ALA Essentials for Library Workers: Full Training Suite

Last year a series of library management webinars were crafted by representatives from NH, ME, VT and MA State Library systems with ALA. In NH, the webinar series was funded by the NH Charitable Foundation, making it FREE to all NH library staff & volunteers.

Watch the ALA Rural Library Management Webinars 

At the time of the webinars, ALA Essentials for Library Workers was also purchased but not issued as ALA was updating the suite. The ALA Essentials for Library Workers – updated is NOW AVAILABLE for all NH Librarians. To request a pdf of instructions to access the FREE trainings please email deborah.l.dutcher@dncr.nh.gov.

About ALA Essentials for Library Workers:

Library employees at all levels can be more effective and engaged when they are familiar with the basic principles and core values of librarianship, as well as the role of their library within the community. Leveraging unique expertise across the American Library Association and beyond, ALA Essentials for Library Workers is a series of prerecorded training and informational sessions in these areas that can help both onboard new employees and provide important refreshers for current staff.

In four training sessions, your staff can enhance their knowledge and understanding of these crucial library concerns as they learn from experts about:

  • Creating a welcoming environment for patrons with disabilities, presented by the Association of Specialized, Government and Cooperative Library Agencies (ASGCLA)
  • The fundamentals of diversity and tools for creating inclusive environments, presented by the ALA Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services (ODLOS)
  • The essential principles of intellectual freedom and the Library Bill of Rights, plus resources and support, presented by the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedomm (OIF)
  • How to provide excellent customer service—from welcoming new users to the library to tips for handling difficult conversations, presented by Laurie Brown, a customer service expert for more than 20 years

Equip your staff with the essentials that may not yet be part of your HR orientation or ongoing professional development but that can help library employees more fully integrate the unique responsibilities that come with working in a library.