ALA Editions

Nicole Hennig will return this Friday, March 1, 1:00 p.m. Eastern, for a fresh look at how publishers are using the iPad platform to create a new kind of book. Not the straight text, you’ll read in a Kindle app, these books mix elements of film, videogames, and social media to create a new immersive experience for readers. Nicole’s webinar this past summer was a hit. Register for Introducing Books as iPad App, and:

• See demos of fiction and nonfiction titles, including children’s books and graphic novels
• Discuss the qualities of a delightful reading experience
• Ask some questions about what these changes might mean for readers, libraries, and publishers
• Spark ideas for creative programs and services that you can offer in your library related to iPad book apps.

How do you respond when patrons ask why there aren't more e-books at the library?

It's not an easy question. Turn your (and your patron's) frustration into action. Attend PLA's free, 90-minute webinar at noon Central on Tuesday, December 18 and learn about two creative e-book campaigns initiated by libraries, as well as a comprehensive communications template kit to help you develop your own! You'll find new strategies for reaching out to your community members not only to explain why libraries have limited e-book collections but also to enlist their help in improving e-book access.

More Information and Registration

For more than thirty years, hundreds of libraries across the country have engaged their communities by offering “Let’s Talk About It” reading and discussion programs. Find out how from an LTAI state-level coordinator and twenty-four-year veteran! Webinar attendees will be offered an overview of the model, tips for recruiting and working with a scholar, and access to an archive of ready-to-present program content on more than thirty themes. This session will also provide application information for an upcoming round of cash programming grants. Register online using the link below, or register via fax or mail (PDF).

Makerspaces are taking hold in the library world and they are spreading quickly, popping up in libraries of all types and sizes. Makerspaces give people a place to pursue their own interests in building things, using tools (physical or virtual) and connecting with one another. Libraries have expanded on traditional library services to provide DIY/craft/make services, setting up spaces within their buildings and within their communities that allow people to do anything from building model airplanes to 3-D printing to self-publishing novels. 

Learn what makerspaces are and how they work from librarians who are on the cutting edge of this movement by attending our upcoming series of free webinars. Each webinar will feature a panel of staff, administration, and patrons from one of the libraries that have implemented a makerspace. They’ll talk about how their makerspace concept began, how it was designed and how it was implemented. You’ll learn about the maker movement in general, the role libraries are playing specifically, and get ideas about how you can get involved and start a makerspace in your library!

A look back at ALA Midwinter meeting from a library technology perspective. Our panel of experts will analyze and discuss what they learned and what trends stood out at the conference. Whether you couldn't be in San Diego or just didn’t have time to review all the featured technology, join us for this enlightening discussion.

Participatory culture is grounded in low barriers to artistic expression and allows students to be creators of content as well as pass on their experiences and knowledge to others. The Barrow Media Center is a site of participatory culture through elements such as student book budgets, collaborative projects that culminate in student product creation, opportunities for students to showcase their creations to others in a variety of ways, and students taking leadership in teaching one another how to use technology to create. This year, developing the participatory culture of the library is a specific goal that has been made public to all students, teachers, and families in the school and all members of the library have been invited to find their place in the library and make things happen. This webinar will explore participatory culture and how the library can be a space of participation.

Andy Plemmons is a school librarian in Athens, Georgia.  He teaches students in PreK-5th grade at David C. Barrow Elementary.  The participatory culture and collaborative projects of the Barrow Media Center are regularly featured on his blog Barrow Media Center. 

LSSC will offer an hour-long webinar on the program and how it works.  The presentation will explain the value of this certification to Library Support Staff, employers, and library users. You will also have the opportunity to have all of your questions answered by program staff members. This webinar is open to all interested candidates.

A look back at ALA Midwinter meeting from a library technology perspective. Our panel of experts will analyze and discuss what they learned and what trends stood out at the conference. Whether you couldn't be in Anaheim or just didn’t have time to review all the featured technology, join us for this enlightening discussion.

Our expert Panel for this Event:

• David Lee King, Digital Branch and Services Manager at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library
• Sue Polanka, Head of Reference/Instruction, Wright State University Libraries, blogger and Author of No Shelf Required
• Marshall Breeding, Director for Innovative Technologies and Research for the Vanderbilt University Libraries

Are you dealing with funding cuts in your community?  At your school?  Are you frustrated with council members, legislators, administrators and others who do not understand the value you bring to the community?  In this online session you'll learn 10 insider tactics for effective influence that will increase your library's perceived value, as well as demonstrate why you are one of the best investments around.  And if 10 aren't enough, you'll get 10 more at the ALA annual meeting, particularly as they relate to the campaign season, which is an ideal time to capture everyone's attention.