December Courses

December 2023 Courses

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder? 

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that's related to changes in seasons — It begins and ends at about the same times every year. Most people with SAD experience symptoms that start in the fall and continue into the winter months. Here are a few courses in MetroU on SAD:

Managing Seasonal Depression

Course Date: On Demand

Course Duration: 4 min

Description: Did you know approximately 5% of adults deal with seasonal depression annually? The “winter blues” is a common experience – and it can escalate into Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in some people. In this course, meteorologist and Peabody award-winning journalist Bonnie Schneider will teach you the signs and symptoms of seasonal depression. You’ll also discover why this condition occurs, who is most likely to be impacted, and how to treat it. After this course, you’ll be better able to support yourself and others through the winter blues.

Click here to register for the course.

Course Date: On Demand

Course Duration: 9 min

Description: Mental health is an important factor in an employee's performance. In this elearning course, Seasonal Affective Disorder, we will look at a common disorder and how to cope with it in the workplace. We'll discuss what Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is, some of the related symptoms, and how you, as a manager, can support employees who live with SAD. The course will also discuss some of the risk factors and complications of SAD as well as current treatments. Gaining an understanding of SAD will prepare you to assist employees in your organization who need support in managing their condition while at work. This helpful elearning course includes a video lesson, downloadable student materials and a short online quiz to check your comprehension.

Click here to register for the course.

Mental Health - Depression and Low Mood

Course Date: On Demand

Course Duration: 15 min

Description: We’ve all felt low at some point. The stresses of modern life can do that to the best of us. But depression is a different beast altogether. If you have suffered or do suffer from depression, then you’ll understand how hard it is to seek help. You see, that’s one of the ironies of this horrific mental illness. It ‘fogs up’ your brain and clouds your vision so that you don’t see the help available or the point in accepting that help. That’s where this course comes in. Understanding depression is the first step to recovering from it. Whether it’s you that’s suffering, or you suspect that your friend or relative is, this course is an aid to diagnosis, treatment and recovery. We’re not claiming it will cure you. But it’s going to help you on your way down that road. It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon, and we’ll be at the side of the road passing you water as you go.

Click here to register for the course.

Preventing Burnout

Course Date: On Demand

Course Duration: 8 min

Description: Burnout is a serious issue which can affect your mental and physical health. In this course, we'll show you the key burnout signs to watch out for and strategies to avoid burnout.

Click here to register for the course.

National Thank You Note Day is December 26^th! Tell someone thank you and take one of these courses on gratitude. 

Raising Resiliency: The Power of Gratitude

Course Date: On Demand

Course Duration: 5 min

Description: Adopt an attitude of gratitude with the tips and techniques presented in this Raising Resiliency series. The Power of Gratitude course will teach you how to give and receive sincere gratitude. We'll discuss the importance of creativity in employing different forms of gratitude to best suit different types of employees. As a result, those around you will feel truly appreciated, improving both your personal and working relationships. By the end of this course, you will find yourself experiencing increased motivation and renewed optimism. You will also have a stronger sense of empathy and thoughtful consideration in dealing with others. Understanding the different forms of gratitude will help you successfully interact with others, both personally and professionally.

Click here to register for the course.

Appreciating Contribution and Results

Course Date: On Demand

Course Duration: 10 min

Description: Discover a powerful way to boost employee satisfaction. This management training course outlines how to secure a leader within your organization to offer recognition and gratitude to your team. You'll learn why acknowledgement from leaders encourages performance, and you'll gain tips on how to strategically select a leader who will motivate and inspire. You will also discover how to professionally solicit this leader’s recognition and follow up with courtesy to express thanks. This course is designed to give you the practical skills and knowledge to shore up motivating support for your team. It qualifies as 1 hour of Professional Development Units for certification with the Project Management Institute.

Click here to register for the course.

Grow Relationships with Gratitude

Course Date: On Demand

Course Duration: 15 min 

Description: Acknowledging others with meaningful actions is one of the most powerful ways to build connections that last a lifetime. Gratitude extends not only to family and friends, but also to people in business who help fuel your professional success and allow you to thrive. In the Grow Relationships with Gratitude course, you will learn how to cultivate an attitude of gratitude and gain practical tips for putting gratitude into action. This interactive module with accompanying video and downloadable worksheet is based on the business relationship principles of ‘The Connector’s Way’ by author and speaker Patrick Galvin.

Click here to register for the course. 

Get creative this winter with these training courses from Niche Academy now available in MetroU!

Niche Academy Webinar – Level Up Your Book Displays

Course Date: On Demand

Course Duration: 1 hr

Description: In this presentation, Faithe Miller Lakowicz shares practical approaches for maximizing the impact of book and media displays, including low-cost “hacks” for maximizing visual appeal; highlighting diversity, equity, and inclusion; honing an institutional voice; using displays to create bridges between library departments; and ensuring that displays are accessible and compelling for a variety of patrons.

Click here to register for the course.

Niche Academy Webinar – Relighting Your Programming Fire

Course Date: On Demand

Course Duration: 1 hr

Description: In this webinar, Chelsea Price, tiny library director and author of 209 Big Programming Ideas for Small Budgets, offers up strategies for combatting burnout and feelings of job-related guilt, helpful resources for relighting your programming fire, and awesome program ideas to fit any budget. Attendees of this webinar will learn how to handle a bad case of the "shoulds" and how to rethink productivity during these trying times. In addition, staff from libraries of any size should leave this webinar feeling invigorated and inspired, with a long list of resources and ideas!

Click here to register for the course. 

Storytime 101: Storytime for Beginners

Course Date: On Demand

Course Duration: 1 hr

Description: This tutorial is meant to support those who are new to storytime. It covers basic skills, like preparing for storytime, reading books out loud, using props and music, and engaging adults and children. Each section has an interactive module filled with useful information, examples, and videos.

Click here to register for the course. 

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Makerspaces

Course Date: On Demand

Course Duration: 1 hr 30 min

Description: This tutorial is designed to establish a shared understanding of the concepts of equity, diversity, and inclusion and how they relate to makerspaces. We've asked librarians from across Idaho to share what they've learned about considering inclusivity and equity while developing makerspaces or providing library services to underserved groups.

Click here to register for the course.