Clear and to the Point: The Importance of Using Plain Language in Your Communications

How often are your communications missing their mark? Probably more often than you think, especially if you work with adults who are English learners, or who struggle with low literacy (more of the population than many know). In this session, we'll talk about word choices, layout, use of visuals, and more, that will help you communicate more clearly and effectively with those you're trying to reach. This webinar is presented by Kathryn Bauchelle, Program Director, Literacy Advance of Houston.

Original air date: January 28, 2016
Last reviewed: December 20, 2019

1 CE hour, SBEC eligible, provider #500799



How to Write Effective Survey Questions to Get Useful Data
[Please note that this webinar is limited to Texas library staff.]

Is your library planning for upcoming services, programs, or events? They'll be more successful if you know what sorts of things the people in your service area truly want and need. Great marketers and planners don’t guess what people want, and they don’t presume to already know. They ask!

Still, doing a “simple survey” isn’t all that simple. If you don’t know exactly how to write and ask the questions, you may find out later that you didn’t get any actionable data. Marketer and wordsmith Kathy Dempsey can prepare you to avoid survey pitfalls. Sign up for this webinar so you’ll understand the basics.

This webinar will also touch on how to distribute surveys to get good response rates.

Original air date: August 23, 2018
Last reviewed: December 20, 2019

1 CE hour

Responding To Challenges -- Ensure Your Library Is Prepared
Has a book been challenged in your library? How should your library respond if someone challenges one of your books on social media? This 1.5 hour webinar will leave you better prepared to respond to challenges. We'll explore policies that can protect the library, and hear from libraries that have had materials challenged recently. We'll also allow time for questions.

Original air date: February 2, 2016
Last reviewed: December 20, 2019

1.5 CE hours, SBEC eligible, provider #500799

The Accidental Library Marketer
If you find yourself doing PR, promotion, or marketing as part of your job, but you never formally learned how, then you’re an “accidental marketer” -- and you're not alone! Hear the basic tenets you never had a chance to learn as well as advanced tactics. Get the real reasons why many patrons don’t attend programs and why the media doesn’t always cover your events. Learn what “true marketing” is and why it can make your hard work pay off more often. This webinar is presented by the author of the book, The Accidental Library Marketer, author/trainer/consultant, Kathy Dempsey.

Original air date: February 21, 2012
Last reviewed: December 20, 2019

1 CE hour
Using Texas Public Library Statistics in Reports and Presentations
Texas public librarians have a wealth of data at their fingertips – literally! – but can get frustrated in knowing how to use those statistics to communicate their library’s goals and vision. Library Statistics Specialist Valicia Greenwood and Program Coordinator Stacey Malek will quickly survey local and national data resources and then demonstrate how to take the Public Libraries Annual Report information and create reports in Texas LibPAS and charts in Microsoft Excel.


Original air date: October 10, 2019

1 CE hour

Visualize Your Library’s Story Part 1: Presentation Tools
In this two part webinar series, Kyla Hunt, Library Management Consultant for the Texas State Library, will provide an overview of presentation and infographic tools to assist you in telling your library story. Part I will focus on creating engaging presentations to visually display your library’s story and data to stakeholders. Tools covered will include Prezi and Piktochart, as well as online tools to optimize images used.

Original air date: October 24, 2017
Last reviewed: December 20, 2019

1 CE hour, SBEC eligible, provider #500799

Visualize Your Library’s Story Part 2: Infographic Tools

In this two part webinar series, Kyla Hunt, Library Management Consultant for the Texas State Library, will provide an overview of presentation and infographic tools to assist you in telling your library story. Part II will focus on creating infographics illustrating your library’s value to the community, featuring examples from the library community. Tools covered will include Piktochart, Canva, and Tableau.

Original air date: October 26, 2017
Last reviewed: December 20, 2019


1 CE hour, SBEC eligible, provider #500799

Writing Good Press Releases and Working with the Media
Learn the art of writing press releases and communicating with the media with author/consultant, Kathy Dempsey, the woman who literally wrote the book on this topic! Kathy’s book, The Accidental Library Marketer, is widely consulted by librarians that suddenly find themselves chief marketer for their organization. She’ll provide both good and bad examples of press releases and show how facts can easily be compiled to form a good press release. Kathy will also review common mistakes librarians make when working with the media. Lots more advice on managing those sticky calls from the media, so don’t miss this one!

Original air date: February 28, 2012
Last reviewed: December 20, 2019

1 CE hour