Training resources from the State Library of Oregon are supported in whole by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act administered by the State Library of Oregon.
The following resources are available to staff, volunteers, and board members from all Oregon academic, public, school, and tribal libraries.
View upcoming training events related to services and programs offered by the State Library of Oregon and free online training events as compiled by the State Library of Wyoming in the new training calendar. New events are added weekly and online conferences are listed below the calendar.
Basic Library Skills Academy
The State Library is pleased to announce the new Basic Library Skills academy -- open and free to everyone. This new academy covers introductory level tutorials and webinars on collection development, technical services, public programming and services, and more. Directors can use this resource to help onboard new staff and volunteers; staff can learn more about the overall operations of a library. No registration or user account necessary; however with a user account, Niche Academy will help you pick up where you left off.
New in the Oregon Library Staff Academy (Niche Academy):
Each week, the latest tutorials and recorded webinars are collected in their own category, New Tutorials and Webinars. Highlights include:
And many more can be found in the New Webinars and Tutorials section.
Need access to Oregon’s Library Staff Academy? Just fill out this form (available to Oregon library staff, volunteers, and board members). Then you can get started here: https://my.nicheacademy.com/oregonstaff.
Trainings by Ryan Dowd
LYRASIS
People Connect Institute (PCI) Webinars
Each Wednesday from 11:00a - 12:00p PT, explore new, relevant topics during a live webinar from People Connect Institute. These webinars will also be recorded and available about one week later in the Oregon Library Staff Academy / PCI Webinars category. For titles and registration information, please visit the PCI Webinars section. This resource is available to Oregon library staff, volunteers, and board members.
Statewide Databases
Tech-Talk Newsletter (electronic)
Provides how-to technology, communications, and leadership tips. While not written specifically for library staff, the State Library regularly receives positive feedback about this service.
The following calendar shows free online training events as compiled by the Maine State Library and training events related to services and programs offered by the State Library of Oregon. To see a text version this month's free events listed by category, please visit the WebJunction page on Free Training or download the PDF version.
Online/virtual conferences are listed below the calendar.
Wednesday, December 3, 9:00a – 2:30p PT: 2025 Rural Library Network eSummit (Partners for Rural Impact)
Each year, the Rural Library Network eSummit brings together over 500 rural library leaders, staff, and partners from across the country for a powerful virtual gathering focused on one thing: the transformational role of libraries in building strong, thriving communities. This is not your typical online conference—it’s a high-energy, highly practical experience that affirms your work, expands your resource toolkit, and connects you with peers who share your mission, “All Rural Students Succeed.” [Agenda] [Registration]
Thursday, December 4, 7:00a – 2:00p PT: Winter Book & Author Festival 2025 (Penguin Random House / School Library Journal Library Journal)
Join Penguin Random House, Library Journal, and School Library Journal for their Winter 2025 virtual book and author festival, a free day-long event celebrating reading, authors, and librarians everywhere! Enjoy a day packed with author panels and interviews, virtual shelf browsing, audiobook discovery, and adding to your TBR pile. You’ll hear from many of your favorite authors, whose work runs the gamut from Picture Books to Young Adult titles to the best new Fiction and Nonfiction for adults. There is something of interest for every reader. Attendees will also have the opportunity to check out the virtual exhibit hall, access eGalleys, and enter to win prizes and giveaways.
Weds/Thurs, February 4, 12:00p - 2:30p PT & February 5 9:00a - 1:30p PT: 2026 Virtual Winter Workshop (CLiC - Colorado Library Consortium)
Virtual Winter Workshop is a time to come together; to learn, share and celebrate! Some topics are unique, and some are universal. Sharing experiences and learning is what Virtual Winter Workshop is all about. Content crafted specifically for rural library staff, plus the convenience of online access— all for just $25!
The hallmark of CLiC Virtual Winter Workshop is practical content geared for rural communities. And of course, mixing work and play for FUN.
Connecting. Energizing. Inspiring.
Here’s a summary of upcoming learning resources available through the State Library and other organizations. Be sure to visit the State Library of Oregon’s CE website for more learning resources and the CE Calendar which also includes links to the PDF and online versions of this month's free events listed by category (compiled by the Maine State Library and hosted by WebJunction).
>> If you’re looking for learning resources on a particular topic, <<
>> please contact me – I’m happy to help! <<
LEARN
De-Escalation – Recognizing and Responding to Tense Situations (self-paced tutorial, Oregon Library Staff Academy)
Note: Oregon library staff and volunteers can request access to the Oregon Library Staff Academy by using this form and choosing the option for the Oregon Library Staff Academy.
If you’ve worked with patrons for any length of time, you’ve encountered someone who is anxious, irritated, or angry. Patrons may be frustrated with the library, another related service, or with something that has nothing to do with us at all.
From board members and directors to frontline staff and volunteers, it is important for everyone to be able to recognize, respond to, and prepare for a tense situation, all of which are covered in this first part of a two part series on de-escalation techniques.
By the end of this tutorial, you will be able to:
De-Escalation – Skills and Practice (self-paced tutorial, Oregon Library Staff Academy)
Note: Oregon library staff and volunteers can request access to the Oregon Library Staff Academy by using this form and choosing the option for the Oregon Library Staff Academy.
Your ability to recognize, respond to, and prepare for a tense situation in your library is only part of de-escalation. Specific skills will help you deal with patrons who are angry or frustrated. In part 2 of 2 in our series on de-escalation techniques, you will learn verbal and non-verbal skills to manage tense situations.
By the end of this tutorial, you’ll be able to:
LISTEN / READ
Navigating Difficult Situations in Public Libraries with Dr. Margaret Ann Paauw (Public Libraries Online podcast, November 16, 2025)
In this episode, Dr. Margaret Ann Paauw joins us to discuss her new book, “Navigating Difficult Situations in Public Libraries,” which provides straightforward de-escalation and crisis navigation tools that any library professional can utilize. Join us to hear about supporting patrons, supporting staff members, and building healthier library environments.
Navigating Difficult Situations in Public Libraries is part of the State Library’s Library and Information Science collection and is available via ILL from the State Library.
READ / WATCH
Read PLA's New Report on Adult Learning in Public Libraries
Public libraries are at the forefront of adult learning in the United States, serving as trusted, accessible programming providers. In a new report, “Expanding Possibilities: Public Libraries and Adult Learning – Insights from the Field,” PLA provides insights and innovations from the field based on a national survey of more than 350 public libraries, literature review, and case studies.
A free PLA webinar on Nov. 12 examined key findings from the survey related to priority needs, barriers and program responses, funding and evaluation, and partnerships. The report and webinar are sponsored by Gale, part of Cengage School. Watch the recording.
HIGHLIGHTED WEBINARS:
Friday, November 21, 11:00a – 12:30p PT: Bystander Intervention to Stop Hate Based Harassment (Right to Be)
Hate-based harassment has been on the rise in the US and the world. In this virtual workshop hosted on Zoom, we’ll learn how you can intervene effectively as a bystander without ever compromising your safety.
This 90 minute interactive training will teach you the 5Ds of bystander intervention methodology. We’ll start by talking about the types of disrespect that many folks across all identities are facing right now — from microaggressions to violence — using a tool we call the, “Spectrum of Disrespect.” You’ll learn what to look for and the positive impact that bystander intervention has on individuals and communities. We’ll talk through five strategies for intervention: distract, delegate, document, delay, and direct; and how to prioritize your own safety while intervening. We’ll have time at the end for practice, and you’ll leave feeling more confident intervening the next time you see hate-based harassment online or in person.
This training may not be ADA compliant.
Tuesday, December 9, 12:00 – 1:00p PT: Navigating new building projects (Webjunction)
Public library building and renovation projects are often once-in-a-generation events. Staff and leaders may never have done a similar project and may never do one again, making it imperative for libraries to learn from one another. Come learn from one library’s successful experience.
Newton Public Library opened the doors to its new building on April 1, 2024, after raising more than $3.3 million to help fund construction. After a brief overview of design goals and features of the new library, this webinar will focus on lessons learned through a successful fundraising campaign and practical suggestions for how to manage input and expectations during the building process.
ONLINE CONFERENCES (registration is free unless noted otherwise):
Wednesday, December 3, 9:00a – 2:30p PT: 2025 Rural Library Network eSummit (Partners for Rural Impact)
Each year, the Rural Library Network eSummit brings together over 500 rural library leaders, staff, and partners from across the country for a powerful virtual gathering focused on one thing: the transformational role of libraries in building strong, thriving communities. This is not your typical online conference—it’s a high-energy, highly practical experience that affirms your work, expands your resource toolkit, and connects you with peers who share your mission, “All Rural Students Succeed.” [Agenda] [Registration]
Thursday, December 4, 7:00a – 2:00p PT: Winter Book & Author Festival 2025 (Penguin Random House / School Library Journal Library Journal)
Join Penguin Random House, Library Journal, and School Library Journal for their Winter 2025 virtual book and author festival, a free day-long event celebrating reading, authors, and librarians everywhere! Enjoy a day packed with author panels and interviews, virtual shelf browsing, audiobook discovery, and adding to your TBR pile. You’ll hear from many of your favorite authors, whose work runs the gamut from Picture Books to Young Adult titles to the best new Fiction and Nonfiction for adults. There is something of interest for every reader. Attendees will also have the opportunity to check out the virtual exhibit hall, access eGalleys, and enter to win prizes and giveaways
UPCOMING LIVE PCI WEBINARS:
Each Wednesday from 11a - 12p PT, explore new, relevant topics during a live webinar from People Connect Institute. Note: all PCI Webinars (live and recorded) are limited to Oregon library staff, volunteers, board members, Friend and Foundation members. Full descriptions are available on the PCI Webinar CE page.
Oregon library staff and volunteers can request registration links for these upcoming webinars:
NOVEMBER:
DECEMBER:
These webinars will also be recorded and available to Oregon libraries the following week in the Oregon Library Staff Academy / PCI Webinars category; if you need access to the academy, please submit this form and choose the option for the Oregon Library Staff Academy.
Previous PCI Webinars:
Coming up the week of November 17, details are available in the CE Calendar:
Tuesday, November 18:
Wednesday, November 19:
Thursday, November 20:
Friday, November 21:
Coming up the week of November 24, details are available in the CE Calendar:
Monday, November 24:
Tuesday, November 25:
Wednesday, November 26:
Each Wednesday from 11:00a - 12:00p PT, explore new, relevant topics during a live webinar from People Connect Institute. These webinars will also be recorded and available a few days later in the Oregon Library Staff Academy / PCI Webinars category.
Request your registration links for these upcoming webinars. Note: all PCI Webinars (live and recorded) are limited to Oregon library staff, volunteers, board members, Friend and Foundation members.
November 26: Stoicism and Gratitude: Being Thankful for What We Can Control, and What We Cannot
Every year, Andrew presents a program in November on Giving Thanks. This year he invites you to take a look at gratitude and life through Stoicism. Stoicism is a philosophy that provides a framework for ethical self-improvement and for living a human life worth living.
On Thanksgiving Day, we’re supposed to make time for thanks, to actively think about gratitude. But what is gratitude? The Stoics believe it is inclusive and counterintuitive. It wasn’t just about being grateful for the good, but for all of life.
Join Andrew for an hour of thought-provoking information including The Control Test. This program could change how you think, feel and act about gratitude on Thanksgiving Day and every day after.
Presenter: Andrew Sanderbeck has been developing and conducting training programs for library organizations for more than twenty years. He has presented Web-based, On-line, and Face-to-Face sessions in the U.S. and many countries around the world.
December 3: Community First: Making the Library Accessible to Neurodivergent Youth
Neurodivergent children have needs that can make coming to the library a challenge. To bridge this barrier and embrace and celebrate this community, we created programming and a designated physical space that is inclusive and provides an enriching library experience. This program will walk participants through how we developed and implemented an adaptive storytime and a sensory wall so that they can apply aspects of these strategies that work for their libraries and communities. We will also discuss the importance of staff training and the significance of families seeing the library as a safe and welcoming space for their children.
As a result of this program, attendees will be able to:
Presenter: Danielle Navarro has worked at Calvert Library as a children's librarian for 4 years. Before that, she taught a self-contained K-2 Autism class in public schools during the pandemic and worked as a registered behavior technician at outpatient clinics. Her passion is making the library fun and engaging for all kids, whether that be the physical environment itself or the programs the library offers.
Presenter: Missy DeCesaris has worked for Calvert Library over 20 years, beginning her journey as a part-time children's librarian. She currently serves as the Children's Supervisor at Calvert Library Prince Frederick, where she continues to inspire a love of reading and learning in young patrons. Throughout her career, Missy has actively collaborated with Calvert County Public Schools' Functional Skills and Special Olympics programs, fostering inclusive library experiences for all children.
December 10: Something's Missing: The Need for Library Involvement in Prison Literacy Programs
Incarceration in the United States affects all members of society whether directly or indirectly. Prison libraries, like their public counterparts, are uniquely positioned to provide a safe environment for individuals to access the resources needed to enhance their knowledge and skills to further their education to prepare for their future.
Statistically, those who are incarcerated have much lower literacy rates than those who are not incarcerated. Frequently, libraries are left out of the equation when implementing literacy programs in carceral environments. Prison libraries, partnering with other library types, can be the catalyst to increasing literacy in preparation for further education and successful reintegration post-incarceration.
This webinar will provide insights into prison literacy programs, offer ideas of how libraries can and should take the lead in improving their incarcerated patrons’ literacy skills, and challenge participants to take part in creating or enhancing literacy programs with library support.
From this webinar, attendees will be able to:
Presenter: Aaron Blumberg is a degree-holding librarian and Justice-impacted advocate, consultant, and trainer. He advocates for the rights of the incarcerated and other marginalized groups, specifically uncensored access to information and the need for digital literacy. Aaron was a member of the working group which updated the American Library Association’s “Standards for Library Services for the Incarcerated or Detained” and has served as an advisor and consultant on IMLS grant-funded projects.
His current research and advocacy endeavors include prison literacy programs; access and accessibility; partnerships between carceral, public, and academic libraries; and breaking down barriers to education during and after incarceration.
He has presented webinars on topics such as censorship in prisons, advocating for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated populations, and library services to the incarcerated for the American Library Association, Ithaka S+R, OCLC, and the California Library Association. Most recently, Aaron co-presented two sessions at the 2025 ALA Annual Conference on related topics.
December 17: More than Your Voice: Practical Strategies for Speaking to Power
January 7: Making Storytime More Accessible to Children with Disabilities
According to the CDC, 1 in 20 children have a diagnosed disability. What’s more, stigma and fear may be barriers for families with children with disabilities who may not feel welcome at the library and may not think Storytime is right for them.
In this presentation, learn how storytime can act as a bridge and connector for families with children with disabilities, providing information, resources, and community.
Attendees will gather strategies for planning and implementation to make your storytime more welcoming and inclusive to children with disabilities.
Presenter: Author, trainer, librarian, administrator, teacher, and accessibility consultant Renee Grassi is an advocate for equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in libraries, schools, and communities. As a neurodivergent librarian herself, Renee has worked in public libraries for over 17 years, developing award-winning library initiatives that welcome, support, and welcome disabled residents and their families and caregivers. Learn more at reneegrassi.com.
January 14: Techniques for Uncomfortable Conversations
Through this workshop, we examine some important strategies for navigating challenging conversations with confidence and empathy. You'll learn how to maintain composure, foster understanding, and communicate effectively even in difficult situations. We’ll also consider how to create safe and supportive communication spaces.
Together, we will become more confident and productive in our communication and as a result of this program, attendees will:
Presenter: Dr. Stevie M. Munz, Ph.D. is an award-winning teacher and researcher with 10+ years of experience in the communication field. She has led hundreds of discussion forums, presentations, trainings, and workshops. As a communication expert, she is passionate about developing your communication power skills!
January 21: Identifying AI Generated Books in Your Library
Have AI-generated books snuck on to your library’s shelves? Books generated using AI Large Language Models without such “authorship” being disclosed have become pervasive across nearly all subject areas on sites such as Amazon, and are even being sold by some library jobbers.
With Influencers boasting about making thousands of dollars per month selling AI books on self-publishing platforms and encouraging others to do the same, this is an increasing threat to the quality and veracity of materials libraries provide to the public.
Join cataloger and AI book hunter Althea Christensen to find out where these books are coming from, learn about identifying AI-generated books both in-hand and in online retail listings, and see some examples that will have you questioning Asimov’s First Law of Robotics.
As a result of this program, attendees will:
Presenter: Althea Christensen is the Senior Library Assistant in Acquisitions and Technical Services for the Humboldt County Library. Prior to becoming a cataloger, she spent 13 years in the animal sheltering and veterinary field, in which she developed a surprising number of skills that transferred to library work.
January 28: Get Things Done: Set Yourself Up for Success
Completing projects, tasks, and goals doesn’t have to be a battle. There are many ways we impede our own success, several of which start in our mind. With an eye toward neuroscience and research, we’ll explore strategies for creating new habits, replenishing willpower, boosting motivation, and harnessing our mindset.
This program will shed light on how to maximize your strengths and navigate common roadblocks to achieve more. Learn how to work with, not against, yourself and get things done!
As a result of this program attendees will:
Presenter: Laura Greco, RN, MEd is a certified wellness coach and speaker who facilitates learning and changing habits. She helps professionals eliminate burnout, manage stress, create life balance, and rekindle their sense of purpose and joy. Self-care (body, mind, and spirit) is the basis for well-being and we all have the capacity to make positive lifestyle changes are 2 of her foundational beliefs. She is the author of Wellness Made Simple. For more information, please visit her website https://www.YouBloomWellness.com.
What if speaking to power felt less like a risk and more like a skill you could grow? In this 60-minute session, Michelle Ornat shares practical strategies for engaging with positional power, such as those in leadership or decision-making roles, with insight and confidence. This session begins by exploring how awareness is a strategic advantage and how successful conversations start with intention. You will discover how to “plate” a message, whether you are addressing problems or complaints, sharing updates or information, pitching new ideas or proposals, or raising concerns. This approach helps build trust, highlights credibility, and positions you as a thoughtful, solution-oriented leader.
Attendees will learn how to:
Who Will Benefit from this Program:
Presenter: Michelle Ornat is a transformational coach, speaker, and founder of Ornat Coaching & Consulting. She brings more than two decades of leadership, executive, and management experience in public libraries and city government to her work with mission-driven women and organizations. She is a Certified Professional Coach, Energy Leadership Index™ (ELI) Master Practitioner, and Certified Executive Coach | COR.E Leadership Dynamics™ Specialist. Michelle actively supports public libraries through her involvement locally as a member of the Solano County Library Advisory Council and nationally through ALA, PLA, and Core, including co-chairing the Core Library Consulting Interest Group and serving on the PLA Leadership Development Committee. Connect with Michelle at www.ornatcoaching.com or on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-ornat.
PCI (People Connect Institute) Webinars - Archived
Recorded webinars are available to staff, volunteers, board members, and Friends and Foundation members of Oregon libraries through the Oregon Library Staff Academy in the PCI Webinar section. Need access? Please use this request form and select "I would like access to: The Oregon Library Staff Academy".
From the OLA EDI and Antiracism Special Committee:
EDI Antiracism Toolkit Now Available:
PLD Director's Training Session on the EDI Antiracism Toolkit, recorded on 1/29/21 (YouTube, approximately 2 1/4 hours).
Be sure to visit the OLA EDI Antiracism Committee web page.