Recently in professional development Category

The Wisconsin Library Association (WLA) has programs and services to support people who work in and support all types of libraries. Are you a member? Consider joining today! WLA membership benefits include:

• Up-to-the-minute legislative and advocacy information and support.
• Connections with library professionals and other leaders.
• Tools to help you meet professional challenges.
• and much more!

I have samples of the WLA newsletter available, along with $10 discounts for new members. Contact me if you'd like a newsletter and/or discount code, and don't forget to register for the fall conference soon! If you'd like more information about WLA, visit their website.

> contributed by Beth

The Association for Rural and Small Libraries has moved its resource collection onto the WebJunction site. Now libraries can access rural library-focused webinars, staff training, newsletters and community-building message boards online anytime. There is something for everyone, so please check it out. Most sections contain great links to librarian-created content and best practices. My favorite is the Rural Brainstorms where you can find notes about funding, training, advocacy taken by rural librarians at workshops and conferences across the country.

Is this information useful to you? What topics would you like to see the site cover?

>> contributed by Leslie

Project Play registration opens up in about a month, and I can't wait to get it kicked off in September! If you haven't explored the wiki yet to see what the project is all about, please take a look and let me know if you have any questions.

I recently ran across an article by Roy Tennant that I thought tied in nicely with one of Project Play's goals, which is to "empower and encourage people to take responsibility for their own lifelong learning." Tennant's article, "Three Hard Things," talks about taking time to learn and trying new things, but also highlights that you may need to decide to stop doing something, too.

I hope you'll all take a leap with Project Play this Fall, because you never know... you just might play more, learn more, and fear less!

>> contributed by Beth

Manager Tools is a swell resource for managers and staff alike. The founders’ goal is improving management and leadership skills using action-oriented style. Want to know how to write a thank you note, host a staff meeting or ask staff for feedback (about you)? There’s a podcast for that! There are also blog posts, discussion forums and book recommendations. Members can (and do) post comments and share their favorite management techniques. Some content is available without registration but access to most content requires free membership.

>> contributed by Leslie