Libraries are hubs of access, collaboration, and inclusion within communities. As library teams aim to continue to meet the preferences and needs of the communities they serve, pursuing understanding of how to create neurodivergent-affirming spaces and offerings for neurodivergent patrons as well as employees is essential. Considerations related to communication, interpersonal, sensory, and behavioral preferences…

Webinar Description:  Join Kymberlee Powe to learn how to perform a diversity audit on your library collection. Kym shares what a diversity audit is, why we should audit our collections, why the structure of the publishing industry may make it difficult to cultivate inclusivity, and most importantly, why it’s important to build collections that are…

Tired of dull, uninspiring library reports? Ready to turn your data into something that grabs attention? Join us for "Reports Reimagined: Using Infographics to Showcase Library Data" and discover how to transform your statistics into visually appealing, informative infographics. This session will cover essential design principles, easy-to-use tools, and creative tips to help you craft…

Got a great idea for an invention? Does the library patron in front of you have one? Will Salas from Smithtown Library will show you how to direct patrons to the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s new online databases, and how to get started with a patent search. Learn about the different types of intellectual property protection…

DESCRIPTION: Libraries, museums, and other cultural organizations face many of the usual legal risks of conducting business: employment-related claims, defamation and other “personal injury” claims, and claims related to actions taken by corporate officers (both directors, and trustees).  They also face unique risks related to their missions to serve the public. Because of these legal…

This event will introduce restorative justice practices: what they are, where they come from, and how they can be utilized to foster safe and constructive community building, conversation, and conflict resolution. Participants will gain a basic understanding of restorative justice and several resources to explore the topic further. Ade Byron is a dedicated DEI and…

Webinar Description: Join us for an insightful virtual workshop designed for library professionals eager to leverage the rich data resources provided by the US Census Bureau. With 130 annual surveys and over 2 million data tables available through more than 50 public portals, understanding where to find and how to use this information is crucial…

Engage staff to better understand and serve patrons with dyslexia. Learning Outcomes: *Library staff will learn about dyslexia *Library staff will obtain resources to share with customers *Library staff will reflect on their own personal experiences

Public libraries in New York State come in all shapes and sizes. A small library typically does not have a dedicated human resources professional, and it has to work with limited resources to address any personnel concerns or requests. This can lead to confusion or workplace tension, if something like an accommodation request is not…

Description: Max Prime, Director of Government Relations & Advocacy for the New York Library Association, will give an overview of the NYLA priorities for the upcoming 2025 NYS Legislative Session. He will cover the state budget requests and policy priorities the NYLA Legislative Committee identified as guiding lights for our efforts. Following this overview, Max…