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MLA 2020 VIRTUAL CONFERENCE EDUCATION SESSIONS

Live and on-demand education sessions will be available during the conference. Plus, attendees will have exclusive access to recordings of every live conference session to review on-demand approximately one week after the conference concludes. This year we are offering four tracks to help you organize your educational experience. Attend sessions in one track, or choose your own adventure by mixing and matching educational programs.

On-Demand Education Sessions

View all sessions available on-demand during the conference

Wednesday | 1:00 – 2:00 pm

Makerspaces in the Time of COVID-19

Library makerspaces are in a unique situation in the COVID-19 era. With new social distancing guidelines, what projects and best practices can the public expect from their libraries? What tools and techniques are libraries implementing to support makers while access to equipment and space is limited? What does the future hold for library makerspaces?

Primary track: Create/Build
Secondary Track: Innovate

Speakers:

Kathleen Kwiatkowski
Orion Township Public Library

Dan Major
Orion Township Public Library

Attendee Knowledge Level: Foundational (for those with no previous knowledge of the topic)

After this session attendees will…

• Safely conduct makerspace programs.
• Develop new makerspace techniques and programs.
• Use data to guide makerspace decisions.

Adopting Community Calendars in Rural Communities: A Bad Axe Example  

The Bad Axe Area District Library recently added a community calendar to their library website. In a city of less than 3k people, shared resources are paramount to creating awareness and building a sense of community. Bad Axe Area District Library has done a great job of creating, maintaining, and growing their community calendar in their rural community. This session will share the strategies and efforts needed to grow your library's community calendar. 

Primary Track: Engage
Secondary Track: Create/Build 

Speakers:

Matt Russell
LocalHop

Courtney Tyll
LocalHop 

Attendee Knowledge Level: Foundational (for those with no previous knowledge of the topic) 

At the end of the session, attendees will… 

• Understand what a community calendar is and how public libraries are using them. 
• Know the best practices for recruiting community organizations and businesses for a community calendar. 
• Know the resources available for rural communities that would like to adopt a community calendar.

Ask the Architects: Public Spaces with Social Distance 

If you were asked the question a year ago, “How do you provide social distancing for your patrons?" you would be scratching your head. Today, we know there is greater spacing in social separation. Learn how you can best utilize the resources you already have in place, and how simple shifts in thought can enhance the safety of your patrons. Join this panel discussion with library architects who can help you discover the best approach to helping keep your physical space safe.  

Primary Track: Innovate
Secondary Track: Engage 

Speakers: 

Jeremy Cordell
Fishbeck 

Kyle Keaffaber
krM Architecture 

Seth Penchansky
Daniels Zermack 

Attendee Knowledge Level: Applied (for those with some previous knowledge of the topic) 

At the end of the session, attendees will… 

• Address patron safety and security post-pandemic.
• How to plan for social separation effects on patrons.
• Learn about the aspect and contributions of healthy space.

Diversifying Children's and Teen Collections with Community Partners 

Community partnerships can help to diversify youth collections. This session describes a mutually beneficial partnership between Eastern Michigan University classes and Estabrook School’s library and between an EMU student and public libraries. In addition to discussing possible partnerships, we will share contemporary works of diverse children’s and young adult literature with a focus on queer works and strategize about adding the books to academic, school, and public library collections. 

Primary Track: Engage
Secondary Track: Create/Build 

Speaker(s): 

Ramona Caponegro
Eastern Michigan University

Jo Collins
Eastern Michigan University

Amanda Garner
Ypsilanti Community Schools 

Attendee Knowledge Level: Foundational (for those with no previous knowledge of the topic) 

At the end of the session, attendees will… 

• Be able to replicate and adapt the described partnerships within their own communities. 
• Have resources from which to select diverse children's books that fit their community needs, particularly works of queer children and young adult literature. 
• Be able to evaluate works of queer children and young adult literature for academic, school, and public libraries. 

Libraries and Inclusivity - Step by Step 

The concept of inclusivity is accepted and enthusiastically embraced as an important, good thing. The struggle is often transferring intentions into implemented policies and day to day operations. This session will discuss the legal and library management aspects of inclusivity, provide free and lowcost tools to help initiate inclusivity, and demonstrate strategies libraries can employ to coach their communities, staff and boards on what inclusivity could look like for their library. 

Primary Track: Lead 
Secondary Track: Engage 

Speaker(s): 

Evette Atkin
Library of Michigan

Clare Membiela
Library of Michigan

Attendee Knowledge Level: Foundational (for those with no previous knowledge of the topic) 

At the end of the session, attendees will… 

• Be able to identify their library's inclusivity needs. 
• Be able to create policies that address inclusivity. 
• Be able to identify low or no-cost tools that aid with inclusivity.

29 Tech Tools to Create Cool Content for Social Media 

The most popular posts on social media are pictures and videos and with a few easy (and free!) tech tools, you can transform your messages into share-worthy graphics that will put your organization out in front. This action-packed session will give you dozens of sites and apps that will help you elevate the quality of your social media posts and other material. 

Primary Track: Create/Build 
Secondary Track: Engage 

Speaker(s): 

 
Beth Zesenis
Your Nerdy Best Friend

Attendee Knowledge Level: Foundational (for those with no previous knowledge of the topic) 

At the end of the session, attendees will… 

• Make professional-level multimedia pieces in less than two minutes.
• Add depth and interest to your boring social media posts.
• Transform ordinary photos into works of art and create infographics for little or no cost.

Wednesday | 2:45 – 3:15 pm

Professional Connection Networking

This casual, inclusive session is available to bring emerging professionals, local MLIS/MIS program students, and established library staff from all backgrounds together to network and grow professionally. Whether your goal is to make new connections, explore collaboration opportunities, or simply put faces with names, stop by the virtual room to introduce yourself, ENTER TO WIN PRIZES and grow your network!

Wednesday | 3:15 - 4:15pm

ExoLab: Two beans, Three libraries, and the ISS

A stellar program about one library system's bean-based experiment on the ISS.

Primary Track: Create/Build
Secondary Track: Lead

Speaker(s):

Michele Howard
Traverse Area District Library

Any Schuck
Traverse Area District Library

Attendee Knowledge Level: Foundational (for those with no previous knowledge of the topic)

At the end of the session, attendees will…

• Engage with hands-on tools to begin exploring their community's own ExoLab journey.
• Be much more excited about the potential link between libraries and space science.
• Become more familiar with library programs and materials to support ExoLab or other library space programs.

Library Law and Virtual Services 

The pandemic forced public libraries to turn to the virtual world to continue providing services and information to their communities. These programs are innovative but can also be fraught with legal grey areas. Privacy, copyright, discrimination and liability issues, for example, continuously hover on the margins of virtual programs. This session will address the most common legal issues libraries should consider when providing library services in the non-social media Virtual World. 

Primary Track: Innovate 
Secondary Track: Engage

Speaker(s): 

Clare Membiela
Library of Michigan 

Attendee Knowledge Level: Applied (for those with some previous knowledge of the topic) 

At the end of the session, attendees will… 

• Have a general understanding of the legal issues to consider when developing virtual programming.
• Be better able to plan virtual programming that avoids common legal issues. 
• Have a checklist of questions to help them review their virtual programming.

Between the Lines: Using Local Authors to Engage Patrons in Local History and Culture 

You may see them at the grocer's or at a local event. But they are more than meets the eye. These four authors will share how their stories made them stars in their communities thanks to their local libraries. Libraries are valuable connectors to local history and culture. Find out what some libraries have done to highlight their local authors...and inspire others. 

Primary Track: Engage
Secondary Track: Innovate 

Speaker(s): 

Matthew Cooper
Lawyer/Author

 
Charmane Echols
Educator and Author

Sonya Hollins
Journalist

Attendee Knowledge Level: Foundational (for those with no previous knowledge of the topic) 

At the end of the session, attendees will… 

• Know how to best attract local authors for onsite presentations. 
• Know what makes a successful, interactive local author event. 
• Know how to encourage patrons to write their own books.

LIP SYNC (Library Internship Program, Shared? Yes! Needed? Correct!) 

Demand for qualified librarians has increased, yet recent graduates do not always have relevant library experience. This can prevent them from finding library jobs after graduation. Making the situation worse, many libraries can’t afford to hire an intern. SLC and its member libraries decided to address this problem by creating a shared internship program to increase direct library experience for students and provide libraries with the opportunity to mentor a student and grow their skills. 

Primary Track: Innovate
Secondary Track: Create/Build 

Speaker(s): 

Brandon Bowman
Mount Clemens Public Library

Lorena McDowell
Fraser Public Library 

Cathleen Russ
Troy Public Library


Rachel Smith
Suburban Library Cooperative 

Attendee Knowledge Level: Foundational (for those with no previous knowledge of the topic) 

At the end of the session, attendees will… 

• Recognize the benefits of implementing a shared internship program.
• Learn the best practices in developing a shared internship program.
• Utilize the tools provided to develop their own shared internship program.

Program and Funding Opportunities for Your Library

Curious about the way your library can receive funds for programming? Ready to take part in a statewide reading program or host a traveling exhibit? In an interactive session tailored to the needs of libraries, Michigan Humanities staff will highlight available programs and grants, including the Great Michigan Read, Museum on Main Street, Prime Time Family Reading Time, and Community Conversations programs and the Arts and Humanities Touring Grants, Action Grants, and Humanities Grants. 

Primary Track: Create/Build
Secondary Track: Engage 

Speaker(s): 

James Nelson
Michigan Humanities

Jennifer Rupp
Michigan Humanities 

Attendee Knowledge Level: Foundational (for those with no previous knowledge of the topic) 

At the end of the session, attendees will… 

• Learn about funding opportunities specific to libraries.
• Learn about programming opportunities.
• Learn how to effectively compose a grant proposal.

Tangible Disease-Control Strategies for Libraries 

At the moment, the COVID-19 pandemic has likely changed how we do just about everything. Subsequently, the built environment should adapt as well. Over the years, ideas like accessibility, sustainability, and resiliency have all become common issues to address during the design of one’s surroundings. Disease control will likely be the next major consideration. A proper response to the COVID-19 pandemic may appear to only rely on the mass application of six-foot radii, but reducing pathogen exchange pathways and mechanisms are, in reality, far more complex. This session will help analyze libraries comprehensively, identifying tangible strategies to create healthier environments, responsive to crises, agile to manage contagions.  

Primary Track: Innovate
Secondary Track: Create/Build

Speaker(s):  

Jeremy Cordell
Fishbeck 

Attendee Knowledge Level: Foundational (for those with no previous knowledge of the topic) 

At the end of the session, attendees will… 

• Understand how to design spaces with disease control in mind.
• Discover new ideas about future library design.
• Think critically about mechanical systems designed to keep patrons safe.

Thursday | 11:00am - 12:00pm

Ask the Lawyer: So, What Do You Want to Know About Library Law?

Do you have a question about library law? Come and join Clare Membiela and Anne Seurynck to talk about library law issues.

Primary Track: Lead
Secondary Track: Engage

Speakers:

Clare Membiela
Library of Michigan

Anne Seurynck
Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith

Attendee Knowledge Level: Foundational (for those with no previous knowledge of the topic)

At the end of the session, attendees will…

• Have your questions answered.
• Benefit from the questions of others.
• Gain knowledge of Library law.

Instructional Design in Niche Academy: On-demand Microlearning for Libraries 

Ensuring that your adult learners stay engaged is essential. Learn about instructional design best practices and know-how in this two-part workshop to get up to speed on the necessary elements of teaching adult learners. These skills can be used to create training experiences for patrons or for library staff. Attendees will learn both the methodological underpinnings of adult learning in an online environment as well as receive a check-list of tools for course production. 

Primary Track: Create/Build
Secondary Track: Innovate 

Speaker(s): 

Liz Breed
Library of Michigan

Sonya Schryer Norris
Library of Michigan 

Attendee Knowledge Level: Foundational (for those with no previous knowledge of the topic) 

At the end of the session, attendees will… 

• Learn a conceptual framework for teaching adult learners. 
• Receive a checklist of tools and competencies to be successful in providing online instruction. 
• Understand how microlearning works effectively with adults.

Michigan Center for the Book: What is It and How Can Your Library Get Involved? 

The Michigan Center of the Book was founded in 1986. Since then, the Center for the Book has been giving grants to libraries and sponsored popular programs such as Michigan Notable Books. The Center for the Book has been able to do this with the help and support of libraries across Michigan. Find out how this work is done and how you and your library can get involved in promoting the literary life of our state! 

Primary Track: Engage
Secondary Track: Create/Build 

Speaker(s): 

Tim Gleisner
Library of Michigan

Attendee Knowledge Level: Applied (for those with some previous knowledge of the topic) 

At the end of the session, attendees will… 

• Learn what the Michigan Center of the Book does and how it serves libraries across the state. 
• Learn how your library can get involved.in the Center for the Book. 
• Find out what benefits your library can get from being a member of the Michigan Center for the Book.

Mindful Stress Resilience: In the Time of COVID-19 

We are human beings, not human doings. As a culture, we are stressed to point of sickness because we equate rest with laziness. Our bodies need time to rest and relax if want to be healthy. The COVID-19 pandemic served to highlight how stress impacts our health. In this session, participants will learn how stress and health are connected and how to make changes to reduce stress and improve health. 

Primary Track: Create/Build
Secondary Track: Innovate 

Speaker(s): 

Casey Coker
Bronson Health
 

Attendee Knowledge Level: Foundational (for those with no previous knowledge of the topic) 

At the end of the session, attendees will… 

• Describe how stress impacts health.
• Describe how COVID-19 pandemic stress increased the need for self-care.
• Understand basic self-care interventions to implement immediately.

Leveraging MiSEN to Deploy High-Speed Internet to Michigan Libraries

Michigan is positioned to be one of the leading states in the nation to provide high capacity bandwidth needs to all of our K-12 students. The Michigan Statewide Educational Network has brought 10 Gigabit capability to Michigan Intermediate School Districts. Kalamazoo Public Library is one of the first Libraries in the state to take advantage of the MISEN network. Panelists will discuss the process and advantages of using this resource to provide broadband to libraries. 

Primary Track: Innovate
Secondary Track: Create/Build 

Speaker(s): 

Joe Polasek
Michigan Office of Systems, Evaluation, and Technology (OSET) 

Ryan Wieber
Kalamazoo Public Library

Jarrod Wilson
Kalamazoo Public Library 

Attendee Knowledge Level: Foundational (for those with no previous knowledge of the topic) 

At the end of the session, attendees will… 

• Understand what MISEN is and how it can benefit Michigan Libraries. 
• Have the tools needed to start the application process for MISEN Network.
• Learn from the success of KPL how increased bandwidth can leverage increased bandwidth for online services and programs.

Thursday | 1:30 - 2:30pm

Library Compensation: How to Create an Equitable Market-Based Compensation System

Compensation is a significant part of each library’s annual budget. This presentation provides information on evaluating market compensation levels for both library-specific and non-specific roles; to identify a nondiscriminatory, competitive compensation strategy in today’s labor market.

Primary Track: Create/Build
Secondary Track: Engage

Speaker:

Kevin Brozovich
Rose Street Advisors + HRM

Attendee Knowledge Level: Applied (for those with some previous knowledge of the topic)

At the end of the session, attendees will…

• Understand the value of an effective compensation strategy for hiring competitiveness, employee engagement, diversity, and employee retention.
• Have the basic tools for developing a market-based compensation system utilizing relevant market data for both library and non-library specific roles.
• Be able to evaluate their level of compliance with compensation law for diverse workforces.

Social Media: Common Problems and Legal Issues for Public Libraries

Libraries are using social media now more than ever to promote activities and services. But, social media comes with legal pitfalls. This session will focus on privacy and constitutional issues relating to social media. We will also address common social media problems around the country that are resulting in lawsuits against public entities.

Primary Track: Lead
Secondary Track:  Engage

Speaker:

Anne Seurynck
Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith

Attendee Knowledge Level: Applied (for those with some previous knowledge of the topic)

At the end of the session, attendees will…

• Be able to evaluate their social media presence to address problem areas.
• Address areas of liability that may result in improper use of social media.
• Understand common problems faced by libraries.

Branding? Implement a Unified Brand Strategy for Your Library 

Libraries are changing. Library visitors are changing, too. To remain a relevant resource for knowledge, libraries need to pay as much attention to serving their visitors in the digital space as they do in the physical one. Learn how to consistently connect visitors to curated collections, events, programming and resources, all within a unified brand experience. 

Primary Track: Engage 
Secondary Track: Innovate 

Speaker(s):

Jessica Keyser
Grosse Pointe Public Library

Bill Satler
Madhouse

Attendee Knowledge Level: Foundational (for those with no previous knowledge of the topic) 

At the end of the session, attendees will… 

• Understand what branding is and why it's important.
• Learn how to implement a brand strategy.
• Learn how to sell the need for a brand strategy to your board.

NNLM: Your Library Partner for a Healthy Community

Discover why the American Library Association, the Public Library Association, and WebJunction are partnering with the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NNLM) to offer programs, funds, and courses as well as free and trustworthy consumer health information from the National Library of Medicine.

Primary Track: Engage
Secondary Track: Lead

Speaker:

Darlene Kaskie
National Network of Libraries of Medicine

Attendee Knowledge Level: Foundational (for those with no previous knowledge of the topic)

At the end of the session, attendees will…

• Define and apply health literacy to the library's existing literacy programs.
• Locate three places to find health and wellness library programs to implement.
• Access three free and evidence-based consumer health information resources.

Collaboration Between School and Public Libraries 

This session will introduce ideas on how to start or increase collaboration between school and public libraries. As school library budgets decrease, how can public libraries help to promote shared responsibilities and reach all levels and demographics of students in grades K-12 all while encouraging continued library usage beyond public school and the classroom? Explore the many possibilities that require little to no funding for either side of the collaboration. 

Primary Track: Innovate
Secondary Track: Create/Build 

Speaker(s):

Emily Eitniear
Shelby Public Schools

Attendee Knowledge Level: Foundational (for those with no previous knowledge of the topic) 

At the end of the session, attendees will… 

• Be able to create an equal partnership of collaboration between their local school's library and their local public school library. 
• Have several ideas on how to integrate a cost-effective collaboration program. 
• Have leveled options to allow for minimal to full collaboration between libraries.

Making the Connection with Veterans

Do you know how to connect the veterans in your community to the resources and benefits they have earned? The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency will provide an overview of what it means to be a veteran, what local/state/federal resources are available to help veterans, and what actions you can take to engage with more veterans in your community. Audience members are encouraged to come prepared with what veteran-specific programs they have offered and any questions they may have. 

Primary Track: Engage
Secondary Track: Create/Build 

Speaker(s): 

Ryan Engle
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency 

John Stauffer
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency 

Attendee Knowledge Level: Foundational (for those with no previous knowledge of the topic) 

At the end of the session, attendees will… 

• Be able to identify local, state and federal resources available for veterans and their families. 
• Be able to implement at least one recommendation to engage with more veterans in your community. 
• Be able to define what it means to be a veteran.

Why Podcast? Creating Compelling Content That Tells Your Story

Primary Track: Create/Build
Secondary Track: Engage

Are you skeptical or hesitant to add your voice to an already crowded mix? Reconsider podcasting as an outlet for covert promotion. Consider podcasting as a dynamic means of informing (and even entertaining) your patrons, and subtly expand awareness of resources and services. Utilize podcasting to communicate your value to the community. Let’s produce compelling library-focused conversations through one of the few remaining mediums that rewards (and attracts) longer attention spans.

Speaker(s): 

Kelly Bennett
Ferndale Area District Library

Jeffrey Milosevich
Ferndale Area District Library

Attendee Knowledge Level: Foundational (for those with no previous knowledge of the topic) 

At the end of the session, attendees will… 

• Be informed on how to start their own podcast and generate ideas for episodes and guests. 
• Feel less overwhelmed or skeptical about attempting to start their own podcast. 
• Visualize how a podcast can help spread awareness of and demonstrate the value of their libraries. 

On-Demand Sessions

Library @ the Theater

This session will focus on the acquisition of the Rogers City Theater by Presque Isle District Library. The session will cover hurdles the library faced in transitioning of ownership and fitting the theater to our mission and services through programming that the district provides including partnerships with the area and regional organizations and finishing with the changing roles of libraries and being open-minded to creative ideas to engage with the local community by providing new services.

Primary Track: Create/Build
Secondary Track: Engage

Speaker:

Amber Alexander
Presque Isle District Library

Attendee Knowledge Level: Foundational (for those with no previous knowledge of the topic)

At the end of the session, attendees will…

• Have ideas of programs that they could provide.
• Engage with their local organizations for partnerships for programming.
• Leave with an open-mind on the changing roles of libraries.

Cultivating Early Literacy Partnerships in Your Community

In this session we will discuss our experiences with developing our relationships with other local organizations, describe how we created literacy initiatives to meet local needs, and share resources for developing those initiatives.

Primary Track: Engage
Secondary Track: Lead

Speakers:

Lynn Harper
Capital Area District Libraries

Samantha Ruth Huber
Capital Area District Libraries

Nicole Greiter
Ingham Intermediate School District

Attendee Knowledge Level: Foundational (for those with no previous knowledge of the topic)

At the end of the session, attendees will…

• Gain new ideas on ways to bring literacy initiatives to their communities.
• Learn about multiple resources for developing literacy programs.

MeL's New Programming & Promo Kits: Ideas to Expand Programming & Outreach

Have you ever wanted to offer a new program at your library but felt like it was too much to develop from scratch? Content from the MeL eResources can be used for more than just research! In this session, you will learn how to connect eResources to what you do every day, and in programs and services you provide to your patrons and community. New tools and ready-made promo kits designed to assist you in creating and promoting your programs, using MeL content, will be unveiled in this session.

Primary Track: Engage
Secondary Track: Innovate

Speaker:

Liz Breed
Library of Michigan

Attendee Knowledge Level: Applied (for those with some previous knowledge of the topic)

At the end of the session, attendees will…

• Increase knowledge and skill in understanding the benefits and application of information literacy principles.
• Learn how to connect content in MeL eResources, using MeL’s new Public Library Guide, to practical uses including the development or expansion of library programming, outreach and community engagement.
• Learn more about MeL’s new Promotions Kit and how to use the tools and strategies needed to effectively promote eResources.

Why Your Library Need Media Literacy and How to Provide It

In this engaging session provided by the author of "Everyday Media Literacy: An Analog Guide For Your Digital Life," you will learn about the key concepts of media literacy and how to apply them to a variety of audiences, why it is important for your library visitors and how to integrate it into a variety of programs, from toddler storytime to health tips for seniors.

Primary Track: Create/Build
Secondary Track: Engage

Speaker:

Sue Ellen Christian
Western Michigan University

Attendee Knowledge Level: Foundational (for those with no previous knowledge of the topic)

At the end of the session, attendees will…

• Understand the key concepts of media literacy.
• Have applied the concepts to various media messages to build their skills.
• Have brainstormed ways to integrate media literacy into a variety of library programs.

Helping Kalamazoo County Become Ready to Read

Everyone in a community can play a role in building readers. Kalamazoo Public Library leads an early literacy outreach program called Ready to Read. Modeled after Reach Out and Read, KPL’s program reaches beyond pediatricians to engage preschools, libraries and more in building children in Kalamazoo that are ready to read when they start kindergarten. Having children ready to read in kindergarten, will help reach Read by Grade 3 standards and prepare children for a successful future.

Primary Track: Engage
Secondary Track: Lead

Speaker:

Jill Lansky
Kalamazoo Public Library

Attendee Knowledge Level: Foundational (for those with no previous knowledge of the topic)

At the end of the session, attendees will…

• Understand the importance of reading aloud to children.
• Be able to identify key partners in the community to work alongside within early literacy.
• See the importance of outreach outside the library walls and even the library district!

Implementing an Adult Special Needs Book Group

Learn how to implement a Next Chapter Book Club program which strives to expose persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities to books that promote a greater understanding of self-advocacy, employment, cultural engagement and other quality of life issues.

Primary Track: Innovate
Secondary Track: Engage

Speakers:

Adam Mueller
Chesterfield Township Library

Shane Stewart
Chesterfield Township Library

Attendee Knowledge Level: Foundational (for those with no previous knowledge of the topic)

At the end of the session, attendees will…

• Be able to implement a special needs adult book group program.
• Have a greater understanding of special needs reader's advisory and collection development.
• Be able to demonstrate reading techniques to help special needs patrons in a book group program.

Board Bootcamp Part I: What Every Board Member Wishes They Knew Before They Joined a Board

In the first part of a two-part session, attendees will learn trustee responsibilities and duties for all library establishment types.

Primary Track: Lead
Secondary Track: Engage

Speakers:

Clare Membiela
Library of Michigan

Anne Seurynck
Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith

Attendee Knowledge Level: Applied (for those with some previous knowledge of the topic)

At the end of the session, attendees will…

• Have knowledge of a trustee's legal duties for their library's establishment type.
• Learn how library establishment types - and boards - differ.
• Understand the general role trustees play in the practical operations of each library type.

Board Bootcamp Part II: Boards & Directors – Create Lanes & a Team

This session provides a discussion on the complexities between boards and directors; at forming good relationships and at mending bad ones.

Primary Track: Lead
Secondary Track: Engage

Speakers:

Clare Membiela
Library of Michigan

Anne Seurynck
Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith

Attendee Knowledge Level: Applied (for those with some previous knowledge of the topic)

At the end of the session, attendees will…

• Gain an understanding of the legal intent of board duties vs directors with regards to library operations.
• Learn tips on forming strong board/director relationships.
• Learn options for handling board/director relationship problems.

Post-Pandemic Employment Law Issues

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the workplace environment. How have employment laws changed? And, what policies should be implemented or amended to comply? This presentation will discuss the legal challenges sure to face libraries in complying with post-pandemic employment laws, and strategies for complying with them.

Primary Track: Innovate
Secondary Track: Lead

Speaker:

Mike Blum
Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith

Attendee Knowledge Level: Applied (for those with some previous knowledge of the topic)

At the end of the session, attendees will…

• Have a better understanding of changes in employment laws as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Know what policies need to be implemented or revised as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Better understand and meet the needs of staff that have returned to work following the pandemic.