[Libs-Or] Upcoming learning opportunities

[HANNING Darci * SLO]

Hello Library Community!

Here's a summary of upcoming learning resources available through the State Library and other organizations. Be sure to visit the State Library of Oregon's CE website<https://slo.oregon.gov/conted/> for more learning resources and the CE Calendar<https://slo.oregon.gov/conted#s-lib-ctab-24120710-1> which also includes links to the PDF<https://maine-msl.libguides.com/ld.php?content_id=76010632> and online<https://www.webjunction.org/find-training/free-events.html> versions of this month's free events listed by category (compiled by the Maine State Library and hosted by WebJunction).

>> If you're looking for learning resources on a particular topic, please contact me<mailto:darci.hanning at slo.oregon?subject=I'm%20looking%20for%20CE%20resources> - I'm happy to help! <<


NEW: LiFT - The Reference Interview
The newest self-paced course in the Library Foundational Training (LiFT) program introduces learners to the reference interview, a service that library staff can provide to connect with users and meet their information needs. This on-demand course prepares learners to confidently approach reference work with clarity, empathy, and practical strategies they can use right away.

You can read more about LiFT courses here<https://slo.oregon.gov/conted/lift>. If you already have a free WebJunction account, you can start the Reference Interview course from here<https://learn.webjunction.org/enrol/index.php?id=840>.

READ: Clear, confident communication for your library<https://www.webjunction.org/news/webjunction/library-communication-strategies.html> (WebJunction)
Effective communication is at the heart of strong public library service, yet it can be a tricky skill given the many audiences and messages a library needs to convey. This four-part WebJunction series will explore practical strategies for connecting with clarity and confidence. In this first article, we'll start with foundational tips that can strengthen any message, no matter your role or audience.

LISTEN: Life in the Digital Fast Lane: Who's Drivin' and Who's Ridin'?<https://goodpods.com/podcasts/libraries-lead-257218/episode-47-january-2026-life-in-the-digital-fast-lane-whos-drivin-and-103825394>
Let's stop for a moment, take a deep breath, and look around at the world that we humans have created and that we inhabit. Here's a snapshot of what it's like to live day to day in 2026 with smartphones, the Internet, Web, AI, social media, augmented reality, and all the other digital systems that we rely on in various aspects of our lives - work, social relationships, entertainment, politics, communications & information.

In this episode, we consider the nature, joy and despair and the challenges and opportunities that we deal with every day in the digital age. Are we in control? Are we merely pawns in their game? Are we caught up in mindless compulsions and addictions? Or is this the moment where institutions like libraries can help us become neither victims nor isolated users, but informed communities who collectively decide what these technologies should do for us?"

WATCH: Generative AI and collection development policies: A proactive approach<https://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction/generative-ai-collection-policies.html> (WebJunction webinar recording)
As materials created by AI continue to flood the marketplace, it is inevitable that acquisitions librarians will encounter materials generated wholly or partially by AI. Libraries can prepare for this reality with selection guidelines and collection development policies that intentionally address AI generated materials.

A team of librarians from the Salt Lake County Library will share the process they used and the insights they acquired while updating their collection development policy and selection guidelines to include materials created by AI. After completing this webinar attendees will have a better understanding of key issues regarding AI generated materials and considerations that need to be weighed in regards to their collection. Armed with this knowledge, they will feel empowered to create policies and procedures regarding AI generated materials for their own library.

LEARN: ESL Conversation Groups: Up Close and Personal<https://my.nicheacademy.com/oregonstaff/course/55688> (Niche Academy self-paced tutorial)
English as a Second Language (ESL) conversation groups can be a valuable addition to your library's programming calendar. These sessions provide an opportunity for non-native speakers to practice listening and speaking skills in a safe and welcoming environment. They may be offered with a minimal investment of time and resources, and attendance is virtually unlimited. Hosting conversation groups does not require a high degree of subject area knowledge or formal teaching experience.

Join Claudia Ratay to learn more about hosting an ESL conversation group. Following this webinar, participants will be able to select appropriate topics that can result in productive, engaging conversations. Various scenarios will also be discussed allowing participants to learn how to successfully manage typical challenges that arise in these meetings.

Whether your library already has a conversation program in place, or if you are considering launching one, this webinar will present techniques that have contributed to the success of the South Holiday Library English as a Second Language conversation program.

Note: Oregon library staff and volunteers can request access to the Oregon Library Staff Academy by using this form<https://www.cognitoforms.com/StateLibraryOfOregon/RequestAccessToContinuingEducationResources> and choosing the option for the Oregon Library Staff Academy.

ONLINE CONFERENCES:

Weds/Thurs, February 4, 12:00p - 2:30p PT & February 5 9:00a - 1:30p PT: 2026 Virtual Winter Workshop<http://www.clicweb.org/2026-virtual-winter-workshop-registration-open/> (CLiC - Colorado Library Consortium)
Virtual Winter Workshop is a time to come together; to learn, share and celebrate! Some topics are unique, and some are universal. Sharing experiences and learning is what Virtual Winter Workshop is all about.  Content crafted specifically for rural library staff, plus the convenience of online access- all for just $25! Registration is open now<https://www.clicweb.org/events/2026-clic-virtual-winter-workshop/>.

The hallmark of CLiC Virtual Winter Workshop is practical content geared for rural communities.  And of course, mixing work and play for FUN.

Friday, February 27, 2026, 6:45a-3:00p: Big Talk from Small Libraries 2026<https://nlc.nebraska.gov/scripts/calendar/eventshow.asp?ProgId=25071> (Nebraska Library Commission and Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL))
This free one-day online conference is tailored for staff from small libraries - the smaller the better! All of our presenters are from libraries serving fewer than 10,000 people, or are directly partnered with a small library and co-presenting with the library. Topics range from technology to programming to new roles for the library. This event is a great opportunity to learn about the innovative things your colleagues are doing in their small libraries.

Recordings: Unless otherwise noted, sessions are recorded and posted to the Previous Conferences<http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/bigtalk/previous-conferences/> page as soon as possible after the event. You do not need to register for the conference to access the recordings.

You can register here<https://nlc.nebraska.gov/scripts/calendar/eventshow.asp?ProgId=25071> to attend the live conference sessions for free.

HIGHLIGHTED WEBINARS/COURSES:

Wednesday, January 21, 11:00a PT: Giving Effective Feedback<https://www.nicheacademy.com/webinar-giving-effective-feedback?utm_campaign=About%20Niche%20Academy&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9G571jFB-5tHmw5s2iFy7uHyaPJuyHJZ4BSPjZGHbOlMYYE5weQ1m1wGWfdE9x-rwX4Sr1NTNMoBHv2o1Mf4ySCbGVtTSz_IUa52KyWvjpKKUA9FA&_hsmi=394515148&utm_content=394221702&utm_source=hs_email> (Niche Academy Webinars)
Giving effective and direct feedback to each other is essential for success, both individually and organizationally. But doing so goes against our cognitive wiring. We want to be liked, we avoid conflict, and we don't want to hurt someone's feelings. The result is that we confuse indirectness for kindness. In this webinar, best-selling author and Stanford Business School lecturer David Dodson will discuss a six-part formula for how to rewire our brains to create a positive and open culture of direct feedback. David will provide practical and actionable steps you can take the next day to break down the barriers to reaching your potential and get you on the path to success.

Thursday, January 22, 11:00a PT: Sustainable Libraries Initiative: AI and the Environment<https://www.sustainablelibrariesinitiative.org/event/ai-and-environment-18091> (Sustainable Libraries Initiative)
Join us for an engaging webinar exploring the environmental impacts of artificial intelligence (AI). This session will provide a foundational overview of AI: what it is, how it works, and how it's increasingly integrated into everyday life. We will then examine the environmental footprint of AI technologies, including energy consumption, data center demands, and electronic waste. Gain insights and practical knowledge to help foster informed conversations with your community about responsible technology use and its role in a sustainable future.

Tuesday, January 27, 11:00a PT: Access and Usability Series: Universal Design vs ADA Requirements<https://mslservices.mt.gov/ASPeN/Events/Event_Detail.aspx?Event_ID=31085> (Montana State Library)
Public libraries are for everyone! Learn best practices around accessibility and hear success stories from your colleagues around the state. What is Universal Design, and why should we use these principles when thinking about our physical and digital services, and our facilities.

Live webinars coming up the week of January 19 (details are available in the CE Calendar<https://slo.oregon.gov/conted/free#s-lib-ctab-24120710-1> or at WebJunction<https://www.webjunction.org/news/webjunction/free-webinars-for-library-staff.html>)

Tuesday, 1/20

  *   10 - 11:15am Talking Teen Services: How Could We Serve Caregiving Youth? (LibrariesLearn/CSL)
  *   10 - 11am AI Impact Hour for Nonprofits (TechSoup)
  *   10 - 11am The 7 Fundamentals of a Monthly Giving Program (CharityHowTo)
  *   11am - 12pm Support Argumentative Writing and Debate with Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints
  *   11am - 12pm Acts of Science: Connected Info Session (SciStarter)
  *   11am - 12pm The New Instruction Librarian Live: Real Problems, Real Solutions (ASERL)
  *   4 - 5:15pm Bystander Intervention to Stop Antisemitic Harassment

Wednesday, 1/21

  *   10 - 11am Ask the Experts: Scaling and Growth (Nonprofit Hub)
  *   11am - 12pm PCI: Identifying AI Generated Books in Your Library
  *   11am - 12pm Giving Effective Feedback (Niche Academy)
  *   11am - 12pm The New Donor Playbook: Fuel Your Fundraising Funnel (Bloomerang)
  *   12 - 1pm Rethinking Intervention in the Elementary Grades for Long-Term Student Success (edWeb)
  *   3:15 - 4:15pm Shine a Light on Innovative Practices - Focus on the Spark: Creating Interactive Lessons (LibrariesLearn/CSL)

Thursday, 1/22

*        8 - 9am Beyond the Dashboard: Why 73% of Data Initiatives Fail and How Leaders Build Culture That Lasts (Nonprofit Learning Lab)

*        10 - 11am 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-year Prerelease Webinar (US Census)

*        10 - 11am Manuscript Division Virtual Orientation and Workshop (Library of Congress)

*        11am - 12:30pm Helping Young Brains Build the Foundations to Flourish: Executive Function and School Readiness in the Early Years (Early Childhood Investigations)

*        11am - 12pm Chapter Books & Early Readers

*        11am - 12pm Positive Law: Reenacting Federal Law for Statutory Clarity (FDLP)

*        1:30 - 2:30pm How to Maximize Family Engagement in Special Education (PACER Center)

Friday, 1/23

  *   10 - 11:30am What's It Really Like? Join the 2026 Mock Newbery LIVE! (School Library Journal)


Cheers,
Darci Hanning, MLIS (she/her/hers)
Public Library Consultant / CE Coordinator
Continuing Education Resources: https://slo.oregon.gov/conted/
State Library of Oregon | Library Support and Development Services
971-375-3491 | darci.hanning at slo.oregon.gov<mailto:darci.hanning at slo.oregon.gov> | www.oregon.gov/library<http://www.oregon.gov/library>

[State Library of Oregon (Logo)]

[cid:image002.png at 01DC8476.46F793F0]<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/a59abb0a2327467fac503ddb3913cf5e@slo.oregon.gov?anonymous&ep=signature>
Schedule time to meet with me<https://outlook.office365.com/bookwithme/user/a59abb0a2327467fac503ddb3913cf5e@slo.oregon.gov?anonymous&ismsaljsauthenabled&ep=pcard>





Darci Hanning, MLIS (she/her/hers)
Public Library Consultant / CE Coordinator
Continuing Education Resources: https://slo.oregon.gov/conted/
State Library of Oregon | Library Support and Development Services
971-375-3491 | darci.hanning at slo.oregon.gov<mailto:darci.hanning at slo.oregon.gov> | www.oregon.gov/library<http://www.oregon.gov/library>

[State Library of Oregon (Logo)]

[cid:image002.png at 01DC8476.46F793F0]<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/a59abb0a2327467fac503ddb3913cf5e@slo.oregon.gov?anonymous&ep=signature>
Schedule time to meet with me<https://outlook.office365.com/bookwithme/user/a59abb0a2327467fac503ddb3913cf5e@slo.oregon.gov?anonymous&ismsaljsauthenabled&ep=pcard>


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