Highlighted content from WebJunction:

· Get inspired by the Herrick District Library in Holland, Michigan, and hear how they increased advocacy efforts by building key relationships within the community.
· Competency Index for the Library Field – this valuable and recently updated index can help staff identify and obtain the knowledge, skills and support needed to power relevant and vibrant libraries. You can also customize and adapt the competencies to meet your own local needs.

Upcoming Webinars
Remember, if you can’t attend a live session, all WebJunction webinars are archived and available when you are in the course catalog.

Best Small Library in America 2015
Tuesday, August 18, 2015 ♦ 2 pm Eastern / 11 am Pacific ♦ 60 min
Registration: http://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction/best-small-library-in-america-2015-belgrade-community-library.html

With just six staff members serving a community of 12,700 outside of Bozeman, MT, the Belgrade Community Library won this year’s Library Journal Best Small Library in America Award. This award, cosponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, was created in 2005 to encourage and showcase the exemplary work of libraries serving populations under 25,000. What is Belgrade’s secret award-winning sauce? With a robust volunteer base, they have reimagined library services and aggressively developed new outreach efforts to meet the community’s changing needs. The result is intense engagement and support from the community and an impact beyond Belgrade’s borders through leadership to small libraries throughout the state. Learn how to replicate and adapt Belgrade’s ambitious outreach efforts on a small-library budget.

This webinar is hosted in collaboration with the Association for Rural and Small Libraries and Library Journal, and will include an overview of the nomination process and details for next year’s award (Deadline: September 9).

Presented by: Gale Bacon, Director, Rebekah Kamp, Children and Youth Services Librarian and Keiley McGregor, Public Services Librarian, all at the Belgrade Community Library; and Meredith Schwartz, Executive Editor, Library Journal.

Growing Through Conflict: Healthy Workplace Communication
Thursday, September 10, 2015 ♦ 3 pm Eastern / 12 pm Pacific ♦ 60 min
Registration: http://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction/growing-through-conflict.html

We are all so busy! Who has time to deal with conflicts? When conflict occurs, and we are confronted with a colleague, library patron, supervisor, or board member who is frustrated and upset, it can be tempting to identify a quick fix. However, when we do take the time to practice clear communication to uncover what people really need, we can get to better outcomes. Healthy communication involves:
· Actions that show you are really listening
· Communication with people who are angry or upset in a way that their needs can be addressed and resolved
· Knowing your own emotions and needs, and effective ways to express them

Practicing healthy communication skills will boost your self-confidence and contribute to a happier workplace.

Presented by: Anna Shelton, Project Coordinator, WebJunction