Communicating Change with a Smile on Friday, May 17 from 9:15 am – 12:15 pm. One of the most difficult aspects of messaging change is “playing the part”: convincing your staff that impending change will be manageable and positive even though you are just as scared as they are! Matt Elwell, CPLP (President and CEO, ComedySportz of Chicago, Inc.) will lead participants through a fun, interactive session that practices effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills around change. Information and registration here.

Robyn Scott and Colleen Murray are Chicago-based actors and improvisers who bring the skills and techniques of theater and improvisation to business professionals across industries. Check them out at Improv Skills Workshop: , at Dominican University in two separate sessions on Friday, May 17: Team Building from 9 am- 12 pm and Leading and Mentoring from 1-4 pm. Information and registration here and here.

Join Duncan Smith, Reader’s Advisory expert and NoveList creator Tuesday, May 21 from 2-3 pm for an engaging webinar on NoveList Select and the potential for catalog integration specifically for RAILS LLSAP member libraries. This event is also open to other interested RAILS members. Information here. FREE!

Building a digitally inclusive community requires multiple strategies, collaborations and creativity. Some digital inclusion strategies are referred to as “broadband adoption” which includes technology training, broadband awareness, low cost internet service and low cost home computers. Tune in Wednesday, May 22 from 1-2 pm EDT as WebJunction presents a webinar with the creators of the Broadband Adoption Toolkit discussing how to implement strategies for building digitally inclusive communities. Information here. FREE!

Here’s one we can all relate to, eh? Diane Becker presents Grow As a Pro: Bouncing Back During Times of Stress and Change at the Gail Borden Public Library from 9:30 am – 1 pm. Stress and change are inevitable in the workplace. This interactive workshop will address positive ways to handle stressful situations and increase personal resiliency. Participants will also leave with an understanding of the nature of change and ways to smoothly transition during workplace changes. First in a series, information and registration here.

Brush up on some RA skills at the Western Suburbs Genre Study Tuesday, May 28 9:30 am – 12 pm at the RAILS Geneva DuPage River Room. Genre study for Readers’ Advisors & other interested library staff. Meets every other month. Participants share brief summaries & appeal factors for titles read. Current study focuses on “must know” authors/books in various genres as outlined by the Adult Reading Round Table. Information on reading requests, etc., here.

And wrapping up May is the WebEx Webinar Worldshare ILL Migration-Overview for Illinois happening Thursday, May 30 from 10-11 am. This one-hour webinar will provide an overview of migrating from WorldCat Resource Sharing to WorldShare ILL. We will review how to register for the migration to receive your library’s custom web address, create staff accounts, and review the basic components of the system. Learning resources, documentation, and steps to take to get ready will be shared. Information and registration here.

Ah, February.  Love is in the air, slush is on the ground, strange creatures stumble from their hibernation into the library.  Escape it all, and attend some continuing education events, why not?  (They’re bound to be heated, and will probably have coffee or hot chocolate—what’s not to love?)

Be on the lookout for upcoming RLA-CE programs.  We’ll be back in business with a presentation in March.

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ALA Techsource hosts a webinar workshop, Copyright, Licensing, and the Law of E-Books, on February 6, from 1:30pm to 3:00pm.  They’ll discuss ownership vs. access and the First Sale doctrine in terms of e-book collections.  Register here.

February 7 will see the BIG (Business Interest Group) Meeting at Schaumburg Township District Library from 9:30am to 12:00pm.  Come to network and discuss librarianship focusing on the business community and job hunters.  Information here.  FREE!

Webjunction will have a webinar entitled Self-Directed Achievement: if you give library staff an hour on February 7, beginning at 12:00pm.  Register here.

Another ALA Techsource webinar workshop, Embedding Librarianship in Learning Management Systems, geared towards those serving studens using LMSes on February 7 from 1:30pm to 3:00pm.  Register here.

Laconi presents AV RDA Cataloging, for the Technical Services crowd on February 8 from 9:30am to 3:00pm at Schaumburg Township District Library.  Information here. 

On the 10^th of every month, be sure to Slam the Boards!  Go out to popular social Q&A sites and show off your librarian skills.  Information here.  FREE! 

Tinker, a group for people who work with children, teens, and technology will have their first meeting Tuesday, February 12, from 9:30-11:30 at the RAILS building in Wheeling. They’ll talk about game design, robotics, e-books and e-readers, animation, and more.  Register here.  FREE!

Join Webjunction for another webinar, How Libraries can meet the Evolving Needs of Patrons in the Digital Age, on February 13, from 12:00pm to 1:00pm.  They’ll present research from Pew, “providing insight on what types of services Americans value in their library and what types of services they would like to see their library start to offer.”  Register here.  FREE!

Sue Polanka presents a two-part ALA Techsource webinar workshop on February 14 and February 21 from 1:30pm to 3:00pm each day.  It’s called Integrating E-Books and E-Readers into Your Library, and they’ll cover both collection development for e-books as well as the lending of e-readers in libraries.  Register here.

Dominican University is hosting Career Day “Land a Job! In Today’s Tough Market” on February 16, from 8:30 to 2:00 in Parmer Hall.  Alice Calabrese is the keynote speaker, and the day will include table discussions and presentations on resume writing and portfolio creation.  Register here.  FREE!

Schaumburg Township District Library will host the next AVID Meeting (Audiovisual Information and Discussion Group) on February 20 from 9:00am to 12:00pm.  They’ll discuss Digital Media Labs, with presenters from around the area.  Register here.  FREE!

For those who maintain computers at libraries, check out Computer Keepers on February 20 from 9:30am to 12:00pm at the RAILS Coal Valley Training Room.  They’ll have an overview of Windows 8, Office 2013, and Microsoft Skydrive.  Information/registration here.  FREE!

The next Readers Advisory Interest Group Meeting is February 21, from 9:30am to 12:00pm at the RAILS Wheeling Conference Room.  They meet the 3^rd Thursday of every other month to discuss genres and readers advisory trends.  All are welcome at meetings.  Information here.  FREE!

Dominican University’s Thom Barthelmess hosts Butler Book Banter at the University’s Butler Center on February 21 at 7:00pm.  Meetings are held the third Thursday of each month to discuss children’s literature.  Register here.  FREE!

Caldecott Medalist Ed Young will present the inaugural Butler Lecture at Dominican University’s Parmer Hall February 22 at 6:00pm.  A reception will follow.  Register here.  FREE!

Laconi will host Twenty-First Century Youth Services Collections on February 22, from 930am to 3:00pm at Gail Borden Public Library.  Information/registration here.

Laconi is hosting Participatory Spaces at Oak Park Public Library on February 22, from 9:30-1:00.  They’ll talk about Maker Spaces, discuss library mission / outreach, and show off a 3D printer.  Register here.

Ed Young is back at Dominican for a keynote presentation at an event, The Truth about Expression on February 23 from 8:30 to 6:00.  A variety of presenters will explore the many facets of expression in books for young people.  Register here.

Webjunction hosts another webinar, The Future of Online Learning: a changing landscape, on February 27, from 12:00pm to 1:00pm.  Register here.  FREE!

 

PHEW!  There’s a lot going on in February.  Knock yourselves out folks!

 

That’s right.  It’s time to start planning your 2013.  Undoubtedly one of your New Year’s resolutions was to up your game and become an even more amazing librarian, right?  If so, RLA-CE can help you check that one off the list with these awesome opportunities in January.

The next NSLS Marketing CoP Meeting is January 4, 9:30am – 11:30am at Fox River Valley Public Library.  Swing by for this networking opportunity and a presentation on “Augmented Reality in Libraries.”  RSVP to kfinneran@frvpld.info.  FREE!

RAILS is hosting a Horror Fiction event on  January 8, 9:30am – 12:30pm at the RAILS Burr Ridge Conference Room.  Discuss horror fiction with the group and be prepared to booktalk a few you’ve read.  FREE!

As always, Slam the Boards on January 10.  “On the 10th of each month, visit your favorite “Social Q&A” sites (Yahoo Answers, Quora, WikiAnswers, etc.) and locate questions for which you can provide well-researched answers. Identify yourself as a librarian in your answer. Then post links to your answers on Twitter using the hashtag #slamtheboards.  FREE!

 The School Facilitators Networking Group next meets January 14, 9:00am to 12:00pm at the RAILS Wheeling Learning Center.  These public library school liaisons meet five times during the school year to share ideas, concerns, and questions. Enrollment is always open.  More info here.  FREE!

Adult Reading Round Table is having its quarterly literary fiction book discussion group January 14 from 1:30pm to 3:30pm at Berwyn Public Library.  They’ll be discussing The Night Circus as well as share best practices for leading book discussions.  Information and registration here.

A delicious-sounding webinar from Webjunction:  The Impact of an Ice Cream Sundae is January 15 1:00pm – 2:00pm.  Explore how libraries and community organizations can partner and collaborate for success.  Register here.  FREE!

If you’re interested in Drupal or already using it, stop by the Chicagoland Drupal Group’s next meeting, January 15, 9:30am – 12:00pm at the Oak Park Public Library.  FREE!

Children’s lit enthusiasts can join Thom Barthelmess at Dominican University’s Crown Library for Butler Book Banter on January 17, 7:00pm.  Register here.

Webjunction is offering the Creating a Culture of Innovation in your Library and Community webinar on January 23, 12:00pm – 1:00pm.  Heather Braum will present.  Register here.  FREE!

ALA Techsource is hosting a two-part webinar workshop called Creating a Digital Media Space for Today’s Teens presented by Corey Wittig.  Part 1 is January 24, 12:30pm to 1:30pm, and part 2 is January 31, 12:30pm to 1:30pm.  Info and registration here.

Techies can attend the RAILS Tech Services Networking Group meeting January 31, 10:00am – 12:00pm at Tinley Park Public Library.  Discuss the latest issues in processing, vendors, collection management, cataloging, and more.  FREE!

RLA-CE will have some great programs coming up soon for you in the next few months; check back here for details!

Okay, campers, rise and shine, and don’t forget your booties ’cause it’s cold out there!  Warm up with these sizzling continuing education opportunities.  RLA-CE’s got you covered.

In December RLA-CE will  be hosting Stop Motion with Mike and Tom at Barrington Area Library on December 12 from 9:30 to 12:00.  Come on by to learn the basics in turning still images into engaging videos for your library.  Register here.  FREE!

 

 

We may not be very rural here in Chicagoland, but feel free to check out Webjunction’s Outreach Programs in Rural Communities: Simple Steps for Surprising Results webinar on December 6, at 1:00pm.  Register here.  FREE!

CLUncon is back!  Chicagoland Library Unconference II will be December 7, 9:30 am to 4:00 pm at the RAILS Wheeling Conference Room.  Information and Registration here.

On December 10, be sure to Slam the Boards! Promote librarians beyond the library! On the 10th of each month, visit your favorite “Social Q&A” sites (Yahoo Answers, Quora, WikiAnswers, etc.) and locate questions for which you can provide well-researched answers. Identify yourself as a librarian in your answer. Then post links to your answers on Twitter using the hashtag #slamtheboards.  FREE!

Attend LACONI’s Web and Social Media Analytics program at Indian Prairie Public Library on December 11, at 10:00 am.  “Hear from a professional web consultant about using web applicaitons and tools to monitor, organize and analyze your Library’s website and social media campaigns.”  Register here.

Want to Disney-fy your library?  Customer service-wise, that is.  Attend Webjunction’s webinar What Would Walt Do?: Quality Customer Service for Libraries on December 12 at 12:00.  Register here.  FREE!

Check out the Readers Advisory Interest Group meeting on December 20 at 9:30 am, held at the RAILS Wheeling Conference Room.  Discuss fiction and readers advisory trends with fellow librarians.  For more information email Kelly DiDonato at kewalt@lvdl.org.  FREE!

Holiday season is fast approaching, and continuing education is the gift that keeps on giving!  If you’re able to squeeze any in during this busy time, a list of November programs and webinars follows.

RLA-CE has a program this month:  The Modern Discussion Group—Books Optional on Monday, November 26, 9:30am to 12:00pm at the Northbrook Public Library Auditorium.  Register here.

A little further down the line, RLA-CE will be having a stop-motion video program.  Save the date for December 12, 9:30 at Barrington Area Library. It will be both presentation and hands-on activities.

Children’s librarians may be interested in checking out Free Form Free For All at Vaspasian Warner PLD on November 2 from 9:15am to 12:00pm.  They’ll “discuss new books, old favorites, program ideas and crafts, and are welcome questions on all topics relating to youth services.”  

Contact Paula Lopatic (lopatic@vwarner.org) if you plan to attend.  FREE!

Webjunction offers The Power of the Image webinar November 6, at 1:00pm.  Geared towards presenters and visual communication.  Information and registration here.  FREE!

YLA Programmers Group meets November 9, 9:00am to 12:00pm at Ela Area Public Library.  If interested in attending, please contact Kay Chisamore at kchisamore@eapl.org.  FREE!

As always, make sure you Slam the Boards on the 10^th.  Promote libraries beyond their walls and hit your favorite Q&A social sites (Yahoo Answers, Quora, WikiAnswers, etc.) to answer questions librarian-style.  In your answers, identify yourself as a librarian, then post links to your answers on Twitter using the hashtag #slamtheboards.  FREE! 

Youth Librarian Networking Group meets November 12, 9:00am to 12:00pm at the RAILS Wheeling location.  FREE!

If you’re looking to up your advocacy efforts, check out Webjunction webinar Energize Your Base: Tips and tools to raise awareness and build support for library services.  It’s November 14, at 12:00pm.  Information and registration here.  FREE!

We all undoubtedly know someone who could benefit from LACONI’s How to Safely Manage Disruptive Patrons Presented by CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) on Thursday, November 15, 2012 from 9am-12pm.  The event is at the Fountaindale Public Library in Bolingbrook.  Register here.

Dominican University’s Thom Barthelmess hosts Butler Book Banter at the University’s Butler Center on November 15 at 7:00pm.  Meetings are held the third Thursday of each month to discuss children’s literature.  Register here.  FREE!

LACONI will be hosting Bite-Sized Marketing with Nancy Dowd of Novelist and The M-Word Blog on November 16, from 9:15am to 1:00pm.  The event is at Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin.  Register here.

The Collection Development Librarians Networking Group meets November 16, 9:30am to 12:00pm at Schaumburg Township District Library.  FREE!

Changing the Face of Summer Reading is November 16, from 9:30am to 3:00pm at Fountaindale Public Library.  Presented by LACONI.  Register here.

LACONI event Shift Happens! Technology Training at Your Library takes place November 16, 2012 from 10:00am to 12:00pm.  Register here.

ALA Techsource is offering a webinar series, Makerspaces: A New Wave of Library Service.  This month’s session is “Learn about Makerspaces from the Innovators at Cleveland Public Library” on November 19 at 1:00pm.  Register here.  FREE!

I mean, we’re nearly to 2013!  What’s spookier than that?

While you recover from that massive chill that just ran down your spine, here are the wonderful CE opportunities for you to choose from

LEARN is meeting on October 2nd from 2-4pm at the Schaumburg Public Library.  LEARN comprises mainly library and non-profit organization staff members interested in providing materials and services to adults learing to read, speak, and understand English.  It is okay to just drop in to the meeting, but if you know for sure that you can attend, please email Joe Popowitch at joep@ippl.info. FREE!

October 9-11, of course is ILA!  WOOT!  You need to attend or resemble two right isosceles triangles sharing a hypotenuse.

Whether you’re at ILA or not, be sure to remember to slam the boards on the 10th.  Promote librarians beyond the library! On the 10th of each month, visit your favorite “Social Q&A” sites (Yahoo Answers, Quora, WikiAnswers, etc.) and locate questions for which you can provide well-researched answers. Identify yourself as a librarian in your answer. Then post links to your answers on Twitter using the hashtag #slamtheboards. FREE!

Also on the 10th, there’s something called a Zone 1-4 Reference Meeting at the Elmhurst Public Library from 10am-noon.  They claim to be “A networking meeting for reference librarians.” but am I the only one thinking zombies, aliens, or mole people digging up from the Earth’s core just might show up?  FREE!

To paraphrase the French saying when kings their died – Summer Reading is Over!  Let’s Plan for Summer Reading!  Dominican University is doing just that.  They’re hosting Putting the Reading into Summer Reading on Thursday, October 11th from 9am-noon.  Every year the summer reading program represents librarians’ biggest investment of time and resources, and our best opportunity to get young people excited about books and reading. Join Thom Barthelmess, curator of the Butler Children’s Literature Center, for a hands-on workshop where we’ll put together ideas for book talks, reading lists, reading logs, programs, and prizes that celebrate books and reading in an enticing and meaningful way.

The Prairie State Story League is meeting on Friday, October 12th from 9:30-noon at the Franklin Park Public Library.  This month’s topic will include individuals sharing stories, activities, materials and resources. Monthly meetings begin with breakfast snacks at 9:30 followed by sharing from 10:00-12:00. Newcomers are always welcome. Handouts optional, or post on https://sites.google.com/site/psslillinois/  FREE!

Learn to Incubate Leadership @ Your Library with a WebJunction webinar of the same name on Tuesday, October 16 from 1-2pm.  Through peer mentoring and other methods, explore ways to create a generative space that nourishes the infectious qualities of leadership. Develop a network of seasoned learners who will incubate leadership, both within your library and in support of the broader community, collaboratively building and leading a rich and fulfilling learning organization. FREE!

The Matteson Public Library is hosting the workshop Managing Stress and Change on Wwednesday, October 17 from 9am-1pm.  Stress and change are inevitable in the workplace. This interactive workshop will address positive ways to handle stressful situations. Participants will leave with an understanding of the characteristics of resilient people and an action plan for improving their ability to respond to stress and change.

Dominican University kicks off a three part Readers Advisory series on Wednesday, October 17th from 9am-noon with Reader’s Advisory: 0-60 in Three Steps.  Readers’ Advisory (RA) expert Joyce Saricks will teach the philosophy behind RA, resources needed, fundamentals of the RA interview, and “Genre 101″—what’s basic and what’s hot; and come away with a formula for starting an RA service that will become indispensable to library readers. Aimed at the RA novice, this series will also be useful to those wishing to update their skills.

October 18-19 is the ISLMA Conference at Pheasant Run in St. Charles.

Also on the 19th is the Former NSLS Youth Services Managers’ Meeting at the Warren-Newport Public Library from 9:30-noon.  Now, if you’re thinking what I thought upon first reading, I thought this was a meeting of former youth services managers.  Y’know librarians who had either retired or gone on to other things but still wanted to hang out.  Nope, it’s actually an ongoing group of Youth Services Managers who are from the former NSLS area!  They do invite (current) YS managers from all RAILS libraries to attend as well.  FREE!

WebJunction is offering the Webinar Freedom Rings in Philadelphia: Community Technology Adoption from 1-2pm on Thursday, October 265th.  The Freedom Rings Partnership brings Internet access, computer assistance and digital opportunities to Philadelphians with the least access to broadband. They’ll share their experiences in developing sustainable partnerships and adapt this model to meet your community technology adoption needs.  FREE!

Ahh September – Pennant races, wearing windbreakers with shorts, one last backyard BBQ, and of course – Back to School!  While kids of all ages are starting their fall semester (willingly or kicking and screaming), it’s no different for us Librarians.  September gives us a full schedule of workshops and webinars for everyone.  So take your pick and attend a few (either willingly, or kicking and screaming, of course).

RLA-CE has two great programs that should fall firmly under the ‘willingly’ side of the ledger.

On the morning of September 14 at the Barrington Library, we’ll be hosting the workshop Leading from the Middle – A Movers & Shakers Panel Discussion.  They’ll be talking about what it means to be chosen as a Mover & Shaker and how it has impacted their careers.  FREE!

On September 26th, RLA-CE is taking our annual field trip!  This year, we’ll be visiting the Newberry Library.  We moved the date back a few weeks because the Newberry is opening several new and fascinating exhibits that we wanted to catch.  Since space is limited, registration opens on August 15th.  Make sure you register early! FREE!

And now for the rest of the month –

On Tuesday, September 4th, the Readers Advisory SIG is hosting a workshop intriguingly entitled High Fantasy in the RAILS Burr Ridge Meeting room.  OK, so they’re talking about high fantasy — sword and sorcery, dragons, wizards, etc. Brenda O’Brien of Woodridge Public Library will lead the casual discussion. They always welcome new members!  FREE!

WebJunction is hosting Engaging Your Whole Community: Principles and Practice to Influence Policy on Thursday, September 6 from 1-2 pm. Learn how to build community engagement around library-led initiatives such as digital inclusion and gain facilitation skills to help build healthy, prosperous and cohesive communities. Presenters Steve Brigham, President of AmericaSpeaks and David Stern, Director of Online Engagement, will provide examples from their own work and from that of other leading civic engagement practitioners to illustrate the most effective tactics for reaching those who often do not participate because of limited access to and familiarity with new technologies. FREE!

If it’s the 10th, it’s time to SLAM THE BOARDS! Promote librarians beyond the library! On the 10th of each month, visit your favorite “Social Q&A” sites (Yahoo Answers, Quora, WikiAnswers, etc.) and locate questions for which you can provide well-researched answers. Identify yourself as a librarian in your answer. Then post links to your answers on Twitter using the hashtag #slamtheboards. FREE! 

WebJunction brings us another great webinar on Tuesday, September 11 from 1-2pm featuring the 2012 Best Small Library in America:  Independence Public Library. The multi-award-winning library’s staff of eight serves a population of 13,420 through innovative programs and partnerships, leveraging social media and the Geek the Library campaign for sustained marketing and advocacy efforts. Using a participatory management style and collaborating with other Kansas libraries, along with others in their community, IPL has reached out to individuals and partners to deliver programs and services that bring the community into the library.  The session will include an overview of the nomination process and details for next year’s award. FREE!

The Indian Prarie PLD is hosting Get Smart – Let’s Make a Deal on Thursday, September 13 from 1:30-4pm.  This is the third in a series of four sessions for SWAN Circulation Support Staff. This panel discussion centers on “Customer Service”.  Questions? Please contact Kate Boyle. FREE!

The Youth Librarian Networking Group is meeting on Monday, September 17 at the RAILS Wheeling building from 9:30-noon.  The School Facilitators Networking Group is a group of school liaisons from north suburban public libraries. Founded as a forum to discuss topics relevant to public libraries’ services to schools, School Facilitators meet five times during the school year to share ideas, concerns, and questions.  FREE!

LACONI and the Bloomingdale Public Library are hosting NO NOs: Avoiding the Noxious Outcome on Thursday, September 20 from 9am-noon. Join the LACONI Circulation Services Section as we welcome presenter, Kelly Krieg-Sigman, Director of the LaCrosse Public Library! This program helps us set aside traditional ideas of effective customer service and explore the subjective nature of customer service and ways of dealing with our least favorite customer types!

The next MAR COM Group Meeting is Friday, September 21 from 9-noon.  Library Marketing/PR/Outreach/Graphic staff members are invited to disuss and share current practices, problems, questions, resources. FREE!

Get Smart- Let’s Make a Deal is being reprised at the Cicero Public Library on Tuesday, September 25th from 9:30-noon.  If you can’t get to Indian Prairie on the 13th, don’t miss this one!  FREE!

LACONI Youth Services is hosting Teen Tech Trends with Linda Braum at the Naperville Public Library on Friday, September 28 from 9:30-noon.  Each year the technology teens use and could be using changes, and it’s hard for a librarian to keep up with what’s in, what’s out, what’s useful, and what’s not. This session looks at how teens currently do and can use technology to collaborate, create, and participate. Along with learning about current technologies teens use, participants will consider how to effectively integrate these technologies into library programs and services both virtual and face-to-face. Cost of program: $30 for LACONI members/$40 all others