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.
Learning Opportunities
Training Spotlight
Return on Investment (ROI): Beyond What Your Library is Worth
July 15, 1-2 p.m. | Niche Academy
Learn how linking the community impact of library services to the investment of local taxpayers can be a powerful part of your library’s story.
Beyond the Report: Turning Your Evaluation Data Into a Fundraising Asset
July 20, 10-11 a.m. | Nonprofit Learning Lab
Register to learn ways of translating data findings into talking points that resonate with funders, donors, and boards.
Library Services for Strong Communities: Results from PLA’s 2025 Survey
June 23, 1-2 p.m. | Public Library Association
Get inspired for planning and advocacy at the local, state, and national level by the powerful, actionable results of PLA's 2025 Services Survey.
Turn Strategic Planning into Mission Growth
July 30, 1-2 p.m. | Bloomerang
In this training, discover how to secure funding for planning efforts, create stronger donor-facing proposals, and develop impactful strategies.
Annual Report Training On Demand
Annual Report Training
State Data Coordinator Sadie Bruce walks through each section of the Annual Report, explaining what information is collected and how to complete the report accurately.
Annual Report Software Training
Ryan Patrick of Counting Opinions demonstrates how to use LibPAS to enter, review, and submit your Annual Report data.
Niche Academy Spotlight
These on-demand trainings take no longer than an hour, showcasing important library advocacy and data utilization tools.
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
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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