The LearningSpace, our on-demand professional development platform, has expanded with several new courses, including insightful PCI Webinars and an upcoming course with marketing expert Kathy Dempsey. These new offerings cover a variety of topics from enhancing workplace productivity to improving library services, catering to both personal and professional development.
To access these courses, sign in with your LearningSpace or Niche Academy credentials. Don’t have an account yet? No problem! Creating one is quick, easy, and free, and it unlocks interactive features like bookmarking courses and tracking your progress. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Jon Braun via email.
Let’s take a closer look at the latest additions:
Neurodiversity: A Primer for Libraries
This webinar explores the concept of neurodiversity, which contrasts with traditional medical models of neurological differences. Participants will learn how to create inclusive programs for neurodiverse individuals and advocate for better representation. Topics include the difference between people-first and identity-first language, expanding ADA compliance, and the controversies surrounding neurodiversity.
4 Ways to Maintain Calm and Make Decisions Under Pressure
Workplace stress is unavoidable, but you can manage it effectively. This course teaches practical strategies to stay calm amidst chaos and make clear-headed decisions under pressure. You’ll discover tips to prevent stress from accumulating and ways to maintain focus, helping you stay in control when work gets tough.
Reasoning With The Unreasonable Patron: 6 Secrets for Making It Work
Handling unreasonable patrons can be one of the more challenging aspects of library work. This webinar provides techniques for managing difficult interactions while preserving your well-being. By learning to recognize difficult behaviors and employ de-escalation strategies, you’ll be better equipped to maintain composure and guide interactions towards more positive outcomes.
Setting Boundaries with Patrons
Setting boundaries with library patrons is crucial for avoiding burnout and maintaining professional control. This session teaches how to identify when patrons blur the line between professional and personal boundaries and offers strategies for addressing common challenges. Strengthening your boundary-setting skills will empower you to feel more in control of your workday.
How to Get Out of a Rut at Work
Feeling stuck in your job can be frustrating, but it’s a common experience that can be overcome. This course explores time-tested strategies for re-energizing your career. From reigniting your passion to discovering new challenges, you’ll learn how to break free from workplace monotony without having to change jobs.
Circulation Desk Spanish
Designed to help library staff better serve Spanish-speaking patrons, this course teaches basic Spanish phrases for essential library interactions. From greetings to discussing circulation topics like check-in and check-out, this course aims to make Spanish-speaking patrons feel more welcome in the library.
Take advantage of these exciting new courses to further your professional development. With so many diverse topics to explore, there’s something for everyone on LearningSpace!
Upcoming Course: Marketing for Libraries with Kathy Dempsey
Launching later this month, this course is ideal for librarians who need to promote their services but lack formal marketing training. Kathy Dempsey’s bite-sized classes cover key concepts of library marketing in a clear, accessible format, perfect for “accidental marketers” who want effective results without getting overwhelmed.
Next Virtual Office Hours with the AI Ambassadors: Friday, October 18 at 10am
Don’t forget to mark your calendar! Our AI Ambassadors will be hosting virtual office hours, providing an excellent opportunity for you to ask questions and learn more about leveraging AI in your library work.