WELCOME TO THE STAFF DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING OFFICE HOMEPAGE.

This learning page is a great place to find information about training, learning portfolios, and get helpful tips on customer service, managing employees, or other library issues. We'll also be posting post-conference reflections and ideas discovered by staff members at programs they attended.

Subscribe to the blog to get updates when ideas are posted.

Saturday, December 3, 2022

Drexel MLIS discount for MLA members

If anyone on staff is thinking about applying to the MLIS program at Drexel, you can use the Maryland Library Association partnership for tuition reduction: https://online.drexel.edu/mla.


On the online application there is a section called Partnerships where the applicant can self-identify as a member of Maryland Library Association in the partner search-box. This action will connect their MSI in Library & Information Science 25% tuition reduction to the applicant’s file and if accepted into the program, will automatically be reflected in the student’s billing profile. No additional action would be required to receive the discount.

If you aren't a member of MLA you can join before you complete your application and get this discount.

Thursday, October 27, 2022

Fall edition of the CRAB is available

The new Crab issue is available now on the MLA website.  The Crab is now publicly available, you do not have to be a member of MLA.





Sunday, October 9, 2022

Leading a team - suggestions from author Nataly Kogan

 As a leader, you’re not managing people. You’re managing energy, emotions, and attention.

And you can help your team focus their energy and attention in ways that fuel their thriving (and reduce struggle).

These 3 questions are a great place to begin:

1. What would it take to make today great vs just OK?

2. What is draining your energy and how could you do it less (and how could I help?)

3. How does the work you are doing help others?

Friday, October 7, 2022

A word about motivation from author Nataly Kogan

 From Nataly Kogan, author of happier now and The Awesome Human Project:


Don't try to motivate your team.  Instead, do things that fuel motivation:

  • express gratitude consistently
  • ensure that the workload is reasonable
  • regularly talk about the purpose in the work
  • brainstorm how to add joy to work
  • make fueling energy and taking breaks a priority

Motivation is an outcome, a result of other things.  Trying to motivate someone is like trying to get someone to go to sleep.

Instead, focus on the inputs that fuel motivation - sense of purpose, joy, having enough energy, feeling appreciated - and motivation will naturally follow.

Tuesday, October 4, 2022

Workday Learning App has content!

 The "Learning" app in Workday now has content for city employees.  There are currently 10 learning programs available, and these include a program on Unconscious Bias, Navigating Challenges with Diplomacy, Stress Management, and Business Writing Fundamentals.  

Just log into Workday to participate, and look for further programs to be added to this resource.  These courses do count for continuing education, but you will need to create your own CEU forms.

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

MLA/DLA conference proposals due by October 8


The MLA/DLA Annual Conference will take place this year from May 10-12, 2023 in Cambridge, Maryland. The annual conference strives to build and promote a strong, engaged, knowledgeable, diverse, and inclusive library community to advance the transformational impact of library staff and libraries. MLA/DLA seeks proposals and speakers representing the full range of library organizations (academic, school, public, specialized, etc.) and positions within the library. 


Programs will be selected with an eye toward amplifying underrepresented groups that have been historically marginalized or excluded due to race, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, ability, religious identity, economic background, educational background, age, or other factors.

Another option for the conference is the Ignite Talks series.  What is something that you are passionate about in libraries that you tell us about in 10 minutes? Ignite Talks can look like storytelling, a how-to, or a research share – anything that sparks interest. Ignite Talks are a great opportunity to try presenting for the first time, to share experience or lessons learned, or to make your colleagues laugh with an entertaining topic and slides. We can’t wait to hear about your passions!

Please consider submitting a proposal using this form (https://forms.gle/K5HwKz3J3gE57xge9) and sharing it with colleagues.   If you have any questions, you can email kelsey.hughes@hclibrary.org or md.la.conference@gmail.com

All proposals will be due by October 8.