It's a great time to put a learning opportunity on your calendar, and you'll have plenty of choices this month. Whether you're looking to pick up some programming ideas, sharpen your technology skills, or gather tips on curating a digital collection, there's something here to support your growth. The list, provided by the Maine State Library, includes a variety of webinar topics.

Effective written communication is a great tool in every library staffer’s tool belt. Often called business writing, professional communication includes emails to the director, letters to patrons, press releases, and policy recommendations. The second article in our library communications series provides tips and strategies for planning effective, compelling written communication for your intended audience. 

WebJunction is excited to announce the publication of three new LiFT (Library Foundational Training) courses to complete the new Library Catalog series.

These courses are part of the LiFT program of free, on-demand courses created to give staff and volunteers practical skills, build confidence, and strengthen foundational library knowledge. These four courses cover the basics of library catalogs and cataloging that all library staff should know. They are a great starting point for anyone seeking to learn more about this topic. 

AI is shaking up publishing, and staff at Salt Lake County Library shared their proactive approach in a recent WebJunction Webinar. The main takeaway: libraries cannot ignore AI-generated content. Instead, they must engage with it intentionally.

By grounding decisions in mission, developing collection policies based on that mission, prioritizing transparency and quality, and remaining flexible as technology evolves, libraries can continue to provide trusted access to information while adapting to a rapidly changing publishing landscape.