There is nothing like the feeling when you attend a professional development session that opens your eyes to something new and exciting. Even better if it is something new that you can apply back in your library. In our humble opinion, there is no better way to stay motivated on the job than constantly learning something new. But when to find the time to learn something new? Conferences can get expensive and the timing could conflict with your availability schedule.
Have no fear! There are many online options which you can do on your own time! Here are a few of our favorite places to go for Professional Development!
1.Wyoming State Library Training Calendar
We have to give props to Wyoming State Library. They collect all online training and share it in a very convenient calendar. Find something you want to learn about but you can't attend the session? Most say to sign up anyway and they'll email you a link to the archived video.
2. Webjunction
If Wyoming's calendar is overwhelming to you, Webjunction is the place to visit. They take these events and divide them by category. They also provide FREE self paced courses and webinars (upcoming and archived past videos) to all library workers and volunteers.3. Language Classes
If you have patrons that speak a language you don't know, it may be helpful to use your library's language programs (Mango or Transparent tend to be the most popular). If the library you work in doesn't have these programs, check your home town library or your state library. The language programs may also have quick guides to help library professionals, like Transparent's Survival Spanish for Librarians.4. Free Online Courses
There are many other fee online courses if you start look by subject instead of profession. What do you want to learn more about? Google Analytics? Social Media Tips? Photography? There are free courses for them all!45 free online classes you can take (and finish) by the end of this year
Genealogy webinars and courses (free and fee-based)
Free credit-eligible courses for in-demand jobs
Lynda.com (free 10 day trial, though many libraries also offer this program)
5. Conference Materials from State and Small Conferences
There are many reasons why you may not be able to attend conferences, but that doesn't mean you can't benefit from them! Many of them (especially state and smaller conferences) will share their presentations and handouts online, freely available to anyone. Check them out after their conference ends! Some examples:Massachusetts Library Association
Missouri Library Association (Google Drive Folder)
Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy
Texas Library Association
So, there are endless places to learn. The question now is what time are you going to carve out of your calendar to learn something new?
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