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
Fall 2026 Certification Workshops
Enid
When: November 12-13
Where: Public Library of Enid and Garfield County - 120 W Maine St, Enid
This 2-day workshop is open to any Oklahoma library staff who are pursuing their initial certification. The workshop includes four classes: Legislation Affecting Public Libraries, Programming & Outreach, Collection Development, and Computers & Electronic Resources.
MCALESTER
When: November 5-6
Where: McAlester Public Library - 401 N 2nd Street, McAlester
This 2-day workshop is open to staff employed at an Oklahoma library system who are pursuing their initial certification. The workshop includes four classes: Legislation Affecting Public Libraries, Programming & Outreach, Collection Development, and Computers & Electronic Resources.
Library Pulse: Where is AI Today and Where is it Going?
When: Tuesday, November 17, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
This webinar is designed to help libraries lead their communities by educating the public about AI and its impact. Register for an in-depth discussion of AI technology, its development and the future.
Staff who attend the training will leave equipped to host AI safety programming, sharing their knowledge and building a proactive public.
Training Spotlight
Build the Board You Need
October 22, 1-2:30 p.m. | Candid Learning
Register to learn practical strategies for creating a board that will move your organization forward, from common challenges to important goals.
Nonprofit Storytelling Workshop
October 22, 2-5 p.m. | Firespring
Bring a real impact story, donor relationship or program you’d like to build into your organization’s next great story in this online, hands-on workshop.
What Are We Doing With Our Homeschoolers?
October 28, 10-11 a.m. | Nebraska Library Commission
Check out programming inspiration for arts, crafts, science and more that capitalizes on the library schedule unique to homeschooled students.
Appeals That Work: Crafting Appeal Letters that Bring in the Bucks!
October 28, 1-2 p.m.| Niche Academy
This session blends strategy, storytelling, donor psychology, and real-world fundraising techniques into a step-by-step framework perfect for year-end campaigns and donor communications.
Niche Academy Spotlight
Each under an hour, these on-demand trainings offer additional resources for library staff on the topic of disaster preparation.
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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