You've no doubt heard about the economic stimulus package. And now you're probably wondering how you can get your hands on some of the funds. With passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), a considerable amount of money has started to flow from Congress to the states. And the good news is that there are many opportunities for school libraries to benefit.   more >>

Our communities are facing a challenging economic future, and in every way, library services and staff are affected. Asked to provide more service with less funding, libraries need to maximize usage of print and electronic resources to enrich and extend its impact and value to the community. Likewise, libraries should position their staff as experts in creating and managing collections that best serve their communities.  more >>

More than ever, communities across the country are relying on their local libraries for support in these tough economic times. From helping patrons convert old resume files to enabling military families to connect overseas, libraries are challenged with offering more services on smaller budgets. This one hour webcast will walk through over a half dozen free solutions that can help with some of the library’s toughest patron services challenges  more >>

Whether you want to promote new programs or keep patrons updated on longstanding services, word-of-mouth marketing is the ticket to build awareness in your community and get people talking about your library in positive terms. Word-of-mouth marketing (WOM) offers your institution and staff a low-cost way to identify and harness social networks that can be used to spread the library's message and service offerings.  more >>

Ever think about getting an MLIS (Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science)? Or how about going for that Ph.D.? And what could you do with a MARA (Master's Degree in Archives and Records Administration)? Join panelist Ken Haycock, professor and director of the School of Library and Information Science at San José State University, and faculty, alumni and students to learn about the many advantages of obtaining or advancing your degree with the SJSU SLIS distance learning program.  more >>

To become ingrained in the daily fabric of the community, libraries today must reach out and be visible where patrons live, work and play. Join this one-hour, interactive webcast to learn about strategies and best practices for bringing the library to the community.  more >>

Audiobooks are a research-validated tool for improving vocabulary, comprehension and literacy skills for young readers of all abilities. Especially effective with emerging, reluctant and ESL readers, recorded book programming is simple to incorporate into the classroom curriculum, and easy on the pocketbook too.  more >>

This informative webcast will bring together a panel of experts in reading, media center services, and children's literacy, including school librarians, educators, and a representative from Capstone Press and Stone Arch Books to cover a range of processes, programs, and ideas that can bolster reading skills, comprehension, and literacy in the K-6 library and classroom.  more >>

Polaris Library Systems President and CEO Bill Schickling will lead a stellar panel of educators, researchers and librarians who are at the forefront of promoting teen services in public libraries. This 60 minute webcast will inspire all library staff that work with teens and young adults to create and maintain great teen physical and online spaces, and guide them in creating programs and events that keep teens coming back to the library again and again.  more >>