Ideas for Library Seminars

There are an assortment of ideas for library seminars.

Public and private libraries are repositories of information for the communities they serve. They are ideal forums for public workshops and seminars on an assortment of topics that can be engaging to library patrons. These public presentations may be geared to students, targeted populations or the general public. Seminars can be conducted by reference librarians or private individuals or groups.

Book Seminars

The library is a great place to learn about book-making, the book publishing industry and new and old books. Bookmaking seminars can include a workshop component that allows attendees to participate in the book-binding process. Writers are always interested in workshops that provide insights about the publishing industry. Librarians can also create public seminars that focus on the works of a particular author, book or subject matter. These seminars can be tied to anniversary dates for the referenced works.

Conducting Research

Libraries are primarily a place for research. A library workshop can be geared to teaching attendees tips for conducting research from the library's book and print collections. A seminar can help library patrons learn about accessing the general stacks and digital databases. Tips on Internet-based research materials are also frequently covered in these types of seminars.

Genealogy Research Workshops

Local public libraries are a storehouse of information about regional histories and families. Special genealogical collections are frequently developed for those conducting this type of research. Library seminars can be designed to help the public learn how to use the genealogical resources of the library, such as becoming familiar with genealogical forms and documents. These records may include oral history interviews and old maps that require special care. Seminars can also provide insight on accessing Internet databases of public records that help in this type of research.

Special Collection Topics

There are always rare books, as well as other printed material, that are within a library's special archives --- not within the library's general stacks. This is generally due to the rarity or fragility of the printed material. Develop a library seminar that introduces the public to the rarer parts of the library's collection. If special access privileges are required, provide this information. Also, such seminars can address proper handling of rare printed material.

References

• genealogical forms and documents