February 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 “Ethical Concerns for Generative AI” on February 12!
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. Have you considered the potential impacts of generative AI on privacy, equity, or intellectual freedom?
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. Join us for an engaging discussion designed to equip you with a thoughtful approach to AI in libraries.
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.
“Boom and Bust” 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. Attendees will hear from featured speaker Michael Throne, President & CEO of the Chillicothe Ross Chamber of Commerce, as well as presentations from speakers across all library types.
“Boom and Bust” will feature a day of sessions including highlighted speakers, roundtable discussions, lightning round presentations and more. View event details and register using the button link below.
Additional Upcoming Events:
OhioNet Book Club: Critical Hope by Kari Grain – Session 2
Member Event on February 11, 2026, 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Free! (Member) / $45.00 (Non-Member)
Is your New Year’s Resolution to read more with your colleagues? If so, we hope you will join us for the second meeting of a new five-part virtual book club series as we explore Critical Hope: How to Grapple with Complexity, Lead with Purpose, and Cultivate Transformative Social Change by Kari Grain, PhD — a non-fiction treatise on hope focusing on seven principles that form a practice-based approach to creating and sustaining change. We will break the book into five sections, meeting every two weeks to discuss themes, insights, questions, and ideas sparked along the way.
This series is designed for open, free-flowing conversation, so session will not be recorded, allowing space for candid reflection and shared learning. OhioNet staff will help guide discussion, but the direction will be shaped by participants. Learn more and register here.
Understanding EBSCOadmin Usage Statistics
Vendor Product Demo on February 17, 2026, 2-3 p.m. | Free!
Join Lisa Jones, Senior Training Manager at EBSCO for a session on usage statistics and reports available in EBSCOadmin. We will talk about common usage reports and their primary function. We will also talk about best practices for gathering, interpreting, and working with usage reports. Learn more and register here.
OhioNet Introduces a New Partnership with Business Insider
Vendor Product Demo on February 19, 2026, 2-3 p.m. | Free!
OhioNet is excited to announce a new partnership with Business Insider. Business Insider provides unlimited digital access to trusted reporting across business, technology, and innovation. Libraries can give patrons, students, and professionals reliable context on the economy, the workplace, and emerging industries. Recognized for its fairness and depth, Business Insider informs, challenges, and inspires readers who want to make smarter decisions about their work and their lives. Trusted across the political spectrum and read by millions worldwide, Business Insider is the destination for people who are driven, curious, and shaping what comes next. Learn more and register here.
Library Leadership Ohio 2026 Info Session
February 23, 2026, 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Free!
OhioNet and the State Library of Ohio are excited to announce the return of Library Leadership Ohio (LLO) in 2026!
The mission of LLO is to develop future leaders for Ohio libraries, to help library staff become leaders in the communities they serve, and to encourage connection and collaboration within the Ohio library community. During this information session participants will learn more about Library Leadership Ohio including the history of the program, how to apply, and what to expect if selected to be a 2026 cohort member. Learn more and register here.
OhioNet Book Club: Critical Hope by Kari Grain – Session 3
Member Event on February 25, 2026, 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Free! (Member) / $45.00 (Non-Member)
Is your New Year’s Resolution to read more with your colleagues? If so, we hope you will join us for the third meeting of a new five-part virtual book club series as we explore Critical Hope: How to Grapple with Complexity, Lead with Purpose, and Cultivate Transformative Social Change by Kari Grain, PhD — a non-fiction treatise on hope focusing on seven principles that form a practice-based approach to creating and sustaining change. We will break the book into five sections, meeting every two weeks to discuss themes, insights, questions, and ideas sparked along the way.
This series is designed for open, free-flowing conversation, so session will not be recorded, allowing space for candid reflection and shared learning. OhioNet staff will help guide discussion, but the direction will be shaped by participants. Learn more and register here.
Looking for more? View a full listing of upcoming events and professional development opportunities on our Training page.
