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MLA 2024 ANNUAL CONFERENCE BREAKOUT SESSIONS

*Schedule is subject to change

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

1:45 – 2:45 PM  |  3:15 – 4:15 PM  |  4:30 - 5:30 PM

Thursday, October 17, 2024

10:00 – 11:00 AM  |  11:00 - 11:30 AM  |  11:30 AM – 12:30 PM  |  1:45 – 2:45 PM  |  4:15 - 5:15 PM

Friday, October 18, 2024

9:00 – 10:00 AM  |  10:15 – 11:15 AM

Wednesday, October 16, 2024 | 1:45 - 2:45 PM

Accessible Marketing Through a Trauma-Informed Lens

As library workers we believe that "libraries are for everyone," but what does that mean for your marketing and communications? In this session, participants will learn the basics of accessible design, and how to create inclusive and trauma-informed messaging. With these tools, participants will feel empowered to effectively promote library programs, materials, and services, and meet diverse community members where they're at.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Understand some of the common barriers to accessing information, and how to mitigate those barriers through marketing and communications.
• Be able to create accessible, appealing promotional materials, and be able to write inclusive, trauma-informed messaging.
• Be able to integrate accessibility and trauma-informed communications into related library operations such as programming, new employee orientation, and more.

Speaker

Beyond Microfilm: Local History Partnerships

The partnerships between the library, local historian, and museums will be presented. Included are the advantages for all those involved and members of the community. Local history programming ideas for all ages will be shared as well as using locations both on and offsite of the library.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Understand the importance of sharing local history stories and events as a way to bring in patrons and connect with the community.
• Gain tips for approaching and creating sustainable and lucrative partnerships outside of the library.
• Be able to implement numerous different programs for a wide range of ages.

Speaker

Manage all the Behaviors! Storytime Tips, Tricks, and Solid Techniques!

With storytime comes unexpected behaviors. Of course! These are very small humans we're dealing with on a daily basis. If you've ever had a situation you weren't sure how to handle or wish you had some techniques handy for when the chaos inevitably rises, this is the discussion for you! You can any question, posit any scenario, and get advice from your colleagues! Lets lift each other up because we all have the same goal, early literacy!

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Feel confident in their ability to handle tricky situations that arise in storytime.
• Thrive with new time management strategies and redirection techniques, such as effective transition songs & rhymes.
• Build a network of connections with colleagues and acquire a new found sense of self assurance with the knowledge they gain.

Speaker

Now Playing in the Library

It is still a common misconception for many newcomers to campus that academic libraries are silent shrines to reading and research, filled with books and journals and hushed tones. While LSSU Library serves those important academic needs of campus, it also provides a variety of opportunities for both the campus community and the larger community to PLAY in the library. This session will cover why, and share inexpensive and engaging ways for your patrons to play in your library.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Be able to cite benefits of play for both their patrons and their staff.
• Identify two or more play-oriented activities that they could offer to their patrons.
• Be equipped with tools to brainstorm play-oriented activities in the future.

Speakers

Recruiting and Interviewing for the Library of Today and Tomorrow

The public library focus is shifting from a concentration on inventory and resources to community learning and interaction, yet the approach to matching the right staff to the job requirements has stayed the same. This program will answer how we can recruit for all positions, create an experiential interview, and bring new talent that thrives in the organization.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Examine the readiness of your institution to change the recruitment and hiring process in order to bring the right staff on board.
• Consider aligning the institution's goals to the organizational chart.
• Learn how to outline an actual interview scenario with sample exercises, questions, and conversations.

Speaker

Supporting Adult Learners in Your Community

With over 70 eResources, the Michigan eLibrary (MeL), provides something for everyone. There are several eResources to help adult learners who are striving to improve their reading, math, and workforce skills. Join this session and develop a toolkit to help adult learners, adult learning educators, and community partners that focus on workforce development locate and utilize eBooks, tutorials, and practice tests.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Be able to locate MeL eResources to support adult learners.
• Be able to share MeL content such as eBooks, tutorials, and practice tests to support adult learners.
• Be able to recommend MeL eResources for adult learning to community partners and workforce development agencies.

Speaker

Understanding & Addressing Library Employees' Workplace Perceptions

Understanding the experiences and views of employees is critical for leadership to address employee satisfaction and performance. For library staff, opinions and experiences can be examined by interactions with colleagues, patrons, and the community. Aggregated findings from a recent UM-Dearborn study of Michigan library employees will be presented and discussed. Attendees will learn about the influencers of workplace perceptions and tailoring programming to meet their own library's needs.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Better understand how the employees of their library may feel about their workplace based on where it is located, the types of patrons they serve, the size of their service population, interactions with others, and more.
• Utilize the information provided to create personalized programming and resources for library employees to create more inclusive workplaces and boost employee morale.
• Take the key findings from this large research study and identify areas they can further explore with the employees within their own libraries. This could include additional research such as focus groups, and/or piloting offerings that address an employee need.

Speakers

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Wednesday, October 16, 2024 | 3:15 - 4:15 PM

"Passive" Readers Advisory in the Time of Book Challenges

Displays, booklists, and more! This session will discuss the goals of passive RA, the variety of ways to share materials with the public, and some best practices. It offers a refresher on the basics of library displays and resources to help. We'll also talk about highlighting materials in our politically divisive climate especially as we seek to be inclusive and accessible. Bring your questions and Ideas, we will be taking time for discussion.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Understand and be able to express the varying goals of passive RA.
• Understand the wide range of deliverables that are included in passive RA.
• Have a set of ideas for promoting inclusive and accessible materials despite potentially hostile community members.

Speaker

Being Orange in a Sea of Blue

By utilizing the True Colors personality test parameters, this workshop will discuss the four dominant personalities and how to effectively use this information for a more cohesive and productive work culture at your library. Participants will learn what type of personality each color represents and do a self-assessment of their own traits to determine their "color". They will then learn how the various colors can interact in different roles at work in a variety of situations.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Be able to have a better understanding of the different personality "colors".
• Be able to determine best practices for working with a variety of personality types, what motivates each type, and how to identify with them when they are stressed.
• Learn tips for all levels of staff - from directors down to pages, to improve the work culture balance in the library.

Speakers

Engaging Grown-Ups: Programming for Adult Patrons

While some questions might never be answered - "What came first, the chicken or the egg?" "Is one really the loneliest number?" Other questions- "How do we get more people using the library?" can be a bit easier – Programming! It isn't the only answer, but it is key to keeping your library active within your community. Examining the importance of both in-person & passive adult programming will allow your library to provide much needed information and entertainment to your patrons.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Have a clearer understanding of the importance of adult programming.
• Be able to work within their budget to offer a variety of programs to meet their community's needs.
• Be inspired to focus on improving/evolving their library's adult programs.

Speaker

Gast Amazing Race: A Case Study of Gamified Library Staff Training

The William C. Gast Business Library student supervisor at Michigan State University noticed that staff frequently forgot their job responsibilities, impacting tasks such as circulating materials and providing reference help. To address this, the supervisor implemented gamified training to improve knowledge retention. This session will discuss the impact of gamification on knowledge retention for staff, and its potential for enhancing engagement and motivation.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Understand the fundamental principles of gamification, including game mechanics, dynamics, and aesthetics.
• Discover how these elements can enhance knowledge retention, engagement, and motivation in library instruction.
• Evaluate areas in their library where gamification can be used to enhance library instruction.

Speaker

Making Space for Everyone: Library Makerspaces for People with Disabilities

Makerspaces introduce play and exploration into libraries, but patrons can't press play if barriers are in place. By taking into consideration the varied needs of people with disabilities, a makerspace can deliver inclusive and accessible experiences. This session discusses ways to create customized making sessions for people with disabilities, prepping for challenges, as well as offering suggestions for libraries considering a makerspace for their entire community of all ages and abilities. Examples include customized stamps for writing a name, functional attachments for a wheelchair, Sensory Kits to make things like fidget devices, and making 'swag' as giveaways for your group to proudly promote their organization.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Learn how to adapt makerspace services and activities for people with disabilities in their community. This can be done through thoughtful curriculum, and offering a variety of customized projects, that not only can enrich an experience, but help with a need.
• Be aware of some of the challenges involved in offering makerspace programing to people with disabilities.
• Consider ways that your makerspace can be made more accessible with short term as well as long term solutions.

Speakers

The Out & In of Digital Collections: Statewide Access & Preservation Platforms

Do you have digitized materials at your library but you're not sure what you should be doing with them? Learn about two statewide resources to help you "press play" on your digital collections journey! Michigan Memories is a newly redesigned access portal for searching and discovering Michigan collections. The Michigan Digital Preservation Network is a new easy-to-use preservation solution that keeps digital files healthy and safe by monitoring five redundant copies at locations across the state.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• See how digital collections can benefit their library by providing useful information to a wide range of patrons and as an opportunity to engage with the public both online and in-person.
• Understand why digital access and digital preservation are important parts of good digital collections stewardship.
• Identify statewide resources for providing access to and preserving digital collections.

Speakers

Welcome to the 21st Century: Modern Storytime Best Practices

As libraries evolve, so should storytimes. The modern caregiver seeks quality opportunities to build early literacy skills with their children. Incorporating relevant technologies into storytimes allows caregivers to better emulate the five tenants of early literacy - talk, sing, read, write, play. Join Northville District Library to learn more about their practices and engage in discussion.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• See how using technologies in storytime will better emulate the five early literacy skills.
• Be confident in transferring their storytimes into a tech-friendly format.
• Leave with new ideas from group discussion.

Speakers

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Wednesday, October 16, 2024 | 4:30 - 5:30 PM

Benefits of Hosting a Library Student Practicum

Do you remember completing a practicum or internship as part of your library education? Hopefully your experience was foundational in beginning and thriving in your library career. Would you be interested in "paying it forward" by hosting a practicum student at your library? Come learn about the benefits to your library and the library community that come from becoming a host site for students completing library practicum hours.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Be able to explain the value to the growth and thriving of the library community that comes through library student practicums.
• Be able to describe potential benefits that could come to their library through hosting a practicum student.
• Be able to evaluate if hosting a library student practicum would be manageable and beneficial for their library.

Speaker

Empathic Leadership in Libraries

Having empathy is critical to being a great leader, coworker, and friend. In this session, empathic leadership will be defined. Those looking to build empathy will benefit from tools and tactics shared to build understanding of others. Attendees who identify as empaths will hear reasons and ideas for setting and keeping healthy boundaries. Others will learn how to support empathic coworkers in setting healthy boundaries. All attendees will gain strategies to enhance empathy in leadership.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Know why empathy is important for leaders and members of their institution.
• Gain tools to build empathy for others and incorporate empathy in their leadership.
• Have reasons for setting goals of healthy boundaries and/or supporting boundaries for others as empathic leaders and coworkers.

Speaker

Escape Room for Librarians

The presenters have combined their mission to make the library a fun place with their passion to fight censorship, and have created an Escape Room specifically for library workers. Attendees will form teams and participate in a fun banned-book-themed Escape Room experience, then will have opportunity to ask questions about hosting and/or creating escape rooms. This session is ideal for those who provide programming for any age patrons or students.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Have an increased understanding of how to plan and implement an escape room experience for patrons or students of all ages.
• Be more confident that they could create and implement their own escape room.
• Be a little more familiar with some of the most banned books in America today.

Speakers

Introducing Book Boxes: Amplify Your Reader's Advisory Service for Patrons!

If only there was a way to increase book circulation, help patrons find new favorite authors, and exercise that reader's advisory skill we don't use nearly as often as library school said we would oh wait! Book Boxes! This service allows patrons to personalize a box specifically to their needs. After its successful year at Fowlerville District Library, it's received glowing reviews and has created a better understanding of their patrons. Learn how to implement and adapt it for your library.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Recognize and possibly implement a new service at their library.
• Identify the benefits of highly curated reader's advisory.
• Apply reader's advisory skills to create a deeper connection with their community.

Speakers

Press Play: Practical and Legal Considerations for Generative AI in Libraries

Generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) tools can create near-instant text, multimedia, and analysis in ways that can be near-magical, biased, or wrong. For example, people can prompt Gen AI to quickly generate library newsletters or to create misinformation at scale. Gen AI might add efficiency to resume review while introducing bias. This session will preview the Gen AI landscape and introduce some programmatic, practical, legal, and policy strategies for your library and your patrons.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Recognize current capabilities and limitations of generative AI tools.
• Be able to identify at least three critical opportunities and concerns about generative AI's use and impact in public libraries.
• Articulate at least three generative AI policy, practical, or legal strategies for implementing generative AI in public libraries.

Speakers

Popcorn Session: Sustainability

In our special "popcorn" sessions, we ask you all to be the experts! Everyone is doing great work in their libraries and this is the moment to share with our peers. We'll have a jar of questions and invite people to pick a question and share with the group. Questions will be based on the theme of the session. This is an interactive session so come prepared to share!

Popcorn Session: Technology

In our special "popcorn" sessions, we ask you all to be the experts! Everyone is doing great work in their libraries and this is the moment to share with our peers. We'll have a jar of questions and invite people to pick a question and share with the group. Questions will be based on the theme of the session. This is an interactive session so come prepared to share!

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Thursday, October 17, 2024 | 11:00 - 11:30 AM

See You in the Funny Pages Library Comic Contest

Have a great library story? The MLA Annual Conference Workgroup wants to hear from YOU!

Gene Ambaum of Unshelved and Library Comic is offering at least one lucky library attendee the chance to have their library’s story immortalized into a comic strip created by him.

All 2024 Annual Conference attendees are invited to submit their favorite library stories. The best of these will be made into a comic strip by writer Gene Ambaum, who will be presenting at the 2024 MLA Annual Conference, and Library Comic's artist Willow Payne. (If there are a bunch of excellent stories, they may even pick more than one winner.)

As part of his breakout session on Thursday, October 17, Gene will share the runners up, with some insight into why some stories were better suited for comic strips than others, and unveil the winner(s) and the comic strip(s). The winner and the Michigan Library Association will get signed prints, and top runners-up will get prizes too. (Note that winners need not be present at the presentation to win, but they should be registered for the conference.)

Write up your favorite library stories and submit them via this Google form (https://forms.gle/gimoBwjfx1P1ogP79) . Your stories can be funny, sad, crazy, weird, touching, bookish, or anything at all, really. He wants to hear about things you personally experienced; he particularly loves to hear the truth behind the library stories everyone has heard, especially when no one else knows what really happened. Don’t submit a script, and don’t feel the need to make your stories funny — sending him a brief story in your own words is enough. He’ll contact you if he has questions. Everyone can submit up to five stories.

Note: By submitting stories, you agree that the comic created from the winning stories will be (c) Ambauminable LLC. The comic(s) will run on librarycomic.com and its affiliated social media sometime during or after the MLA conference, and may appear in future Library Comic collections, with a note that they're “Based on a true story” but without other attribution. (If you win, you’re free to tell the world you submitted the story, but if you don’t want that widely known, rest assured that Gene won’t tell anyone else who you are.)

Speaker

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Thursday, October 17, 2024 | 10:00 - 11:00 AM

Branching Out Together: Connecting with Other Libraries & Community Partners

Feeling confined by your library walls? Looking to expand your library's impact and build new community ties? Break free and branch out together! Discover how to connect with neighboring libraries and cultural institutions to identify complementary strengths, coordinate efforts on existing initiatives like Michigan Humanities' Great Michigan Read, and share resources and expertise to implement high-profile programs.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Be able to develop a plan for initiating a collaborative project in their own libraries, including identifying potential partners and outlining initial steps.
• Be able to identify potential challenges associated with library collaboration and strategies to overcome them (e.g., scheduling conflicts, unequal resources).
• Be able to evaluate the success of collaborative projects using measurable outcomes, such as program attendance, media coverage, or community engagement.

Speakers

Building a Library 101: A Roadmap to the Future

Directors need to answer some important questions before diving into a library building update. What will it cost? What goes into an architecture and engineering request for proposals? How long will construction take? Which design features are trendy and which ones are timeless? In this session, an architect, interior designer, and funding advisor from the design firm C2AE will demystify the design process from start to finish and answer directors' burning questions.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Learn how to successfully write a request for proposal for architecture and engineering services.
• Understand what elements go into designing the library of the future.
• Learn the means of determining a budget and identifying funding opportunities.

Speakers

Creating Digital Access and Preservation Consortia: Lessons from UPLINK

Many libraries face the challenge of providing digital access to collections with ever-decreasing budgets. UPLINK (Upper Peninsula Digital Network) is a new consortium that pools the resources of libraries and related institutions to lower the barriers to creating digital collections. This presentation will focus on how UPLINK allows communities to retain their heritage locally while sharing it globally & the challenges of creating a digital collections database for diverse member organizations.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Learn strategies, software, and platforms that could make creating digital collections possible for their organization.
• Know pitfalls to avoid when trying to collaborate with other organizations on digital collections.
• Have a model for governance of a digital consortium.

Speaker

DIY Strategic Planning

Strategic planning needn't be left to consultants. You have the power to craft actionable plans that will move your library forward and create positive change. Whether you are a staff of one or involved in a multi-branch system, you will learn a host of community research techniques that will help you get to know your audience and analyze that data to pull out key themes. Once you know what your community needs, you can create a roadmap that gets all your stakeholders on the same page.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Understand a full range of options for community research and how to scale it based on your capacity.
• Be prepared to analyze different forms of community research using collaborative processes to determine key themes.
• Craft a structured, actionable strategic plan that aligns with expressed community needs.

Speakers

Five Work-Life Balance Myths - BUSTED!

Everybody is striving for the perfect work-life balance, but it's never quite right. When work and life roles get out of balance, health, productivity, and wellbeing suffer. So what's the answer? Join us as we challenge five of the biggest myths of work-life balance, and share ways to work toward balance in your life.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Explore what a balanced and harmonious life can look like.
• Discover strategies for building boundaries to improve wellbeing.
• Examine what they can do to promote balance at home and in the workplace.

Speakers

Mastering Your Messages for the Media and Beyond

Now more than ever, it is important for library workers to be trained to talk to the media about challenges as well as triumphs. Successfully navigating both easy and tough interviews will position your library in a positive light. Media skills will also benefit you when managing tough patron and staff discussions. Learn from a media relations expert and library director, basic skills when dealing with the media and how that can help you on your leadership journey.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Have learned foundational media skills that can be used when talking to reporters.
• Understand how learning foundational media skills will assist in having challenging conversations with patrons and staff.
• Know how to craft messages based on their mission statement and/or core values that can be used when talking to the media.

Speakers

Meet Bubbles: Leveraging Teens' Creativity to Engage Your Whole Library

Inspired by Thorndyke, the stuffed bear that lives in our Children's area, Canton Public Library's Teen Leadership Council saw the future of our teen space and its name is Bubbles the Cat. The new mascot was an instant hit, an enticing draw for all ages that has provided exciting new passive programming opportunities. Learn how this side project of our TLC took on a life of its own and how you can leverage the creativity of your teens to build the future of engagement at your library.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Have new strategies for encouraging your teens to think forward and engage more with your library.
• Understand how to build a sense of ownership of library spaces by fostering an environment of creativity and exploration.
• Know how to inspire community among patrons and staff by creating shared experiences.

Speakers

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Thursday, October 17, 2024 | 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Accessibility and Accommodation as an Emerging Issue for Public Libraries

A rapidly aging population, an increase in conditions affecting mental and emotional health among populations of all ages and renewed governmental focus on issues surrounding accessibility and accommodation mean that all government entities should ensure that they are prepared to provide facilities and services that comply with accessibility and accommodation requirements under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In addition, non-disability related accommodation requirements involving religion, pregnancy and language are becoming more commonplace. This session will provide information on the legal requirements for accessibility and accommodation which currently affect public libraries and will provide tips and suggestions for managing accommodation requests from patrons, staff, and board members.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Describe the primary laws and regulations which govern the accessibility of governmental facilities and services.
• Understand the requirements for reasonable accommodation for patrons, staff, and board members.
• Discover helpful information and tools to assist in creating policies and procedures for compliance with accessibility- and to enable welcoming and accessible service for ALL of their communities.

Speakers

Develop Your Teams by Building on Strengths

Teams are a critical unit at your library - it's where people learn, share, and feel connected. How can we better develop our teams to ensure positive working relationships and job satisfaction? This session will go deep into team building (but not in a "let's do a ropes course!" way!). We'll share the theory behind how teams develop their dynamics and cultures and several proven approaches to using a strengths-based approach for intentionally cultivating a productive environment.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Understand the vital role teams play in organizational development and job satisfaction.
• Understand the team development model and how to use it with teams and how to increase job engagement through team connection.

Speaker

DigiLIT - Designing Engaging Digital Literacy Programs at Your Library

This breakout session will explore practical strategies to create effective, engaging digital literacy programs tailored for your community library by viewing examples from the Grosse Pointe Public Library. Learn to design programs that attract and educate diverse adult audiences, leveraging technology and innovative teaching methods to enhance patron's digital literacy skills. Perfect for library staff seeking to expand digital learning in their communities.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Be able to take numerous examples of both active and passive programming that aids to bridge the digital literacy gap in one library's community and apply it to their own.
• Have actionable practices to take to their own library and implement.
• Learn how to design and begin digital literacy programs that are both engaging and educational.

Speaker

Global Tales & Local Hearts: How Libraries Can Help Raise Multicultural Kids

Join bestselling author Ajanta Chakraborty for a workshop designed to inspire librarians to create inclusive library spaces. Learn how to select diverse stories that resonate with young readers and integrate multicultural books, activities, and digital resources into your programs. Through this session with interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and practical demonstrations, transform your library into a vibrant, welcoming space where every child sees themselves reflected.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Master diverse book selection.
• Learn how to curate exciting diverse programs for patrons that get high participation and rave reviews.
• Learn how to incorporate a variety of resources that will resonate with the local community by thinking outside the box.

Speaker

I'll Take Management for $500

Hello new managers! So, you've taken on an admin role and you're faced with making all kinds of decisions! Confronted with an unfamiliar situation or problem, how do you know where to go to find answers-to the listserv, friends, the library board, a Ouija Board? Often, none of these are the correct answer, but you still have to make an informed decision. In this interactive session, participants will take part in an online game designed to hone their critical thinking and decision-making skills.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Think more critically about scenarios and situations they encounter.
• Make more informed decisions based on resources available to them.
• See an end to "management by polling!" Participants will understand resources to turn to for improved guidance and support of informed decisions.

Speakers

Press Play on Wonder Media!

Build on your media and news literacy skills through Wonder Media, a co-designed website filled with programming resources to use when engaging with students and your community. Thanks to funding from IMLS, you can invite others to play along and learn more about misinformation and dependable news sources through fun and interactive activities.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Be aware of the content of WML.com and its programming resources.
• Acquire additional tools, techniques and knowledge of media literacy and news literacy.
• Feel equipped to share media and news literacy resources and knowledge with their communities.

Speakers

Taking Flight: Launching and Maintaining a Successful Library Birding Program

Interested in starting a birding program at your library but not sure where to begin? Already have a birding club and interested in more content? In this session, Eric Berling, STEAM Educator at the East Lansing Public Library, will share his tips for how library programmers, regardless of birding experience, can launch and maintain a successful birding club program. Resources, such as meeting agendas, handouts, activities, and potential community partnerships will be shared.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Recognize the value that a library-sponsored birding club offers to patrons.
• Feel confident in running a birding club program at their library by implementing programming resources from this session and/or creating their own.
• Recognize potential community partnerships and resources that can help support a birding club program.

Speaker

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Thursday, October 17, 2024 | 1:45 - 2:45 PM

Ask the Lawyer

Do you have legal questions about your library policies? Is there a provision of the statute governing your library that you need to understand? Do you have questions about employee issues? Bring your unanswered legal questions to this session! We will answer questions from the audience on issues of library law, including Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act issues, library privacy, library policy, internet use, meeting room restrictions and more.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Have a chance to ask legal questions to library lawyers, increasing awareness of legal issues.
• Discover areas of policy or procedure that may require review or change to comply with laws.
• Be better able to determine whether they need to hire legal counsel on a particular issue.

Speakers

Disguising a Disinformation Program: Teaching Critical Thinking with Crime Scenes

In 2022, the Dallas Public Library staff conceived a somewhat unorthodox program that provided disinformation education to a larger audience and did so without the participants realizing the event's true focus. By advertising the program as one themed around true crime-and delivering-the library staff gained a greater audience than they otherwise would have if they had advertised it as a disinformation seminar. Attendees to this talk will learn how to design similar programs.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Be able to clearly explain the difference between misinformation and disinformation and demonstrate how it can have devastating consequences.
• Learn the necessary requirements to make a program centered on a murder mystery.
• Be provided pointers and tools to develop their own 'Trojan Horse' programs on the subject of disinformation.

Speaker

Maawn Doobiigeng (Gather Together): An Anishinaabe System of Library Organization

Existing organizational systems including Dewey and LCC are inherently damaging to Indigenous people and are insufficient for accurately describing and providing access to Native topics. From 2019 to 2024, the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Libraries worked with community members to create a new classification system, Maawn Doobiigeng (Gather Together). Library staff will learn about the process of creating this new system, how it is being implemented, and how it is being used by staff and patrons.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Be able to identify at least one example of how existing organizational systems are insufficient for accurately describing and providing access to Native topics.
• Be able to identify the seven clans used in the Maawn Doobiigeng (Gather Together) system of library organization.
• Be able to articulate the difference between decolonizing and Indigenizing as relates to library operations.

Speaker

Playing With Purpose

Even as adults and professionals, incorporating play into our daily lives is important for mental health. But how do we do it effectively? Join this playful session to learn ways that managers, leaders, and anyone else can instill play into your work. We will discuss why play is important, how it improves a workplace, and tools you can use in your own job. This will be an interactive session so bring your sense of humor and be ready for fun.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Have a set of activities they can adapt to their own workplace.
• Have a better understanding of the reasons behind play in the workplace that they can use to advocate for more play in their own jobs.
• Participants will have the opportunity to experience a variety of activities through active participation.

Speaker

So, You've Been Hacked: Now What?

Cyberattacks were on the rise in 2023. What can you do to protect your library's resources? How should you respond if you are the victim of a cyberattack? In this session, staff from Orion Township Public Library will discuss their experience of being a victim of a ransomware attack in 2023, and what they learned from responding to the incident. Topics of discussion will include network security, crisis communication, and working with experts to restore services.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Know some of the best practices to secure your network from a cyberattack.
• Know the fist steps to take if your library is the target of a cyberattack.
• Be able to communicate with community stakeholders about the process.

Speakers

Popcorn Session: Trustees

In our special "popcorn" sessions, we ask you all to be the experts! Everyone is doing great work in their libraries and this is the moment to share with our peers. We'll have a jar of questions and invite people to pick a question and share with the group. Questions will be based on the theme of the session. This is an interactive session so come prepared to share!

Popcorn Session: Unique Book Clubs

In our special "popcorn" sessions, we ask you all to be the experts! Everyone is doing great work in their libraries and this is the moment to share with our peers. We'll have a jar of questions and invite people to pick a question and share with the group. Questions will be based on the theme of the session. This is an interactive session so come prepared to share!

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Friday, October 18, 2024 | 9:00 - 10:00 AM

A Mixed Race Future and What it Means for Libraries

Libraries are now embracing diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI) through staff, collections, and programs. With a 276% rise in the mixed race population from 2010 to 2020, libraries must adapt to serve this demographic. The Library Mixed Race Project focuses on increasing visibility and support for mixed race individuals through assessments, programming, and collaboration. The team shares strategies to enhance DEIA-focused services, drawing from their experiences.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Understand and be able to articulate the growing need for mixed race collections, services, and programming in order to provide welcoming and inclusive library experiences for their library constituents.
• Develop a beginning understanding of their own constituent community and library contexts with regard to mixed race issues in service of developing collaborative plans and actions to better support students, researchers, and the public.
• Learn about a variety of freely available resources in order to support their own efforts to provide their constituent communities with content relevant to mixed race users.

Speakers

Now Showing at the Library: Effective Connections with Local Artists

Make the library a destination for the arts! Forge worthwhile partnerships with the creatives in your community, providing your patrons with the opportunity to enjoy live concerts, art receptions, film screenings, library-produced podcasts, and more. From library-themed lattes with your local baristas to synthesizer petting zoos hosted by local musicians, cultivate a whole set list of arts-programming ideas and inspiration with scalable steps for starting and sustaining creative partnerships.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Feel confident and empowered to reach out to artists and creatives in their community, receiving tips and best practices on how to effectively and respectfully work with artists to ensure successful programs and worthwhile collaborations.
• Understand the benefits of sustaining a recurring series of arts-related programs and appreciate how consistency can breed confidence in their staff to facilitate exciting programming confidently on a regular basis.
• Receive a comprehensive run-down of how they can start an effective and efficient arts-focused program and tips and tricks of how to successfully promote your events.

Speaker

Project Management Remix: Adapting Traditional Principles for Your Library Needs

Ever wonder where a project is at? Who is leading it? Why it does not seem to be going as you imagined? Discover project management fundamentals tailored for libraries, emphasizing centralized communication, staff empowerment, and clear expectations for success. This session offers practical strategies and tools, utilizing resources you likely already have, to adapt traditional project management principles to the unique needs of libraries and library systems.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Understand strategies for establishing centralized project communication frameworks and tools for library projects (project dashboard and monthly project reports).
• Gain techniques to empower library staff to take leadership roles in projects.
• Learn methods for setting and communicating clear expectations for project goals, roles, timelines, and deliverables (project charter and project close outs).

Speaker

Resources and Partnerships to Expand Access to Civil Legal Justice

Civil legal issues (child custody, child support, wills, name change, eviction, divorce, etc.) impact 55 million people a year. This workshop will discuss Library partnerships that bring legal aid to patrons and walk participants through Michigan Legal Help's free, bilingual online resources that help patrons learn about and resolve their civil legal issues, including Do-It-Yourself court forms.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Have more knowledge about civil legal issues.
• Understand the vital role that library workers can play in helping patrons access resources to learn about and resolve their civil legal issues.
• Learn about partnerships between libraries and civil legal aid organizations that provide in-person and tailored assistance.
• See the Michigan Legal Help (MLH) website, in general, including what resources are available and how to navigate through the site.

Speakers

Retro Redux: Strategies for Digitizing Vintage Media

A full-featured format digitization suite empowers patrons to preserve their outdated analog media. In The Idea Lab, format conversion has become our most popular service! Jeff will explain how he assembled the arsenal of equipment necessary to digitize almost every format that has ever contained user-generated content. Learn about The Idea Lab's conversion workflow, how we implemented our structured service with no cost to our patrons, and how libraries everywhere can replicate our success.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Have brains full to bursting with exciting facts about a myriad of analog audio and video formats, as well as antiquated digital formats; how to identify them, their quirks and specialties, and how to evaluate their physical condition and viability for transfer.
• Have the opportunity to see and to physically handle many of the discussed formats.
• Be equipped with the insight necessary to acquire and implement the technologies necessary to easily offer this service at their own libraries, and be introduced to practical, procedural, and even legal considerations involved in format conversion.

Speaker

Sensory Stories: Promoting Neurodiversity & Inclusion Early Readers

Join us for this sensational session on sharing sensory stories. Discover how multisensory storytelling can engage early learners of all learning styles and foster a life long love for reading. Learn practical techniques to create inclusive story-times that support literacy and social-emotional development of all early readers. Perfect for librarians, educators, and families seeking to enhance early literacy of young children including autistic and neurodiverse children.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Implement multisensory storytelling techniques to engage neurodiverse early learners effectively.
• Design inclusive story times that support various learning styles such as audio, visual, hands-on/tactile, and kinesthetic in literacy and social-emotional development for all children.
• Evaluate and adapt story time activities to cater to diverse learning styles and needs, promoting an inclusive learning environment.

Speaker

You Know What Happens When You Assume: Empathetic Conflict Navigation

We all have lenses through which we see the world. These lenses help our brains sort information, but they also often hinder us when we're in conflict with one another. While you can't stop the subconscious from doing its work, this thought-provoking session will help you explore your unique filters and consider others' views with empathy - which can help steer you toward a win-win situation in conflicts.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Examine the assumptions they make and how those assumptions impact their perspective.
• Consider strategies to help uncover the filters through which others see the world in order to help work through conflict.
• Explore ways to infuse this mindset into conversations and conflicts with coworkers, patrons, and partners.

Speaker

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Thursday, October 17, 2024 | 4:15 - 5:15 PM

Making Your Library A Model For Disability Rights

Disability Rights activist and leader, Susan Odgers, will lead a conversation about how libraries in Michigan can serve as the model or hub for disability rights. The conversation will look at all disabilities and their impact on libraries. Emphasis will be on building upon what your library is already doing, regardless of size and resources. Conversation will look at ways to respond to conflicts with disability rights. Plenty of time for Q&A.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Learn what disability rights are applied to libraries in Michigan.
• Learn what using your library is like from the point of view of a person with a disability
• Learn how disability rights benefit everyone and useful resources.

Speaker

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Friday, October 18, 2024 | 10:15 - 11:15 AM

Digital Equity and Inclusion: Refocus & Recommit

Digital equity and inclusion is a hot topic because the pandemic exposed the digital divide like never before and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act from 2021 is shoveling an historic amount of money at the issue. But public libraries have been working in this space for 30+ years. What is going on, how should you think about it, and how will you be involved? A little history, a little reflection, the latest news, and an opportunity to recommit and choose a fresh course.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Understand the current definitions of digital equity and digital inclusion and be able to describe how library services address various aspects of digital inclusion.
• Have identified one or more practical strategies for advancing digital inclusion personally or professionally.
• Know how federal BEAD and DEA dollars are being channeled to local communities in Michigan.

Speaker

Dyslexic-Friendly Materials in the Library

Dyslexia is a common learning disability that affects a person's ability to read, write, spell, and process language. Those with this neurological condition can find reading traditional print materials unenjoyable or even frustrating. Dyslexic-friendly print materials are a rapidly growing option allowing individuals with print disabilities to experience the joys of reading through print. Learn how your library can support those with dyslexia and how you can build a dyslexic-friendly collection.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Have a foundational knowledge of dyslexia and print disabilities.
• Learn about the resources and materials available to support those with dyslexia.
• Dyslexic-friendly materials collection development details, tips, and tricks.

Speaker

Equity in Play: Bringing Library Services to Our Youngest Patrons Where They Are

Not all library services are shaped in ways that meet the needs of our patrons. Since COVID, librarians have faced unprecedented challenges as well as unique opportunities. Youth Services staff at Hackley Public Library spent time navel-gazing to understand how they can better match their services with the people coming (or sometimes not coming) into the library.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Have a good understanding of equitable library services.
• Have at least one example they can bring back to their library of an equitable service or program idea.
• Be able to evaluate their own library services and programming to determine how equitable they are.

Speakers

Michigan Humanities' Program and Grant Opportunities for Your Library

Michigan Humanities staff will share highlights of six programs and grants that are available to Michigan libraries, offer tips for successfully applying for funding, and answer your questions about eligibility, timelines, and other important details. Through grants and collaborative programs offered across the state, Michigan Humanities provides opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of the past, the tools for stronger analysis of the present, and a more informed vision for the future.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Know how to register in Michigan Humanities' grant portal, where they will apply for grants and programming opportunities.
• Feel confident in their eligibility for a grant.
• Learn about new programs they can bring to their communities.

Speaker

Stay Interviews: A Method to Maintain Employee Retention in Libraries

Libraries face unprecedented burnout and turnover rates due to numerous internal and external factors. Stay interviews-1-on-1 manager-employee conversations-can help by discussing what motivates employees. Adopting strategies from the private sector and understanding current workforce preferences, libraries can use stay interviews for retention. Key steps, best practices, and a quick discussion will prepare attendees to implement stay interviews at their library no matter their management level.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Understand the Stay Interview process.
• Learn ideas for best practices implementing Stay Interviews.
• Have confidence in their ability to implement Stay Interviews into their current management structure.

Speaker

The Impact of Kent District Library's Manager in Training Program

KDL has aligned itself to better prepare for succession planning and create clear pathways for promotion by launching a manager-in-training program. Originally a way to cover leaves of absences and vacancies, the manager-in-training program is now an intentional annual process to impact and train future leaders.

Outcomes

At the end of the session participants will:

• Have a framework to create a management training plan.
• Learn the benefits of succession planning.
• Have the chance to learn from and ask questions of an administrator, a manager, and the impact it had on someone who recently completed the training.

Speakers

Popcorn Session: Conference Wrap-Up

In our special "popcorn" sessions, we ask you all to be the experts! Everyone is doing great work in their libraries and this is the moment to share with our peers. We'll have a jar of questions and invite people to pick a question and share with the group. Questions will be based on the theme of the session. This is an interactive session so come prepared to share!

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