LibraryBox is an open source project designed to allow for the distribution of digital materials (books, music, movies, datasets) in the absence of reliable Internet connectivity. The hardware that LibraryBox uses is very inexpensive ($35) and the code is freely available, making it an attractive option for outreach and service to underserved areas for libraries.

LibraryBox is a key that can unlock many possibilities for your services. This webinar will discuss how you can build your own LibraryBox, use-cases (systems to accomplish a particular goal), the development of the project from its beginnings, and where it’s headed in the future.

At the end of this webinar, participants will:
*Understand the scope of the LibraryBox Project and why it is beneficial to libraries and their customers.
*Understand “use cases” and how they apply for LibraryBox for different types of libraries.
*Know how to build a basic LibraryBox of their own.

This webinar will be of interest to any library or librarian who is interested in digital distribution of materials to non-library locations.

Tuesday, June 4, 2013
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Online

For additional details and registration information visit:  InfoPeople: LibraryBox: Portable Private Digital Distribution

Increasing access and use of information technologies is essential for communities and individuals. Libraries, local government, community-based organizations and businesses are creating a variety of solutions. Building a digitally inclusive community requires multiple strategies, collaborations and creativity. Some digital inclusion strategies are referred to as “broadband adoption” which includes technology training, broadband awareness, low cost internet service and low cost home computers. NTIA is expected to release a Broadband Adoption Toolkit in March 2013. Join us for a conversation with the creators of the Broadband Adoption Toolkit to discuss what they learned and how the broadband adoption pieces fit together.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Online

For additional details and registration information visit: OCLC: Broadband Adoption Toolkit

*Are staff uncomfortable with library users they perceive to be homeless?
*Are you looking for ways to reach users in need of social services?
*Is your library a model for others hoping to provide wider services?

A partnership between the San Francisco Public Library and the local Department of Public Health resulted in the placement of a social worker at the Main Library to link users to housing and social services. Eventually a job-training component was added, providing opportunities to develop marketable skills for people who had been homeless. Meet and hear the story of a library outreach worker who helps herself by helping others.

At the end of this webinar, participants will:
*Know the basic library behavior guidelines for homeless and mentally ill users
*Learn about successful outreach and job training opportunities for homeless library users
*Have strategies for helping people unreceptive to offers of help

This webinar will be of interest to library front-line staff, primarily in public libraries but useful no matter the setting.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Online

For additional details and registration information visit:  InfoPeople: Handling Challenging Situations: What Do I Do Now? Part II of II

*Is your library staff overwhelmed by users behaving badly?
*Does your code of conduct sufficiently address users’ inappropriate behaviors?
*Are staff resentful of having to act as de facto social workers?

To a great extent, libraries’ users behave within the framework of acceptable social norms. But a subset of users in all libraries – large, small, urban, rural, suburban, special and academic – behave outside these norms, placing stress on the staff and other users. Whether the behaviors are exhibited by those who are homeless, mentally ill or just plain rude, providing your staff with limit-setting and self-care skills can turn challenging situations into empowering ones. San Francisco Public Library has turned to other City agencies to assist staff in gaining skills and strategies for responding to these situations.

At the end of this webinar, participants will:
*Be able to identify at least 3 reasons why it is important to set limits with users.
*Be able to share with co-workers at least 3 effective strategies on how to set limits with users.
*Be able to articulate the importance of the concept of self-care and be familiar with self-care strategies following a difficult interaction with a user.

This webinar will be of interest to library front-line staff, primarily in public libraries but useful no matter the setting.

Please note: Part Two of this series will be presented Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at 12 Noon Pacific.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Online

For additional details and registration information visit:  InfoPeople: Handling Challenging Situations: What Do I Do Now? Part I of II

Tuesday, May 7, 2013
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Online

This webinar covers how Escondido set up LibraryYOU and how other libraries, large and small, can set up similar community content creation projects.

For additional details and registration information visit: OCLC: LibraryYOU: Library as Content Creator