Professional Development Opportunities
Cataloging
Assigning Library of Congress Call Numbers: Intermediate (MCLS)
Learn how to use special LCC mechanisms like topical cuttering and tables to accomplish subarrangement of materials within a range or class number. Provides a lot of practice with literature classification, where these approaches are heavily used. (Starts from the point of an already established base class number. Does not cover classification for legal, musical, or cartographic works.)
September 2-4, 2025, 10a-12p ET
$100 (Member) / $200 (Non-member)
Using and Understanding Library of Congress Subject Headings (ALA eLearning)
In this 6-week eCourse, Bobby Bothmann introduces you to the Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) vocabulary and explains the various types of topical and free-floating subject terms. You will learn how to analyze the contents of a resource and convert that analysis into the LCSH controlled vocabulary.
Throughout the course, you will use the print and free online LCSH vocabulary, consult the Subject Headings Manual, and encode subject analysis in the MARC 21 Format for Bibliographic Data. This eCourse addresses the various types of free-floating subdivisions; the treating of names of persons, families, and corporate bodies as subjects; the use of the rules of three and four; and looks at special problems in subject analysis.
September 22 - November 2, 2025
$260.10 (ALA member) / $289 (Non-member)
Rare Book Cataloging: An Introduction (MCLS)
Are those 200-year-old books still languishing in your backlog, waiting for a cataloger with the right expertise? Or are you wondering how to create records for rare books that conform to best practices? Whether for research or in the classroom, rare books are being used in an ever increasing variety of ways. To facilitate these many uses, and as we transition to a cataloging environment more closely tied to the web, it’s more important than ever to provide the right information and to structure this information as richly as possible. This introduction to creating original and copy cataloging records for rare books will provide you with the necessary foundation to do just that.
Working in MARC format, we’ll cover the application of the rules set forth in Descriptive Cataloging of Rare Materials (Books). While we’ll focus on books produced during the hand-press period (ca. 1454–ca. 1830), we’ll touch on the challenges of applying DCRM(B) to more modern material. Coverage will include the principles underlying rare book cataloging; proper transcription of the title page; the basics of bibliographical description, including format and signatures; the concept of the ideal copy; note fields, controlled vocabularies, and specialized access points used by rare book catalogers; the documentation of copy-specific information; and the selection of records when copy cataloging.
September 23-25, 2025, 10a-12p ET
$100 (Member) / $200 (Non-member)
Cataloging Related Works and Expressions (MCLS)
Including related and associated works and expressions in a catalog record can be challenging! According to RDA, in addition to fully describing and adding access points for the primary work and expression, catalogers need to be skilled at adding access points for related works and expressions. This session will cover the approved ways catalogers can record these titles in monograph cataloging records and examples of different types of relationships. It will cover recording titles for related, derivative, accompanying, and sequential resources, as well as whole-part resources for works contained within a compilation or aggregated work. Tips will be shared for practical cataloging of related works and expressions! The sessions will also cover how to use relationship designators for works and expressions from the RDA Appendix J. Examples and exercises will be included for a range of cataloging formats, especially books, sound recordings, and visual materials. (This will chiefly cover RDA chapters 24-26 and Appendix J)
October 2, 2025, 1-4p ET
$70 (Member) / $140 (Non-member)
Wikidata for Catalogers (Library Juice Academy)
Wikidata is a collaborative linked open data repository that is free for anyone to use, edit, or copy. It acts as a central storage for structured data used by Wikimedia projects such as Wikipedia – or, to use more cataloger-focused language – it acts as a source of authority records for Wikipedia. Due to its popularity, it also serves as a de facto hub for standard identifiers, including (but by no means limited to) Library of Congress Control Numbers (LCCNs), ISBNs, ORCID iDs, VIAF IDs, WorldCat Identities, and so on. This interlinking of identifiers creates a comprehensive and interconnected knowledge base that can be used to enrich library catalog data, break out of data silos, and increase overall accessibility for our users.
October 6 - November 2, 2025
$250
Authorities (MCLS)
This workshop will teach participants guidelines for selection of authority records, content and interpretation of authority records, and an explanation of each field, subfield, and data element in the authority record. Goals for this workshop are for participants to be able to establish correct access points for cataloging and to interpret the content and coding of authority records during this process. Additionally, participants will learn how to create corporate and personal name headings with appropriate cross references, explanatory references, and source data information.
October 21-23, 2025, 10a-12p ET
$100 (Member) / $200 (Non-member)
Serials Cataloging (MCLS)
This course provides the basic principles of original and copy cataloging of print serials with a focus on the elements contained in the RDA CONSER standard record (CSR), including appropriate MARC 21 tagging, as well as problem-solving and decision-making relative to serials cataloging. The specific goals of the course are to: understand the concept of continuing resources, identify serials and distinguish them from monographs and integrating resources, become familiar with MARC tags used for serials, create original serials cataloging records, identify appropriate serial copy and needed edits, and become familiar with current serials cataloging conventions and practices.
October 21-23, 2025, 10a-12p ET
$100 (Member) / $200 (Non-member)
Just Enough to be Dangerous (MCLS)
Have you thought that those catalogers have been talking a new language lately? Does it sound like Alphabet Soup is being served in Tech Services? You’ve figured out that RDA is Resources, Description and Access (the new cataloging standard, implemented in 2013 to replace AACR2.) But what about FRBR, FRAD, LCSH, SHM, FAST, and LRM?? And what in the world is Bibframe?
This overview course for non-catalogers will introduce the theory behind bibliographic records, authority work, workflows, and data entry. If you are a school media specialist or a solo librarian, this course will give you the background to prepare for introductory cataloging courses. You will get a glimpse at how to read a MARC record and discover how a cataloger comes up with what is in a bibliographic record. The course is not designed to teach you to catalog but rather to understand what cataloging is all about.
October 28, 2025, 2-4p
$60 (Member) / $120 (Non-member)
Metadata
International Conference on Dublin Core and Metadata Applications, Barcelona, Spain
DCMI 2025, the twenty-third International Conference on Dublin Core and Metadata Applications, will bring together experts, researchers, and practitioners to explore the theme "Meta(data) at the Core: Bridging Human Knowledge and AI Innovation". This premier event in the metadata community focuses on advancing our understanding of metadata's crucial role in connecting human knowledge systems with emerging AI technologies.
October 19-25, 2025
$500 (General by Sept. 18) / $200 (Student by Sept. 18)
$600 (General after Sept. 18) / $250 (Student after Sept. 18)
Digital Collections
Discover Hyku: Empowering Libraries with Open-Source Repository Solutions (Amigos Library Services)
This informative introduction to Hyku, the powerful open-source repository solution tailored for small- to medium-sized libraries, will demonstrate its uses as both an institutional repository and a digital repository for cultural heritage items, open educational resources, and theses and dissertations. Hyku offers intuitive upload processes and robust bulk import/export capabilities. Its shared search functionality across multiple Hyku libraries can enhance discoverability and collaboration. In addition to a review of Hyku's features, this session will highlight real-world use cases and ongoing development efforts, equipping libraries with the knowledge to leverage this tool for current needs. Take advantage of this opportunity to explore how Hyku can transform your library's digital repository management!
September 8, 2025, 1:30-2:30p CDT
Free
Electronic Resource Management
Cataloging OER and Online Resources (MCLS)
The Open Education movement brings the need to organize open educational resources (OER) for many libraries, both public and academic. In addition, current library management systems (LMS) provide acceptable metadata for published ebooks, streaming audio, and streaming video, allowing catalogers to focus more on providing access to electronic resources supplied by non-governmental organizations (NGO). This workshop teaches participants how to assess OER and other online resources for cataloging purposes. The focus will be for original cataloging following original RDA guidelines using MARC 21 bibliographic encoding, which can also be applied to the construction of a data dictionary for use in institutional repositories.
September 23-25, 2025, 2-4p ET
$100 (Member) / $200 (Non-member)
Leadership/Management
Navigating DEI and Advocacy in a Challenging Environment (ALA eLearning)
The political environment may change, but the core principles of library services remain steadfast. Embracing the diverse cultures, character, and viewpoints in the community is a crucial part of any library’s mission. Strong leadership not only shapes organizational culture but also ensures that advocacy efforts are sustainable, impactful, and aligned with the ever-changing landscape of policies and societal needs.
This session will provide leaders with the tools and strategies necessary to drive lasting change within their libraries. The instructor will begin with the concept of relentless advocacy—what it means to be a persistent and effective advocate for social justice and equity despite challenges such as burnout, resistance, and/or political pushback. Attendees will learn how to build coalitions, leverage grassroots movements, and develop strategies to keep advocacy efforts focused and impactful over time. Attendees will then learn about sustainable leadership, emphasizing the need for ethical leadership practices, personal well-being, and long-term vision in navigating complex organizational landscapes.
September 11, 2025, 1:30-3p CDT
$71.10 (ALA Member) / $79 (Non-member)
Managing Workplace Stress and Burnout (Library Journal)
Library worker burnout is at an all-time high, and many systemic and stackable issues contribute to stress and burnout. Library workers often need to support distressed patrons and communities while also navigating their own challenges. With this in mind, this course will address questions such as: How do you support yourself and your team even and especially when the cause of burnout is out of your direct control? How can you identify what’s causing burnout and advocate for the resources you or your team need to help build resilience? And how can you honor your capacities as you create and leverage solutions and build support for complex communities? This two-week, online course will take a deep dive into teaching you how to take care of your own needs while supporting your communities and fulfilling your job requirements. We will discuss and acknowledge the systemic causes of burnout and will provide robust resources and tangible tools for current healing and future proactive burnout prevention.
September 25 - October 2, 2025, 2-4p
$ 239 (by Sept. 11) / $261 (after Sept. 11)
Library Management Training (Library Journal)
This course will set you up for success in your future or existing management position by training you on the fundamentals of staff relationships and management, managing difficult conversations and staff feedback, crisis and incident management, and more. Built specifically for new managers (or those on a future management track), this interactive course will give you the opportunity to role play challenging scenarios and get feedback from experts and peers. You will have ample time to ask questions and work through specific situations you’ve encountered.
This 8-week intensive, online course is created to prepare library managers for the specific challenges you will face but were not trained for. Each live-session week will include training from an expert guest speaker, a facilitated discussion, and an optional interactive working session to practice new skills with peers. In the week between each live session meeting you will have the opportunity to work on asynchronous prompts in peer cohort groups that will lead to a culminating portfolio of management resources.
October 1 - November 19, 2025, 2-4p ET
$409 (by Sept. 17) / $470 (after Sept. 17)
Supervisor Series: Effective Communication Strategies for Managers (MCLS)
Being a supervisor is a complex job with a lot of responsibilities. A lack of clear, effective communication can hinder the relationship between a library leader and their employees, and can be costly in terms of productivity, team morale, and service to patrons.
It is critical for supervisors to be able to communicate effectively with all team members. This workshop will teach you how to be relatable, respectable, dependable, and communicative. As a result, you will be able to have a clear direction, meet your employees’ needs, handle difficult conversations with ease, and boost your assertiveness as a boss.
October 2, 2025, 10a-3p ET
$80 (Member) / $160 (Non-member)
Technology/Coding
Introduction to JSON and Structured Data (Library Juice Academy)
JSON is a semi-structured data format for encoding data and is a popular language for data sharing and interchange – as such it is considered a good alternative to XML. The materials in this course will cover all the core JSON syntax and data structures as well as: structured data as a concept, core data structuring approaches, the differences between XML and JSON, and when to use XML, when to use JSON.
JSON itself is the language of JSON Schema and JSON-LD. We will also study core JSON Schema, a language that allows annotation and validation of JSON documents and have an introduction to JSON-LD. JSON-LD is covered in greater depth in a follow-up course, JSON-LD Fundamentals. Both courses are follow-ups to our Certificate in XML and RDF-Based Systems.
September 1-28, 2025
$250
AI and Libraries, for Skeptics (Library Juice Academy)
This course will introduce the dynamics of what Artificial Intelligence really is and the potential role that it might have in the contemporary library and society more broadly. Topics explored will include the ethics of AI, ChatGPT and other Large Language Models, vendor AI products, and potential future roles the library will have in both augmenting and striving against AI. This class will explore these topics through a critical lens that is skeptical of the difference between what the promise of AI is compared to the reality of what it will bring. Through a highly interactive pedagogical approach learners will plunge head-first into what all the fuss is about and will be challenged to think through the question: What should the role of AI in the library actually be?
September 1-28, 2025
$250
Foundations of Integrating AI in Libraries (Library Journal)
Artificial intelligence has splashed into cultural awareness and usage, prompting librarians to question if and how to use AI in and for their libraries. This online course will focus on tangible ways to apply AI to your communication, programming, and workplace challenges. We will discuss the potential challenges regarding ethics and copyright, as well as the opportunities to engage new users and streamline your work. You’ll have a chance to get hands-on to play with commonly available tools and practice writing effective prompts. This course will primarily focus on using AI for internal library communications and operations. All live speaker presentations will be recorded and available on demand for six months.
This course includes one half-day of live, online presentations from an expert speaker, as well as three weeks of a guided asynchronous workshop with facilitated peer cohorts and assignments. In this workshop, you’ll have the opportunity to practice what you’ve learned through prompted activities, share and crowdsource issues with peers, and get feedback from peers and your facilitator. The workshop will culminate in you creating a “train the trainer” presentation to share your new knowledge with your colleagues at your organization.
September 9, 2025, 12-4p ET
$284
AI & the Research Cycle (Phase III: Writing, Peer Review & Publishing) (NISO)
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming every stage of the research cycle, from discovery to dissemination. This series will explore the evolving role of AI in shaping research workflows, addressing both the opportunities and challenges it presents. Join experts across various fields as they delve into how AI is enhancing research processes, improving efficiency, and raising new questions about ethics, transparency, and the future of knowledge creation. Join us as we continue our AI & the Research Cycle series with Phase III.
September 10, 2025, 11a-12p ET
$135 (Non-member) / $100 (SSP or NASIG member) / $30 (Student/Unemployed/ Retiree)
Making Your Library Website More Accessible (ALA eLearning)
If you aren’t thinking about your site’s accessibility, you should be. Web Accessibility is not just a trend—more and more it is a legal requirement. In this webinar, library website expert Laura Solomon will take you through the principles of Web Accessibility, the library’s obligations around this issue, and best practices for implementing changes.
September 10, 2025, 1:30-3p CDT
$71.10 (ALA member) / $79 (Non-member)
The Hive: Tips and Tricks for Using Generative AI (Amigos Library Services)
Panelists will present the tips and tricks they have found to harness the transformative power of generative AI. Possible topics include: sharing a key AI tool and its benefits to libraries, leveraging AI for practical uses to enhance library functions and services, navigating AI challenges and misinformation, exploring tips for writing effective AI prompts, and imparting lessons learned and challenges with using generative AI.
September 22, 2025, 1:30-2:30p CDT
Free (Member) / $35 (Non-member)
Best of Core Forum: Transforming Libraries with AI: Enhancing Access, Efficiency, and Community Engagement (ALA eLearning)
Explore how artificial intelligence can revolutionize libraries by enhancing accessibility, streamlining operations, and fostering community connections. In this session, Brian Pichman will share innovative AI applications tailored for libraries, focusing on open and transparent solutions that empower both public and academic institutions. Discover strategies for integrating AI technologies in marketing, user interaction, and information dissemination, ensuring libraries remain at the forefront of knowledge and technology in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. This webinar was previously presented in-person as a session at the 2024 Core Forum. We are hosting this webinar, with the session adapted and presented live as a virtual event, to extend its reach.
September 30, 2025, 1-2p CDT
$57.67 (Core member) / $71.10 (ALA member) / $79 (Non-member)
Transforming and Querying XML with XSLT and XQuery (Library Juice Academy)
This course will provide an introduction to the XSL Transformation language (XSLT) and the XML Query language (XQuery) including hands-on basic coding in both XSLT and XQuery. The goal of this course is to introduce students to some basic XML tools for manipulating XML documents and data and asking questions of XML data.
October 6 - November 2, 2025
$250
Miscellaneous
Copyright Essentials for Libraries, Archives, and Cultural Institutions (ALA eLearning)
A working knowledge of copyright is crucial for modern library staff. As librarians, our work increasingly encompasses copyright-intensive programs and projects. In the age of AI, we are confronted with crucial questions about topics like digitization, public domain, fair use, e-media, scholarly publishing, streaming, and more.
Copyright Essentials for Libraries, Archives, and Cultural Institutions trains learners in an immersive-style program emphasizing practical copyright law. The course empowers learners with a grounding in well-established library law and policy that will help reduce copyright risk at their institutions and serve to create an informed, empowered community for the library and their patrons.
With these challenges, libraries and cultural institutions also have an opportunity to harness the powers given to staff through the federal copyright statute. Under the law, libraries represent the carefully crafted balance in copyright: serving both the "economic" and "access" purposes of copyright. Libraries are, therefore, a part of the economic engine that underlies copyright law’s creator rights through purchase of materials while also satisfying copyright’s Constitutional purpose in "promoting the Progress of Science and the Useful Arts" through knowledge distribution.
September 8 - October 19, 2025
$260.10 (ALA member) / $289 (Non-member)
Passing it On: How to Negotiate Favorable Salary, Resources, and Employment Conditions with Confidence (ASIS&T)
"Passing It On" is a professional development webinar series created by long-time members of ASIS&T to share their hard-earned insights with mid-to-late career professionals. Moderated by ASIS&T Board President Ian Ruthven, each session dives into topics that matter most at the mid to later stage of the career journey—whether it’s how to lead an iSchool, salary and condition negotiations, or even how to plan a case for promotion. Rooted in real-world experience, this series is about more than advice—it’s about building a bridge between generations of information professionals. Join us as we pass on the lessons, strategies, and stories that help shape resilient, empowered careers. This session is designed for mid-to-late career professionals navigating negotiations for promotions, leadership roles, or career transitions within academia or the LIS field. Dr. Rorissa will share practical strategies for negotiating with hiring managers, department heads, directors, or deans—drawing from his extensive leadership experience and deep understanding of institutional dynamics. Whether you're seeking to advance in your current role or considering a new opportunity, this webinar will help you advocate effectively for your value, resources, and working conditions.
September 18, 2025, 10-11am ET
$25
Cultural Competence for Librarians (Library Juice Academy)
The United States Census Bureau projects that by 2044, more than half of the American population will be a member of a minority group. Much like the United States population, higher education demographics are also projected to change dramatically, with the percentages of enrolled African American and Hispanic students expected to increase at a greater rate than that of Whites and Asian Americans by 2022.
For the library profession, which has historically struggled with developing a workforce that is reflective of the communities being served, these changing times will require cultural competence, defined by the Association of College and Research libraries as “a congruent set of behaviors, attitudes, and policies that enable a person or group to work effectively in cross-cultural situations” (ACRL, 2012). While cultural competence has become a part of some library and information science programs, for librarians currently working in the field, cultural competence may be an enigma.
This course will introduce librarians to the concept of cultural competence in the library and information science profession. Specifically, it will assist attendees to: define cultural competence as it applies within the library in order to explain its benefits for organizational performance and success; examine personal cultural values and beliefs in order to better appreciate the cultural values and beliefs of others; investigate strategies for applying cultural competence; and identify opportunities for new or enhanced library programs, services and resources.
October 6 - November 2, 2025
$250
Data Ownership & Indigenous Sovereignty (NISO)
This webinar will address the critical issues of data ownership and Indigenous sovereignty in the digital age. Join us to explore how data governance frameworks are evolving to respect the rights of Indigenous communities and learn what steps can be taken to ensure ethical and equitable data use. The discussions will center the voices and perspectives of Indigenous leaders in this important conversation.
October 8, 2025, 11a-12p ET
$135 (Non-member) / $100 (SSP or NASIG member) / $30 (Student/Unemployed/ Retiree)
Building Emotional Intelligence and Positive Work Relationships (Library Journal)
Emotional intelligence and relationship building are at the center of library outreach, but they also extend into DEI initiatives, safety, and workplace culture. This interactive half-day course will give you the initial tools to better understand how to build emotional intelligence within yourself so that you can create and maintain positive professional relationships in your library. You will leave with tangible ideas for how to gain emotional intelligence, build new relationships, strengthen existing ones, and repair relationship ruptures with colleagues, staff, and patrons.
October 21 & 28, 2025, 2-4p
$239 (by Oct. 7) / $261 (after Oct. 7)
NASIG Webinar Library
Archived webinars are freely available and cover a variety of topics, including acquisitions, AI, data analytics, DEI, accessibility, employment, professional development, metadata, cataloging, preservation, publishing, scholarly communications, open access, technology, and systems/platforms.
Various dates from 2013 to 2025.