Training Resources
Here you will find resources to help you build your knowledge and skills. There are trainings available as regular zoom meetings for those who enjoy group settings, and short courses for those who want to quietly walk through something on their own. We are continuously adding to this page so please check back often! If you are looking for a webinar or video presentation, please go to our Free Webinars page.
Free Trainings Available Online
All About Librarians - "This fun, colorful guide is aimed at high school students and undergraduates. But everyone can use this guide to learn more about the library profession and why libraries are awesome," developed by the librarians at the University of North Carolina.
A History of Censorship in the United States - An article by Dr. Jennifer Steele at the University of Southern Mississippi on "a history of censorship in the United States, particularly in its libraries, and how the same issues of censorship have now transitioned into the digital age. "
Critical Race Theory Toolkit - Developed by Dr. Tasslyn Magnusson, this collection of FAQs, short videos, linked articles, and templates will help you understand what CRT actually is, and how to pushback against its framing as an inflammatory umbrella term used to challenge books and educational materials by and about people of color.
Fight for the First Webinar Series - EveryLibrary has put together a robust series live for July and August. Recordings are available for free to anyone who registers. Topics range from fighting book bans, to religiously based censorship, and the policy, law, and politics of information.
Foundation for Individual Rights in Education K-12 Video Archive - A collection of short videos (3-5 minutes each) that cover the First Amendment, including individual court cases, and our rights.
Momentum Community Training Videos - An archive of trainings and webinars created by Momentum, "a training institute and learning community dedicated to supporting organizers to build social movements."
Race Forward H. E. A. L. Training Series - A targeted series of trainings to help parents, caregivers and community members organize for multiracial democracy, then push for change in school systems.
Red Wine & Blue Online Events and Trainings - Available year-round, these events span from narrow topics to school board advocacy training and banned book clubs.
Get Ready, Stay Ready Short Courses
By Pat Lawrence
Dive into the precise legal definition of obscenity according to Miller v. California; explore how the term “obscene” is used in imprecise ways to chill speech and silence marginalized voices; examine how the end of the terminological debate is the beginning of the ideological debate; and explore the deeper issue of protecting access to varied ideas, with an emphasis on sources that might appeal across political divides.
By Sherry Neal and Lucy Santos Green
Intellectual Freedom | Collection Development | Weeding |Inquiry | School Librarianship vs Public Librarianship
Work your way through the information provided in this short-course and walk away with a strong, foundational understanding of library language and practices - including how these are misrepresented or misunderstood during book challenges and education politics.
By Stacy Collins and Alli Harper
Development of Bias | Books and Bias | Traps & Techniques | Supporting Students | Material Selection | Supporting Authors
Discussions about the immeasurable value of diversity and thoughtfully crafted representation in books are not new, but they are as vital now as they were half a century ago. This short-course helps you explore not only the enormous impact diverse books have on readers, but also how to encourage and support diversity in books in your communities.
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