Smorgasbord Track
Thursday, January 22
This track consists of a variety of topics, similar to a buffet offering several selections.
Thursday, January 22
This track consists of a variety of topics, similar to a buffet offering several selections.
9 a.m. - Doing Nothing to Become a Better Human
The act of purposefully slowing down and doing less has been proven to boost creativity, prevent burnout, and promote the ability to cope with stress. In this session, you will learn about the benefits of doing nothing according to researchers, artists, and more. This session is based on a nationally recognized university course called “Doing Nothing,” and will explain how stepping away from technology and allowing yourself to be bored can encourage deeper thinking, increased empathy, and better overall health. We will even practice a bit of “doing nothing” ourselves.
Learning Objectives:
Constance Kassor, Chair; Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Humanities Center, Cuyahoga Community College (Ohio)
The act of purposefully slowing down and doing less has been proven to boost creativity, prevent burnout, and promote the ability to cope with stress. In this session, you will learn about the benefits of doing nothing according to researchers, artists, and more. This session is based on a nationally recognized university course called “Doing Nothing,” and will explain how stepping away from technology and allowing yourself to be bored can encourage deeper thinking, increased empathy, and better overall health. We will even practice a bit of “doing nothing” ourselves.
Learning Objectives:
- Discover the benefits of "Doing Nothing"
- Determine ways for deeper thinking, increased empathy, and better overall health
Constance Kassor, Chair; Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Humanities Center, Cuyahoga Community College (Ohio)
10:30 a.m. - Good Morning, How Are You? Building Better Staff Morale One Greeting at a Time
Have you ever noticed a staff member arrive at work carrying a heavy attitude or looking visibly down? What happens when no one stops to ask, “How are you?” As library professionals, we often focus on serving our patrons, but it’s just as crucial to care for the team serving alongside us. In this heartfelt and practical session, Wil'Lani will share her intentional morning practice, “Good Morning, How Are You?”—a simple yet powerful staff check-in ritual that creates space for empathy, connection, and a better workday. In a time when workplace stress is heightened by social, political, and economic pressures, these small, intentional acts of kindness and concern have never been more important. Creating a supportive, emotionally aware team culture can serve as a stabilizing force amid the noise.
Learning Objectives:
Wil'Lani Turner, Circulation & Career Services Coordinator, Columbus-Lowndes Public Library System (Mississippi)
Have you ever noticed a staff member arrive at work carrying a heavy attitude or looking visibly down? What happens when no one stops to ask, “How are you?” As library professionals, we often focus on serving our patrons, but it’s just as crucial to care for the team serving alongside us. In this heartfelt and practical session, Wil'Lani will share her intentional morning practice, “Good Morning, How Are You?”—a simple yet powerful staff check-in ritual that creates space for empathy, connection, and a better workday. In a time when workplace stress is heightened by social, political, and economic pressures, these small, intentional acts of kindness and concern have never been more important. Creating a supportive, emotionally aware team culture can serve as a stabilizing force amid the noise.
Learning Objectives:
- Discover the advantages of small acts of kindness at work
- Create a supportive, emotionally aware culture
Wil'Lani Turner, Circulation & Career Services Coordinator, Columbus-Lowndes Public Library System (Mississippi)
1 p.m. - Book Talk 101: Engage, Excite, and Empower Readers
As a librarian, you already understand stories—now it's time to share that magic! Learn to create quick, compelling, and irresistible book talks that captivate your audience in under a minute. Whether or not you've read the book, you'll learn the skills to confidently present a title and make it come alive. Then, explore how to turn book talking into a powerful tool for building strong, lifelong readers within your community, with a focus on outreach to schools. Walk away with practical tips, strategies, and a new enthusiasm for connecting readers with the stories they’ll love!
Learning Objectives:
Terry Ehle, Youth Services Coordinator, Lester Public Library (Wisconsin)
As a librarian, you already understand stories—now it's time to share that magic! Learn to create quick, compelling, and irresistible book talks that captivate your audience in under a minute. Whether or not you've read the book, you'll learn the skills to confidently present a title and make it come alive. Then, explore how to turn book talking into a powerful tool for building strong, lifelong readers within your community, with a focus on outreach to schools. Walk away with practical tips, strategies, and a new enthusiasm for connecting readers with the stories they’ll love!
Learning Objectives:
- Create quick book talks that captivate audiences
- Determine how book talking can be used to build strong readers
Terry Ehle, Youth Services Coordinator, Lester Public Library (Wisconsin)