Please excuse the cross posting.

A new online course is available through WebJunction! Whether you knew it at the time or not, you have likely interacted with or assisted a library user with autism, as it is the fastest growing disability according to Autism Speaks, a national autism advocacy organization. Developed by Project PALS at Florida State University, this new online course was designed by experts in both the library and autism fields, and includes four independent, self-paced instructional modules that are intended for librarians and library staff to learn how to better serve users with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Learn more and explore this valuable, new content today<http://www.webjunction.org/news/webjunction/new-course-serving-library-users-on-the-autism-spectrum.html>.

Highlighted content from WebJunction

•         The Small Community Advantage in Library Fundraising<http://www.webjunction.org/news/webjunction/the-small-community-advantage-in-library-fundraising.html>: A recap and links to a recent webinar on fundraising, featuring practical ideas and important facts to support your planning.

•         Libraries Continue Job Seeker Support<http://www.webjunction.org/news/webjunction/libraries-continue-job-seeker-support.html>: Pick up tips from two, certified ALA Career Development Facilitators on strategies and easy-to-use tools that can be used to help members of your community prepare for and find employment

Upcoming Webinars

Growing Through Conflict: Healthy Workplace Communication
Thursday, September 10, 2015 ♦ 3 pm Eastern / 12 pm Pacific ♦ 60 min
Registration: http://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction/growing-through-conflict.html

We are all so busy! Who has time to deal with conflicts? When conflict occurs, and we are confronted with a colleague, library patron, supervisor, or board member who is frustrated and upset, it can be tempting to identify a quick fix. However, when we do take the time to practice clear communication to uncover what people really need, we can get to better outcomes. Healthy communication involves:

•         Actions that show you are really listening

•         Communication with people who are angry or upset in a way that their needs can be addressed and resolved

•         Knowing your own emotions and needs, and effective ways to express them

Practicing healthy communication skills will boost your self-confidence and contribute to a happier workplace.

Presented by: Anna Shelton, Project Coordinator, WebJunction

Storytime Underground: A Peer-Created Community
Tuesday, September 15, 2015 ♦ 2 pm Eastern / 11 am Pacific ♦ 60 min
Registration: http://www.webjunction.org/events/webjunction/storytime-underground-a-peer-created-community.html

Library practitioners who provide storytimes have a gold mine of ideas to share and questions to ask of each other. Storytime Underground<http://storytimeunderground.org/> is your online community to connect with peers and enhance your practice. Learn about Storytime University, where you earn digital badges for participating in professional development activities and learning new skills; learn about Guerrilla Storytime and how to host one in your area (spoiler alert: we give you all the tools you need!). Storytime Underground is open and free to anyone interested in storytimes and early literacy, regardless of the level of education or position held. It is created by and for storytime providers everywhere, so join us!
Presented by: Cory Eckert, Librarian, Post Oak School, Houston, TX; Kendra Jones, Children’s Librarian, Tacoma Public Library, WA; Soraya Silverman, Youth Services Librarian, Summerlin Library, Las Vegas Clark-County Library District, NV