Professional Development

Free Professional Development Round-up

Kits (Book Repair, Button Making, Games)

• Guide: Requesting a SELS Kit

SELS provides kits for book repair, button making, summer reading, and a variety of yard games for programming and community outreach events. To request a kit...

Public libraries: your library should create an Agency card for yourself. Use that card to request and check out any of these kits.

School libraries on Horizon: use your staff card to request and check out any of these kits.

Academic, School (not on Horizon), or Special libraries: sign up for an Agency card at your local public library. Use that card to request and check out any of these kits.

If you have any questions about our kits, please contact Carol Jackson at cjackson@selco.info

Professional Collection

• Link to Online Catalog (Books) 

SELS provides both print and digital book collections dedicated to the library profession and the management of libraries of all types. To check out a book from the professional collection, you will need to have a SELCO library card, which can be obtained at your local public library. Print books can be requested through the online catalog and picked up at your public library, and eBooks can be accessed through Libby.

The Future is Diverse: Working Together to Provide Pathways to the Profession

Thursday, October 22, 2:00-3:00 pm  |  Virtual  |  Registration Link

Learn how Northfield Public Library created an inclusive internship program designed to introduce nontraditional college students to careers in libraries. Angelica Linder and Naidine Villa will share how paid experience, mentorship, community partnerships, and intentional efforts to reduce barriers can expand access to the profession. Through lessons learned and personal experience, this presentation explores how local libraries can help cultivate a more diverse, representative, and inclusive library workforce. This workshop will be recorded. Please register to receive the link.

Youth Services Potluck: Arts & Crafts

Wednesday, November 18 at 1:00pm  |  Virtual  |  Registration Link

What are your favorite crafts to do in your library? What have you learned over the years that has helped you run successful art programs? Crafts in the library can be so much fun, but they can also bring challenges like cost, mess, and staff hassle. Come to this meeting ready to share your favorite arts and crafts ideas, and learn some new tips and tricks from your colleagues.