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! <<
READ: The 7 Types of Rest Librarians Actually Need and How to Get Them (Bobbi L. Newman)
I know many of us are struggling right now. Things are rough out there for libraries and for us as people living in the world. When we think about self-care or rest, most of us default to the physical, things like getting enough sleep, maybe squeezing in a workout, or taking a vacation day. And those things matter. But if you’re someone who sleeps eight hours a night, takes your lunch away from your desk, and still feels depleted? You’re not doing self-care wrong. You might be missing the other six types of rest your body and mind need. [READ MORE]
LEARN: Burnout in Public Library Series (self-paced tutorials, 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.
LISTEN: Debriefing After Challenging Situations with Mary Graham & Becky Potter (Library Leadership Podcast)
Have you ever had an incident at your library and wondered how you could do more afterwards than just try to shake it off? On this show, Mary Graham, Service Delivery Manager, and Becky Potter, Library Experience Supervisor, with Calgary Public Library, talk about Debriefing After Challenging Situations. Timely and flexible debriefing can help staff deal with challenging situations. On this show, you’ll hear why and how.
WATCH: The thrill of not knowing all the answers (TEDNext / November 2025)
In a world that prizes certainty, hot takes and instant answers, what happens when we celebrate the power of ... not knowing? Scientist and storyteller Harini Bhat shares how she built a mega-popular YouTube channel where curiosity, not credentials, drives discovery. From ancient brains turned to glass to the origins of life itself, she reminds us that science isn't just for scientists — it's for anyone willing to ask, "Why?" 8 minutes.
HIGHLIGHTED WEBINARS:
Tuesday, December 9, 10:00a PT: The Digital Shelf Publishing & Library Forum: Ebook Advocacy Action Round Up (Lyrasis, ReadersFirst, and COSLA)
Hear from leading organizations advocating for better library access to digital content in a fast-paced lightning round featuring: Library Futures, ReadersFirst, Urban Libraries Council Action Team, Ebook Study Group, Boston Library Consortia, NY State Ebook Working Group, and CULC.
The Digital Shelf Publishing & Library Forum a free, collaborative webinar series from Lyrasis, ReadersFirst, and COSLA. The Forum provides a platform for open discussion about the evolving digital content ecosystem and its impact on libraries and publishers.
Through expert panels and quick “lightning rounds,” the series fosters honest, practical conversations on complex topics such as sustainable ebook pricing, equitable access, and content discovery. The goal: to spark meaningful dialogue, share actionable insights, and develop collaborative strategies to address today's digital content challenges.
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.
Thursday, December 11, 9:00a – 10:30a PT: Connecting Older Adults to Health Information (NNLM)
This 90-minute webinar covers websites and data sources to help you respond to requests for health information from and about older adults, as well as covering programming ideas to address the health information needs of older adults. Sites we'll explore include MedlinePlus, PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, the National Institute on Aging, County Health Rankings and the Congressional District Health Dashboard.
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:
DECEMBER:
JANUARY
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.
Coming up the week of December 1, details are available in the CE Calendar:
Monday:
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Saturday
Each Wednesday from 11:00a - 12:00p PT (unless noted otherwise) 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.
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: SPECIAL TIME: 9:30a-10:30a PT: AI in Libraries: Getting Prepared for 2026
Artificial intelligence isn’t just a tech trend — it’s becoming a powerful partner in how libraries connect people, ideas, and information. From smarter search results and on-the-fly translations to creative tools that spark learning and storytelling, AI is opening exciting new possibilities for library services.
As 2026 approaches, the pace of change is picking up. Generative AI, retrieval-augmented search, and locally hosted models are giving libraries fresh ways to enhance discovery, improve efficiency, and support patrons in entirely new ways — but they also bring big questions about privacy, ethics, and readiness.
In this lively, skills-focused session, we’ll look at what’s next for AI in libraries and how to get ready for it. You’ll leave with a toolkit of emerging tools worth exploring, and a clear picture of the trends shaping how libraries will lead — not just adapt — in the years ahead.
Presenter: Kira Smith has been a dedicated Virtual Reference Specialist with Florida’s Ask A Librarian service for over 15 years. A recipient of multiple Exemplary Reference Awards, Kira is passionate about guiding people to the information they need. In addition to her work in virtual reference, she freelances as a research consultant for journalists, providing expert insights and fact-finding services. Kira also regularly hosts webinars, sharing her knowledge and experience in the fields of online reference and information literacy. Her diverse background includes experience as an elementary school teacher and a certified childbirth educator, adding depth to her understanding of teaching and communication. With a love for technology, education, and travel, Kira continually seeks innovative ways to enhance learning experiences and connect with people around the world.
December 10: Emotional Intelligence During the Holidays
The holidays heighten emotions in both positive and negative ways. From joy to sadness, learn how to understand and navigate your emotions and the bah-humbugs of others. This program will provide a basic overview of emotional intelligence and give you 12 easy tips to use during the holidays that help reduce stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, and feeling overwhelmed.
Presenter: Rosie Clark specializes in training adults using a learner-centered and participant-engaged approach in various professions, contexts, and life experiences. Over the last 20 years, she has taught a variety of topics to include professional development, public speaking, emotional intelligence, leadership development, interpersonal communication, goal setting, workplace safety, environmental compliance, and much more. You can contact Rosie at rosie.x.clark@gmail.com or connect on LinkedIn.
December 17: More than Your Voice: Practical Strategies for Speaking to Power
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:
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.
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.
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.