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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260415T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260415T123000
DTSTAMP:20260410T152035
CREATED:20260312T184642Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260312T184644Z
UID:10000413-1776252600-1776256200@planfl.org
SUMMARY:More Than Alt-Text: Practical Accessibility for Library Workers
DESCRIPTION:This webinar is exclusive to PLAN member libraries. \n\n\n\nThis session introduces practical\, achievable steps library staff can take to improve the accessibility of their library’s digital content. Moving beyond the basics\, participants will learn how to create accessible documents and PDFs\, use clear structure and plain language\, improve readability\, make social media posts more inclusive\, and recognize common barriers on library websites and online forms. \n\n\n\nThe session also covers how to collaborate effectively with IT staff and vendors to support broader accessibility efforts. Attendees will leave with concrete strategies they can apply immediately to better serve all patrons. \n\n\n\nBy the end of this session\, participants will be able to: \n\n\n\n\nRecognize common accessibility barriers in library websites\, documents\, forms\, and social media content.\n\n\n\nApply practical techniques to create accessible documents and PDFs using clear structure and plain language.\n\n\n\nImprove readability and usability of digital content through formatting and design choices.\n\n\n\nIncorporate inclusive practices into social media and online communications.\n\n\n\nUse effective questions and documentation strategies when collaborating with IT staff and vendors about accessibility.\n\n\n\n\nAbout the presenter: Lindsay O’Neill designs accessible\, inclusive learning experiences for adult professional audiences\, with a focus on higher education and libraries. Through her consulting practice\, she helps institutions create compliant\, engaging online learning that blends strong pedagogy with practical implementation. Her expertise spans accessibility compliance\, inclusive course design\, online teaching strategy\, and eLearning development.
URL:https://planfl.org/event/more-than-alt-text-practical-accessibility-for-library-workers/
CATEGORIES:Technology Competencies
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260415T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260415T140000
DTSTAMP:20260410T152035
CREATED:20260310T201053Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260311T145023Z
UID:10000405-1776258000-1776261600@planfl.org
SUMMARY:Developing Your Personal Archive
DESCRIPTION:This webinar is exclusive to PLAN member libraries. \n\n\n\nPersonal archiving involves capturing and protecting your “living history” to ensure that your experiences remain available for the duration of life- and for the benefit of future generations. Whether your history is contained in overflowing physical boxes\, or a sprawling digital footprint\, archival principles provide a roadmap to transform these materials from a stuff to be filed pile into your organized legacy. \n\n\n\nThis webinar will teach you how to get started putting together your personal archive\, allowing you to manage your memories methodically. \n\n\n\nBy the end of this program\, participants will be able to: \n\n\n\n\nDetermine which items have enduring informational\, evidentiary\, or intrinsic significance to their personal narrative\n\n\n\nOrganize their collection\n\n\n\nIdentify appropriate preservation guidelines for non-digital media\n\n\n\nBegin to outline a digital storage strategy\, including social media\n\n\n\n\nAbout the presenter: Mitchell Friedman\, EdD\, APR\, develops people. Known as an enthusiastic\, energetic\, and insightful educator and consultant\, he relishes opportunities to help others to develop their skills and abilities on the path to achieving their full potential. Dr. Friedman teaches leadership\, management communication\, organizational behavior\, and public relations at universities located throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Dr. Friedman also helps a range of organizations to develop the communications and leadership skills of their employees.
URL:https://planfl.org/event/developing-your-personal-archive/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260415T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260415T150000
DTSTAMP:20260410T152035
CREATED:20260204T221706Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260204T223547Z
UID:10000394-1776261600-1776265200@planfl.org
SUMMARY:Quick Wins for a Better Website with Laura Solomon
DESCRIPTION:Don’t have full control over your library’s website? That doesn’t mean you can’t make it better. \n\n\n\nIn this webinar\, you’ll discover simple\, high-impact tweaks that improve usability and give your patrons a smoother online experience. From refining your writing and navigation to adjusting graphics\, you’ll learn how even small changes can make a meaningful difference. \n\n\n\nWalk away with practical strategies you can implement right away – no major overhaul required. \n\n\n\nKey Takeaways: \n\n\n\n\nLearn how to make your website more user-friendly with small\, strategic changes\n\n\n\nDiscover quick fixes for writing\, navigation\, and graphics that improve usability\n\n\n\nUnderstand how to address patron needs even without full site control\n\n\n\nGain confidence in making incremental improvements that add up over time\n\n\n\n\nAbout the presenter: Laura Solomon\, CPACC\, MCIW\, MLS\, is the Library Services Manager at the Ohio Public Information Network and a W3C-certified front-end web developer. With nearly three decades of experience in web development and design\, Laura has honed her expertise in both public libraries and as an independent consultant\, specializing in Drupal development and in website accessibility. \n\n\n\nRecognized as a 2010 Library Journal Mover & Shaker\, she has authored books on social media and content marketing tailored for libraries\, as well as about library website design. She has dedicated many course hours to learning how to make websites accessible\, ensuring that digital spaces are inclusive for all users. \n\n\n\nLaura is a frequently-requested speaker for public library organizations\, sharing her passion for bringing the fun of technology to audiences and equipping libraries with the tools to better serve their virtual customers.
URL:https://planfl.org/event/quick-wins-for-a-better-website-with-laura-solomon/
CATEGORIES:Digital Resources
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260416T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260416T113000
DTSTAMP:20260410T152035
CREATED:20260323T140035Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260402T182216Z
UID:10000415-1776333600-1776339000@planfl.org
SUMMARY:Interactive Tools for Teaching and Presenting - 2 parts
DESCRIPTION:Part 1: April 16 from 10 AM to 11:30 AM CTPart 2: April 23 from 10 AM to 11:30 AM CT \n\n\n\nHow do we truly engage our audience when presenting ideas\, welcoming new users\, or teaching? There are plenty of freely available tools which allow more interaction\, which can be used either instead of or alongside traditional presentation tools like PowerPoint. The great thing is they work equally well in online environments like Zoom or Teams\, or in person when presenting face-to-face. \n\n\n\nWe’ll explore a range of tools including Menti – a surprisingly versatile quizzing tool in which you can create slides and entire presentations; Google Slides – the Google equivalent to PowerPoint with one crucial interactive Q&A feature added; and Padlet – an interactive board that allows your audience to collaborate with you and each other. \n\n\n\nBy the end of the training participants will have learned about a variety of interactive tools\, tried them all out\, and be able to make an informed choice as to when to use them in their presentations\, lectures\, workshops\, or orientation sessions. \n\n\n\nAbout the presenter: Ned Potter is the Faculty Engagement Manager: Community & UX at the University of York\, and a Trainer for various organizations including the Bodleian Libraries and the British Library. He has run library workshops across four continents\, and his presentations have been viewed over 2.5 million times online. His book The Library Marketing Toolkit was published by Facet in 2012. Ned can be found online at ned-potter.com and on Bluesky at @nedpotter.bsky.social.
URL:https://planfl.org/event/interactive-tools-for-teaching-and-presenting-part-1/
CATEGORIES:Digital Resources
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260416T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260416T140000
DTSTAMP:20260410T152035
CREATED:20260317T152749Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260317T152935Z
UID:10000414-1776344400-1776348000@planfl.org
SUMMARY:Domestic Violence: A Conversation with Dr. Carolyn West
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://planfl.org/event/domestic-violence-a-conversation-with-dr-carolyn-west/
CATEGORIES:Homelessness Issues,Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=application/pdf:https://planfl.org/wp-content/uploads/20260416dowd-1.pdf
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260422T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260422T140000
DTSTAMP:20260410T152035
CREATED:20260310T202555Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T202556Z
UID:10000406-1776862800-1776866400@planfl.org
SUMMARY:Help! I Have Too Much Empathy! How to Manage Staff When You Feel Too Much
DESCRIPTION:This webinar is exclusive to PLAN member libraries. \n\n\n\nThere are a lot of trainings on how to develop more empathy\, but what do you do when you have too much empathy? Are you someone who can walk into a room and feel what everyone is feeling? \n\n\n\nDo you have difficulty maintaining boundaries with staff because they feel comfortable sharing so much with you? Are difficult conversations difficult because you can feel the emotions from the other person? This ability makes it difficult to manage and lead other people. \n\n\n\nIn this session we’ll learn what it means to be an empath\, how that ability can make us strong and effective leaders\, and some tools\, tips\, and tricks to setting boundaries\, taking care of yourself\, and being the best leader to help your staff succeed. \n\n\n\nAbout the presenter: Connie Sureck has been in libraries for the past 18 years in Virginia and Ohio and has served in various leadership and management roles for about 15 years. Connie has presented at multiple conferences and conventions for both the Ohio Library Council and the Northeast Ohio Regional Library System and has been involved in OLC action councils and program committees. She was part of the succession plan for chairing the convention\, serving as Program Committee Chair in 2016 and then Convention Chair in 2017. She’s been with the Medina County District Library since 2009\, taking a short break for a couple of years to manage a branch at the Stark County District Library\, and then came back and is currently the branch manager at the Brunswick Library.
URL:https://planfl.org/event/help-i-have-too-much-empathy-how-to-manage-staff-when-you-feel-too-much/
CATEGORIES:Library Management Competencies
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260429T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260429T140000
DTSTAMP:20260410T152035
CREATED:20260310T204206Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T204938Z
UID:10000407-1777467600-1777471200@planfl.org
SUMMARY:Leading From the Middle
DESCRIPTION:This webinar is exclusive to PLAN member libraries. \n\n\n\nDo you have more than one boss at your library? Do you have lots of responsibility\, but little authority? Are you working between multiple departments? Are you looking to improve your communications skills with your managers and your direct reports? If so\, this webinar can help you communicate better and manage up\, and down. \n\n\n\nIn this program\, participants will learn about: \n\n\n\n\nCommunication techniques for communicating with upper management and employees\n\n\n\nPrioritizing tasks and setting goals\n\n\n\nPerformance evaluation strategies: How to better give and receive feedback\n\n\n\nTime management concerns: How to organize and prioritize your time to meet multiple (and sometimes competing) goals\n\n\n\n\nAbout the presenter: Carrie Rogers-Whitehead is the founder and CEO of Digital Respons-Ability\, a mission-based company that educates tens of thousands of students\, parents and teachers through in-person and online courses across the country. She has written two books for librarians around adolescents: Teen Fandom and Geek Programming: a Practical Guide for Librarians and the ALA-award winning Serving Teens and Adults and the Autism Spectrum: a Guide for Libraries and continues to work with teens.
URL:https://planfl.org/event/leading-from-the-middle/
CATEGORIES:Leadership
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260505T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260505T150000
DTSTAMP:20260410T152035
CREATED:20260324T133626Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260324T133628Z
UID:10000419-1777989600-1777993200@planfl.org
SUMMARY:How To Get the Most Out of a Conference with Linda Bruno
DESCRIPTION:Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned conference-goer\, there are many ways to improve your conference experience.  \n\n\n\nWith the conferences often on the horizon\, now is the time to think about the ingredients that go into a successful conference experience. \n\n\n\nIn this 60-minute webinar\, we’ll look at 3 areas to think about- the before\, during\, and after of the conference. We’ll cover some basic things such as how to save money. We’ll also delve deeper and reflect on how you move through the world – are you an introvert or extrovert? What’s that got to do with your level of enjoyment and/or how much you will absorb? \n\n\n\nConferences can be fun\, exciting\, educational\, eye-opening – and tiring. Come to this webinar to make sure you experience the first 4 adjectives and only experience the last one because the first 4 were so abundant! \n\n\n\nAbout the presenter: Linda has been developing and conducting training workshops for libraries for more than fifteen years. Her favorite thing to do is to help people become their best selves! \n\n\n\nThat’s why she offers workshops on topics ranging from Leadership Skills to Emotional Intelligence – and lots of areas in between.
URL:https://planfl.org/event/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-a-conference-with-linda-bruno/
CATEGORIES:Professional Development
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260506T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260506T123000
DTSTAMP:20260410T152035
CREATED:20260310T210807Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T211023Z
UID:10000408-1778067000-1778070600@planfl.org
SUMMARY:Weeding Popular Materials Collections
DESCRIPTION:This webinar is exclusive to PLAN member libraries. \n\n\n\nWhen it comes to books\, we all like to buy! However\, selecting materials is only half of the collection development process. Book hoarding does not create a useful collection. Weeding\, or deselecting materials\, must receive equal and continuous attention as selection to have a truly patron driven collection that serves its community. \n\n\n\nAs increasing demands tax libraries’ limited resources\, every item in a physical collection must justify its shelf space; while every item\, both physical and digital\, vies for patrons’ time and attention. We’ll discuss practical advice for weeding popular materials collections for youth or adults across formats. Along the way\, I’ll debunk some popular weeding excuses. \n\n\n\nUpon completion\, participants will be able to: \n\n\n\n\nArticulate to internal and external stakeholders that weeding is equally as important to collection development\n\n\n\nImplement logical\, rigorous weeding doctrines within their popular materials collections\n\n\n\nWeed to create space for new collections\, highlight materials\, and increase circulation with confidence\n\n\n\nPromote patron-driven collection policies and revitalize collections\n\n\n\n\nWho will benefit from this program: \n\n\n\n\nAll staff that interact with the collection and the public\n\n\n\nStaff who select for the collection\n\n\n\nStaff who maintain the collection\n\n\n\n\nAbout the presenter: Karen Toonen is the Collection Services Manager at Naperville Public Library\, the second-highest circulating public library in Illinois. Throughout her time as a Readers Advisory Assistant\, and Adult Services Librarian\, and in Technical Services\, Karen has remained focused on collections. She has presented extensively on weeding and other collection development aspects at the regional\, state\, and national level. Her service on the Adult Reading Round Table’s Steering Committee has not only allowed her to learn about weeding from colleagues across northern Illinois but also informed her philosophy that weeding and readers advisory go hand in hand.
URL:https://planfl.org/event/weeding-popular-materials-collections-2/
CATEGORIES:Collection Development
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260506T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260506T140000
DTSTAMP:20260410T152035
CREATED:20260310T211737Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T211739Z
UID:10000409-1778072400-1778076000@planfl.org
SUMMARY:Get Smart About Emotional Intelligence: Enhance Your Effectiveness
DESCRIPTION:This webinar is exclusive to PLAN member libraries. \n\n\n\nEmotional intelligence (EI) is being able to perceive\, interpret\, and respond to your emotions and those of others. It is crucial for working collaboratively and effectively and having difficult conversations. \n\n\n\nPeople with more emotional intelligence tend to be more resilient\, better decision makers\, more effective leaders\, better communicators\, have more self-awareness and self-control\, and more success in life overall. \n\n\n\nThe good news is that EI can be learned and developed. Discover how to harness the power of emotions for more effective interactions! \n\n\n\nAs a result of this program attendees will: \n\n\n\n\nDefine emotional intelligence and describe its 4 domains\n\n\n\nExplain the benefits of emotional intelligence in the workplace\n\n\n\nDescribe 4 ways you can improve your EI\n\n\n\n\nAbout the presenter: Laura Greco spent more than 20 years in nursing before focusing on coaching and speaking to help professionals live vibrantly with joy and purpose. She believes that mindset and self-care of body\, mind\, and spirit\, are cornerstones for well-being and that we all have the capacity to make positive lifestyle changes. Her work highlights simple action steps and why they work. Laura has a BSN (University of Michigan)\, master’s in adult education (Penn State)\, trainings from HeartMath and the Mass General Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine\, and certifications in wellness coaching from both Wellcoaches and Center for Credentialing and Education. Her books include Wellness Made Simple and Wellness Made Simple for Residents. You can find more information on her website www.YouBloomWellness.com.
URL:https://planfl.org/event/get-smart-about-emotional-intelligence-enhance-your-effectiveness/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260513T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260513T110000
DTSTAMP:20260410T152035
CREATED:20260121T221051Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260121T221053Z
UID:10000386-1778666400-1778670000@planfl.org
SUMMARY:Artificial Intelligence Discussion Group
DESCRIPTION:Curious about artificial intelligence? Want to learn what others are trying\, or get answers to your own questions?  \n\n\n\nJoin us for our upcoming AI discussion group the first Wednesday of each month (except March and May\, when we’ll meet the second Wednesday)! \n\n\n\nEveryone is welcome\, whether you’re brand‑new to AI or already experimenting with tools. Come ready to share your experiences or simply listen and ask questions. It’s a relaxed\, peer‑to‑peer space to explore what’s possible.
URL:https://planfl.org/event/artificial-intelligence-discussion-group/2026-05-13/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260513T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260513T140000
DTSTAMP:20260410T152035
CREATED:20260310T212539Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T212541Z
UID:10000410-1778677200-1778680800@planfl.org
SUMMARY:You're Not a Social Worker\, But...
DESCRIPTION:This webinar is exclusive to PLAN member libraries. \n\n\n\nWhile library staff are not trained social workers\, they are often placed in situations that require empathy\, de-escalation\, and informed referrals due to the growing complex behavioral\, and social-emotional needs within their branch communities. \n\n\n\nThis webinar is designed to provide practical\, realistic tools that library professionals can use within their role and scope\, without expecting them to replace trained clinicians or social service providers. \n\n\n\nAttendees will learn how to: \n\n\n\n● Communicate with patrons using empathy while maintaining professional boundaries \n\n\n\n● Recognize and manage personal bias\, stress reactions\, and emotional triggers \n\n\n\n● Build and leverage relationships to connect patrons with appropriate community resources \n\n\n\nWho will benefit from this program: \n\n\n\nThis training is ideal for library staff\, customer service representatives\, frontline professionals\, supervisors\, and administrators who regularly interact with the public and encounter patrons experiencing mental/emotional distress\, crisis\, or other complex life challenges. \n\n\n\nAbout the presenter: Bryanta L. Spencer\, LISW-S\, is the Founder and CEO of Fortitude Wellness & Consultations and the Social Work Manager of the Cuyahoga County Public Library system. Holding certifications in trauma\, integrative medicine\, and mental health first aid she specializes in therapeutic services\, clinical supervision\, professional development and consulting for organizations\, schools\, and community-based systems. Bryanta is known for her out-of-the-box thinking\, charismatic engagement style\, and practical equity centered trauma-informed trainings that bridges real-world challenges with clarity and impact. Her work focuses on strengthening frontline professionals and helping institutions better service the underserved and unseen with dignity\, skill\, and compassion.
URL:https://planfl.org/event/youre-not-a-social-worker-but/
CATEGORIES:Challenging Patrons
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260513T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260513T150000
DTSTAMP:20260410T152035
CREATED:20260204T223425Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260204T223503Z
UID:10000395-1778680800-1778684400@planfl.org
SUMMARY:The Power of Color in Library Marketing
DESCRIPTION:Can color really affect how people feel about your library? Research says yes. The colors you choose can shape emotion\, trust\, and engagement – and they play a big role in how your brand and promotions are perceived online. In this one-hour webinar\, you’ll get a practical\, library-focused introduction to color theory for marketing and social media. Learn which colors work best for different purposes\, how to use them strategically\, and how thoughtful color choices can make your online presence more engaging and effective. \n\n\n\nKey Takeaways: \n\n\n\n\nUnderstand the basics of color theory and how it applies to libraries\n\n\n\nLearn how different colors can influence emotions and perceptions;\n\n\n\nDiscover which color choices work best for branding\, marketing\, and social media.\n\n\n\n\nAbout the presenter: Laura Solomon\, CPACC\, MCIW\, MLS\, is the Library Services Manager at the Ohio Public Information Network and a W3C-certified front-end web developer. With nearly three decades of experience in web development and design\, Laura has honed her expertise in both public libraries and as an independent consultant\, specializing in Drupal development and in website accessibility. \n\n\n\nRecognized as a 2010 Library Journal Mover & Shaker\, she has authored books on social media and content marketing tailored for libraries\, as well as about library website design. She has dedicated many course hours to learning how to make websites accessible\, ensuring that digital spaces are inclusive for all users. \n\n\n\nLaura is a frequently-requested speaker for public library organizations\, sharing her passion for bringing the fun of technology to audiences and equipping libraries with the tools to better serve their virtual customers.
URL:https://planfl.org/event/the-power-of-color-in-library-marketing/
CATEGORIES:Marketing
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260520T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260520T140000
DTSTAMP:20260410T152035
CREATED:20260310T213317Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T213319Z
UID:10000411-1779282000-1779285600@planfl.org
SUMMARY:Cataloging for Non-Catalogers
DESCRIPTION:This webinar is exclusive to PLAN member libraries. \n\n\n\nWherever you work in the library\, knowledge of some basic cataloging will enhance and improve your skills in library work. This will serve as a brief introduction to cataloging for non-catalogers and will help you to understand cataloging’s purpose\, its goals\, and some of its terminology\, especially the changes you may have been seeing with the implementation of RDA recently. \n\n\n\nJoin catalogers Christopher Hill\, McKenna Leckrone and Jessica C. Williams for an hour of focus on the catalog and bibliographic records. MARC may seem intimidating\, but there are rules and guidelines that help catalogers create bibliographic records that make it possible for you and patrons to find the exact material you are looking for. \n\n\n\nAs a result of this program\, attendees will learn: \n\n\n\n● The catalog from both staff and user view \n\n\n\n● Bibliographic records \n\n\n\n● The ins and outs of MARC \n\n\n\n● Authority records \n\n\n\nWho will benefit from this program: \n\n\n\n\nAll staff that interacts with patrons\n\n\n\nAll circulation staff members\n\n\n\nTechnical Services staff not directly cataloging\n\n\n\n\nAbout the presenters: \n\n\n\nChris Hill is a Cataloging Librarian II with Greene County Public Library and has held this position since December 2011. He has been cataloging library materials since 2003 and has been working in libraries since 1996. \n\n\n\nMcKenna Leckrone is the Head Cataloger at the Avon Lake Public Library near Cleveland\, Ohio. She has been working in libraries for almost 20 years and began her career as a public library page\, eventually working in circulation\, reference\, marketing\, technology and IT\, and now cataloging. \n\n\n\nJessica C. Williams has been a cataloger at Cleveland Public Library since 2023. Formerly Information Services Librarian at Tiffin-Seneca Public Library\, she transitioned to Technical Services Librarian-Cataloging at T-SPL in 2022. She started in libraries as a public library page in 2000. \n\n\n\nAll presenters are current leadership for the Ohio Library Council Technical Services Division Action Council.
URL:https://planfl.org/event/cataloging-for-non-catalogers/
CATEGORIES:Cataloging
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260527T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260527T140000
DTSTAMP:20260410T152035
CREATED:20260310T213933Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T214150Z
UID:10000412-1779886800-1779890400@planfl.org
SUMMARY:Bots\, Books and Bedtime Stories: Spotting AI-Generated Books in Children's Collections
DESCRIPTION:This webinar is exclusive to PLAN member libraries. \n\n\n\nChildren’s librarians are on the front lines of a rapidly shifting landscape\, as generative AI enters children’s publishing and AI-generated books increasingly appear on Amazon\, self-publishing platforms\, and from library vendors. These titles can be difficult to identify\, often mimicking traditional authorship\, illustration styles\, and series branding while lacking transparency about their creation. This trend raises concerns about the veracity of library collections. \n\n\n\nThis webinar will equip librarians and selectors with practical tools to critically evaluate children’s books for signs of AI generation. Participants will explore real-world examples\, discuss ethical and collection development implications\, and learn strategies for making informed\, defensible decisions that support quality\, authenticity\, and trust in children’s literature collections. \n\n\n\nAs a result of this program\, attendees will learn how to: \n\n\n\n● Identify four common indicators of AI-generated children’s books in print and digital collections. \n\n\n\n● Distinguish between acceptable AI-assisted creation and fully AI-generated content when reviewing titles for purchase or retention. \n\n\n\n● Make informed\, defensible collection decisions using professional standards. \n\n\n\nWho will benefit from this program: \n\n\n\n\nChildren’s and Youth Services Librarians\n\n\n\nCollection Development Librarians\n\n\n\nSchool Librarians and Media Specialists\n\n\n\nLibrary Administrators developing AI policy\n\n\n\n\nAbout the presenter: Kira Smith has been a Virtual Reference Specialist with Florida’s Ask A Librarian service for over 16 years and is a recipient of multiple Exemplary Reference Awards. In addition to her work in virtual reference\, Kira freelances as a research consultant for journalists\, providing fact-finding\, source verification\, and background research. She also regularly designs and presents professional development webinars for librarians\, focusing on online reference\, information literacy\, and emerging issues affecting library practice. Kira’s professional background includes experience as an elementary school teacher and a certified childbirth educator. She is particularly interested in how new technologies — including generative AI — affect information quality\, trust\, and decision-making in library collections.
URL:https://planfl.org/event/bots-books-and-bedtime-stories-spotting-ai-generated-books-in-childrens-collections/
CATEGORIES:Collection Development
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260603T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260603T110000
DTSTAMP:20260410T152035
CREATED:20260121T221051Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260121T221053Z
UID:10000387-1780480800-1780484400@planfl.org
SUMMARY:Artificial Intelligence Discussion Group
DESCRIPTION:Curious about artificial intelligence? Want to learn what others are trying\, or get answers to your own questions?  \n\n\n\nJoin us for our upcoming AI discussion group the first Wednesday of each month (except March and May\, when we’ll meet the second Wednesday)! \n\n\n\nEveryone is welcome\, whether you’re brand‑new to AI or already experimenting with tools. Come ready to share your experiences or simply listen and ask questions. It’s a relaxed\, peer‑to‑peer space to explore what’s possible.
URL:https://planfl.org/event/artificial-intelligence-discussion-group/2026-06-03/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260603T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260603T150000
DTSTAMP:20260410T152036
CREATED:20260204T224553Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260205T141802Z
UID:10000396-1780495200-1780498800@planfl.org
SUMMARY:Website Makeovers Live!
DESCRIPTION:Ever wish you could see exactly how to make your library’s website look better- and why certain changes work? In this highly interactive webinar\, you’ll watch as real library websites are redesigned live\, with each decision explained step by step. From layout adjustments to visual refreshes\, you’ll see practical design improvements in action and learn how to apply the same principles to your own site. Attendees will also have the chance to submit their websites for consideration as makeover candidates before the session. \n\n\n\nKey Takeaways: \n\n\n\n\nWatch live demonstrations of website redesigns in real time\n\n\n\nUnderstand the reasoning behind each design decision\n\n\n\nGain practical tips you can immediately apply to your own website\n\n\n\nSee how small changes can create a more polished and user-friendly site\n\n\n\n\nAbout the presenter: Laura Solomon\, CPACC\, MCIW\, MLS\, is the Library Services Manager at the Ohio Public Information Network and a W3C-certified front-end web developer. With nearly three decades of experience in web development and design\, Laura has honed her expertise in both public libraries and as an independent consultant\, specializing in Drupal development and in website accessibility. \n\n\n\nRecognized as a 2010 Library Journal Mover & Shaker\, she has authored books on social media and content marketing tailored for libraries\, as well as about library website design. She has dedicated many course hours to learning how to make websites accessible\, ensuring that digital spaces are inclusive for all users. \n\n\n\nLaura is a frequently-requested speaker for public library organizations\, sharing her passion for bringing the fun of technology to audiences and equipping libraries with the tools to better serve their virtual customers.
URL:https://planfl.org/event/website-makeovers-live/
CATEGORIES:Digital Resources
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260701T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260701T110000
DTSTAMP:20260410T152036
CREATED:20260121T221051Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260121T221053Z
UID:10000388-1782900000-1782903600@planfl.org
SUMMARY:Artificial Intelligence Discussion Group
DESCRIPTION:Curious about artificial intelligence? Want to learn what others are trying\, or get answers to your own questions?  \n\n\n\nJoin us for our upcoming AI discussion group the first Wednesday of each month (except March and May\, when we’ll meet the second Wednesday)! \n\n\n\nEveryone is welcome\, whether you’re brand‑new to AI or already experimenting with tools. Come ready to share your experiences or simply listen and ask questions. It’s a relaxed\, peer‑to‑peer space to explore what’s possible.
URL:https://planfl.org/event/artificial-intelligence-discussion-group/2026-07-01/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260708T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260708T120000
DTSTAMP:20260410T152036
CREATED:20260323T142613Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T145552Z
UID:10000417-1783504800-1783512000@planfl.org
SUMMARY:Managing Difficult Conversations Online
DESCRIPTION:The more we successfully promote the library online\, the higher the chances of attracting negative or problematic attention. This session focuses on how to encourage and then manage engagement with your social media\, especially when covering conversations around controversial topics\, or themes which encourage trolling online. We’ll look at how to categorize difficult conversations\, when and when not to respond\, and how to engage. \n\n\n\nAbout the presenter: Ned Potter is the Faculty Engagement Manager: Community & UX at the University of York\, and a Trainer for various organizations including the Bodleian Libraries and the British Library. He has run library workshops across four continents\, and his presentations have been viewed over 2.5 million times online. His book The Library Marketing Toolkit was published by Facet in 2012. Ned can be found online at ned-potter.com and on Bluesky at @nedpotter.bsky.social
URL:https://planfl.org/event/managing-difficult-conversations-online/
CATEGORIES:Community Engagement
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260805T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260805T110000
DTSTAMP:20260410T152036
CREATED:20260121T221051Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260121T221053Z
UID:10000389-1785924000-1785927600@planfl.org
SUMMARY:Artificial Intelligence Discussion Group
DESCRIPTION:Curious about artificial intelligence? Want to learn what others are trying\, or get answers to your own questions?  \n\n\n\nJoin us for our upcoming AI discussion group the first Wednesday of each month (except March and May\, when we’ll meet the second Wednesday)! \n\n\n\nEveryone is welcome\, whether you’re brand‑new to AI or already experimenting with tools. Come ready to share your experiences or simply listen and ask questions. It’s a relaxed\, peer‑to‑peer space to explore what’s possible.
URL:https://planfl.org/event/artificial-intelligence-discussion-group/2026-08-05/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260902T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260902T110000
DTSTAMP:20260410T152036
CREATED:20260121T221051Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260121T221053Z
UID:10000390-1788343200-1788346800@planfl.org
SUMMARY:Artificial Intelligence Discussion Group
DESCRIPTION:Curious about artificial intelligence? Want to learn what others are trying\, or get answers to your own questions?  \n\n\n\nJoin us for our upcoming AI discussion group the first Wednesday of each month (except March and May\, when we’ll meet the second Wednesday)! \n\n\n\nEveryone is welcome\, whether you’re brand‑new to AI or already experimenting with tools. Come ready to share your experiences or simply listen and ask questions. It’s a relaxed\, peer‑to‑peer space to explore what’s possible.
URL:https://planfl.org/event/artificial-intelligence-discussion-group/2026-09-02/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260902T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260902T120000
DTSTAMP:20260410T152036
CREATED:20260323T144717Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T144718Z
UID:10000418-1788343200-1788350400@planfl.org
SUMMARY:PowerPoint is Your Secret Weapon
DESCRIPTION:PowerPoint is a surprisingly versatile tool which can go far beyond creating traditional presentations. Because the interface is familiar it can be a really simple tool to use for a wide variety of tasks\, and we’ll see examples of many different content types in the session. \n\n\n\nThis in-depth hands-on workshop will look at PowerPoint interactivity\, PowerPoint as a creator of brilliant posters or digital content for screens and social media\, and even PowerPoint as a creator of video. \n\n\n\nAbout the presenter: Ned Potter is the Faculty Engagement Manager: Community & UX at the University of York\, and a Trainer for various organizations including the Bodleian Libraries and the British Library. He has run library workshops across four continents\, and his presentations have been viewed over 2.5 million times online. His book The Library Marketing Toolkit was published by Facet in 2012. Ned can be found online at ned-potter.com and on Bluesky at @nedpotter.bsky.social
URL:https://planfl.org/event/powerpoint-is-your-secret-weapon/
CATEGORIES:Digital Resources
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261007T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261007T110000
DTSTAMP:20260410T152036
CREATED:20260121T221051Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260121T221053Z
UID:10000391-1791367200-1791370800@planfl.org
SUMMARY:Artificial Intelligence Discussion Group
DESCRIPTION:Curious about artificial intelligence? Want to learn what others are trying\, or get answers to your own questions?  \n\n\n\nJoin us for our upcoming AI discussion group the first Wednesday of each month (except March and May\, when we’ll meet the second Wednesday)! \n\n\n\nEveryone is welcome\, whether you’re brand‑new to AI or already experimenting with tools. Come ready to share your experiences or simply listen and ask questions. It’s a relaxed\, peer‑to‑peer space to explore what’s possible.
URL:https://planfl.org/event/artificial-intelligence-discussion-group/2026-10-07/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261104T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261104T110000
DTSTAMP:20260410T152036
CREATED:20260121T221051Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260121T221053Z
UID:10000392-1793786400-1793790000@planfl.org
SUMMARY:Artificial Intelligence Discussion Group
DESCRIPTION:Curious about artificial intelligence? Want to learn what others are trying\, or get answers to your own questions?  \n\n\n\nJoin us for our upcoming AI discussion group the first Wednesday of each month (except March and May\, when we’ll meet the second Wednesday)! \n\n\n\nEveryone is welcome\, whether you’re brand‑new to AI or already experimenting with tools. Come ready to share your experiences or simply listen and ask questions. It’s a relaxed\, peer‑to‑peer space to explore what’s possible.
URL:https://planfl.org/event/artificial-intelligence-discussion-group/2026-11-04/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261202T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261202T110000
DTSTAMP:20260410T152036
CREATED:20260121T221051Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260121T221053Z
UID:10000393-1796205600-1796209200@planfl.org
SUMMARY:Artificial Intelligence Discussion Group
DESCRIPTION:Curious about artificial intelligence? Want to learn what others are trying\, or get answers to your own questions?  \n\n\n\nJoin us for our upcoming AI discussion group the first Wednesday of each month (except March and May\, when we’ll meet the second Wednesday)! \n\n\n\nEveryone is welcome\, whether you’re brand‑new to AI or already experimenting with tools. Come ready to share your experiences or simply listen and ask questions. It’s a relaxed\, peer‑to‑peer space to explore what’s possible.
URL:https://planfl.org/event/artificial-intelligence-discussion-group/2026-12-02/
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR