December 4, 2025

Contribute to Amigos' New Strategic Plan

Amigos is embarking on a new strategic plan. Continuing education and professional development will continue to be core to our work with member libraries. As we prepare for this new plan, we are introducing a series of short, one-question surveys to better understand the interests of members and libraries across our region. Members of our learning community might be especially interested to contribute to our one-question survey focused on the idea of connection – "How would you like to learn and connect with other libraries through your membership with Amigos?" We would love to hear from you and appreciate your engagement with our future work.

And if you missed our previous one-question survey about library technology needs, we would still love to have your feedback.

Start 2026 Strong: Explore the New Course Schedule

Amigos is excited to kick off 2026 with a fresh lineup of continuing education opportunities. The January through March schedule is packed with practical, timely training designed to help library workers strengthen skills and explore emerging trends. From sessions on AI and linked data to trauma-informed design, customer service, and marketing essentials, there's something for everyone. Check out the full list of courses below and register today.

Congratulations! New Amigos Micro-Credential Certificate Recipients

Congratulations to the following seven individuals for completing the requirements for the Metadata Principles and Practices: Micro-Credential certificate!

• Amanda Caudill, Collin College Library
• Jenna Kammer, University of Central Missouri
• Calum Naderer, Del Mar College, William F White Library
• Tim Nelson, University of Missouri – St. Louis, Thomas Jefferson Library
• Sunday Phillips, University of Texas at Arlington Library
• Jessica Williams, Salt Lake County Library Services
• Nicholas Williams, University of Texas at Arlington Library

Electronic Resource Management Micro-Credential Series Registration Now Open

Strengthen your skills in managing electronic resources with this comprehensive 3-course micro-credential series. Each course is designed to help you acquire, implement, maintain, and troubleshoot access to electronic resources, as well as develop strategies for assessment and preservation.

Courses in the Series:

• Electronic Resource Management 1: Acquisition and Implementation
• Electronic Resource Management 2: Maintenance and Troubleshooting
• Electronic Resource Management 3: Assessment and Preservation

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

To earn the micro-credential certificate, participants must complete all three courses, submit individual course assignments, and successfully complete the final capstone project:

• Electronic Resource Management: Micro-Credential & Capstone Project

This culminating session involves applying your knowledge to a real-world scenario by creating a comprehensive electronic resource management plan. 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.

Last Chance to Register for Practical Paths to the AI-Enhanced Library

Join us on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, for Practical Paths to the AI-Enhanced Library, an Amigos online conference exploring how libraries are putting AI into action through real-world projects, collaborations, and service innovations.

The conference schedule will include two keynote presentations and several concurrent sessions presented by various library leaders. Attendees will gain practical insights, lessons learned, and creative approaches from library professionals who are navigating the evolving role of AI in their work.

Registration is open through December 7th and is free for Amigos members.

Call for Panelists - The Hive: Unlocking the Power of APIs in Libraries

Amigos invites proposals for panelists for the next session in our quarterly educational series, The Hive, taking place on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, from 1–2 pm Central. Proposals can be submitted through the online form and must be received by January 31, 2026.

This 60-minute session will feature multiple speakers sharing their best tips, tricks, and practical insights on the topic of Unlocking the Power of APIs in Libraries. APIs, or Application Programming Interfaces, are web services designed to allow systems and computers to transfer, share, and process information. Each Hive speaker will present a brief 8–10-minute session, followed by a group Q&A with the panelists. The Hive is designed to showcase voices from across the Amigos membership who want to share their experiences and strategies on the selected topic.

Possible topics include:

• Highlighting a specific API and how it benefits library workflows
• Integrating APIs with library systems (e.g., ILS, discovery layers, digital repositories)
• Using APIs for automation, data visualization, or reporting
• Overcoming challenges in implementing or learning APIs
• Sharing tools, tutorials, or resources for getting started with APIs

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: 

• Libraries Cultivating Community
• Our Present. Our Futures. The Amigos Member Conference 2025
• Collections Reflect Communities
• The People-Powered 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