Grow your skills. Advance your career. Better serve your community.
The Oklahoma Department of Libraries offers a range of professional development opportunities designed to support public library staff at every stage—from new hires to seasoned professionals. Whether you are pursuing certification, fulfilling your contact hours, or expanding your professional capabilities, we offer training and support that enrich your work and strengthen the services you provide.
Upcoming Learning Opportunities
Library Pulse Webinar: Grant Writing Glow Up - Tips for Using AI to Draft and Enhance Your Proposal
Date: Thursday, February 5
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM CST
Location: Online event
No time to review a bunch of AI tools yourself? Join us on Thursday, February 5th at 1pm to learn from a librarian who is already using AI to help her draft winning grants! ODL's second Library Pulse Webinar will share tips for using AI to streamline the grant process without making slop. Learn strategies for quickly drafting proposals and supporting documents. AI is a powerful tool when used with human oversight and refinement. See how it can help you draft your next successful grant!
Register now to attend the live webinar or to be notified when the recording is available.
Webinar Spotlight
Best New Children's Books of 2025 (Nebraska Library Commission)
- December 17, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
- Learn about exciting additions to your school or public library's collection for pre-school through elementary readers in this webinar.
Telling Your Library’s Story (Niche Academy)
- January 7, 1-2 p.m.
- Join Jamie LaRue from Niche Academy to learn how to break through confirmation bias and tell an emotionally powerful story about your library.
Build the Board You Need (Candid)
- January 8, 1-2:30 p.m.
- Develop strategies for creating the perfect board for a sustainable, healthy organization. This course covers common challenges and useful strategies.
Pretty Sweet Tech (Nebraska Library Commission)
- January 28, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
- Explore the helpful world of library-related technology with Amanda Sweet, NLC Technology Innovation Librarian, as your guide.
Niche Academy Spotlight
Check out these on-demand trainings for tips on navigating burnout and setting healthy boundaries in the workplace.
- Burnout and Workplace Wellness (1.25 hours)
- Self-Care and Burnout Prevention Training | Ryan Dowd Niche Academy (1.5 hours)
- Setting Appropriate Boundaries (1 hour)
- Politely Declining Suggestions or Demands (1 hour)
Public Library Certification
A free, semester-based training program that supports staff working toward initial library certification. Courses include:
How to Think Like a Librarian
Reference & Readers' Advisory
Computers & Electronic Resources
Interpersonal Skills
Library Legislation
Programming & Outreach
Collection Development
Library Administration
Course Materials
Downloadable class resources including PowerPoints, handouts, worksheets, pre-class assignments, and supplemental readings. Great for classroom use or self-paced study.
Track Your Progress
Use our dashboards to track certification and contact hours:
Online Learning Opportunities
Access on-demand training, certification programs, and webinars through platforms like:
Niche Academy (includes Online Certification classes and Ryan Dowd’s Homeless De-escalation Training)
WebJunction
Public Library Association
Booklist, Infopeople, EdWeb, and more
Have Questions?
We’re here to support your professional development.
Contact us at: ODL.education@libraries.ok.gov
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