Online Learning for Library Professionals
ODL's Library Development area on Niche Academy provides Oklahoma public library staff with access to essential training for both initial certification and ongoing professional development. It includes online versions of the Public Library Certification courses, as well as a wide range of webinars and on-demand trainings from trusted providers. Staff can track their progress and earn continuing education credit. This platform supports flexible, self-paced learning. If it is your first time accessing our Niche Academy, you may need to create an account and request access. Access is typically approved within 1-2 business days.
The Ryan Dowd’s Homelessness Training section on Niche Academy offers an empowering, in-depth course designed specifically for library staff working with unhoused individuals. Developed by nationally recognized homelessness expert Ryan Dowd, this self-paced training covers compassionate de-escalation strategies, trauma-informed engagement, and practical communication techniques. Participants will learn how to better understand the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness, fostering safer and more inclusive library environments.
The WebJunction Webinars & Events page is a free, comprehensive learning hub for library professionals that showcases both live and recorded webinars on a wide variety of topics—from foundational skills, accessibility, and programming to management, technology, and outreach. Every webinar provides a certificate of completion, making it easy for staff to earn continuing education credits and integrate learning into their professional development plans. Go to the WebJunction Course Catalog.
The PLA Online Learning page from the American Library Association's Public Library Association offers a robust mix of live and on-demand educational opportunities tailored for public library professionals. It features live webinars and recordings across key areas—Digital Literacy, Early Literacy, Equity & Inclusion, Leadership, Technology, Health, Workforce Development, and more. Webinars range from free to paid, with competitive pricing and captioning, and come with completion certificates. This centralized platform supports diverse learning modalities and helps library staff earn credentials, stay current on trends, and grow in leadership roles.
The Maine State Library Continuing Education Calendar (CECAL), hosted on LibGuides, is a freely accessible, regularly updated national resource that compiles workshops, webinars, and other training opportunities for library professionals. Ideal for planning and submitting programs, the calendar helps staff across the country stay informed, earn continuing education credit, and foster ongoing professional growth.
The Idaho Commission for Libraries offers free, self-paced training through WebJunction, including the well-known ABLE courses and the newer LiFT (Library Foundational Training) series. These courses focus on core library skills like collection development, technical services, and public services, making them ideal for staff without formal library training. Each course provides a certificate of completion and supports continuing education and professional growth.
The edWeb Webinars page is a free professional development resource for educators, offering hundreds of live and recorded webinars that include quizzes, slides, and downloadable certificates of completion. Users can browse upcoming sessions, view archived recordings, and track their learning through a personal transcript page—where certificates are accessible after completing the required quiz. Focusing on topics ranging from instructional strategies and literacy to technology integration and educator well‑being, edWeb supports flexible, ongoing learning and helps educators earn continuing education credit.
The Demco Ideas Webinars section features a rich collection of free, on-demand and live webinar content focused on practical library topics—from designing interactive spaces on a shoestring to teen engagement and collection display. Popular offerings include “Designing Interactive Library Spaces on Limited Budgets” and “5 Ways to Transform How Your Library Works With Your Community.” These webinars typically include downloadable slides and resources, helping staff implement creative, budget-friendly programming and services tailored to their communities.
The Learn with NoveList catalog on TalentLMS offers self-paced, skill-focused courses tailored for library staff, emphasizing readers' advisory and community engagement. With a subscription, users access expert-led instruction—such as “The Art and Practice of Providing Outstanding Reading Recommendations”—and interactive content designed to boost confidence and impact in promoting books. Courses come with certificates and progress tracking, making them a strong choice for libraries looking to bolster staff capabilities in reader services.
The Infopeople Training program, part of the Califa Group, provides a wide range of professional development options for library staff. It offers free one-hour webinars and more in-depth 2–6 week online courses—both self-paced and instructor-led—covering fundamental library skills like cataloging, readers' advisory, children's services, AI literacy, supervision, and more.
The Booklist Online Webinars offer library professionals a dynamic, accessible way to enhance their skills and knowledge. Hosted by Booklist—part of the American Library Association—these free monthly webinars cover a diverse range of topics such as book trends, collection development, readers’ advisory, programming strategies, and curriculum design. Most sessions include downloadable slides and a certificate upon completion, making them ideal for continuing education and practical application in helping patrons and shaping services. To view recordings of past Booklist webinars, visit the webinars archive.
The American Libraries Live (AL Live) series—hosted by American Libraries, the flagship magazine of the American Library Association—brings together a diverse array of free, hour-long webcast events focused on topics that matter to library professionals. Covering everything from emerging technology and inclusive design to misinformation and library innovation, these live sessions offer expert insights and interactive Q&A, and are designed to foster community learning and thought leadership within the ALA network.
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