2025 Continuing Education

This course introduces the basics of library technology. General technology concepts will be explained in relation to their use and applicability to the library field. The course will consist of 10 weekly webinars with homework assignments, readings, a project, and a final exam. This fulfills a required competency for the LSSC program, although anyone can take the course. All activities will be online. It is required that the student have basic computer skills including the ability to use email, search the Web, save a file, open a file, attach a file, use MS Word, and search a library catalog.

Trainer: Riley Bordelon, Information Technology and Brittany Whitfield, Library Development

Maximum class size: 15

Cost: $200.00 per participant for Louisiana public library staff | $300.00 for others 

Join fellow library staff for an informal roundtable focused on teen services. Held every other month, this is a chance to share ideas, ask questions, and discuss topics like programs, outreach, collections, and more. Whether you're just getting started or have years of experience, all are welcome to be part of the conversation.

Trainer: Katelin Lebleu, Library Development

Cost: Free of charge

Dates/Times:

Session A: Thursday, October 16, 2025, 9:00 - 10:30 am

Session B: Thursday, December 18, 2025, 9:00 - 10:30 am 

This course will help equip library professionals with skills and strategies needed to successfully manage media communications and build strong public relations. Participants will learn basic techniques for crafting compelling messages, newsletters and press releases, as well as effective approaches for engaging with the press, managing social media, and promoting library services.

Trainer: Kevin Calbert, Communications Director

Cost: $15.00

Dates/Times: Tuesday, December 2, 2025, 9:00 - 10:30 am

What makes a library? The definition states that a library is an organized collection of printed or other library materials, or a combination thereof. We all know that the truth is far more nuanced than that. Over time libraries have evolved from a center for knowledge to so much more. Tune in for a special webinar and learn a few facts about how public libraries came to be.

Trainer: Michele Jones, Library Development

Cost: Free of charge

Dates/Times: Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 9:00 - 10:30 am

Is your library prepared to handle a disaster? Whether facing minor incidents or significant weather events, there are proactive measures you can take now to enhance your emergency preparedness. Join trained cultural heritage responder Angela Cinquemano as she guides you through essential considerations for staff safety, salvage priorities, disaster plans, response teams, vendor selection, supply lists, and kit building, plus the top three things library staff should avoid when responding to a disaster.

Trainer: Angela Cinquemano, Louisiana Collection

Cost: $15.00

Date/Times: Wednesday, December 10, 2025; 9:00 - 10:30 am

This session will focus on an essential aspect of librarianship: privacy and confidentiality. We will go over the definitions, laws, and history of privacy and confidentiality in libraries and learn how to balance safety and security issues while upholding these tenets of the profession.

Trainer: Brittany Whitfield, Library Development

Cost: $15.00

Dates/Times: Tuesday, December 16, 2025, 9:00 - 10:30 am

 This is an introduction and overview of the E-rate process. Topics can include the following:

       - Getting Started – the EPC System, entity information, etc.

       - Review of the procurement process – 470s, RFPs, contracts, evaluating bids

       - 471s, PIAs, Funding Commitments

       - Recordkeeping, reviewing audits, and any general E-Rate concerns

Trainer: Meg Placke, State Librarian; Kassandra Woods, IT

Cost: Free