BCLA supports the ongoing acquisition of skills and knowledge for personal and professional development and for career advancement including a variety of continuing education series, listed below. Please follow the BCLA Professional Development Forum for workshop updates, training opportunities and news.
For past events, that were free to the public, visit the Recordings webpage or explore BCLA’s Vimeo account.
For current events, meetings and workshops, hosted by BC Library organizations, visit the BC Library Professional Development Calendar:
On-going Series
AI Exploration Series
The AI Exploration Series aims to enable library workers to better understand, build confidence, and utilize Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, and ChatGPT in their daily work and in their support of library patrons. We will provide practical, hands-on tutorials as well as keynote speakers on a range of issues, and discussion-based workshops that openly consider the pros and cons of this constantly evolving technology.
Conference Virtual Reboot
Every year, attendees from the BC Library Conference recommend their favourite sessions. In the “Conference Virtual Reboot” series, BCLA invites a selection of presenters to replicate or reimagine their conference session as a virtual webinar on Zoom, staggering these events throughout the year.
Accessibility
Accessibility in libraries is a leading priority for BCLA, and we aim to offer workshops featuring experts with lived experience and tools for making our libraries more accessible and welcoming to all.
Growth & Leadership Series
The Growth & Leadership Series focuses on training opportunities with experts in the field who will present on topics related to management, leadership, team-building, library challenges, work-life balance, work culture, and personal development. All library staff are welcome to attend.
BCLA Annual Year-End Keynote
A Year-End Keynote speaker will present on a topic intended to inspire library workers in preparation of a new year in early December. Presenters from previous years can be enjoyed on our Recordings page.
Read Local BC BookBlast!
The Read Local BC BookBlast! celebrates the brand new and upcoming titles being published in BC. Thanks to a partnership with the Association of Book Publishers of BC (Books BC), these events are offered free of charge. The presentations are a collaboration between BCLA and Read Local BC featuring the very best of BC published books.
Beyond Hope Virtual Conference Reboot
BCLA is pleased to partner with PGPL on this virtual series, which is in the spirit of the Conference Virtual Reboot Series offering a selection of workshops from the in-person Beyond Hope Conference to replicate or re-imagine their workshop via Zoom for a wider audience during the even year.