WebJunction

How Gen Z use and don't use public libraries: New data and analysis | OCLC's WebJunction A new survey shows big increases in use and trust of librarian recommendation. How do Gen Z use public libraries? Learn why libraries fit into Gen Z book discovery behaviors, and what prompts Gen Z to identify as readers—or not.

Learning with peers who understand your work can help motivate you to apply what you are learning, provide structure, shape team culture, improve staff morale, and increase a team's ability to meet their community's needs. Think you need to be an expert to facilitate a learning group? Think again. Our short, self-paced course will walk you through the practical steps for planning a learning group and provide a facilitation guide to get you started.

⬇️ Learn more and enroll here.

New course: Facilitating learning groups | OCLC's WebJunction Learning with peers who understand your work is a great approach that can motivate you to apply what you are learning. Learning groups are a great approach that can provide structure, help shape team culture, improve staff morale, and increase a team’s ability to meet their community’s needs. A ...

Intentional AI conversations at your library | OCLC's WebJunction Join us for a presentation on the role public libraries can play in ensuring communities nationwide can decide for themselves what a good AI future looks like.

Join us tomorrow, September 10, to learn how public libraries can play an important role in helping communities understand a world with generative AI. We'll be joined by panelists from the University of Washington Information School and UW Biology.

➡️ Register here: webjunction.org/events/webjunction/potential-peril-ai.html

The potential and peril of generative AI | OCLC's WebJunction Generative AI continues to integrate into our daily lives, and public libraries can play an important role in helping their communities understand these technologies.

"Stepping into a leadership role can feel daunting, whether it's your first management position or you are an experienced leader entering a new environment."

Andrew Harbison, Director of OCLC's WebJunction, shares his tips and experiences for new public library directors and managers, including how focusing on listening, learning, growing relationships, and bringing that unique piece of you to your leadership style can start you off strong in the role.

⬇️ Read more in our latest article.

Start strong by taking it slow: Tips for new public library directors and managers | OCLC's WebJunction This article provides tips for new public library directors and managers. It is part of a WebJunction series offering practical guidance for library staff who are new to their roles. Looking for more support? Explore WebJunction's course catalog and specifically the LiFT courses for foundational tra...

Join us this Thursday, August 13, to learn how making a mess can benefit your patrons. 🧸🎨🫟 We'll be joined by staff at Kenosha Public Library who will explain why they embrace it and how they manage it, as well as provide fun programming ideas that range from slightly untidy to totally catastrophic. ⬇️ Register here.

Messy on purpose: Programming that gets kids creating Splatter painting indoors and a sand table out on the floor for an entire month!? These things really happen in the Youth & Family Services department at the Kenosha Public Library! Learn how making a mess can benefit your patrons, why to embrace it, and how others have managed it.

The Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) national research project on solo librarians is nearly complete — and the final piece is hearing from you. Every response helps build a stronger, more supported future for solo library workers nationwide, plus participants will be entered to win a $100 gift card.

If you work in a public library in a solo or solo-ish capacity, take this 20-minute survey on barriers to professional development, leadership, and community connection. The deadline for responses is August 9.

➡️ Take the survey: webjunction.org/news/webjunction/solo-library-survey.html

Librarians can be a trusted source of support for teens as they navigate adolescence, but where do you start? The key is building trust.

⬇️ If you are new to teen librarianship or looking to expand your skills, discover eight tips and additional resources to build confidence and begin to establish the foundation for success.

Start slow, build trust: Eight practical tips for new teen librarians This article provides starting points for new teen librarians. It's part of a WebJunction series offering practical guidance for library staff who are new to their roles. Looking for more support? Explore WebJunction's course catalog and specifically the LiFT courses for foundational training and pr...

promote information literacy. ℹ️ Empowering Informed Communities is a project from the Center for an Informed Public at UW, in partnership with OCLC’s WebJunction and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, that develops opportunities designed to help library staff support information literacy through fun and games.

➡️ Learn more and find resources from the project: https://oc.lc/4fzrxUY

Ready to grow something special for your community? Join us next Tuesday, July 14, for all the foundational pieces you need to launch and manage a seed library.

We'll be joined by Rebecca Newburn, Founder of Seed Libraries, who will explore simple strategies for organizing collections, engaging volunteers, and offering meaningful programs that keep patrons connected to seeds, gardening, and local food systems.

⬇️ Register below.

Seed libraries: Basics and beyond | OCLC's WebJunction Whether you are just getting started or have an established seed library, this session offers practical tools to support your next steps. We will cover the foundational pieces of launching and managing a seed library—along with fresh ideas to help existing programs stay vibrant and responsive to c...