MetroU : July Courses

Practical Strategies for Engaging Veteran and Military-Affiliated Patrons at Your Library

Library Programs for Children with Disabilities

Implementing Digital Tools

Library Service for All: Current Trends in Library Programs and Services for Autistic Children and Teens

Course Date: Thursday, July 13th 2:00 pm CST

Course Duration: 1 hour

Course Description: Being intentional and inclusive in the design of your library’s communications, in both physical and digital library spaces, can support and enrich your library’s accessibility, diversity, and equity. The graphics, language, or format selected for communications provide an opportunity to create more welcoming spaces which reflect and represent your community’s diversity, including—but not limited to—race, gender, or neurodiversity. Explore the importance of inclusion and representation in design and take a fresh look at how your library’s signage, marketing materials, and online communication can contribute to a sense of belonging for all.

Course Date: On Demand

Course Duration: 1 hour

Course Description: Violence in the workplace involves a continuum of behavior from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and even homicide. Acts of violence are currently the third-leading cause of fatal occupational injuries in the United States, and rates of violence in the workplace are on the rise. These events cause frustration, anger, and pain for employees, customers, patients, and visitors – costing businesses an estimated $36 billion each year. Explore what you can control in these situations and learn practical tools to de-escalate workplace violence and keep others safe when faced with uncontrollable turmoil. 

Course Date: On Demand

Course Duration: 1 hour

Course Description: The mental health impacts of the pandemic are taking a toll on our communities, often compounding the physical and emotional effects of trauma experienced by many, including library patrons and staff. With increased understanding of mental health and trauma-informed care, library staff can be better prepared to provide unbiased service to those struggling to find help, information, and support. Join this webinar to learn how libraries can be better prepared to respond using the principles of trauma-informed care, and how Mental Health First Aid can equip staff with the knowledge and confidence to communicate with compassion, even in difficult situations. Learn ways to apply a trauma-informed approach to library services, internal and external policies and practices, and how to build connections with other community providers. 

Note: Must create a free WebJunction Account to access

Course Date: On Demand

Course Duration: 1 hour

Course Description: At the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will recognize and define signs of secondary trauma and burnout, receive resources to address burnout and learn strategies for self-care, and brainstorm actions steps they can take at their library, either free or funded.

Course Date: On Demand

Course Duration: 1 hour

Course Description:Across the United States, there are increased reports of book challenges from community members, which have led to very public and heated discussions. As public library leaders and staff consider how to prepare for similar local challenges, being proactive about developing and sharing policies and procedures can help to create clarity and establish expectations around responses to book challenges. This preparation may also include engaging stakeholders, partners, and supporters around the value and essential need for intellectual freedom in the library. Join this discussion with panelists who are working through these issues in their communities, to learn about the resources they have found useful, and their suggestions for getting started. 

Note: Must create a free WebJunction Account to access

Click here to register for the course.

Course Date: On Demand

Course Duration: 1 hour

Course Description:Attendees will learnnhow the human brain responds to change, five different ways to reduce threat and increase resilience, how to identify a predictable path of responding to change, how to lead teams from resistance to performance 

Course Date: On Demand

Course Duration: 1 hour

Course Description: In the U.S., there are 43 million adults–nearly one in five–who read below a third-grade level, and over half of all adults read below a sixth-grade level (National Action Plan for Adult Literacy, 2021). Low levels in literacy can impact many aspects of daily life including the ability to find and maintain employment, navigate health care needs, and complete government forms. This webinar will explore the characteristics of adults with low literacy levels and how they differ from those of adults with learning disabilities, including how and why each of these groups approaches reading. Learn about the importance and value of developing literacy skills, as well as strategies for library staff on how to identify when someone may need literacy support, how to broach the subject with a patron, and ways to suggest materials and resources to reluctant adults who may be struggling with literacy. 

Note: Must create a free WebJunction Account to access

Course Date: On Demand

Course Duration: 1 hour

Course Description: View this webinar to explore the concept of "Whole Person Librarianship" and to learn how a range of social work approaches can be applied to improve library services. We invite you to look at all aspects of your library through a social service lens, including policies, spaces, community partnerships, and programming. Additionally, we discuss the amazing benefits and possibilities that exist when libraries collaborate with social workers who can bring expertise and capacity to the community through the library. You will leave knowing how to conduct a community needs assessment and how to identify resources and social services you can provide through your library. You’ll explore new ideas and goals to incorporate within your strategic plan, and gain the confidence necessary to advocate for whole person services at your library. 

Note: Must create a free WebJunction Account to access

Course Date: On Demand

Course Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

Course Description: Research shows that many people living with dementia can still read and benefit from using a wide variety of library materials. View this webinar to hear practical advice on choosing reading materials uniquely suited to each individual, following the tenets of person-centered care. Presenters share simple ways to create more dementia-friendly libraries and provide examples of literacy activities and programs hosted at libraries and memory cafes around the world, including oral reading, browsing through books, singing, choral reading of poetry, and word games. Previously held misconceptions will dissolve when you see how libraries of all sizes can positively impact people living with dementia. 

Note: Must create a free WebJunction Account to access

Welcome Immigrants Through Cultural Programming: Lessons from the Field