Course: No More Neutral--How to Champion the Right to Read

Directors, you are invited to participate in a SCKLS-sponsored course to explore how to clarify your library’s policies, solidify your library’s positions, and clearly communicate your mission, vision, and values. Taught by Angela Hursh, NoveList manager and 2023 Library Journal Mover & Shaker, discover methods to build community and stakeholder support for your library, and learn how to handle communications with internal and external stakeholders should your library face a book challenge.

Does your library have a staff member responsible for library marketing, communications, or outreach? This course is perfect for those promoting the library's mission, vision, values, and the value of intellectual freedom.

Core skills you will learn:

• Concrete tips for strengthening the public’s support of the library now, including tips on promoting your library's mission, vision, and values, and the value of protecting intellectual freedom.
• Strategies for publicly responding to a censorship challenge, including media relations, crafting talking points, and communicating with patrons. 
• Successful promotional ideas from real-life libraries designed to educate and empower readers about the importance of protecting the right to read.

This NoveList course (paid for by SCKLS) includes:

• Two self-paced lessons. You will have 24/7 access to them for the month prior to the live session. Lessons consist of short units featuring videos, activities, assignments, and short, automatically-graded quizzes.
• One live, online session on October 23, 2023 from 1 - 3 p.m. with other SCKLS participants. 
• NoveList course certificate when you complete all lessons. Course may take about four hours to complete.

Is this course right for you? Here are a few helpful pre-requisites to consider:

• Up-to-date or recently reviewed collection development policy
• Awareness of community needs and library allies
• Established channels of communication (i.e. social media, email, newsletter, local media, etc.)

EVENT NOTES

Registration Details | Registration is limited with no more than two participants per SCKLS member library. Deadline for registration is May 14, 2024. Cancellations are requested 24 hours in advance of the event. 

Course details | This online learning course consists of two asynchronous online sessions (approximately two hours of instruction to be completed at your convenience) and one two-hour live webinar on October 23, 2024. Access to the asynchronous sessions will be provided the week of September 23, 2024 via email. Please complete the asynchronous sessions prior to attending the live webinar. Webinar access information will be emailed to registrants prior to the event. Attendance is strongly encouraged at the live session. However, if you are unable to attend, a recording will be available for 30 days. You will earn a NoveList course certificate when you complete the lessons. 

Cancellations | If you register but are unable to complete the course requirements, please notify SCKLS immediately.