December Events Digest
Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, explore fresh ideas, or connect with colleagues across Ohio’s library community, OhioNet has something for you! Browse this month’s round-up of upcoming webinars, in-person workshops, and vendor demos designed to boost your skills and help you connect with fellow OhioNet members.
Have questions about an event or need assistance with registration? We’re happy to help! Email our team at [email protected].
Featured Events:
Coming up soon: Join us for “Exploring Authority Records” on December 11
Webinar on December 11, 2025, 2:30-4 p.m. | $15.00 (Member) / $45.00 (Non-Member)
Authority records are a critical resource in keeping our collections accessible and organized. They underpin our ability to disambiguate between similar names, subjects, and titles in our catalogs and discovery services.
In past sessions, we’ve shown you how to search for authority records. In this webinar, attendees will discuss the two main types of authority files: subject authorities and name authorities. We’ll explore the elements of authority records, as well as methods and timelines for adding or editing shared authority records.
In partnership with the Chillicothe & Ross County Public Library, OhioNet is excited to announce Boom and Bust: Libraries Navigating Economic Change in Their Communities. This event is a full-day, in-person, free event hosted at the Chillicothe & Ross County Public Library Annex, located at 140 S. Paint St., Chillicothe, Ohio on March 4, 2026.
This full-day, in-person, free event will provide an opportunity for all Ohio libraries to discuss ways they are thriving, surviving, and supporting their communities during both good and challenging economic times.
View additional guidelines and submit your proposal using the button link below. Proposal submissions will be accepted through December 12, 2025.
Additional Upcoming Events:
Conversations Worth Having: Shifting from Feedback to Feedforward
Webinar on December 4, 2025, 1-3 p.m. | $50.00 (Member) / $75.00 (Non-Member)
Feedback often focuses too much on the past and puts people in a defensive mindset. Feedforward shifts the focus to action helping to make conversations beneficial for staff growth and engagement. In this two-hour interactive online workshop leaders, managers, and supervisors will learn how to use feedforward conversations to inspire performance and build trust with those that they supervise.
This workshop is designed for anyone who wants to turn performance conversations into opportunities for connection and forward momentum. Learn more and register here.
Webinar on December 11, 2025, 2:30-4 p.m. | $15.00 (Member) / $45.00 (Non-Member)
Authority records are a critical resource in keeping our collections accessible and organized. They underpin our ability to disambiguate between similar names, subjects, and titles in our catalogs and discovery services.
In past sessions, we’ve shown you how to search for authority records. In this webinar, attendees will discuss the two main types of authority files: subject authorities and name authorities. We’ll explore the elements of authority records, as well as methods and timelines for adding or editing shared authority records. Learn more and register here.
Managing Facilities Change on a Shoestring Budget
Webinar on January 27, 2026, 3-4 p.m. | $15.00 (Member) / $45.00 (Non-Member)
Leading organizational transformation can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with limited resources and a workforce facing multiple simultaneous disruptions. This presentation shares practical, cost-effective strategies for making change not just bearable, but actually engaging and fun—even in the most challenging circumstances.
Perfect for leaders, HR professionals, and change agents who need to deliver results without premium budgets. Learn more and register here.
Ethical Concerns for Generative AI
Webinar on February 12, 2026, 2-3 p.m. | $15.00 (Member) / $45.00 (Non-Member)
Generative AI has advanced rapidly in the past two years, making it challenging to keep up with the latest developments—let alone pause to critically reflect on its ethical implications. As library professionals, we are uniquely positioned to question how and why these tools are created and used.
This webinar invites you to explore generative AI through the ethical framework of the ALA Code of Ethics. Whether you’re already experimenting with AI tools or just starting to explore their possibilities, this session will help you navigate the ethical considerations that should guide your decisions. Learn more and register here.
Webinar on March 12, 2026, 2:30-4 p.m. | $15.00 (Member) / $45.00 (Non-Member)
Resource description in the library world goes beyond MARC metadata into a litany of alternative metadata schemas, especially when it comes to digital objects. If you’re responsible for digital collections, tackling metadata for your library, or looking for new ways to optimize the discoverability of your non-print collection, attend this session to learn more about one of the most widely known metadata initiatives. Learn more and register here.
Webinar on April 9, 2026, 2:30-4 p.m. | $15.00 (Member) / $45.00 (Non-Member)
MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging) is the language most libraries use to encode the records for their collections. Building on the basic overview of MARC provided in our introductory webinar series, this session dives into the details of each of the major tag groups and highlights areas of importance for different material types. Learn more and register here.
Looking for more? View a full listing of upcoming events and professional development opportunities on our Training page.
