Hot Takes: A Virtual Series for PLA Members
Free and available exclusively to PLA members
Ever wonder what other libraries do about “x”? New members rank staying up to date on library issues and trends as the most important reason for joining the Public Library Association (PLA). In this fast-paced information exchange, PLA members will learn a little bit about a lot of things. Sample topics include facilities issues (bed bug protocols, food at computers), programming and services (Narcan administration, centralized vs. location-specific programs), and policies (do you charge for late materials, prints, faxing, or community rooms?). Capture new ideas from presenters and attendees, affirm old ones, and leave with connections across libraryland to invent what comes next.
Learning Outcomes
At the conclusion of this virtual series, participants will be able to:
- Learn how different library systems are approaching burning issues in library operations;
- Leave with new and proven ideas to take back to their libraries for further discussion and possible implementation; and
- Connect with colleagues from across the country to create a community of best practices.
Who Should Attend
This virtual series will offer new ideas and connections with fellow PLA members for public library staff from entry-level to middle and executive management.
Webinars
Webinar #1
October 15, 2024, 1:15 PM–1:45 PM Central
Hot Takes: Youth Services
In this fast-paced session, PLA members will learn about what’s happening in youth services.
Panelists:
- Jennie Garner, Library Director at North Liberty Community Library in North Liberty, IA
- Maryann James-Daley, Director, Public Services - MLK (Central) at DC Public Library in Washington, DC
- Annie Kemmerling, Director of Neighborhood Services at Denver Public Library in Denver, CO
Webinar #2
November 12, 2024, 1:15 PM–1:45 PM Central
Hot Takes: Safety and Security
In this fast-paced session, PLA members will learn about the latest safety and security practices in public libraries.
Panelists:
- Jenny Choi, Deputy Director of Operations at the San Jose Public Library in San Jose, CA
- Megan Maurer, Assistant Director at Scenic Regional Library in Union, MO
- Jennie Pu, Director at the Hoboken Public Library in Hoboken, NJ
Webinar #3
December 10, 2024, 1:15 PM–1:45 PM Central
Hot Takes: Adult Services
In this fast-paced session, PLA members will learn about what’s happening in adult services.
Panelists:
- Annie Kemmerling, Director of Neighborhood Services at the Denver Public Library in Denver, CO
- Amita Lonial, Director of the Tacoma Public Library in Tacoma, WA
- Kathy Zappitello, Director of the Conneaut Public Library in Conneaut, OH
Important Registration Information
An ALA eLearning account is required to register for this free virtual series. Don’t have an account? Create one for free by going to the “Log in” menu located at the top right corner of your screen. Although no membership is required to create the account, you must be a PLA member to register for this PLA member-exclusive webinar. If you encounter any issues registering for this series, then please email ce@ala.org for assistance.
Please note: Your series registration will automatically enroll you in all three webinars. You do not need to registered separately for each individual webinar.
Accommodations
Each live webinar will be captioned in English (United States). Zoom desktop client or mobile app is required to access captions.
Attendees using screen readers are advised to turn off speech prior to joining the Zoom event because PLA webinars make extensive use of chat functionality. Attendees who find chat distracting may wish to disable it in the Zoom event, as PLA moderators will verbally highlight important topics raised in chat and chat transcripts will be provided post-webinar.
If you have a physical or communication need that may affect your participation in this virtual series, please contact us at plawebinars@ala.org or 800-545-2433 ext. 5PLA (5752) at least two weeks prior to the webinar. Without prior notification of need, we may not be able to provide appropriate accommodations for the live event.
Archived Recording
If you're unable to attend any of the live webinars in this series, archived recordings will be available to all registrants typically within 1–3 business of the live event. Access to closed captions will be provided in each webinar recording.
Tech Requirements
These webinars will be presented using the Zoom platform. Please review Zoom technical requirements and support information, and test your connection.
Once you've joined the webinar, there are two ways to connect your audio: via computer (VoIP) or via telephone. No microphone is required. PLA works with its webinar platform provider to assure the highest quality audio is being delivered to attendees. However, variables over which PLA has no control—such as the speed of your Internet connection or traffic on your local network—can affect the end quality of the webinar audio delivered by your computer. Each webinar’s audio is also available by telephone via a toll number, so we recommend you have access to a long-distance enabled phone as a backup in case you experience audio issues with VoIP. If you do encounter any problems during the webinar, you will receive a link to its archived recording within a week of the live event and can review anything you missed.
Contact
This virtual series is presented by the Public Library Association (PLA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA).
PLA members make it possible for us to provide continuing education opportunities like this series at no cost. We thank our members for their continuous dedication to the advancement of the public library field and our association.
Questions about this webinar? Please contact us at plawebinars@ala.org or 800-545-2433 ext. 5PLA (5752).
