*️⃣ This course is for anyone who works with readers in any capacity. It is taught by Angela Hursh. In this course, you’ll learn how to clarify your library’s policies, solidify your library’s positions, and clearly communicate your mission, vision, and values. Learn tactics to use to rally community and stakeholder support and how to handle communications should your library be the focus of a book challenge.

*️⃣ On top of everything else they need to do, libraries increasingly find themselves at the center of controversy. The American Library Association reports a substantial and alarming increase in the number of book bans and challenges, beginning in 2021. Oftentimes, the library’s efforts to create collection and service policies that fulfill its mission statement of inclusion are the focus of these challenges. These attacks cost money and lower morale and productivity amongst the staff of libraries. They also threaten the very existence of libraries as safe spaces. But libraries do have some power, when they plan, position, and promote with intention.

*️⃣ Here are the core skills you will learn in this course:
- Concrete tips for strengthening the public’s perception of the library now, including tips on how to promote their mission, vision, and values, the policies they create to protect intellectual freedom, and their place in the community as a safe and welcoming space.

- Strategies for publicly responding to a censorship challenge, including media relations, crafting talking points, and communicating with patrons.

- Successful promotional ideas from real-life libraries designed to educate and empower readers about the threat of book challenges and rally library supporters all year long.

*️⃣ This course will take the average learner about 4 hours in total to complete.

Group rates are available:
20% off for 3-25 seats
30% off for 26-49 seats
40% off for 50-99 seats
Ask us if you need more than 100 seats.

*️⃣ Special note: Libraries and consortia can also purchase a two-hour live workshop version of this course. To discuss that option or to take advantage of a group rate, email learnwithnovelist@ebsco.com.

*️⃣ Course format:
This course consists of two self-paced lessons that you can complete at your own pace and 1 live lesson where you will have to attend a live class with your instructor. You have 24/7 access to the first two lessons in this course, and they can be completed at your own pace. These lessons consist of short units featuring videos with closed captions, activities, assignments, and short, automatically graded quizzes. Finish all the lessons to receive your course completion certificate.

*️⃣ Course instructor:

Angela Hursh is the Manager of Engagement and Marketing for NoveList. A 2023 Library Journal Mover & Shaker, she is also the author of the blog SuperLibraryMarketing.com and host of the YouTube series The Library Marketing Show. Before her job at NoveList, Angela led the content marketing team for the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. She also has more than 20 years of experience as an Emmy-award-winning broadcast TV journalist.

*️⃣ Last updated: August 2023

*️⃣ This course is designed for professionals in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.