September 10, 2026

Member Spotlight: Blair Henson and Guymon Public Library & Arts Center

In this issue of Continued, we are highlighting one of our members to learn more about how Amigos membership supports libraries and their staff. We recently spoke with Blair Henson, Director of the Guymon Public Library & Arts Center in Guymon, Oklahoma.

Serving both Guymon and Texas County, the library offers traditional materials alongside STEAM Kits, Early Learning Kits, and Stay Sharp Kits for older adults. With a staff of eight, professional development is an important part of supporting library services and community needs.

When we asked Blair what attracted the library to Amigos membership, the answer was practical training and valuable member benefits. While familiar with Amigos through its work with the Oklahoma Library Association, Blair was pleased to discover the range of continuing education opportunities and vendor discounts available to members.

"I like that Amigos offers professional development that addresses more of the things that we in rural Oklahoma experience," Blair shared. "Most of the staff find the classes relevant."

Several Guymon staff members have participated in Amigos courses, with customer service training standing out as especially valuable. Blair noted that the course encouraged staff to think not only about patron interactions, but also about how the library's spaces, collections, and services contribute to a welcoming environment.

The library's programming staff also benefited from Event Planning 101, which provided strategies for streamlining event planning and creating more consistent processes. Blair shared that the library's Adult Services Librarian is already applying those lessons while preparing for an upcoming author visit with Carolyn Brown.

Beyond training, Blair appreciates the ability to stretch the library's budget through member discounts and values the flexibility of recorded sessions, which allow staff to learn on their own schedules.

Looking ahead, Blair would like to see additional training focused on technology and emerging trends to help libraries keep pace with new tools and opportunities.

For libraries considering membership, Blair offers a strong endorsement: "We're not a huge library, but for a small library that isn't part of a system, Amigos has already helped us so much. It would be a wonderful investment for other libraries as well."

Interested in sharing your library's story? Contact the Amigos Continuing Education team to learn more about being featured in a future Member Spotlight.

‌Help Shape Future Training Opportunities

Thank you to everyone who participated in our continuing education poll this past March. Your feedback directly influenced our schedule, leading to the addition of several requested courses, including Event Planning 101, Intermediate Cataloging: Subject Analysis, Controlled Vocabularies and Taxonomies, and Excellence in Library Services to Older Adults. We appreciate your input and are excited to continue offering training that reflects the needs of our member community.

Building on that momentum, Amigos Continuing Education Services is once again seeking member input to help determine which topics should return to the schedule. Your feedback ensures that future offerings continue to reflect the needs and interests of libraries across the region.

We're interested to hear from you - Which of the following courses would you like to see on our upcoming schedule?

• Basic Cataloging
• Library Fundraising and Advancement
• Library Middle Management
• Small Business Support in Libraries
• Volunteers in the Library
  

Select any of the listed options or submit a write‑in suggestion for additional topics for Amigos to consider. From wherever you work in the library, your input and perspective can help guide decisions about Amigos' next round of training.

Amigos appreciates the insight shared by its community and looks forward to using this feedback to shape future continuing education opportunities.

Recently Recorded Sessions for Staff Training

Looking for ways to enhance the training of your staff, student workers and volunteers? We are pleased to announce three recording registrations made available specifically to assist in libraries' internal training and professional development.

Know & Go: Three Basic Book Repair Techniques

Register here: Know & Go: Three Basic Book Repair Techniques (Recording)

Join book repair expert Rebecca Elder for a demonstration of three essential techniques for extending the life of circulating collections. Rebecca will demonstrate how to mend paper inconspicuously, how to replace missing pages, and how to tighten text blocks that have become loose from their covers. The course includes a supply list to help learners get started with book repair right away.

Registration and recording access are available until July 29, 2027

Know & Go: Shelving 101: Library of Congress

Register here: Know & Go: Shelving 101: Library of Congress (Recording)

Most academic libraries in the United States organize and shelve their materials based on the Library of Congress Classification System (LCC). This one-hour Know & Go was created with student workers, volunteers and all employees who are responsible for shelving library materials using LCC in mind. Through demonstration and interactive materials, participants will explore introductory shelving concepts using the Library of Congress Classification System, common shelving mistakes, and approaches to maintaining an organized collection.

Registration and recording access are available until August 13, 2027

Know & Go: Shelving 101: Dewey

Register here: Know & Go: Shelving 101: Dewey (Recording)

Most public libraries in the United States organize and shelve their materials based on the Dewey Decimal Classification system. This one-hour Know & Go was created with library assistants, volunteers and all employees who are responsible for shelving library materials using Dewey in mind. Through demonstration and interactive materials, participants will explore introductory shelving concepts using the Dewey Decimal Classification system, common shelving mistakes, and approaches to maintaining an organized library collection.

Registration and recording access are available until August 27, 2027

Metadata Courses and Micro-Credential Certificate Offered This Fall

Join featured trainer Elliot Williams to build your metadata expertise through four comprehensive courses. Each course is designed to strengthen your understanding of metadata concepts, standards, quality, and relationships.

Courses Include:

• Metadata Basics (October 13)
• Metadata Standards and Types (October 20)
• Metadata Quality, Customization, Exchange, and Transformation (October 27)
• Metadata Relationships (November 3)

The Amigos micro-credential program provides staff at member libraries the opportunity to demonstrate mastery in a particular area and document that achievement on a resume or CV.

To earn the Metadata Principles and Practices Micro-Credential certificate, participants must complete all four courses, submit individual course assignments, and successfully complete the final capstone project. Registration for the capstone is required, and there is a $70 fee.

These courses, along with all Amigos sessions on the Continuing Education Services schedule, are free for members.

Trainer Spotlight: Elliot Williams

Elliot Williams did not set out to become a cataloger. When we caught up with Elliot, he shared that he originally entered library school planning to become an archivist after deciding not to complete a history PhD program. Although his coursework and internships focused on archives, his first professional position was in cataloging, a field where he had little prior experience. What began as a steep learning curve quickly became a professional passion.

"I found that I really liked cataloging," Elliot told us. The work appealed to his love of detail, organization, and understanding how systems work together. A few years later, he moved into metadata work for digital special collections, combining his interests in archives, cataloging, and technology. Along the way, he became increasingly involved with catalog and discovery systems, which sparked a broader interest in how metadata supports user access and resource discovery.

His career has remained focused on cataloging and metadata, including work with the Texas Digital Library, where he helped develop the organization's DPLA metadata aggregation service. Today, at the University of Texas at San Antonio, Elliot works across the library's catalog, digital archival collections, institutional repository, and other metadata-intensive projects. He enjoys collaborating with colleagues across the library and exploring ways to improve metadata quality and discovery.

We asked Elliot what inspires him to teach, and his answer reflected his enthusiasm for the field. "I always learn so much from the people who take my classes," he shared. Teaching encourages him to think beyond local practices and consider broader questions about how metadata can best serve users. He also appreciates Amigos' commitment to accessible training that gives library workers practical tools they can apply regardless of their institution's size or resources.

Elliot continues to grow professionally by exploring tools that support metadata work at scale, including APIs and Python, while staying current on developments in persistent identifiers. He also recently completed a year as conference planning chair for the Texas Conference on Digital Libraries, an experience that strengthened his leadership and project management skills.

Look for Elliot's upcoming metadata courses and the Metadata Principles and Practices Micro-Credential this fall.

Registration Now Open for The Flexible Library Conference

Registration is now open and the full conference schedule has been released for The Flexible Library, Amigos Library Services' online conference taking place September 23, 2026. This one-day virtual event will explore how libraries are embracing flexibility in staffing, funding, programming, and organizational culture to meet evolving community needs. As always, registration is free for Amigos members and includes access to conference recordings for one year following the event.

This conference features two keynote presentations from respected library leaders who will share strategies for navigating change and preparing libraries for the future. The conference will also offer concurrent sessions, and the full conference schedule has been released for The Flexible Library, Amigos Library Services' online conference taking place on rom library professionals sharing innovative approaches to staffing, funding, training, and community engagement. Whether you're a library leader, frontline staff member, or simply interested in new ways to navigate change, The Flexible Library offers practical ideas and inspiration for today's evolving library landscape.

10:00 AM Opening Keynote - Flexibility as a Superpower: Reimagining Library Staffing, Partnerships, and Community Impact

Kara Whatley, Vice Provost for Libraries and University Librarian at the University of Missouri, will open the conference with a discussion of how libraries can build adaptable organizations while staying grounded in their core mission and values. Drawing on experiences from Mizzou Libraries, Caltech, NYU, and collaborative efforts across Missouri and beyond, Whatley will share practical ideas for fostering innovation, empowering staff, and strengthening community partnerships.

2:00 PM Closing Keynote - Developing Flexible Leadership Skills – Preparing for What's Ahead and Around the Corner

To close the day, Gretchen Pruett, former Director of the New Braunfels Public Library and current Adjunct Professor at the University of Texas at Austin School of Computing, will explore how library professionals can develop the skills needed to anticipate and respond to change. Drawing on more than three decades of public library leadership experience, Pruett will discuss how to recognize emerging trends, identify leading indicators, and position libraries to thrive in a rapidly evolving environment.

Register today and learn how libraries are turning flexibility into opportunity.

The Hive: Quick Wins for Improving Digital Accessibility in Libraries

Digital accessibility helps ensure that all users can access and engage with library resources and services. In this fast-paced session, multiple speakers will share practical tips, tools, and strategies for improving accessibility across library websites, digital content, and online services. Through a series of brief presentations and a group Q&A, attendees will discover small, practical changes to create more accessible digital experiences.

The Hive provides attendees with an opportunity to learn from colleagues and explore emerging topics affecting libraries today. This one-hour session will be held on October 29, 2026, and registration is free for Amigos members.

Digital Accessibility as Library Strategy Community Conversation

Digital accessibility is increasingly becoming a strategic priority for libraries. Join us on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, for Digital Accessibility as Library Strategy: An Amigos Community Conversation, a live discussion exploring how libraries are embedding accessibility into organizational priorities, workflows, and decision-making.

We're pleased to announce our panelists:

• Bonnie Gardner, Coordinator of Web & User Experience, Texas A&M University Libraries (College Station, Texas)
• Aimee Schumm, Director of Innovation and Technology, Boulder Public Library District (Boulder, Colo.)
• Carol E. Smith, Dean of Libraries, University of Kansas (Lawrence, Kan.)

Drawing on experiences from academic and public libraries, panelists will discuss practical approaches for building organizational buy-in, supporting staff, and advancing accessibility as a sustained commitment across library services.

This session will be offered live only and will not be recorded to encourage open dialogue and participant engagement. Registration for this event is free and exclusively for Amigos members.

Expanded Learning Opportunities for Digital Repositories 

Looking to expand your knowledge of digital repositories? Amigos' Digital Repository Service is offering office hours and webinars throughout the remainder of 2026. 

Whether you're just getting started with Hyku or evaluating digital repository options and digitization projects for your organization, there's a session for you. 

Upcoming Office Hours & Webinars 

• September 15, 2026 - Office Hours: How to Get Started with Hyku 
• September 21, 2026 - Know & Go: Essential Steps for Selecting a Digital Repository Solution 
• October 7, 2026 - Office Hours: Guided Bulk Importing in Hyku 
• November 19, 2026 - Office Hours: Digital Accessibility in Hyku 
• December 7, 2026 - Know & Go: Exploring Affordable Digitization Approaches 

View the full schedule and register for upcoming sessions at: 

https://www.amigos.org/services/digital-repository/webinars 

For a custom session or further questions, contact technologysolutions@amigos.org.

December Online Conference Call for Proposals Now Open

Amigos Library Services invites proposals from staff at member libraries and the wider library community for individual or panel sessions at its upcoming online conference, Future Driven Collections, on December 9, 2026.

Libraries are adapting to changing technologies, evolving formats, increasing accessibility needs, and growing user expectations around access to information. Collection development, technical services, metadata, and discovery practices play a critical role in ensuring collections remain responsive, discoverable, and relevant. Future Driven Collections will explore innovative and sustainable approaches that support access today while preparing libraries for the opportunities and challenges of tomorrow.

If you're interested in sharing your knowledge and experiences, submit your proposal by October 16, 2026. For more information, contact learning@amigos.org or call (972) 340-2829.

Easy Access to Online Conference Recordings

Amigos' online conferences provide convenient and meaningful learning opportunities, bringing together insightful keynote speakers with practical concurrent sessions from leaders across Amigos member libraries and experts from across the profession.

Online conferences are a free benefit for Amigos member libraries.

Register today for access to recent conference recordings:

• The Ways We Thrive: The Amigos Member Conference 2026
• Digital Accessibility in Libraries
• Practical Paths to the AI-Enhanced Library

Please Note: Attendees registered for the live event already have access to the past conference recordings. To view the recordings, login with the credentials provided for attending the live conference.

Upcoming Learning Sessions

All online courses on the Continuing Education Services schedule are free for members.

Archives, Preservation & Digitization

• Know & Go: Essential Steps for Selecting a Digital Repository Solution (September 21)
• Know & Go: Exploring Affordable Digitization Approaches (December 7)

Cataloging

• Know & Go: How to Catalog Kits (November 18)
• Controlled Vocabularies and Taxonomies (December 2-3)

Management & Leadership

• Know & Go: Identifying When Interactions Cross the Line (September 16)
• Creative Survey Design: Crafting Survey Instruments to Meet Your Library's Research and Evaluation Needs (September 17)
• The Flexible Library Online Conference (September 23)
• The Essentials: Workplace Communication (October 7)
• Know & Go: Managing Workplace Conflict (October 15)
• Know & Go: Documenting Library Work (December 1)

Metadata

• Metadata Principles and Practices Micro-Credentialing & Capstone Project
• Metadata Basics (October 13)
• Metadata Standards and Types (October 20)
• Metadata Quality, Customization, Exchange, and Transformation (October 27)
• Metadata Relationships (November 3)

Reference

• Readers Advisory Basics (September 30)
• Know & Go: Engaging Teens and Young Adults with their Future Careers (October 8)
• Know & Go: Tools for Job Seekers in Libraries (November 5)
• Building Sustainable Book Discussion Groups (November 17)
• ACRL Framework-Informed Best Practices for Academic Reference Services (December 15)

Technology

• Know & Go: Practical AI Prompting (October 21)
• The Hive: Quick Wins for Improving Digital Accessibility in Libraries (October 29)
• Digital Accessibility as Library Strategy: An Amigos Community Conversation (November 10)
• Know & Go: Instructional Design Strategies for AI Literacy (November 12)

Interested in More?

Amigos will provide by request training sessions designed specifically to meet your library's needs. By request training can be an effective way to meet specific and specialized training needs. Contact learning@amigos.org for more information.

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