Embracing a Public Service Mindset to Better Demonstrate Your Library’s Value

***BEFORE YOU REGISTER FOR THIS ON-DEMAND WEBINAR PLEASE REVIEW IMPORTANT REGISTRATION INFORMATION BELOW***

Public library workers and those we serve can get narrowly focused on the stuff that are housed in libraries. Yet public libraries serve the community in many ways besides book borrowing and computer use. By shifting our mindset to a public service focus and rethinking how we approach and talk about our work, we can not only demonstrate our value to the community but also change how the public perceives and talks about us for the better.

Originally presented February 28, 2024.

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of this on-demand webinar, participants will be able to:

• Better understand what public service is and how it can guide and focus our work in public libraries; 
• Develop strategies for how to talk about the value of public libraries in ways that resonate with the community; and 
• Apply a public service lens to guide decision-making around programs and services. 

Who Should Attend

This on-demand webinar is intended for public library staff with an intermediate level of experience working in a public library.

Panelist

Beth Yoke (she/her) has served as chief strategy officer for the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library since 2018. Prior to that she served as executive director of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), and has also worked as a university librarian, a high school librarian, and an elementary school teacher. In addition, Beth is currently serving on the board of the Chicago Chapter of the International Association for Strategy Professionals, and holds membership in several other organizations. She holds a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from Louisiana State University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Gettysburg College.

Important Registration Information

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Redeem your signup code to complete your registration

Once you’ve registered for this on-demand webinar, a signup code will be added to your ALA eLearning account and emailed to you. Find the signup code on your signup code page, then redeem it on your account’s dashboard to complete your enrollment in this on-demand webinar.

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Accommodations

This on-demand webinar is closed captioned in English (United States).

If you have a physical or communication need that may affect your access to this on-demand webinar, please contact us at plawebinars@ala.org or 800-545-2433 ext. 5PLA (5752) prior to registering so we can attempt to provide appropriate accommodations.

Tech Requirements

To play this on-demand webinar you should use a browser with native HTML5 support. Please use the most up-to-date version available of Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Opera, or Edge. A fast Internet connection and computer is recommended.

Contact

This webinar is presented by the Public Library Association (PLA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA).

If you have questions or problems accessing a recording, send a message to plawebinars@ala.org or call 800-545-2433 ext. 5PLA (5752).