Get a head start in providing services to people in your library service area who have print disabilities and who may also benefit from other homebound services! Part one of this program is a webinar from the ALA Association of Specialized and Collaborative Library Agencies. It will be followed by a 30 minute panel discussion on ways to provide homebound services. Colleagues from other RI public libraries with homebound services will share how they started and maintain programs.

Promoting literacy and reading is at the heart of the public library mission. Often, this implies print-based collections, but what about those who have difficulty reading standard print because of a vision impairment or a reading disability or who struggle to hold a book because of a physical disability? These individuals may not be coming to libraries-- so we need to reach out. This webinar will address how to reach out in the community to find those with print disabilities and how to partner with other agencies to better serve them.

Takeaways

• A toolkit on how to get started doing outreach and a toolbox of quality library services to offer
• An understanding of the characteristics of a print-disabled population and their unique needs
• How to make valuable community connections to reach a print-disabled population
• Confidence in your ability to provide valuable outreach

Webinar presenters:

Mary Kearns-Kaplan has been the adult outreach coordinator at the New Jersey State Library Talking Book & Braille Center (TBBC) since 2009.

Tara Kehoe has been a readers' services librarian since January 2013 and provides outreach and Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) training to libraries and care facilities in New Jersey. Tara leads a book club for Talking Book and Braille Center (TBBC) members and coordinates a monthly "staff picks" of recommended books to be recorded and broadcast.

Registration required.

Intended Audience: Public librarians and library staff providing outreach services or recently assigned outreach as a goal.

It's hard to believe, but summer is just around the corner. Get a head start on your planning and join us for a 2016 Teen Summer Reading Program sharing session. Topics of discussion will include programming ideas, fundraising, incentives, teen volunteers, program requirements/record-keeping, and other topics (bring your thoughts and ideas, please).

Registration required.

Intended Audience: YA Librarians

Share your most gratifying past programs and tell your colleagues why you believe they went so well. The program will start with presentations from Melissa Chiavaroli and Rachael Stamp followed by a general sharing session.

Participants are encouraged to bring information from past programs for the sharing session.

Registration required.

Intended Audience: Adult Services Librarians and Programming Professionals.

Film production is an engaging way to help increase children�s critical thinking, technology competencies, and literacy skills. Learn how you can start a news video production program in your library with no previous experience. Participants will get a first-hand look at equipment, programming ideas, and student work. The workshop will begin with a brief overview of starting a film program in your library, including tips and tricks for success, before moving on to a hands-on session. Librarians will be given the opportunity to become video creators, gain experience with film equipment, and brainstorm how video production can be used in the library. Collaborative opportunities between school and public libraries will also be discussed.

Series: Media Smart Libraries The Media Smart Libraries program was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Attendance at this workshop could be applied to either the Access & Use, Analyze & Evaluate, Create & Collaborate, Reflect or Take Action digital badge.

Registration required.

Intended Audience: Public Librarians, School Librarians