COURSE SERIES
This 4-part course series includes:
Polished & Prepared Part 1: Communicating Like a Pro
Date: March 12, 2:00–4:00 PM ET
Communicate clearly, confidently, and professionally in every library interaction.
Strong communication is at the heart of excellent library service. This crash course helps you strengthen professional communication skills across a variety of workplace situations, including interactions with patrons, colleagues, and supervisors. You will explore strategies for active listening, setting boundaries, navigating difficult conversations, and choosing the most effective tone and communication method for your message.
You will leave this 2-hour crash course with practical tools to communicate more effectively, reduce misunderstandings, and build stronger working relationships throughout your library.
Polished & Prepared Part 2: Behaving Like a Pro
Date: April 8, 2:00–4:00 PM ET
Navigate workplace expectations with confidence, professionalism, and care.
Professional conduct often feels like an unspoken rulebook, especially in public-facing library environments. This crash course demystifies workplace expectations by examining professional behavior through a library-specific lens. You will explore real-world scenarios related to boundaries, accountability, collaboration, and workplace etiquette, with attention to equity and organizational culture.
You will leave this 2-hour crash course with greater clarity around professional norms and the confidence to navigate workplace challenges while maintaining respect for yourself, your colleagues, and your community.
Polished & Prepared Part 3: Thinking Like a Pro
Date: May 19, 2:00–4:00 PM ET
Strengthen your professional judgment and decision-making skills on the job.
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 daily 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.
Polished & Prepared Companion Course: Workplace Success and ADHD
Date: June 11, 2:00–4:00 PM ET
Build sustainable workplace strategies that support focus, productivity, and success.
This companion crash course centers neurodivergent experiences in the workplace, with a focus on ADHD and library work. Participants will explore practical strategies for organization, time management, communication, and self-advocacy that support success in fast-paced library environments. The course also offers insights for supervisors and colleagues seeking to build more inclusive and supportive workplaces.
You will leave this 2-hour crash course with concrete tools to reduce overwhelm, increase productivity, and create systems that support long-term workplace success.
March 12, 2026
2-Hour Online Crash Course
This course is recommended for new library workers, regardless of library type.
