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ABOUT THIS COURSE
Strengthen your professional judgment and decision-making skills on the job.
Live Webinar
May 19, 2026
2:00 – 4:00 PM ET
Libraries require staff to make thoughtful decisions every day, often with limited information and competing priorities. This crash course focuses on developing professional thinking skills such as problem-solving, prioritization, adaptability, and critical reflection. You will explore how to approach challenges proactively and align your decisions with your library’s mission and values.
You will leave this 2-hour crash course with strategies to think more strategically, respond confidently to change, and approach your work with greater intention and impact.
The live webinar will take place on May 19, 2026, from 2:00 – 4:00 PM ET. A recording will be uploaded to the course platform within 24 hours of the session and will remain available for six months.
PART OF A PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION SERIES
Polished & Prepared Part 3 is one course in the Polished & Prepared Certification Series. Enroll individually, or purchase the full bundle at a reduced rate. (Best value.)
View bundle details
ENROLL NOW
Need an invoice or PO? Orders of $600 or greater can choose invoice at checkout. For orders under $600, submit this form, and we will process your order manually.
Need approval? Email this course to your supervisor.
Return to Full Course Catalog
AFTER YOU ATTEND THIS COURSE, YOU'LL BE ABLE TO:
- Analyze workplace tasks and prioritize effectively.
- Manage your time with minimal support or direction.
- Adapt to change with more comfort and confidence.
- Assess workplace situations and problems and propose effective solutions.
- Make sound, strategic decisions based on available information.
Session 1 | 2:00–2:50 pm ET
Thinking Productively: Time Management and Adaptability
Library workers have to juggle a million competing priorities. How do you decide what deserves your attention first? How can you stay productive when priorities shift? This session will discuss effective time management, prioritization, and adaptability. You’ll learn how to prioritize tasks strategically, manage time intentionally, and respond thoughtfully to change. We will cover practical strategies to increase your focus and flexibility with an emphasis on planning, reflection, and adjustment. Leave with tools to think more productively, make confident decisions, and adapt your work habits in the face of fast-paced and evolving expectations in your library.
Break | 2:50–3:00 pm ET
Session 2 | 3:00–4:00 pm ET
Thinking Strategically: Problem Solving and Decision Making
Successful library professionals need to learn how to make decisions without always depending on leadership, but that’s easier said than done. How do you approach challenges with a big-picture mindset? How can everyday decisions reflect your library’s mission and values? This session will empower you to think strategically at work. You’ll learn practical frameworks for problem solving, evaluating options, and making thoughtful decisions aligned with organizational goals. Building on real workplace scenarios, this session focuses on intentional thinking and purpose-driven action. Leave with tools to assess situations clearly, solve problems effectively, and make confident decisions that support your library’s long-term success.
COURSE SPEAKER
Lisa Kropp, Library Director, Lindenhurst Memorial Library
 Lisa Gangemi Kropp is a dynamic library leader with a passion for building responsive, people-centered public libraries. With over 30 years of experience working a variety of jobs in public libraries and library systems, her skills include customer service, sustainability in libraries, youth services, human resources, and more. She is known for guiding organizations through thoughtful change management, aligning mission, staff, and community needs. In recognition of her impact and leadership, she was named a 2025 Library Journal Mover & Shaker, highlighting innovative work that strengthens libraries and the communities they serve. She is the Director of the Lindenhurst Memorial Library in New York.
WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE
This course is recommended for new library workers, regardless of library type.
COURSE FORMAT
This course will be delivered as a live webinar with access to course materials. You will be able to access the recorded webinar and all course materials for six months after the conclusion of the webinar.
EXPECTED TIME COMMITMENT
This course is designed as a 2-hour learning experience. Upon completion, you will earn 2 hours of professional development credit and a Library Journal certificate of completion.
ON-DEMAND ACCESS
You will have access to all course materials for six months after the course start date.
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
Complete the course and earn 2 professional development credit hours. A certificate of completion will be emailed to you.
ACCESSIBILITY
All video recordings feature auto captioning. Please email course-support@libraryjournal.com upon registration if you require any special accommodations. We will make our best efforts to support your needs.
SUPPORT
For support with online courses, please contact course-support@libraryjournal.com .
DISCOUNTED RATES
Discounted rates are available for a limited time only. Secure your tickets now to lock in the best price!
| Rate | Early Bird | Standard |
| Deadline |
April 19, 2026 |
May 19, 2026 |
| Ticket Price |
$99 |
$129 |
GROUP RATES
We offer discounts for groups of 3 or more.
For larger groups of 15 or more, we offer the option to apply group rates across multiple courses to receive significant discounts. For more information, select “Bulk Course Credits Packages” in the form below.
Request Discounted Group Pricing
For support with group purchases, please contact groupsales@libraryjournal.com .
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Registration Closes June 11
4 Crash Courses
This certification series is recommended for new library workers, regardless of library type.
