One sure way to beat the heat is to attend one of these workshops, meetings, or webinars.  They have AC!  August is a slow month, and if you’re unavailable on Thursdays, you might be out of luck.  But before we hit August, there’s a late addition to July’s schedule.

The Going Green Libraries Networking Group ( ) meeting will be held at the Prospect Heights Public Library, July 24, 2012 at 9:30 am. Come visit Prospect Heights Public Library’s Butterfly and Children’s Gardens. Network and share ideas on how libraries can effectively communicate environmental concerns with the communities we serve. If you are planning to come, please sign up in our events calendar so we can get an idea how many people to expect. Register here    FREE!

WebJunction kicks off August with Librarians are Wikipedians Too! Join in on Thursday, August 2nd from 1-2pm.  Wikipedia is an increasingly prominent player in the web search environment, and more people are finding it “a good place to start research.” Despite open questions regarding quality, Wikipedia shares common goals with libraries in ensuring free accessibility to information, and relying on authoritative sources.  FREE!

Max Klein, Wikipedian in Residence at OCLC Research, will overview the past efforts and future potential of libraries and librarians working with Wikipedia. Discussed are strategies to drive web- and foot-traffic to libraries through the use of Wikipedia. Plus powerful tips and tricks are revealed into the software and policies of Wikipedia, helping librarians to critically address quality for themselves. FREE!

The Business Librarians Networking Group (BIG) (shouldn’t they be called BLING, instead?) is meeting on Thrusday, August 9th from 9:30-noon at the Gail Borden Library in Elgin.  Librarians working with the business community meet to network together, sharing resources, programming ideas and other related topics of interest to the group. Please let either Colleen Ringel (cringel@webrary.org) or Patti Smolin (psmolin@mppl.org) know if you will be attending this meeting no later than Tuesday, August 7, 2012. FREE!

When 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!

The Readers Advisors Interest Group is meeting on Thursday, August 16th from 9:30-noon in RAILS’ Wheeling Conference Room.  The Readers Advisory Interest Group (RAIG) is a group of area librarians who meet the third Thursday of every other month to discuss fiction genres and trends and readers advisory to patrons. All are welcome to attend our free meetings. FREE!

WebJunction is hosting another webinar on Thursday, August 23rd from noon-1pm.  Telling the Library Story will help you learn how to tell a succinct, powerful story about the value of libraries. Based on OCLC’s “From Awareness to Funding” and the latest findings of brain research, this session focuses on turning the evidence of our daily patron encounters into short, compelling, and memorable messages that build support.  Presented by: Jamie LaRue, director, Douglas County Libraries (CO), blogger, and chair of committee who created The Big Hairy Audacious Goal, a public library advocacy initiative. FREE!

April is a time for celebration.  It is the only month of the year you KNOW the Cubs will be in first place (well, tied for first at least).  After Opening Day?  All bets are off.  But for that one glorious day, the Cubs trail no other.

April is also a huge month for CE, so let’s get to it!

First, we’ll highlight our own RLA-CE workshops.

On Tuesday, March 20th, from 9:30-11:30, join Schaumburg Public Librarian and author Amy Alessio at the Des Plaines Public Library as she discusses the latest trends in cooking and crafting books in both fiction and nonfiction.  Cookbook & Crafting Readers Advisory will also show how we can entice readers to learn new skills or to explore depths in a favorite hobby!  FREE!

And you’ll want to keep Tuesday, April 17th from 9:30-noon free for Business Reference 2012!  Business Information Group standouts Emily Kornak of the Barrington Public Library and Shannon Scanlan of the Arlington Heights Memorial Library will discuss new resources and databases in business reference as well as helping small businesses effectively use social media; business outreach; and job and career resources.  FREE!

Now for the rest of the programs –

WebJunction continues their excellent workshops with Skills for the Everyday Leader on Wednesday, April 4th from 1-2pm.  Leading isn’t just for managers!  By the end of this webinar, you’ll have some simple and effective tools to help you work more powerfully with your colleagues or become the supervisor you always wanted to work for. FREE!

The ILA Youth Services Council’s Spring Workshop is Monday, April 9th from 10am-4pm.  They’ll cover “sense”-sational programs for children with special needs as well as legal issues as they relate to youth programming.  Ah those wacky youth librarians and their puns… FREE!

Slam the Boards on April 10th!  It’s fun and a great learning experience.  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!

Dominican University is sponsoring a seminar on motivating staff on Tuesday, April 10th.  Employees who feel valued and recognized for the work they do are more motivated and productive. Diane Decker will teach proven motivational techniques including delegation, coaching and feedback.  While this all day event (9:30-4:30) is not free, you will earn CPDU credits.

Tuesday, April 10th must really be the day for workshops because WJ is also offering one from 1-2pm.  Virtual Connections will help you get connected with your library patrons and vice-versa.  Learn how to build and maintain virtual, internet-based connections with your patrons by utilizing the tools they are increasingly using themselves, including Google Plus, QR Codes, and Pinterest.

On Thursday, April 12 from 9:30-noon, ATLAS is sponsoring a technology how-to program at the South Holland Public Library.  Confused about the different gadgets and how they work? Attend our meeting and receive a hands-on experience with a variety of e-readers, and learn how they work.

ATLAS seems to be a new librarian group providing continuing education.  Check them out at http://www.southsublib.lib.il.us/.  Good luck, ATLAS!

LACONI TSS is hosting a workshop on Workplace Relations on Friday, April 13th from 9:30-3:00pm at the beautiful Glenview Public Library.  Join Candace Fisher from Management Association for a full day of interactive discussions and hands-on application of tools to help you in your day to day reality.  Hosted by the Technical Services Section but everyone is welcome!

Check out the Readers Advisory Interest Group’s monthly meeting on Thursday, April 19 from 9:30-noon in RAILS’ Wheeling Conference Room.  FREE!

There’s a Sassy Meeting at the Limestone Public Library on Friday, April 20th from 10am-2pm.  It’s a chance for children’s librarians and their assistants to get together, share ideas, and support one another in their library settings.  They will be discussing Tweens and Teen programming and collections during this meetnig. FREE!

Dominican University is hosting the Chicago Children’s Book Publishers – Fall 2012 Preview on Saturday, April 21 from 1-3pm.  Local publishers Albert Whitman & Company, Capstone, Norwood House Press, and Sourcebooks, Inc., give a sneak preview of children’s and young adult books coming out for fall 2012. Come see what’s new before the reviews are even written. FREE!

Also on the 21st, the Fremont Public Library is hosting Making Literature Come Alive for Kids from 9:30-noon.  Join us for this interactive workshop in which storyteller, librarian, and author Rob Reid shows you how to hook kids’ interest in books through humor, storytelling, poetry, songs, and reader’s theater. A light breakfast will beserved, along with 2.5 CPDUs for teachers and librarians. Registration opens March 15 and closes April 14. FREE!

On Sunday, April 22nd from 10am-1pm, Dominican University will host the first of a three part series Book Reviewing with Janice Del Negro.  Learn to review children’s and young adult books from a master! Janice M. Del Negro has been reviewing books for youth for professional library journals for almost thirty years. Acquire or improve reviewing skills and have an impact on the professional world of books for youth. Del Negro, formerly editor of the Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, has also reviewed for Kirkus and Booklist, and is currently reviewing for School Library Journal.

Dominican University is working with the Gail Borden Public Library to present Professional Hiring and Meaningful Performance Reviews on Tuesday, April 24th from 9:30-4:30.  Along with hiring new employees, conducting performance reviews can be one of a manager’s most challenging responsibilities. Participants will learn the do’s and don’ts of conducting interviews including the best questions to ask. This session will equip participants to provide a more positive and constructive performance review process for those they supervise.

ARRT’s Quarterly Literary Fiction Book Discussion is on Thursday, April 26, from 1:30-3:30.  In the words of bad 80’s sitcoms everywhere, this will be A Very Special Episode.  They’ll be meeting at The Curragh Irish Pub, to learn first-hand about what it’s like to begin a library book discussion that meets in a bar.  There’s also a book discussion involved, so be sure to read Jennifer Eagen’s A Visit from the Goon Squad ahead of time!

There will be a meeting of the Collection Development Librarians Networking Group on Friday, April 27th from9:30-11:45 at the Roselle Public Library.  They’ll be talking about developing the 400s, Deweyless libraries/rethinking the call number.  The future of audiobooks, and options for discards.  Newcomers are always welcome, but please RSVP to  Marcia Bose (mbose@roselle.lib.il.us).

Hello again!  Here are the upcoming CE opportunities for March.

WebJunction leads off March with the webinar “It Takes a Community to Bridge the Digital Divide” on Tuesday, March 6th from noon-1pm.  Susan Hildreth, director, Institute of Museum and Library Services; Ron Carlee, chief operating officer, International City/County Management Association; and David Keyes, community technology program manager, City of Seattle will discuss the key role that the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is playing in the broadband adoption challenge and the actions already underway for building digital communities. FREE!

Dominican University is hosting an all day workshop on Wednesday, March 7th (8:30-4:00) called Ebooks: Issues and Trends.  Christine Lind Hague, Director, Rochester Hills (MI) Public Library and Member of the American Library Association’s Office for Information Technology Policy E-books Task Force will keynote the event covering copyright, ownership, and the future of ebooks. Whether you have an ebook collection or are thinking about establishing one, you cannot afford to miss this practical one-day ebook extravaganza.  This program isn’t free, but you will earn 6 CPDU credits.

If you’ve never Slammed the Boards before, make the most of the opportunity on Saturday, March 10th.  Promote librarians beyond the library! 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!

On the Front Lines: Engaging Our Communities is a 3-day (March 12, 13 & 14) workshop at the U0fI Springfield Public Affairs Center.  The conference will equip and enlighten front-line staff with training, exposure, 2.0 technology tools and techniques that will enable them to effectively and efficiently meet the needs of their community.  The keynote speaker is Eli Neuburger, but the real highlight will be that Northbrook Public Library Dynamic Duo, RLA-CE’s very own – Gwyn Stupar and Leah White!

Dominican University offers another 6-unit CPDU course on Thursday, March 15 at the Gail Borden Public Library.  Interpersonal Skills for Supervising Others.  This workshop will help participants learn to use communication tools to maintain and improve relationships with staff, peers and their managers. Participants will also learn how to establish and communicate expectations with staff and the use of two-way communication techniques necessary for the successful supervisor.

Dominican GSLIS’s Spring lecture – UNESCO, Libraries, and Inclusive Knowledge Societies will be held on Wednesday, March 21 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm.  This evening lecture will be presented by Barbara J. Ford, director of the Mortenson Center for International Library Programs and Mortenson Distinguished Professor at the Library of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Ford will discuss the role of the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO to support worldwide humanitarian development values by coordinating efforts and delivering expert advice on issues of education, science, communications, and culture to the U.S. Department of State. Among the topics to be discussed will be digital information and preservation which support the development of inclusive knowledge societies and UNESCO’s mission and are examples of issues that are of interest to the U.S. Commission. FREE!

WebJunction’s Adult Programs on a $0 Budget is sure to be very popular.  Join the webinar on Tuesday, March 27 from noon-1pm.  In just a few short years, the Laurens County Library, in rural South Carolina, has created an impressive and well attended series of adult programs on a shoestring budget.
Find out what Laurens has done that works, what doesn’t work, and learn how your adult programming can make your library a valued community hub, building awareness and increasing usage of all your services.

Happy (early) Holidays, everyone!

As one might expect, we’re getting into the slow months for CE.  The holidays create staffing challenges as more folks want to use vacation time and the weather starts making those lovely scenic morning/afternoon drives to libraries far afield not so lovely nor scenic.

But worry not, there are still some good opportunities out there in December, starting with, of course, RLA-CE!

On Tuesday, December 13th we’ll be hosting Director’s Uncensored from 10:00am-noon.  We’ve been brainstorming about this program for a few years now and we’re very excited now that we’ve got it just right.  Our all-star lineup of directors – Detlev Pansch of Barrington Area Library, Kate Hall of New Lenox Public Library District, and Mike Madden, former director of Schaumburg Township District Library – will give you the lowdown on what it’s really like to hold down the top job.  Director’s Uncensored also marks our return to the RAILS Wheeling building!  The former NSLS headquarters building has a great auditorium and we’re very happy that it is available for use again.  As always, this program is FREE!

LACONI is hosting a technology workshop on Thursday, December 1st from 9:30-noon at the Northlake Public Library.  If you are looking for an answer to your Library’s current website woes, or simply want to learn more about Content Management Systems, then Creating Dynamic Websites with Joomla and WordPress.  Ann Stoval from Indian Prairie Public Library and Hadley Ford from River Forest Public Library will be sharing their experiences redesigning their own library’s website.   Special guest speaker is Brian Brown, e-marketing and web design consultant, from Strategic Strategies will detail the process of a website migration to a CMS.  This program is FREE!

On December 4th is the final class in the 3-part Storytelling workshop presented by Dominican University.  This looked like a fascinating series.  If you attended, please share your experiences!

On Tuesday, December 6th from 1-2pm, WebJunction is offering  Free Windows 7 Curriculum: Basic Computer Training at Your Library.  The program is presented by Tom Watts and highlights the My PC Series (http://www.mypcprogram.com/), a completely free and fun, hands-on, jargon-free curriculum of computer classes developed by Microsoft for adult learners that aims to make this challenge a bit easier. This program is FREE!

WebJunction is hosting another hour-long program on Wednesday, December 14th.  A Small But Powerful Webinar for Winning Big Support for Your Rural Library is an introduction to the revised edition of the popular Small But Powerful Guide to Winning Big Support for Your Rural Library, a new toolkit from the American Library Association’s Committee on Rural, Native, and Tribal Libraries of All Kinds, Office for Literacy and Outreach Services, and the Association for Rural and Small Libraries. This webinar will introduce you to the tips and strategies presented in the toolkit, share the experiences of a rural librarian who has built support for her library, and introduce you to some of the additional advocacy tools and resources from the American Library Association. This program is FREE!

And finally, the deadline for submitting proposals for ILA 2012 – Bouncing Higher! is January 31st.  I’m sure most of you are aware of how outstanding ILA is every year.  But you may not be aware that the majority of programs come the brainstorms of us librarians.  So take the plunge.  You have a great idea, and we all want to learn about it!

There are lots of great CE opportunities coming up in late November.  I’m guessing they’re all being scheduled before the holidays/crummy weather/annual winter blahs set in.

RLA-CE is very excited to sponsor Mobile Solutions for Libraries on November 10, from 9:30-noon at the Northbrook Public Library.  We’re expecting a big crowd, so make sure you register early.  The program is, of course, FREE! 🙂

WebJunction, ALA TechSource, and the ALA Office for Research & Statistics are co-sponsoring 2011 Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study: Results, Trends, and Resources on November 1st from 1-2pm.  This webinar is FREE to register. 🙂

The second part of Dominican’s Supervisory Skills Series, How to Motivate Staff is November 2nd at the Matteson Public Library from 9am-4pm.  This program is not free 😦 but does include lunch!

On November 4th from 9:30-noon, LACONI-RASS is sponsoring The Chicago Underground Library at the Oak Park Public Library.   Nell Taylor and Emily Porter of The Chicago Underground Library will discuss the similarities and differences between standard public library services and those offered by the CUL. Not Free 😦

The State Library is hosting “Wow, That’s Cool! What is it?”  on November 10th from 1-2pm.  This webinar will feature the Library of Virginia’s tour of the state showing off all sorts of cool tech gadgets and devices.  Not just for patrons, this tour focused on helping library staff keep current with developing trends. FREE! 🙂

Dominican is hosting Tapping Into the Positive Side of Conflict on November 17th from 9-noon.  In this practical session, you will identify your normal response to conflict, explore ways to use your strengths, and create an individual plan for using the five steps for managing conflict.  This program is not free 😦, but it did bring some Monty Python which is always a good thing.

Also on the 17th, LACONI is sponsoring Wired That Way for Customer Service.  Yes, it’s a Circ program, but I’m sure they wouldn’t mind if we dropped in.  Plus, it is being held at that copper-roofed marvel the Prospect Heights Library! Not Free 😦

 

We’re interested in knowing how your library is celebrating Women’s History Month.  You are cordially invited to share in the comments below.

The Northbrook Public Library is proud to be hosting, “Writing Women Back into History,” an exhibit highlighting women who made contributions in the areas of law and government, the workforce, the military, education, healthcare, aviation and the sciences. Created in 2010 by the Illinois State Library, the Illinois State Archives and the Secretary of State Communications department, this exhibit won second place in the national contest conducted in conjunction with the History Channel’s  12-hour series “America: the Story of Us.”

On March 22 at 7pm, Northbrook author Cyndee Schaffer talks about her mother Mollie Weinstein Schaffer’s World War II experiences as a WAC in London, France and Germany. She is the coauthor with her mother of the memoir Mollie’s War.  A book signing will follow.

The Evanston Public Library  is celebrating Women’s History Month with two special events.  Agatha Christie, prolific English “Queen of Crime” created such famous detectives as Hercule Poirot, the eccentric Belgian; and English spinster Miss Jane Marple. Christie enjoyed a career that spanned over 50 years and her works have now sold into the billions. Join actress Betsey Means of Womanlore Productions , as she brings Dame Christie to life March 12 at 2pm.  This event will also take place at the Northbrook Public Library on March 14 at 7pm.

On March 5 at 2pm at the Levy Center, 300 Dodge Avenue, Evanston, join Chef Mike Niksic for a culinary tour of the cultures in Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat Pray Love. Sample Italian pasta, Middle Eastern couscous and a decadent chocolate dessert! The cost for this program is $1.00 and you must be 18 or older.  Register by calling the Levy Center at 847-448-8250. This program is offered jointly  by the Levy Senior Center, The Evanston Public Library, and Right at Home Health Care Services Inc.

Don’t forget to tell us how your library is celebrating!