We’re excited to offer free training every month this summer (and we’re using the climate-aware definition of “summer,” so we’re talking 6 months).
Each month, we’ll highlight one topic with an Idea Lab. These events are low pressure, and we invite anyone to participate. Some topics might be more up your alley than others; join in whenever you’d like.
What’s an Idea Lab?
Idea Labs are one of our favorite training formats. We start with a micro-training, a super quick introduction to the topic in less than 10 minutes. A speaker will give 2-3 foundational ideas, a couple of context points like current events or issues, and a few tips or new approaches. Then we turn you loose! The rest of our 30 minutes together are spent in a group brainstorming session. You’re invited to share ideas, ask questions, and troubleshoot problems.
Each micro-training will be recorded, and the 10 minute video will be available all summer for on demand viewing. The facilitated brainstorming sessions will NOT be recorded, so attendees can talk more freely and throw around ideas more comfortably.
(HINT: Past attendees have found the group brainstorming sessions to be just as helpful as the presented content. You won’t want to miss the live events!)
Register now
for any of the first three Idea Labs, and stay subscribed to Libraries for Digital Equity to get updates for the rest of the series.
Schedule & Topics
April
Fri. 4/12, 12pm EDT: Keeping Patrons Online Without an Affordable Connectivity Program
Over the past three years, 20 million US households have benefited from federal programs to make home internet affordable. Libraries have helped many sign up for these programs, especially the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). This month, the discounts die. What do we owe those households now? We’ll explore ways libraries can help our patrons stay connected.
May
Fri. 5/17, 12pm EDT: Balancing Tech in Summer Reading
It’s tough to strike the right harmony between celebrating focused reading and using tech tools to keep young readers (and adult patrons!) engaged during the summer. Our speaker will share a few quick, actionable ideas and tips for managing that balancing act. Then attendees will be invited to brainstorm, ask questions, and share their own ideas. These labs are for experimenting, so bring your wildest ideas and prepare to jump in!
June
Fri. 6/14, 12pm EDT: Impact of Net Neutrality on Library Services
The FCC has finally restored Net Neutrality, a policy that prevents “pay to play fast lanes,” where big companies get prioritized traffic and faster speeds while smaller websites and servers are left lagging behind. Libraries have advocated for this since it was struck down in 2017; but in the meantime, we’ve taken on new roles as LTE and hotspot circulators, wireless CBRS/EBS extenders, and even broadband network providers. How will Net Neutrality impact our new services? Is this business as usual, or are we about to learn some hard lessons?
July
Fri. 7/5, 12pm EDT: How to Talk about TikTok
It’s in the news, it’s in the courts, and it’s most likely in your patrons’ phones. The omni-popular TikTok app is making waves across the world, and its legal challenge of the looming US “ban” will likely have major implications for big tech. We also have a rare opportunity, since this is one of few issues not divided along party lines. That gives us the chance to educate without bias (and without accusation of bias). So what can we do to help our patrons understand why TikTok has become the flashpoint for questions of data privacy, national security, misinformation, and free speech? In this half hour event, we’ll explore and experiment together.
August
Fri. 8/16, 12pm EDT: Library Managed Public WiFi Networks
This month’s Idea Lab description has yet to be released. Stay tuned!
September
Fri. 9/20, 12pm EDT: [TBD]
This month’s Idea Lab topic has yet to be announced. Stay tuned!
Format and Details
💻 Virtual
These are fully virtual trainings to make sure they are widely accessible. works particularly well remotely. Q&As are usually fast and furious for Idea Labs, so attendees are encouraged (but not required!) to use camera & mic to participate.
🌱 Beginner
🌿 Amateur
🌳 Old pro
An excellent introduction for those new to libraries or new to the behind the scenes work of digital inclusion. Seasoned pros won’t be bored, either. Speaker content starts broad with foundational concepts, but then quickly gets into the weeds to provide fodder for the discussion. We’re especially fond of advanced users who challenge Idea Lab speaker and attendees alike with technical questions and out-there ideas. Bring it on!
Duration
- Attend each monthly training LIVE for the full group brainstorming experience (30 min) – register here
- View only the micro-training afterwards (10 min) – recording here
This series of Idea Labs is offered completely for free to anyone interested, whether you work in a library or not. Libraries for Digital Equity wants to get our community talking about these issues and coming up with new ideas. Take advantage of not having to find it in your budget, and still getting the best minds together just for your enrichment.
Join the next Idea Lab!
Register now
for any of the first three Idea Labs, and stay subscribed to Libraries for Digital Equity to get updates for the rest of the series.
The events described here are a professional development resource available exclusively through Libraries for Digital Equity. No third party, whether individual, web scraper, AI, or similar tool, may duplicate this content or distribute it for any purpose. Interested in accessing a recording, licensing slides or content, or bringing Libraries4DE to your organization for a full training? Request more info.
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