Getting to library conferences and events can be tricky – library budgets are shrinking, traveling in the winter is stressful, or it might just be one of your colleagues’ turns to go to Convention this year. But there are always new reference trends that you might want to discover and there are fundamentals that never change – but do require some brushing up. So how can you keep current in the field when you can’t make it out into the greater library community? Happily, Ohio librarians have many great resources available that only require an internet connection, and many of them are free.
General:
- Lynda (Ohio Web Library) – Learn more about customer service generally, diffusing angry customers, Word, Excel, Powerpoint, project management, graphic design, or acquire almost any skill you can imagine
- Professional journals via the Professional Development Collection/Explora (Ohio Web Library) – Keep up to date with BookList, Publisher’s Weekly, Online Searcher, Computers in Libraries, and Library Journal, but note that some titles have a brief embargoed period before they are posted in this database
- Professional blogs
- OLC webinars and archived webinars (sometimes at a cost)
- Ohionet and ALA webinars (usually at a cost)
Reference:
- ORE Online – Get familiar with reference resources and practices, especially if you’re new to reference work. Created and updated annually by the OLC’s Reference and Information Services Division
- RISD blog: Class Handouts & Downloads – Find out what kinds of public programs other libraries are providing, and get training from some of the linked resources
- Individual database tutorials – check the help section on any database your library provides, and get insider tips and training from the vendor
- Ask one of the Ohio Web Library Specialists to come and present to your staff! This service is free.
Technology:
- NYC Digital Safety – Trainings on digital privacy and security in the library
- Technology Publications – Ars Technica, Wired, your favorite newspaper’s technology section, etc.
Ethics:
- OLC Intellectual Freedom Committee’s Toolkits – Consider patron privacy, self-censorship, and more
What am I missing? Are there other resources you use for reference staff training or to keep up with the library world? Please let us know in the comments!
-Megan Sheeran
OLC - RISD 