Professional Development Resources for Library Staff
- The Alternative Basic Library Education (ABLE) – The Idaho Commission for Libraries ABLE program offers online tutorials for free that cover all basic library related skills.
- Amigos Library Services – Amigos is a not-for-profit membership-based organization dedicated to serving libraries. Amigos Library Services is a member-led and member-focused cooperative that offers a variety of library related training sessions. Classes are available live-online or face-to-face. There is a minimal cost for many of the training sessions.
- ALA eLearning – Designed to meet your evolving learning needs, ALA eLearning brings together content from every office and division of ALA in one place. New events are added all the time; search and browse for fee-based eCourses and webinars as well as free events.
- Coursera – Coursera provides universal access to the world’s best education, partnering with top universities and organizations to offer courses online. Many courses offered are free.
- edX by 2U – 8 online “public library management” courses available for free or at a minimal cost if an individual certificate is desired.
- GCFglobal.org – This website is an excellent tool for both library staff and patrons. Topics include professional skills, software skills, K-12 education, as well as everyday life. Some current offerings include courses in “Workplace Skills”, “Creativity & Design?” and “Skill for Today.” Simple, easy to use, self-paced learning, and all for free!
- Library Juice Academy – Nominal fee based professional development online professional development opportunities. Library Juice Academy offers a range of online professional development workshops for librarians and other library staff that focus on practical topics to build new skills. Participate when time allows.
- Libraries Learn – Sharing ideas and information is what libraries are all about, so the Colorado State Library created the Library Learning website to house the information, tutorials, webinars, and other resources, you and your staff need. As such, all content and resources shared here are hand selected to help you find the quality information and learning opportunities you need to serve your patrons. This information can be used by all public libraries.
- Library of Congress Catalogers Learning Workshop – The Library of Congress has several free classes that will train you on how to organize and classify bibliographic information.
- The Library of Congress: for Librarians and Archivists – A wide range of topics and formats of interest to librarians and archivists. Options include 26 Webcasts, MARC tutorials, and information sheets on preservation.
- New Mexico Library Association – Annual conference (Fall) and Mini-conference (Spring)
- Niche Academy – The New Mexico State Library provides access to library training modules that are useful for all library staff. New modules are added periodically.
- Professional Development Calendar (Hitchhiker) – Each month, the calendar is updated with an array of FREE online training opportunities. A corresponding article is also posted listing the topics and descriptions. This calendar is compiled and shared by the Maine State Library and is also shared on WebJunction.
- Professional Development Resources for Librarians – The NMSLs ILL and Reference Librarian compiled a multitude of resources into a LibGuide.
- Public Library Director 101 Series – The Public Library Director 101 Series will introduce you to the many and unique facets of public library directorship. This self-paced course provides a broad overview that both informs and inspires. Creating a FREE WebJunction account is required to access the course.
- Special Libraries Association – SLA offers members many opportunities for professional development. Participate in online learning programs, certificate programs, the leadership symposium, and the annual conference to stay competitive, expand your knowledge, and learn skills that are critical to job satisfaction and career success.
- TechSoup For Libraries – TcchSoup has the products you need to maximize your technology services to your community. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your public access computers, seeking new software, or looking for a way to keep your technology secure, TechSoup’s library technology donations can help you make it happen.
- WebJunction – WebJunction builds the knowledge, skills and confidence of library staff to power strong libraries that are the heart of vibrant communities. A program of OCLC Research, WebJunction is free and welcome to all libraries to use, regardless of size, type or location. You can also use Learning Center Resources to learn more about various issues that may impact your community.
- Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) – Free, on demand webinars available to non-YALSA members on a variety of topics relating to teens and teen services.
For additional information contact the Library Development Bureau at sl.development@dca.nm.gov or 1-800-340-3890.