Who Needs Libraries? Bringing Understanding to Dispel Library Myths

Libraries have long standing myths with the most including being quiet places, boring, old-fashioned, dated, only has old books, are for nerds or just kids. Newer or other common myths include libraries only being run by volunteers or anyone that works in a library is a librarian, you get paid to read books, libraries are paid for or fully funded by taxes, or that Google has everything a library does, so why have libraries. The lack of understanding leads to myths in what libraries actually do, who it benefits, and how it is funded, leaving libraries perpetually underfunded. This webinar will discuss what those myths look like in the day-to-day, the result of successfully dispelling myths, and tips in bringing value back into the library.

Attendees will learn to:
• Identify tactics to stay relevant and build communication skills with communities
• Become well versed in dispelling and advocating using stakeholder language
• Provide practical solutions in bringing library value

Presenter: Jennifer Blair is the Head of User Services Librarian and Associate Professor at Azusa Pacific University (APU). Her role is dedicated to the user experience, including marketing the library, and teaching. She has extensive experience teaching online courses in design and computer literacy. Jennifer holds a B.A. in Graphic Design, a M.A in Education with an emphasis in Educational Multimedia, and a M.S. in Library and Information Studies. Her experience in academic and public libraries as well as work experience in art and design allow her to employ visionary strategies to enrich progress and enhance advancement for students.

The recording and handouts will be available on Niche Academy after the live event as well as our library of over 700 recorded sessions. To access Niche, go to: https://my.nicheacademy.com/floridalibrarywebinars

Register here via Zoom for the live event or through the link below.