Updated 10/1/2021 to reflect the current link to the Homeless Library Academy provided by DPI.
This Wednesday, January 16 at 2:30 p.m. Central Time, there is a FREE webinar featuring Ryan Dowd, author of the book Librarian's Guide to Homelessness: An Empathy-Driven Approach to Solving Problems, Preventing Conflict, and Serving Everyone. Ryan's training is excellent and I encourage you to join the webinar, if possible. This one won't be recorded.
Even if you're not able to attend this webinar, SCLS member public libraries have the opportunity to take Ryan's online training, Practical Tips for Difficult Homeless Patrons. With help from Madison Public Library, SCLS has continued our subscription to Ryan's training for 2019. Thank you MPL!
The training is hosted on Niche Academy, and when you access our Academy, select the How to Enroll in the Homelessness Training. Most library staff will be able to create an account and start the tutorials. A few libraries and their staff, Albany, Arpin, Monticello, Pittsville, Vesper, Verona, and Fitchburg, received individual email invitations with a temporary password. If you are interested and aren’t able to create an account, please contact Jean Anderson at 608-246-5613 or jean@scls.info.
The content of Ryan's training goes beyond working with homeless patrons. It is filled with tips, ideas, and strategies for providing excellent service to all of our patrons. One of my favorite webinars is from the 2016 Wild Wisconsin Winter Web Conference - Hospitality in the Library. This webinar features Sally Ijams, Head of Knowledge and Learning Services at the Darien Public Library in Connecticut. The combination of these two learning opportunities will give you a great foundation in providing excellent service to your community.
