This Forum, hosted by State Librarian Robin Westphal, addresses new grant opportunities from the Missouri State Library as well as introduces Gale Presents: Excel Online High School

A brief overview of the Technology Mini-Grant, including what has changed with the new application, the different parts of the application and best practices.

Learn how easy it is to apply for funding opportunities through the National Network of Libraries of Medicine.

Robin Hastings, Library Services Consultant, for the Northeast Kansas Library System, presents a webinar covering the basics of Linked Data, what it actually is, where to see it in action, and how Linked Data can benefit libraries.

This session talked about the overall quality of a library collection. We followed the life cycle of a collection, from selection, acquisitions, cataloging, and processing all the way to weeding. Most importantly, learn how to measure a collection’s quality through various collection reports and metrics. This holistic approach to collection management will help all types and sizes of libraries to keep pace with the demands and expectations of their communities.

An OCLC cataloging subscription provides WorldCat access for copy and original cataloging along with tools to manage e-resources and holdings through automated processes. This program explores online cataloging processes through Connexion browser and client as well as offline options using WorldCat data sync collections. Each of these options ensures accurate holdings in WorldCat to support interlibrary loan and discovery.

Jil Burket Ragase discusses what weeding is, and where and how it all fits into the overall Collection Development plan for a library. Other topics addressed include public/staff resistance to weeding, the opportunity costs of not weeding regularly, the MUSTY method, how to pair reports and analytics with MUSTY to improve the process, exceptions, special considerations, how to develop a weeding schedule, and common missteps.

Presenter Joey Holmes from the Laurens County Library in Laurens, SC, discusses the mechanics of providing adult programs and potential presentations.

Sarah Colombo, of Livingston Parish Library, provides public librarians with a better understanding of the needs, concerns, challenges, potential interests, and mindsets of new adults (those transitioning from either a fully or partially supported lifestyle into being fully self-sufficient adults, typically within the age ranges of 18-30), and how to provide resources, services, and programming that address the needs of new adults.

Will Stuck presents ideas for 2021 adult summer reading programs based on the national theme of Tails and Tales, as well as integrating Missouri's bicentennial.

A presentation by Sue McCleaf Nespeca on early literacy fundamentals and programming and by Nancee Dahms-Stinson on Racing to Read.

This webinar is designed for practitioners who would like to build a stronger foundation in serving ages 0-2. Presenter Brooke Newberry discusses developmental milestone, optimal formats, and content for library programming aimed at babies.

Rachela Naccarato of Tumble Books Inc. presents information about TumbleBooksLibrary-Deluxe, an online collection of animated, talking, picture books, chapter books, videos, and non-fiction for K-3 readers. The webinar covers how to navigate the collection and highlights some useful features including how to access your statistics and search for content.

This webinar, presented by Rachela Naccarato of TumbleBooks, highlights how to create and make use of playlists for storytime sessions. It also includes information on how to save ebooks to the favorites section.

Sue McCleaf Nespeca, of Kid Lit Plus Consulting, presents on selecting ideal picture books for storytime read alouds and how to pair books with appropriate wrap-around activities to encourage early literacy skill development.

Sue McCleaf Nespeca, of Kid Lit Plus Consulting, presents on how to engage children and incorporate early literacy skills development techniques when presenting picture books during storytime.

This webinar is designed for practitioners who would like to build a stronger foundation in serving toddlers. Presenter Brooke Newberry discusses developmental milestones, optimal formats, and content for library programming aimed at your most energetic patrons.

Presenters Jacque Gage and Jeana Gockley from Joplin Public Library discuss how to make the library family-friendly with a focus on physical space, parent resource collections, and programming.

Matt Butler, digitization consultant for the Missouri State Library, introduces the wealth of resources available through the Missouri Digital Heritage website.

Differently-abled patrons exist in every community. What can public libraries do to be more welcoming to these patrons? Incorporate assistive technologies! Ranging from low-tech braille signage to specialized software and devices, assistive technologies help to increase the independence of these patrons. This webinar will cover: making your library’s websites and documents accessible to patrons using screen reader software, learning about software that can be used to make public access computers and smart devices accessible, discovering the steps your library can take to make sure online resources are accessible to patrons with disabilities. Presented by Amy Nickless, Adult Services Librarian, Wolfner Talking Book and Braille Library.