The State Library of Kansas provides library staff continuing education options suited to individual professional development and general library staff training. The State Library does not offer direct funding for continuing education yet can suggest a few places to start.
Niche Academy and WebJunction are State Library provided resources that provide continuing education all year long. View the calendar to see planned webinars from a variety of sources including webinars that ensure librarians and patrons get the most out of the collection of digital services and resources, like cloudLibrary and Explora, provided by the State Library to all Kansans.
Kansas Library Association’s annual conference is the primary in-person professional development event for Kansas librarians and library staff.
State Library staff host and demonstrate how to use the statewide resources: databases, digital books and learning platforms. These webinars are listed as Electronic Resource Demonstration on the calendar.
Electronic Resource Demonstration webinars are recorded and available to view on demand for training purposes. An archive of webinars can be found in the State Library of Kansas Webinars tutorial on Niche Academy.
Selected tutorials and webinars covering a variety of topics including advocacy, customer service, homeless training, human resources, reference, shelving and technology.
Self-paced training webinars and resources for library staff. Training is offered on a variety of topics, including collections management, customer service, funding, marketing, outreach, reference, teaching patrons, technology and young adults.
As a benefit of the State Library's Group Membership to Lyrasis Learning, all libraries in Kansas can use their affiliation with the State Library to receive discounted rates on Lyrasis Learning classes. Sign up for discounted Lyrasis Learning classes to begin your library professional development.
Organizations that offer funding to professional librarians and library staff to encourage professional development and continuing education.
Professional Associations
Regional Library Systems
Professional organizations within Kansas and beyond exists for many types of libraries, staff members, boards and friends. These organizations host conferences, offer webinars and resources, as well as connect colleagues within the profession.
Kansas Library Association
American Library Association
Other Organizations
There are a number of email lists to join, some focused on specific types of libraries. These lists are great spaces to ask for guidance or suggestions to solve issues, share information on policies, stay up to date on trends and make connect with colleagues.
For help subscribing or updating your subscriptions email kslc@ks.gov.