Wednesday, January 27
The conference has 7 sessions each day (listed in Central Standard Time). This day has an opening session, followed by 3 sessions in the Management and Small Libraries tracks. You must register for each session individually.
9 a.m.
Libraries Lift Limits on Learners (Opening Session)
Register
Libraries serve a critical role in helping the public understand how to approach the information they see around them. Librarians in their communities are thought of as "information experts" in a world that is constantly changing.
With the internet being the main source for information, it can also lead to misinformation. While misinformation is not a new phenomenon, it has accelerated to dangerous levels, and the current pandemic is perhaps the most visible example of that. Dr. Dipesh Navsaria, known for his primary care clinic-based program, "Reach Out and Read," will explore the current role libraries play, what they can do in the midst of a pandemic, and how they can productively engage a skeptical and scared public.
Participants Will:
- Discover the role of libraries in a pandemic
- Learn additional ways to engage their communities
Dipesh Navsaria, Associate Professor of Pediatrics; University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health; Madison, WI
The conference has 7 sessions each day (listed in Central Standard Time). This day has an opening session, followed by 3 sessions in the Management and Small Libraries tracks. You must register for each session individually.
9 a.m.
Libraries Lift Limits on Learners (Opening Session)
Register
Libraries serve a critical role in helping the public understand how to approach the information they see around them. Librarians in their communities are thought of as "information experts" in a world that is constantly changing.
With the internet being the main source for information, it can also lead to misinformation. While misinformation is not a new phenomenon, it has accelerated to dangerous levels, and the current pandemic is perhaps the most visible example of that. Dr. Dipesh Navsaria, known for his primary care clinic-based program, "Reach Out and Read," will explore the current role libraries play, what they can do in the midst of a pandemic, and how they can productively engage a skeptical and scared public.
Participants Will:
- Discover the role of libraries in a pandemic
- Learn additional ways to engage their communities
Dipesh Navsaria, Associate Professor of Pediatrics; University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health; Madison, WI
10:30 a.m.
Nitty Gritty Policy Makeover (Management)
Register
Does your library have too many policies? And if you do, do they need an overhaul? This webinar will examine policy vs. procedures and learn simple strategies to overhaul policies to give staff decision-making power translating to better service.
Participants Will:
- Discuss rewriting and condensing policies with library staff and board members
- Discuss how to create policies that are proactive and positive, rather than reactive and punitive
Jennie Garner, Director; North Liberty Library; North Liberty, IA
Nitty Gritty Policy Makeover (Management)
Register
Does your library have too many policies? And if you do, do they need an overhaul? This webinar will examine policy vs. procedures and learn simple strategies to overhaul policies to give staff decision-making power translating to better service.
Participants Will:
- Discuss rewriting and condensing policies with library staff and board members
- Discuss how to create policies that are proactive and positive, rather than reactive and punitive
Jennie Garner, Director; North Liberty Library; North Liberty, IA
10:30 a.m.
Connecting the Community - Digital Inclusion (Small & Mighty)
Register
Are you looking for ways that your library can help your community to bridge the digital divide? This informative and interactive presentation will explore how one rural library has improved internet access throughout the community, hosted telehealth appointments, worked with schools to ensure opportunities for youth, and improved digital literacy skills for patrons and local businesses.
Participants Will:
- Learn how to improve internet access in your community
- Discover examples of innovative programming to engage a variety of populations
- Learn strategies to secure funding
Dianne Connery, Director; Pottsboro Library; Pottsboro, TX
New! 12 - 12:15 p.m.
Short Stretch Break
Register
We get it. You have likely experienced "online meeting overload" in the last several months. That is why this year's conference will include two short breaks to stretch over the lunch hour. Make sure you register ahead of time so you receive the link to sign in.
All you need is a chair and yourself. Get ready to relax!
Short Stretch Break
Register
We get it. You have likely experienced "online meeting overload" in the last several months. That is why this year's conference will include two short breaks to stretch over the lunch hour. Make sure you register ahead of time so you receive the link to sign in.
All you need is a chair and yourself. Get ready to relax!
1 p.m.
Library Director Jenga: The Perpetual Challenge (Management)
Register
Running a library is like playing Jenga. You need to work collaboratively to set up a solid base and then carefully move the pieces to ensure everything doesn’t come tumbling down. In this interactive session, come play online jenga and learn what the building blocks are to being an effective director and how moving them around can lead to success or failure.
Participants Will:
- Learn the building blocks to becoming a successful library director
- Discover the challenges in running a successful library and how to overcome them
- Learn how to work collaboratively to achieve your goals as a director
Kate Hall, Executive Director, Northbrook Public Library; Northbrook, IL
Kathy Parker, President and Owner, Kathy Parker Consulting
Library Director Jenga: The Perpetual Challenge (Management)
Register
Running a library is like playing Jenga. You need to work collaboratively to set up a solid base and then carefully move the pieces to ensure everything doesn’t come tumbling down. In this interactive session, come play online jenga and learn what the building blocks are to being an effective director and how moving them around can lead to success or failure.
Participants Will:
- Learn the building blocks to becoming a successful library director
- Discover the challenges in running a successful library and how to overcome them
- Learn how to work collaboratively to achieve your goals as a director
Kate Hall, Executive Director, Northbrook Public Library; Northbrook, IL
Kathy Parker, President and Owner, Kathy Parker Consulting
1 p.m.
A Whole Lotta Sugar in My Library Lemonade (Small & Mighty)
Register
Do you ever feel like you give your team the same feedback over and over again with no change or results? Do you ever feel overwhelmed with all these "great ideas" other people have and you don’t have the time to implement them? Who has time for that additional project? Who has money for that? Can I just file that thought and move on with my day? Sometimes by looking at projects in a new way, our attitude can change. We’ll look at 10 obstacles that turned into opportunities at my small library.
Participants Will:
- Explore how changing mindsets to a “why not” attitude can create new initiatives.
- Learn how to turn obstacles into opportunities
Angela Bodzislaw, Director; Spooner Memorial Library; Spooner, WI
2:30 p.m.
Decreasing Barriers to Library Use (Management)
Register
The Wake County (North Carolina) Public Library System has made decreasing barriers to library use a priority in their strategic and tactical planning. This session will explore common barriers including unnecessary or restrictive policies, difficulties of accessing library facilities, lack of service awareness, and insufficient literacies.
Participants Will:
- Learn how the library has worked to combat the impact of these barriers by systematically reviewing and updating library policies and operational practices
- Learn how to respond to customer needs within their community
Katrina Vernon, Senior Library Manager for Facilities and Operations
Ann Burlingame, Deputy Director
Sarah Lyon, Manager for Customer Experience
Wake County Public Library System; Raleigh, NC
Decreasing Barriers to Library Use (Management)
Register
The Wake County (North Carolina) Public Library System has made decreasing barriers to library use a priority in their strategic and tactical planning. This session will explore common barriers including unnecessary or restrictive policies, difficulties of accessing library facilities, lack of service awareness, and insufficient literacies.
Participants Will:
- Learn how the library has worked to combat the impact of these barriers by systematically reviewing and updating library policies and operational practices
- Learn how to respond to customer needs within their community
Katrina Vernon, Senior Library Manager for Facilities and Operations
Ann Burlingame, Deputy Director
Sarah Lyon, Manager for Customer Experience
Wake County Public Library System; Raleigh, NC
2:30 p.m.
Grant Writing 101: Practical Steps & Strategies (Small & Mighty)
Register
Are you looking for programs and funds to help enhance library services? Have you always wanted to try grant writing but don’t know where to start? Are you encouraged (or expected) to write grants but daunted by the prospect? Many of us want to do it, but don't know how. This program, led by a librarian with a successful record of grant writing, will build your confidence with practical steps and strategies.
Participants Will:
- Learn how to streamline and simplify the grant writing process in seven easy steps
- Learn how to build a grant writing toolkit to save time
- Learn how to analyze projects for sustainability
Julie Biando Edwards, Instructional Designer & Librarian; Niche Academy; Lehi, UT
Grant Writing 101: Practical Steps & Strategies (Small & Mighty)
Register
Are you looking for programs and funds to help enhance library services? Have you always wanted to try grant writing but don’t know where to start? Are you encouraged (or expected) to write grants but daunted by the prospect? Many of us want to do it, but don't know how. This program, led by a librarian with a successful record of grant writing, will build your confidence with practical steps and strategies.
Participants Will:
- Learn how to streamline and simplify the grant writing process in seven easy steps
- Learn how to build a grant writing toolkit to save time
- Learn how to analyze projects for sustainability
Julie Biando Edwards, Instructional Designer & Librarian; Niche Academy; Lehi, UT