Redefining Public Libraries in a Post-Pandemic World: Key Resources from Urban Libraries Council

While public libraries and their communities across North America continue to grapple with the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the collective strength of libraries continues to endure and grow. Public libraries have proven during these challenging times that they are essential community assets, and patrons and community members alike continue to hold up libraries as one of the most trusted institutions as they work together to overcome key challenges in the COVID-19 era.
ULC member libraries represent a special network of innovative leaders who are passionate about creating meaningful, positive change. The reach of their work is monumental—together, ULC... Read more
Free July Webinars for Library Staff

As the summer shifts into high gear, make some time to learn something new, or brush up on an area of interest. Find a learning buddy or two to view a webinar with you, and enhance your learning with a local discussion. These six online conferences and over 50 webinars, covering 20 topic areas, provide a wealth of options for you to explore. This list, provided by the Wyoming State Library, comes out every month and is regularly updated on the Free Training page, where you can also view the offerings by topic.
For additional training, check out the... Read more
How to Run an Expungement Clinic at Your Library

Staff at the Worcester County Library (MD) were offering workforce development services for their community when they learned how many patrons encounter roadblocks due to their previous criminal history. Staff also knew that expungement–the process by which a record of criminal conviction is destroyed or sealed from state or federal record–could be helpful and so they set up an expungement clinic to pair patrons with a pro bono attorney who could assist with the process. Learn more about their story and how you might begin to set up an expungement clinic at your library in this 10-minute interview with Elena... Read more
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention for Veterans, Service Members, and Their Families

WebJunction is collaborating with the Veterans Health Administration and Legal Services Corporation to promote free and reliable services, information, and resources on suicide prevention.
Suicide is a national public health issue. It impacts people from all walks of life, regardless of whether or not they have served in the military; however, the suicide rate among Veterans in 2019 was 52% higher than non-Veteran adults in the U.S., according to the 2021 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report. It is estimated that Veteran suicides represent approximately 22% of all suicide deaths in the U.S.
Libraries are well positioned to provide information... Read more
The Euphorigen Investigation: Backgrounder

Are there patrons at your library who seem to be influenced by misinformation? Have you tried to provide them with trustworthy information, or offered tips on how to better search? Have you provided digital or media literacy programs that teach critical thinking and other important skills? How successful have any of these approaches been in addressing misinformation in your community?
We asked library staff these questions and heard that approaches they’ve used over the years have not been very effective when it comes to misinformation. They offered many insights, based on their front row view of how...
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WebJunction Highlights
Toolkit for Creating Smart Spaces
Taking Care of Self, Staff, and Community (webinar)
Growing Library Garden Programs
Creating Pathways to Civil Legal Justice (course series)
Supercharged Storytimes (course)
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Upcoming Webinars
07 July 2022
Engaging Adults with Low Literacy Levels
This webinar will explore the characteristics of adults with low literacy levels and provide strategies for library staff to support reading literacy in adults.
14 July 2022
Weed 'Em and Reap: Getting Your Collection from Awful to Awesome
This session will discuss the life cycle of a collection, including weeding techniques, collection management policies, and how to motivate reluctant weeders.
12 August 2022
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention for Veterans, Service Members, Families and Communities
This webinar will provide an overview of mental health information and services available to Veterans and members of military communities, and to address the risks and protective factors for suicidal behaviors.
30 August 2022
Emerging Tech Trends for 2022 and Beyond
This presentation will introduce emerging technology trends and show how those trends are reshaping library services.