You're a freelancer in Library Services. How do you stay current with the latest trends?

1 Join professional associations

One of the best ways to stay current with the latest trends in Library Services is to join professional associations that cater to your niche, interests, and goals. Professional associations offer many benefits, such as access to journals, newsletters, webinars, conferences, workshops, and networking opportunities. They also provide you with a sense of community, support, and recognition among your peers. Some of the most popular professional associations for Library Services freelancers are the American Library Association (ALA), the Special Libraries Association (SLA), and the Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP).

2 Follow blogs and podcasts

Another way to stay current with the latest trends in Library Services is to follow blogs and podcasts that cover topics related to your field. Blogs and podcasts can provide you with valuable insights, tips, resources, and perspectives from experts, practitioners, and influencers in Library Services. They can also keep you updated on the latest news, events, and opportunities in your industry. Some of the most popular blogs and podcasts for Library Services freelancers are The Library Lab, The Librarian Is In, Library Matters, and Information Wants to Be Free.

3 Take online courses and webinars

A third way to stay current with the latest trends in Library Services is to take online courses and webinars that can help you learn new skills, tools, and techniques. Online courses and webinars can offer you convenience, flexibility, and affordability to enhance your professional development. They can also help you earn continuing education credits, certificates, or badges that can boost your resume and portfolio. Some of the most popular online courses and webinars for Library Services freelancers are Library Juice Academy, Coursera, edX, and WebJunction.

4 Participate in social media and online forums

A fourth way to stay current with the latest trends in Library Services is to participate in social media and online forums that can connect you with other Library Services freelancers, experts, and enthusiasts. Social media and online forums can provide you with a platform to share your ideas, opinions, questions, and feedback on various topics related to your field. They can also help you discover new trends, resources, and opportunities that can benefit your career. Some of the most popular social media and online forums for Library Services freelancers are Twitter, LinkedIn, Reddit, and Quora.

5 Experiment with new tools and technologies

A fifth way to stay current with the latest trends in Library Services is to experiment with new tools and technologies that can improve your productivity, efficiency, and creativity. New tools and technologies can offer you new ways to organize, manage, analyze, and present information. They can also help you solve problems, overcome challenges, and create value for your clients. Some of the most popular tools and technologies for Library Services freelancers are Zotero, Canva, Tableau, and WordPress.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?