January 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 “Managing Facilities Change on a Shoestring Budget” on January 27
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.
Drawing from real-world experience managing the perfect storm of organizational upheaval — simultaneous reorganization, relocation, and facility renovation (the “3Rs”) — this session demonstrates how creative leadership can transform resistance into enthusiasm without breaking the budget. When your team is forced to adapt to new roles, new locations, and new environments all at once, traditional change management approaches often fall short.
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:
Discover What’s New with LinkedIn Learning
Vendor Product Demo on January 22, 2026, 2-2:30 p.m. | Free!
We’re thrilled to invite you to a dynamic, 30-minute webinar created exclusively for Ohio’s library community. Join us for an inspiring session that showcases how LinkedIn Learning’s newest content, tools, and learning pathways can help you unlock even greater opportunities for your patrons.
Whether your community is exploring AI, advancing digital literacy, preparing for new careers, or simply pursuing personal growth, this session will highlight fresh, practical ways to elevate your library’s impact and strengthen your mission of lifelong learning. 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.
OhioNet Book Club: Critical Hope by Kari Grain – Session 1
Member Event on January 28, 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 first 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.
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.
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.
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.
Looking for more? View a full listing of upcoming events and professional development opportunities on our Training page.
