SELF-PACED LEARNING

Novare Library is now on Niche Academy.  Each session can be purchased for an individual or a group purchase. Email diana@novarelibrary.com for pricing and questions.

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Introduction to Canva

What is Canva? In this introductory tutorial, attendees will learn how to use the popular graphic design tool.

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How to Host Virtual Gaming Events in Libraries

Learn about the latest technology and how to use them to design winning virtual game programs for your library.
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Productivity Tools

Learn how to create a successful productivity routine – the tutorial explores both digital and analog solutions and best practices.

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Teens and the Library

By the end of this tutorial, attendees will better understand how the teen mind works and have ideas on how to create successful programming and spacing for teens.

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Unique Digital Collections

Learn about unique digital collections from around the United States.  Each collection is a hidden gem that will provide attendees with a new resource to explore.

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Workshop Descriptions

Introduction to Canva

Canva is an online graphic design website for those with little graphic design experience – or more experienced users looking for an alternative to expensive design programs. While easy to use, the user-friendly platform has its secrets.

In this webinar, you’ll learn the following:

  • Graphic design concepts that make eye-catching images
  • Best practices for organizing and sharing images
  • Tips for creating professional-looking graphics
  • Little-known features that make Canva even easier to use
  • How your library may be eligible to get the premium version of Canva for free.

Presenter: AnnMarie Flora

AnnMarie has over a decade of experience working on the front lines in public libraries. She has worked in reference, cataloging, circulation, and youth services. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing and a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science, and is the Adult & Information Services Supervisor at Seminole Community Library. Her passions include perfecting the library user experience, advocating for libraries on social media, and motivating people to write down and share their stories. AnnMarie has been using Canva as her graphic design platform of choice for over five years and uses it for everything from fliers to displays to social media graphics. She’s here to share her knowledge and make you a better graphic designer.

How to Host Virtual Gaming Events in Libraries

Learn how to create enticing virtual gaming programs for your library patrons ranging from video game tournaments, Dungeons and Dragons online, board games, scavenger hunts, chess tournaments, and more. Learn about the latest technology, such as Twitch, Discord, and Roll 20, and how to use them to design winning virtual game programs for your library.

Presenter: Ellyssa Valenti Kroski

Ellyssa Valenti Kroski is the Director of Innovation and Engagement at the New York Law Institute as well as an award-winning editor and author of 75 books, including Law Librarianship in the Age of AI, for which she won the AALL’s 2020 Joseph L. Andrews Legal Literature Award. She is a librarian, an adjunct faculty member at San Jose State University, and an international conference speaker. She received the 2017 Library Hi Tech Award from the ALA/LITA for her long-term contributions in the area of Library and Information Science technology and its application. She can be found at: On Amazon.

Productivity Tools

Are you having a hard time staying on top of tasks either at work or at home? Do you feel overwhelmed by all the apps and systems available? Don’t let yourself get unnecessarily stressed. In this productivity-focused session we will cover:

  • How to find a good productivity routine that works for your style
  • The differences between digital tools and analog tools (i.e., just paper and pen – no computer required)
  • Ways to use a digital app to better manage the status and priorities of your tasks
  • Analog tools such as a bullet journal and time-blocking that can help with digital overwhelm

Presenter: Rachel Eichen

Rachel Eichen has over 14 years of in-person and remote teaching experience in a variety of industries including: casinos, financial institutions, restaurants, hospitals, and libraries. She even taught computer classes on a cruise ship! In a former life, she was a technical writer. Rachel holds a Master’s degree in Library & Information Science and a bachelor’s degree in Technical Writing. She currently lives just outside of Las Vegas and works for the finance industry.

Teens and the Library

The history of teens and the library has been clear-cut up until now: teens use the library for books, academics, and the internet. But times have changed. Teens are increasingly looking for a comfortable spot to hang out, learn new things and have fun! By the end of this training, you will have a better understanding of how the teen mind works and how meeting youth between the ages of 13 and 18 where they are can help build a population that is often overlooked in the community.

Presenter: Kristen Bardes

Kristen C. Bardes has devoted her life to working with underserved populations. As an Education Advocate for foster care and at-risk teens, Kristen has a deep understanding of their behaviors and how to communicate best with the teen population and would like share this information with others who may not feel comfortable working with teens. Kristen and her daughter, Scout, live in Tampa, FL, where they love doing anything outside.

Unique Digital Collections

Many libraries have unique digital collections. You can view 3-D models of coins and dinosaur bones and examine digitized quilts and musical instruments. These are the online hidden treasures of state libraries, college and university libraries, special collections, archives, and museums. The trick is how to find them. In this webinar, you will learn about digital collections from around the United States. These collections cover topics like advertising, art, food, science, history and culture. You will learn where to find oral histories, postcard collections, bird models, beer labels, fashion plates, funeral programs, recipes and so much more. You never know when one of these will come in handy but you will know where to find them.

Presenter: Kira Smith

In addition to her role as a Virtual Reference Specialist for Florida’s Ask a Librarian service and helping coordinate a statewide delivery service, Kira also freelances as a researcher for journalists. She has master’s degrees in Library Science and Education. She is a former elementary school teacher and childbirth educator and enjoys teaching, technology and travel.