Free December webinars for library staff
It's a great time to put a learning opportunity on your calendar, and here are a lot of free choices. 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.
View and subscribe to the Maine State Library Continuing Education (CE) Calendar here.
Do you have a free program that you would like us to consider for next month? Submit it by the 20th here.
Questions or Comments? Email us: [email protected]
December 1
Building Resilience through Adaptive Management (Nonprofit Learning Lab)
Discover how adaptive management helps nonprofits thrive amid uncertainty. Learn practical approaches to creating feedback loops, fostering a "test and learn" mindset, and making smart adjustments while staying mission-focused. Walk away with simple tools to make your organization more agile and effective right away.
December 2
First Tuesdays: Open Data for Libraries-A Toolkit (Washington State Library)
Explore the newly completed Open Data Toolkit for Libraries and learn about how changes to IMLS funding have impacted the project. In our data-driven world, libraries can play a key role in their communities by collecting and publishing local open data—data that is openly accessible and usable by anyone—and educating constituents in its use. The benefits of open data include greater government transparency, increased civic engagement, and the ability for organizations and individuals to make better decisions. The Toolkit has been designed to enable even the smallest to contribute to the open data infrastructure.
The Art of the Possible In Action: Turning Data into Decisions (TechSoup)
Turn vision into action with practical strategies for building a data-driven nonprofit. This session dives into creating a unified data ecosystem using Microsoft Fabric and Synapse Analytics, empowering your organization to make informed decisions. We’ll also cover essential practices in data protection and governance to ensure that your data is accessible, understandable, and responsibly managed. We’ll continue using the donor retention case study to show how each concept applies in practice and how you can move from idea to implementation.
Mission Telecom’s E-Rate Support (Libraries for Digital Equity)
When E-Rate funding fell short, many schools and libraries were left without affordable Wi-Fi options. Mission Telecom has stepped in to fill this E-Rate gap, ensuring students and patrons stay connected. Join us for a 45-minute conversation on how Mission Telecom is extending support for institutions impacted by E-Rate cuts and simplifying the process of keeping Wi-Fi programs running. We’ll cover how to get started, what the transition process looks like, and how our reliable service performs in both rural and urban environments. You’ll also hear how our nonprofit model keeps schools and libraries’ connectivity affordable and sustainable long after the first year. Beverly Sutherland will also discuss how her Education Technology Funds support schools and libraries through the E-Rate process and beyond.
Ask Me Anything: Emergency Funding (Candid Learning)
Lost federal support and/or grants and need emergency funding? Curious how to create and implement an emergency fundraising plan? You're not alone. There has never been a more important time to learn individual major gifts prospecting.
AI in Action: How a Library Leader Is Empowering Students with Artificial Intelligence (Follett)
How do you introduce students to artificial intelligence in a way that’s meaningful, responsible, and engaging? Library leader Shannon McClintock Miller is doing just that – and reshaping what library learning looks like. Join us for a live conversation with Shannon as she shares how she’s using AI tools to foster creativity, support research, and build essential digital literacy skills in her library. You’ll get a firsthand look at how she integrates AI in student learning, sparks curiosity among learners of all ages, and more. Whether you’re curious about the role of AI in your library or looking for ideas to bring to your district, this session will offer practical inspiration – and a thoughtful lens – on what’s possible.
Libraries Supporting Small Business Skills for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals (WebJunction)
Gwinnett County Public Library and St. Louis County Public Library have innovative programs that help formerly incarcerated community members build skills to grow businesses and form professional connections. Learn how these libraries have become a supportive environment to build knowledge and skills in finance, marketing, licensing, and how to write a business plan.
December 3
Academic AI in Action: Enhancing Library Services with Alma (Library Journal)
Not long ago, artificial intelligence felt like something far on the horizon - a promise for the future. Today, AI is already part of everyday library life, changing how librarians work, make decisions, and connect with their communities. In this session, experts from Ex Libris’ Alma will share how the close-knit Alma user community is helping shape the future of libraries through collaboration and shared innovation. Participants will learn how AI is being applied in practical ways - from streamlining copy cataloging and suggesting subject headings to generating insights from library data that support informed, data-driven decisions. The session will introduce Alma Insights, which makes library data easier to access and interpret; explore how AI agents and assistants can assist staff in daily tasks; discuss upcoming developments for AI Metadata and cataloging; and examine how AI can increase the visibility of collections to patrons as an integrated part of the patron experience. Whether you’re curious about automation, planning for the future, or looking to elevate your library’s impact, this webinar offers inspiration, practical examples, and a glimpse into what’s possible when librarians and AI work together.
Social Media Show & Tell! (Nebraska Library Commission)
Social media platforms offer a great way to communicate and engage with patrons, but creating and posting content can seem overwhelming. What types of content should I share? How often should I post, and where? How do I make the most impact with my limited staff time? This fast-paced session will allow participants to share their successes, failures and ongoing challenges. Through guided conversation, the presenter will share some social media tips and tricks, then ask the audience to add theirs. At the end, participants will take home a full list of ideas, tips, and tricks. Come ready to share!
Start Your 2026 Grant Strategy Off Right! (CharityHowTo)
As the calendar year begins to wind down and you think about the new year, are you also thinking about how to strengthen your grant-seeking strategy in the upcoming year? Starting your year off with a strong plan and clear goals in place will ensure that you secure the funding necessary to achieve your goals for grant revenue. This webinar will provide you with a strong understanding of your success in 2025 and how to set goals for 2026 that will help expand your grant-seeking strategy and revenue. We will also discuss how to increase the engagement of your colleagues in being part of the grant planning process to further increase your success.
How to Identify, Plan, & Deliver Needed Training in 2026 (Nonprofit Hub)
The end of the year is the perfect time to look ahead and decide what training will help staff and volunteers do their work more effectively in 2026. Taking the time to plan now can help ensure you focus on the right things later. When you plan ahead, you give your team time to prepare, budget, and align training with goals that matter most to your organization. You also create the space to think strategically—connecting training to your mission, upcoming projects, and performance goals rather than responding only to urgent issues.
Beyond Survival: Building a Sustainable Nonprofit Model (GrantStation)
Every nonprofit reaches a crossroads: will it continue reacting to challenges or take intentional steps toward lasting impact? In today’s environment, where funding sources shift and community needs evolve, true sustainability goes far beyond survival. It’s about building the systems, leadership, and strategy that allow your mission to thrive through change. During this webinar, nonprofit strategist Danette O’Connell will help your organizations move from reactive to strategic. Drawing on years of experience guiding nonprofits through growth and transition, Danette will share a roadmap for creating stability, strengthening leadership, and aligning mission with long-term goals. Whether your organization is just getting started or scaling for greater impact, this session will equip you with the tools, clarity, and confidence to build a nonprofit that not only survives, but thrives.
Page Turners and Heart Burners: The Art of YA Romance (Bookist)
Join Booklist and Random House Children's Books for Page Turners and Heart Burners: The Art of YA Romance, a free one-hour webinar. This panel will feature popular YA romance authors Kristy Boyce (ROLLS AND RIVALRY), Sarah Beth Durst (THE FARAWAY INN), Angela Montoya (CARNIVAL FANTÁSTICO), and Amélie Wen Zhao (THE DRAGON AND THE SUN LOTUS) who will share insights on how they select subgenres and themes to craft compelling romance stories that resonate with teen readers. Discover the creative process behind building diverse and exciting love stories and enjoy an open conversation about the evolving landscape of YA romance. Register now! Moderated by Booklist's Books for Youth associate editor Kelly Ferreira.
Recruiting and Engaging Volunteers (Niche Academy)
If you find yourself struggling to find and manage volunteers, you’re not alone. It’s hard to recruit enough people—couple that with the challenge of keeping them motivated and engaged. It’s a recipe for burnout and feeling like you’re spinning your wheels. Imagine, instead, a fully staffed volunteer program with motivated, skilled individuals, allowing you to reclaim your time for the strategic work you’d prefer to focus on. In this session, you will learn: Innovative strategies to identify and attract the right volunteers for your cause; How to create an onboarding process that sparks immediate excitement and sets volunteers up for success; Techniques for ongoing engagement and training that foster independence and long-term dedication.
December 4
Academic Library Collection Trends (ProQuest/Clarivate)
What data is telling us about aggregated content. Join Clarivate as we present key findings from an exploration into the collections of 171 U.S. academic libraries, published in our recent report “Current trends in academic library collections.” Librarian and Clarivate analyst Aimee Leverette-Green will lead the session, providing insights into the type of content academic librarians are relying on and prioritizing in their collections. Aimee will take a deep dive into: Aggregated content, including its evolution since the 1970s; Why it’s become a strategic anchor in collections; What its future looks like.
AT to support executive function in early childhood (PACER Center)
Learning executive function skills is a key part of early childhood development. These skills include managing emotions, building focus and attention, and developing an understanding of time. This webinar will explore a variety of assistive technology (AT) tools like emotional supports, timers, visual schedules, and sensory items to help young children build these important skills.
Building Stronger Schools: Partnering with Blackbaud K–12 (Blackbaud)
Join us for an engaging webinar featuring a panel of Blackbaud K–12 customers. During this session, our panelists will share their experiences and insights on the value of partnering with Blackbaud for their schools. This webinar will cover key topics such as improving the family experience, increasing enrollment and a better student experience, providing valuable takeaways for attendees. Whether you're a current Blackbaud customer or interested in learning more about how Blackbaud supports K–12 schools, this conversation will offer practical advice and real-world perspectives. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect and hear directly from school leaders.
Preparing Your Nonprofit’s Finances for 2026: A Roadmap to Preparedness (CharityVillage)
Join us for a free webinar to learn how to prepare your nonprofit’s finances for 2026. As nonprofits head into 2026, leaders are navigating a landscape of rising costs, funding uncertainty, evolving compliance expectations, and new risks. This webinar will provide a practical roadmap to strengthen your organization’s financial preparedness. We’ll explore strategies to secure predictable funding, budget effectively under uncertainty, safeguard against fraud, and build stronger systems for monitoring and managing organizational risks. You’ll also learn how technology and governance practices can improve efficiency, transparency, and funder confidence. Join us to equip your nonprofit with the tools to enter 2026 with confidence and preparedness.
Empathy Lens: Humanizing Images & Education for Reducing Stigma Against People Who Use Drugs (NNLM)
Stigmatizing language and imagery around substance use reinforce systemic inequities, uphold punitive narratives, and perpetuate harmful stereotypes that further marginalize people who use drugs. Yet many mainstream stock photo collections rely on dehumanizing, criminalizing, or sensationalized visuals, making it difficult for advocates, educators, and service providers to find materials that promote health equity and affirm the rights and realities of impacted communities. The Empathy Lens project (EmpathyLens.org) disrupts this pattern by offering a free online library of compassionate, realistic images captured at harm reduction and treatment organizations across Washington State. These photos highlight authentic, person-centered care in community-based settings, reflecting the resilience, agency, and humanity of people who use drugs. This session will explore how stigma in both language and visuals fuels discrimination and exclusion, while sharing practical strategies for selecting non-stigmatizing, accurate, and inclusive materials for outreach, education, and advocacy.
Research in the Federal Government with the Federal Research Division, Library of Congress (FDLP)
Please join us as we share the history of the Federal Research Division, including authored collections, research capabilities, and ongoing work to support research for the Federal Government.
Successful board fundraising in 5 steps (Bloomerang)
Board members generally don’t love fundraising, but they will do it – and do it well – if it’s strategic and they’ve got the right tools. You can set your board up for fundraising success by positioning the job properly, asking them to participate in a way that’s meaningful, and supporting their work effectively.
December 8
Supercharge your Nonprofit with AI and Automation (Nonprofit Learning Lab)
Nonprofits are tackling some of the world’s most urgent challenges—but limited resources and manual processes often slow down impact. In this webinar, we will explore how automation and Generative AI technology can: automate repetitive tasks like data entry, volunteer onboarding, and impact reporting - freeing up nonprofit staff to focus on what matters most.
Small-Group Instruction to Meet the Needs of Diverse Learners (edWeb)
In this edWebinar, attendees will explore how small-group teaching fosters differentiation, builds student engagement, and supports academic growth. Through interactive activities and classroom scenarios, teachers will leave with actionable strategies to design, manage, and assess small-group instruction that meets the needs of all learners. This edWebinar will be of interest to K-12 teachers, school leaders, and district leaders.
December 9
Finding Local History in Library of Congress Collections (Texas State Library & Archives Commission)
There’s no place like home! The Library of Congress has many online collections related to Texas local history as well as national history. This session will help participants understand how to help patrons trace a family’s or town’s historic trail by introducing several collections—including panoramic photographs and maps, the Historic American Building Survey/Engineering Record/Landscapes Survey collection (HABS/HAER/HALS), and historic newspapers.
New Ways of Content Delivery with AI - Podcasts, Instant Translations and AI Coaches (Training Magazine Network)
How we deliver learning is evolving—and AI is at the heart of this transformation. In this session, we’ll explore cutting-edge methods that are reshaping content accessibility, personalization, and reach. Imagine turning your learning modules into audio podcasts on the fly, offering real-time multilingual access to your courses, and deploying AI-powered coaches that support learners with contextual guidance—anytime, anywhere. You’ll see how these innovations aren’t just futuristic—they’re ready now, and they’re reshaping how we think about learner engagement, scale, and inclusivity. Join us to discover what’s possible and how you can lead this shift in your own organization.
Congress.gov Webinar (Law Library of Congress)
This orientation is designed to give a basic overview of Congress.gov. While the focus of the session will be searching legislation and the Congressional member information attached to the legislation, the new features of Congress.gov will be highlighted.
Ethics and Decision Making When Leading Volunteers (Volunteer Match)
We've all been there - you're in a difficult situation with a volunteer and you don't know what to do. Sometimes it's just a situation where you can't make everyone happy, but sometimes you're in an ethical dilemma - torn between two or more of the core values for leading and managing volunteers. How do you know if you're in an ethical dilemma, and what should you do to ensure that you make the right decision Join Faiza Venzant, CVA, Executive Director for the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration and Jennifer Bennett, CVA to learn about those core values and how to incorporate ethical decision making into your work. This highly interactive session will help you think through a real ethical dilemma faced by a leader of volunteers, and practice the steps needed to implement this practice in your own work.
Navigating New Building Projects (WebJunction)
Public library building and renovation projects are often once-in-a-generation events. Staff and leaders may never have done a similar project and may never do one again, making it imperative for libraries to learn from one another. Newton Public Library opened the doors to its new building on April 1, 2024, after raising more than $3.3 million to help fund construction. After a brief overview of design goals and features of the new library, this webinar will focus on lessons learned through a successful fundraising campaign and practical suggestions for how to manage input and expectations during the building process.
December 10
Why Your Annual Report Should Be a Marketing Tool and Not a Snooze Fest (Firespring)
Is your annual report a real bore? A good annual report goes beyond pages of financial data and compels your audience to take action. In this session you will discover: What an annual report is and what it isn’t. How to determine whether you need one. The best way to write the report for your target audience.
The most common mistakes to avoid. Tips for creating an engaging annual report. You’ll walk away with all the tools you need to create an annual report that spotlights your organization and energizes your donors.
Accessible by Design: Preparing Your Library Website for the 2026 Accessibility Rule (Washington State Library)
Does your library’s website work without a mouse? Can a screen reader navigate the content? Is the language plain and simple? Patrons in every community rely on these features to use the internet, but many websites – including some library websites -- remain inaccessible. That will need to change, starting in April 2026, under a new U.S. federal government rule that requires local government websites to meet certain accessibility standards. Join staff from the Washington State Library as we kick off a monthly series to learn about the new standards and our patrons and staff who depend on them. We’ll have a resource guide, free tools and technical support to help make your online content perceivable, operable, understandable and robust for everyone in your community.
Effective Health Communication and Health Literacy: Understanding the Connection (NNLM)
How are health communication and health literacy connected? How can you be more effective in providing health information to consumers, patients, clients, library patrons and your community? This 1 hour webinar introduces the concepts of health literacy and health communication, outlines components of clear health communication, and identifies online resources from NLM, government agencies and other recognized resources for health literacy and health communication.
Libraries, Social Media, CIPA, and the Internet (Niche Academy)
Understand policy relating to social media, the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), and the internet. Join Matt Beckstrom as he provides a foundation for libraries to understand policy development relating to social media, the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), and the internet. Starting at the Federal level, Matt will present applicable laws to help enhance patron-focused and staff-focused policies. He’ll discuss CIPA, including its impact, history, and current status. Finally, Matt will present some examples of contractual agreements relating to library policies. Matt will: Discuss and provide examples of library policies as they relate to social media and the internet; Discuss applicable Federal, state, and local laws and contractual agreements with providers; Discuss the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) history, impact, and status related to libraries.
The Literacy Breakthrough: Turn Parents into Your Most Powerful Reading Partners (edWeb)
The latest research reveals a stark reality. Only one-third of fourth graders are reading at or above proficiency. While educators work tirelessly to address this crisis, the most underutilized resource in literacy development is often right at home: parents and caregivers. This edLeader Panel equips PreK through elementary educators and administrators with evidence-based, strengths-based strategies to transform parents into confident, effective reading partners. When families understand HOW reading happens and receive practical tools aligned with classroom instruction, the impact on student literacy can be transformative. Walk away with actionable frameworks, dozens of activity ideas, and ready-made resources to share with families! Together, we can create a powerful home-school partnership that accelerates reading success for every child. This edLeader Panel will be of interest to PreK-5 teachers, librarians, school leaders, district leaders, and education technology leaders.
Using University Archival Materials to Teach Social Justice Topics (Georgia Library Association)
Students’ interest in social justice research has increased in the last few years. Archives provide compelling, personal, and time-specific materials, and these primary sources contain rich documentation on social justice issues which can also give researchers insight into how they may wish to address the same or similar issues in the present day. The presenters will draw on their experience as archivists and librarians at an HBCU to cover the value of archives and the importance of social justice in explaining how students and other researchers can effectively frame research questions, locate relevant archival sources, and analyze these sources by using analytical social justice frameworks. The presentation will conclude with a discussion on how to evaluate the effectiveness of student work.
December 11
The Future of Work: What Learning Leaders Must Know Now (Training Magazine Network)
From AI disruption to generational shifts and remote work, the future of work is now, and it's chaotic. This program examines how top learning and development leaders are building adaptive strategies to stay ahead of change. Learn what it takes to build future-ready teams that thrive in complexity. Actionable Takeaways: Prepare for AI-driven job disruption with upskilling roadmaps; Address Gen Z's unique training and development needs; Learn how to design workflows that align with future work models; Implement L&D forecasting methods to support organizational strategy.
Connecting Older Adults to Health Information (NNLM)
This 90-minute webinar covers websites and data sources to help you respond to requests for health information from and about older adults, as well as covering programming ideas to address the health information needs of older adults.
From Overwhelmed to Organized: Upgrading Board Governance for Nonprofits (TechSoup)
Traditional governance processes are holding nonprofit boards back. Manual prep, scattered materials, and last-minute edits slow down the strategic work that matters most. Join us for a practical discussion about the modern nonprofit boardroom, common challenges boards face today, and how OnBoard helps organizations simplify board governance and stay mission-forward. Get a firsthand look at the ways OnBoard — and its AI solutions designed for governance — reduce prep time, lighten administrative workloads, and create more organized, collaborative board leadership. See what’s possible when your board stops managing chaos and starts leading with clarity.
Orientation to Legal Research: Tracing Federal Regulations (Law Library of Congress)
This entry in the series provides an overview of U.S. federal regulations, including information about the notice and comment rulemaking process, the publication and citation of regulations, and the tracing of regulations from the Code of Federal Regulations, to the proposed rule in the Federal Register, to the regulation’s docket.
The Neuroscience of Customer Testimonials (Training Magazine Network)
Why do some customer testimonials spark immediate interest while others fade into the background? When designed effectively, testimonials can build trust, evoke emotion, and impact decision-making. You'll learn 10 essential guidelines for creating customer testimonials that leave a lasting impression.
Join us to learn about: Structuring testimonials to convince your audience to view them; The role of emotion in creating audience connection—and how even negative emotion can be a positive tool; The surprising impact of sensory elements, contrast, and cognitive effort on your audiences’ attention and memory while they view testimonials. Through real-world examples, interactive insights, and actionable takeaways, you’ll discover how to transform testimonials into a persuasive tool.
Creation in the AI Era (All4Ed Future Ready Schools)
What does it mean to be a creator in the digital age? This session will examine the implications of AI on creativity, rights, and ethics, including: balancing original human creativity with AI tools, and navigating the ethics and rights of digital content. Join us for this timely series and help shape the conversation about how schools prepare students for the realities of the AI era.
Do NASA Science LIVE! (SciStarter)
Do NASA Science LIVE is a national series of fun, hands-on events that invite everyone—students, families, hobbyists, and lifelong learners—to help NASA do real science. Each 60–90 minute session features a NASA project (like observing clouds, classifying space images, or listening for space soundscapes), a live Q&A with scientists, and simple activities you can do on your phone or laptop. Join from home or head to a community watch party at a local library or organization where trained facilitators are ready to guide you. The featured project for December 11, 2025 will be announced soon. Register to save the date and receive a notification when the project is announced.
December 15
Advanced AI Techniques for Grant Seeking: Enhancing Search and Assessment (Nonprofit Learning Lab)
As grant professionals, we are constantly searching for ways to streamline processes while enhancing the quality of our work. This session will focus on how grantseekers can use AI to find and critically evaluate grant search results for alignment, feasibility, and potential impact. We'll help you leverage AI to build efficiencies that free up time for the essential work of building relationships and crafting compelling proposals.
Acts of Science: Connected Info Session (SciStarter)
Join us each month to prepare for the April event series "Acts of Science: Connected," a set of hybrid events, featuring different projects. Each month, we will host a meet up with one of the projects scheduled to be featured in April. For the first 30 minutes, you will learn about the project and how to participate in it. This will be an opportunity to ask the project leader questions and test out participation. For the last 30 minutes, we will provide facilitation support for the corresponding April event. We will discuss how your library or community space can host a satellite event and what resources will be available to you. These will include access to leaderboards, ways to personalize the community call to action, and promotional tools. These events are a part of Global Citizen Science Month and America 250, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
AI in Action: Coding & Applications for Academic Libraries (ASERL)
This webinar explores how academic libraries are integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into daily operations and services. Presenters from Arkansas State University and The University of Alabama at Birmingham will share practical, evidence-based examples of AI technology used in library environments with a focus on coding and practical everyday applications. Participants will: Identify practical ways AI tools are being applied in academic library workflows; Understand the implications of AI for coding, automation, and data management in libraries; Reflect on how AI might enhance or reshape library services at their own institutions; Gain awareness of challenges and ethical considerations in implementing AI solutions.
How to Handle Negativity and Naysayers (GovLoop)
Nothing kills a good workplace culture faster than persistent negativity. Naysayers have an uncanny ability to stop innovation in its tracks and erode employee morale in one fell swoop. And while negativity is common, especially during times of transition, it’s not inevitable. As a supervisor, you have the tools to shift the tone and re-engage your team. Join us as we talk with a leadership expert about how to handle team members who are stuck in a negative mindset.
December 16
What Your Nonprofit Website Needs in 2026: Strategies for Engagement, Growth, and Impact (TechSoup)
Is your website ready for what’s ahead? Join us to explore how your nonprofit can evolve its digital presence to meet the demands of 2026. We’ll dive into what today’s audiences expect, how to streamline your user journey, and why integration, accessibility, and data-driven decisions are more important than ever. Learn how Tapp Network’s services can help you turn your website into a powerful tool for engagement and growth.
Conflict Transformation: Learning to Love (or at Least Deal With) Conflict (GovLoop)
From workplace tensions to policy debates, 2025 highlighted how conflict is an unavoidable part of public service. Rather than viewing conflict as a barrier, agencies are beginning to recognize it as a catalyst for innovation, resilience, and stronger teamwork. Join us for a dynamic conversation with government and industry thought leaders. We’ll explore practical strategies for reframing conflict, building healthier dialogue, and turning friction into forward momentum in the public sector.
20 Proven Teaching Strategies to Save Time and Maximize Impact (edWeb)
Get ready for a fast-paced, strategy-packed edWebinar! Need quick ways to group students, foster self-direction, or streamline assessments? Looking for engaging AI activities that boost student critical and creative thinking? We’ve got you! Join Terra Tarango, a nationally recognized voice in education innovation, for an engaging, interactive session. Terra, who is known for transforming classrooms into spaces where curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking come alive, will share real-teacher hacks that save time, boost engagement, and make teaching easier. See them in action, try them out, and leave with a vault of ready-to-use tools—no extra prep required! This edWebinar will be of interest to elementary through middle school teachers.
“Data” and Indigenous Studies: Entry Points for Academic Libraries (Choice360/ACRL)
Explore the intersections and applications of library data methodologies and Indigenous-focused knowledge organization. How can academic libraries navigate the meeting point between “data” and Indigenous studies, each an area with distinct priorities, methodologies, and cultural contexts? Indigenous studies emphasize the priority of protection, representation, and governance of Indigenous knowledges, which can clash with dominant approaches to research data and metadata. For many librarians, this intersection may be unfamiliar, yet it presents critical opportunities to support research, teaching, and community engagement in respectful and innovative ways. In this webinar, “data” is understood broadly to include research data, cultural heritage collections, and the metadata systems that structure access to knowledge. The session will provide foundational background on how the tools, practices, and methodologies developed and used by librarians can be applied to Indigenous-focused research and knowledge organization.
Digital Citizenship in Action: Preparing Students for a Connected World (Follett)
In today’s digital age, being a good citizen means more than participating in local communities – it extends into the online world. Digital citizenship is crucial for enabling students to learn how to navigate technology responsibly, safely, and positively. This webinar explores practical strategies for integrating digital citizenship into school culture, from building lessons into the curriculum to engaging parents and community partners. Participants will discover how promoting responsible online behavior not only prevents challenges like cyberbullying but also fosters critical thinking, creativity, and opportunities for growth in a connected world.
December 17
Best New Children's Books of 2025 (Nebraska Library Commission)
Sally Snyder, the Nebraska Library Commission's Coordinator of Children and Young Adult Library Services, will give brief book talks on titles published in the last year that could be good additions to your school or public library's collection. A sentence or two about the plot, and then some comments on what in particular makes this a 'Best' title, including details such as "both parents are involved in the child's concerns" or "demonstrates the point that we all need and want a home." Titles for pre-school through elementary school will be included.
Where Does Governance Stop and Management Begin? (Propel Nonprofits)
A nonprofit’s board and the staff need to be collaborative partners to achieve the mission of the organization. However, there are times when roles and responsibilities become blurred. Join us as we clarify where governance stops and management begins.
December 18
The Power of Stories (National Girls Collaborative Project)
Meet talented authors creating stories that matter! Join NGCP for an interactive conversation with writers who are inspiring curiosity, building confidence, and helping the next generation envision themselves in STEM. Children's books have the power to counter stereotypes, challenge norms, and open minds to new perspectives and ideas. Join us for a conversation with Terysa Ridgeway, author of the Terysa Solves It books, Dr. Gaby A. González, author of Giana’s Mission, and Kim Collazo, author of the Emersyn Blake books. Discover the real-life inspiration behind their characters and gain insight into how these books are actively encouraging young children to embrace their inner scientists, engineers, and innovators. If you are a parent, educator, or caregiver of young children, you won’t want to miss this event!
Share Knowledge, Ideas, Learning, and Library Solutions! (Nebraska Library Commission)
Get together virtually with librarians to Share Knowledge, Ideas, Learning, and Library Solutions! You are welcome to join any or all of the meetings for networking and discussions. They will be worth 1 Continuing Education Credits each. Research has shown that networking with fellow librarians is beneficial professional development that improves professional practice, promotes shared leadership, and helps people remain in the profession.
December 31
Pretty Sweet Tech (Nebraska Library Commission)
Join the NLC’s Technology Innovation Librarian, Amanda Sweet, as she guides us through the world of library-related Pretty Sweet Tech.