Enroll in Upcoming Trainings! (Updated 12/15)

TLC CARL-X Overview

Material circulation is the backbone of the Metropolitan Library System’s function.  Each year the MLS circulates approximately 6 million materials system-wide.  The task is carefully orchestrated by combining technological resources and our CARL-X software to ensure overall system efficiency and effectiveness.

Participants in the CARL-X Overview course will be given the opportunity to learn the basics of the program – complete with hands-on activities and experiences to enable the participant to leave the session with learned skills he/she can immediately apply once he/she returns to the workplace.

TLC OPAC Overview

Customers and staff need to be able to efficiently and effectively locate library materials using our online library catalog. Currently, the library system uses TLC’s LS2 PAC.  LS2 PAC is the interface the public uses both inside and from our website to search our library catalog for materials.

This training will explore the basics of the system, including searching, placing holds, saving searches and lists.  This course is designed for all new employees working in library operations and for support staff wishing to better understand the basic functions of our system.

What Would Marion Do?

Recent work by the PIE committee has identified the need for all library system employees to understand the values and philosophies of the library profession. By viewing customer interactions and library decisions through the spectacles of Marion the Librarian, employees will have the foundational understanding to make appropriate decisions and responses in a variety of situations. This session will include various situational library scenarios where further examination of the tasks and values associated with each transaction will be discussed.

Customer Service Excellence

Each and every day we have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the people we serve. Whether the interaction is face to face, by phone, or via electronic communication, how we conduct ourselves can effect the outcome in either a positive or negative manner. Many of us can remember those interactions that were not so great and those that resulted in an outstanding experience. The Principles of WOW! focuses on the application of the MLS Service Principles as a guide for outstanding interactions with our internal and external customers. By taking time to understand and reflect on the role each of us play in service excellence here at the MLS we can help ensure the continued support of our customers.

Understanding Emotional Intelligence

The goal of training is to assist individuals in establishing a greater awareness of personal and interpersonal emotional strengths and weaknesses for the purpose of developing more effective leadership skills and enhancing their ability to generate positive responses to workplace challenges.

Prepare Training - Foundation Course

Foundation course developed by the Crisis Prevention Institute, Prepare Training is designed to promote respect, service and safety at work and can be used with customers, co-workers, and others you come in contact with in your life. Consisting of nine (9) modules, the highly interactive training focuses on helping the participants learn how to: recognize the early warning signs of anger or hostility; use personal space, body language, and paraverbal communication to relieve tension and defuse hostility; and foster respectful relationships and promote positive outcomes by using empathetic listening skills, and apply the skills and strategies learned to realistic confrontational situations you may encounter in the work place.

Prepare Training - Challenged By Mental Illness at Work

*Prepare Training - Foundation Course is a prerequisite for this training*

The goals of this training include raising awareness about and increasing sensitivity toward the issue of mental illness. The training then helps participants build practical strategies for managing many different types of problematic behavior at work, even when it's not related to mental illness. The course presents CPI’s Four Priorities of Mental Health Crisis Response Procedures.

Prepare Training - Setting Effective Limits 

Setting limits is an effective and productive way to deal with difficult behavior. This Topic Module strengthens participants' interpersonal communication skills and minimizes the likelihood of becoming frustrated or angry in response to uncooperative behavior.

Crucial Conversations

Crucial Conversations is a course that teaches skills for creating alignment and agreement by fostering open dialogue around high-stakes, emotional, or risky topics—at all levels in our organization. By learning how to speak and be heard (and encouraging others to do the same), you’ll begin to surface the best ideas, make the highest-quality decisions, and then act on your decisions with unity and commitment.

This training teaches participants how to:

• Speak persuasively, not abrasively
• Foster teamwork and better decision making
• Build acceptance rather than resistance
• Resolve individual and group disagreements

This course is intended for employees who supervise or who have interactions with others where high-stakes, emotional or risky topics are encountered.