WebJunction’s free, online course catalog has 55 self-paced courses on library topics, as well as over 260 curated webinar recordings ready and available when you are. AND WebJunction courses and webinars provide CE Hours for library staff in PA libraries!  Explore the catalog today!

Highlighted Content on WebJunction

• Online Basic Reference: Updated Course – This one-hour course will help you provide basic online reference service involving email and chat. The course addresses the advantages and disadvantages of online reference, gives step-by-step guidance, and provides tips and resources.
• Social Library – Highlighting innovative programs and services that libraries promote via social media. Great ideas and inspiration!

WebJunction Webinars for You
The following upcoming webinars are open for registration. If you can’t attend a live session, all WebJunction webinars are recorded and available for free in the Course Catalog.

Supporting Connected Learning for Youth in Libraries with the ConnectedLib Toolkit
Thursday, September 12, 2019 ♦ 3:00 pm Eastern ♦ 60 minutes  Register
The connected learning educational framework is an approach to creating learning experiences driven by teen interests and supported by their peer relationships. The ConnectedLib Toolkit is a free resource aimed at building library staff capacity to engage and promote connected learning and 21st century skills among today’s digital youth. The Toolkit was created by researchers at the University of Washington and University of Maryland in partnership with public libraries.

This session will introduce the connected learning framework, orient you to the Toolkit’s content and features, and discuss how it can be customized for your community’s needs. Learn more about connected learning and how you can use the Toolkit to create programming that engages teens in learning that aligns with their goals.

Presented by: Dr. Katie Davis, Associate Professor, University of Washington Information School, Adjunct Associate Professor, UW College of Education, and founding member and Co-Director, UW Digital Youth Lab; and Dr. Mega Subramaniam, Associate Professor, College of Information Studies at the University of Maryland, and founding member and Co-Director of the UMD Youth eXperience (YX) Lab

Scams, Fraud and Identity Theft: How Libraries Can Help
Thursday, October 17, 2019 ♦ 3:00 pm Eastern  ♦ 60 minutes  Register
Consumers are faced with increasingly complex scams and schemes used to defraud millions of people each year. As libraries strive to increase the digital and information literacy skills of their patrons, and provide timely and effective strategies for fraud protection, keeping up with options for consumer protection can be overwhelming.

This webinar will explore the free resources available in multiple languages and formats provided by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that can be used by your patrons to protect their identity and to recognize and avoid scams. You’ll also hear how Johnson County Library is partnering with local agencies to provide programs and resources to empower consumers in their community.

Presented by: Carol Kando-Pineda, Counsel, Division of Consumer and Business Education, Federal Trade Commission; and Marty Johannes, Careers/Personal Finance Librarian, Johnson County Library (KS)

Public Libraries Partner to Respond to the Opioid Crisis
Wednesday, October 30, 2019 ♦ 3:00 pm Eastern  ♦ 60 minutes  Register
As communities across the country experience the impact of the opioid epidemic, public library staff are finding themselves on the front line of this public health crisis. How should libraries engage? Public Libraries Respond to the Opioid Epidemic with Their Community is an IMLS-funded project led by OCLC and PLA to expand libraries’ capacity to support their communities. The project studied a diverse set of communities where the library is an active partner in addressing the epidemic and facilitated discussions with library leaders and a range of government, public health, and community organizations.

Presenters will share insights gained from the case studies and emerging practices, opportunities, and challenges, and share resources to help library staff guide their libraries’ response to the opioid crisis. This is the first in a series of webinars on this topic, highlighting the project findings.

Presented by: Lynn Silipigni Connaway, OCLC; Michelle Jeske, Denver Public Library; Marion Rorke, Denver Dept of Public Health and Environment; and Kendra Morgan, WebJunction