Continuing Education Newsletter | July 1, 2024

Continuing Education Information | Certification Information

In this Issue For Everyone MSL Learn Webinars Support System Changes Directors MSL Library Development Resources Reporting Template New MSL Learn Online Course - Public Library Standards Check Your Certification Track Trustees Newsletter and Archive Staff Start an Initial Library Administration Track Looking Back

For Everyone

MSL Learn Webinars

Enhanced Records: Montana Subject Headings

• Tuesday, July 9
• 10:00-10:30

Presented by Keiley McGregor, MSC Trainer

Montana has amazing, unique items.  Learn how to enhance those records with Montana Subject Headings. .5 credit - Collection Management and Technical Services

Submitting information to the Montana Natural Heritage Program using iNaturalist

• Tuesday, July 30
• 10:00-10:30

Presented by Bryce Maxell, Montana Natural Heritage Program Director

Learn how to contribute as a citizen scientist to the Montana Natural Heritage Program iNaturalist site. .5 credit - Library Services to the Public

Support System Changes

Visit the MSL Library Services Support page to access our ticketing system and knowledge base articles.

• Knowledge Base articles are now available for ASPeN that include continuing education and MSL Learn support.

Please update your bookmarks to be sure your support tickets get to the new Help Desk.

• Choose the “Citizen” option and use your OKTA credentials to submit your ticket.

Directors

MSL Library Development Resource Page

If you haven’t visited Library Development on the MSL website recently, we hope you will take a few minutes to visit and take a look at new resources developed just for you.

Recent additions for Directors

• Digital Opportunities Guides
• Strategic Planning Handbook
• Public Library Consulting Services

Reporting Template

Are you working on an annual report for your library? Did you know you can access report templates in LibPAS?

1. Login to LibPAS
2. Go to reports
3. Select MT
4. Select Pamphlet

For questions or help navigating, please submit a service ticket to the Public Libraries Survey or Library Research & Evaluation support team.

New MSL Learn Online Course

Check Your Certification Track!

When does your current certification expire? It’s important to regularly check your certification track to confirm when your track will end. You have four years to complete a certification track. The clock starts ticking on the "Begin Date." Make a plan to earn credits if you are getting close to the "End Date."

Watch this quick video for how-to steps.

Trustees

Trustee Newsletter and Archive

Did you know there is a separate newsletter just for trustees? You can subscribe to that newsletter and receive it on the second Tuesday of each month.

Browse past issues on the Trustee Webpage.

Your Comments, Please!

Our Trustee Training videos collection includes more than 25 videos. What additional topics would you like to see in this playlist?

Please respond to this short survey to help us plan future videos.

Library Staff

Consider Starting an Initial Library Administration Certification Track!

You never know when you might find yourself with an opportunity to become a library director or move up to a supervisor position in your library.  Why not get yourself ready for advancement with an MSL Initial Library Administration Certificate?

Anyone can complete this certification track! After you complete the initial certification, renewal certificates are available.

Total Credits:  60 continuing education credits earned in a 4-year period

• 30 credits in the Library Administration Category
• 30 elective credits in any category

Recommended Courses

MSL Learn Courses

• Montana State Library: A Greater State of Knowledge
• Montana Library Law
• Trustee Essentials: Responsibilities
• Trustee Essentials: Understanding Local Government and Its Relationship to the Library
• Trustee Essentials: Understanding Local Government Budgeting and Finance
• Hacking ASPeN: A How-to Course for Directors, Staff, and Trustees
• MontanaLibrary2Go
• Youth Services Overview
• Montana History Portal

As you complete any or all of these courses, select them from the CE dropdown menu in the ASPeN Continuing Education panel.  They are listed by open date and title. Read these instructions.

MSL Learn Webinars

• Connecting with Local Government
• Connecting with Local Government Officials: How Libraries Add Value
• Learning about Libraries and the Montana Legislature
• Montana Census Data Demonstration and Tour
• Let's Talk About It! Library Safety and Security
• Facilities Management for Libraries
• Library Districts
• Continuing Education Planning

You can claim credits in ASPeN by entering events as an Independent Learning Event. Read these instructions.

WebJunction

WebJunction Course Catalog

Library-specific courses and webinars are available for free through the generous support of OCLC and state library agencies.

• Alternative Basic Library Education (ABLE)
• Public Library Directors 101
• Book Challenges and Intellectual Freedom: Proactive Planning for Public Libraries
• Crisis Communications Planning for Libraries, Archives, and Museums
• Leadership Strategies for Building Connection and Defusing Difficult Situations

You can claim credits in ASPeN by entering events as an Independent Learning Event. Read these instructions.

View past issues of Continuing Education newsletters.

Explore playlists and individual videos.

Take free, self-paced online courses.

Looking Back

Montana State Library News Update for May 1994

Questions? 

Colet Bartow, MSL Continuing Education Coordinator, 406-444-3365

The Continuing Education program is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and  Technology Act as administered by the Montana State Library.