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Wisconsin Literacy's Plain Language Webinar

Every field is filled with jargon and acronyms and libraries are no different. ALA, PLA, ARSL, WLA, LD&L, WISL, ILL, and AC* are a few of the acronyms you likely read or hear about on a regular basis. In addition, we talk about topics cataloging, metadata, serials, and Dewey Decimal classification. Mostly these conversations are with other library practitioners so we have a mutual understanding of the language. Sometimes, though, we forget and use these and other words and acronyms in our conversations with our patrons, board members, and members of the community.

The upcoming webinar from Wisconsin Literacy, Plain Language, focuses on the fundamentals of plain language including the benefits of using it in the workplace. Several strategies for clear written communication including simplifying word choice, grammar tips, active vs. passive voice, and layout and design will be introduced. Participants will learn improved communication strategies that can be implemented immediately. Register here!

While the webinar will be recorded, the recording will only be available for one week. Plan accordingly.

This webinar is sponsored by IFLS, South Central, Southwest Wisconsin, Winding Rivers, Nicolet, Bridges, Arrowhead, Kenosha County, Lakeshores, Milwaukee County, and Monarch Library Systems.

*American Library Association, Public Library Association, Association for Rural and Small Libraries, Wisconsin Library Association, Library Development & Legislation committee, Wisconsin Small Libraries, Interlibrary Loan, and Administrative Council.

WAPL Conference Registration Open

This year's Wisconsin Association of Public Libraries (WAPL) Conference is from May 1 - May 3 at the Central Wisconsin Convention & Expo Center in Rothschild (just south of Wausau). Registration is now open.

Here are a few highlights from this year's exciting lineup:

• Poster Sessions featuring topics such as TEACH program, Leadership Development Institute, and Conference Orientation
• Luncheon with Michael Perry!! on Thursday
• Programs on Escape Rooms, Genealogy, Movies, Grant Writing, and much more
• Jessie Vieau, Madison Public Library, is the Friday luncheon speaker - one of SCLS's own!

For SCLS libraries, remember that your library is eligible for CE Grant funds to help your staff attend this - or other conferences.

I hope to see you there!

Email Overload & Productivity

Last fall, I read an article in Public Libraries about Efficient Librarianship by Douglas Crane. After I read the article, I went searching for more by Doug and found that he has a blog called Efficient Librarian. From there, I found a recording of a webinar called "Inbox Zero: Getting Out From Under the Email Avalanche" and I was hooked. While watching the webinar, I was going through my email folders and deleting old messages that I didn't need any longer. From there, I contacted Doug to see if he would be available to present a couple of webinar for us on email and productivity.

Happily, he was and his webinars are coming up on March 20 and 27. Doug Crane will be sharing his efficient librarian expertise with us in two webinars. Here are the details:

Overcoming the Email Avalanche: Three Steps to an Empty Inbox, March 20 from 10 - 11 a.m. Central Time. Register here!

Huge volumes of email are a fact of office life, yet it threatens to overwhelm our work.  Is there a way to get email under control short of mass deleting your entire inbox?  Yes there is!  In this fun and engaging class, participants will learn how to:

• • Clear out inbox backlog, no matter how large
  • Identify different types of actionable email and respond accordingly
  • Create an efficient organizational structure to their email client
  • Reliably locate archived email
  • Celebrate the joys of an empty inbox!

From Inbox to Completing: The Secrets to Successful Workflow, March 27 from 10 - 11 a.m. Central Time. Register here!

Is your inbox overflowing?  Is your work spilling onto every available surface?  Do you want to get more stuff done in less time while looking effortless in the process?  In this energizing class, you will learn the best practices for workflow management based on an internationally recognized system.  This includes discovering:

• • The definitive five phases of workflow
  • The key questions to ask about any item on your physical or virtual desk
  • The role of functional folders for later action or reference
  • The importance of a weekly review

Both webinars will be recorded if you're not able to join us live. Hope to see you at one or both webinars!