Trustees attend PLA Conference with a unique leadership perspective. The PLA Conference Committee has highlighted a number of programs at PLA 2014 that will be relevant and beneficial to trustees. To search programming by keyword, track, date, or presenter, visit the PLA 2014 Programs page.
Administration/Management
Communicate Change So the Whole Staff Hears You – PRECONFERENCE
Tuesday, March 11, 9:00 AM–5:30 PM
Something’s changing—and everyone on staff needs to understand it, accept it, and contribute to its success. Great leaders know that people are different and that, in order to have an effective team, messages need to come in all shapes and sizes. Understanding the differences people have involving change will give you the language, insight, and tools needed to address the most challenging of tasks—getting everyone on board with change. The registration fee includes access to the Change Style Indicator®, a change management assessment tool. How to register
Presenter: Marti Peden, Peden & Associates, Uniontown, Ohio
Maximizing Patron Outcomes: Gather and Use Community Data to Deliver High Value Technology Services – PRECONFERENCE
Wednesday, March 12, 9:00 AM–12:30 PM
Learn the soup to nuts of community needs assessments and the value of tapping your patrons for feedback on technology services. We’ll discuss collecting data using different tools, including focus groups and the Impact Survey program, and follow through with how to use patron-level data for high-level assessments, such as the Edge Benchmarks, of your library services. How to register
Presenters: Samantha Becker, University of Washington Information School, Seattle, Wash.; Mike Crandall, University of Washington Information School, Seattle, Wash.; Sarah Washburn, TechSoup Global, San Francisco, Calif.
Crafting Excellence: Using Research to Build the Best User Experience – PROGRAM
Thursday, March 13, 10:45 AM–12:00 PM
UX is the buzz, but what does it mean in practice? And what do public library patrons really want from their libraries? Two public library leaders, noted UX consultant, and research editor tackle the topic of how to effectively marshal research data to find out just how patrons experience our libraries and what we can do to make it ever better.
Presenters: Denise Davis, Sacramento (Calif.) Public Library; Barbara Genco, Library Journal, New York, N.Y.; Rebecca T. Miller, Library Journal/School Library Journal; Jill Porter, Traverse Area (Mich.) District Library; Aaron Schmidt, INFLUX Library User Experience, Portland, Ore.
Demonstrating Success through Outcome Measures and Community Scans – CONVERSTATION
Thursday, March 13, 10:45 AM–12:00 PM
Many public libraries struggle in demonstrating how their programs and services improve their communities. Meanwhile, other non-profit organizations are becoming skilled at showing how their services create jobs, raise income levels, and increase graduation rates. Learn how to conduct community scans to better understand the needs of your residents and practice developing outcome measures to determine whether your library is successful in improving your community.
Facilitators: Brett Lear, Martin County (Fla.) Library System; Jennifer Salas, Martin County Library System
Filtering out Internet Censorship: Advocacy, Professional Ethics, and the Law – PROGRAM
Thursday, March 13, 2:00–3:15 PM
While overzealous blocking of Internet content has landed a number of libraries in court, other libraries are facing public pressure to install restrictive filters and adopt policies that go far beyond the blocking of obscene materials. Meanwhile, CIPA forces some librarians and trustees to make a difficult choice between upholding core values and accepting funds that enable the library to receive internet access.
Presenters: Deborah Caldwell-Stone, American Library Association Office for Intellectual Freedom, Chicago, Ill.; Sarah Houghton, San Rafael (Calif.) Public Library; Jonathan Kelley, American Library Association Office for Intellectual Freedom; Candace Morgan, Freedom to Read Foundation, Chicago, Ill.; Eric Suess, Marshall (Idaho) Public Library
Keep Calm and Carry On: Financial Planning to Avoid Fiscal Pitfalls – PROGRAM
Thursday, March 13, 2:00–3:15 PM
As revenues shrink, libraries throughout the country have been facing fiscal challenges. This panel discussion comprised of public library leaders and moderated by a financial adviser will be a thought provoking session to demonstrate how best to plan for the fiscal health of the library system and will include such considerations as the library’s significant return on investment in a community.
Presenters: Rebecca Dixon, Indianapolis (Ind.) Public Library; Belvia Gray, Umbaugh, Indianapolis, Ind.; Jackie Nytes, Indianapolis Public Library; Kostas Poulakidas, Krieg DeVault LLP, Indianapolis, Ind.
Technology’s Future at Public Libraries: Staying Relevant in the Digital Age – PROGRAM
Thursday, March 13, 4:15–5:15 PM
This session features findings from a research series by the Pew Internet & American Life Project, focusing on the role of digital content and tools in public libraries, what new technology services patrons want, and how patrons use their library’s digital services. Key themes include how libraries can use the findings to shape their library’s internal planning and services to meet their community’s digital needs and communicate the importance of digital services to decision makers.
Presenters: Jessica Dorr, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, Wash.; Lee Rainie, Pew Internet and American Life Project, Washington, D.C.
A Bold Vision from the Top of Pikes Peak: A New Paradigm for Sustainable Services and Facilities – PROGRAM
Friday, March 14, 10:45 AM–12:00 PM
Facing severe funding cuts, the Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD), Colorado Springs, Colo., launched a process to fundamentally rethink its services and facilities. PPLD developed a sustainable plan using interconnected facility-based, virtual, and alternative delivery channels. A panel will discuss how to develop sustainable library service delivery, service design, materials flow, and management. Participants will learn how to establish a strategic framework for evolving services that increase public access and impact quality of life with fewer resources.
Presenters: Joan Frye Williams, Joan Frye Williams Consulting; Sacramento, Calif.; Paula Miller, Pikes Peak Library District, Colorado Springs, Colo.; David Schnee, Group 4 Architecture, Research + Planning, Oakland, Calif.
Difficult Decisions and Tough Times: Policy Survival Tips – PROGRAM
Friday, March 14, 10:45 AM–12:00 PM
Policies can either be a lifeline for library staff if written properly or cement boots if they are non-existent or poorly written. Using real life experiences and role playing, the panel will discuss the need for good policies that meet your library’s mission. Policies discussed may include disruptive patrons, arrested employees, unattended children, and conflict of interest.
Presenters: Sara Dallas, Southern Adirondack Library System, Saratoga Springs, N.Y.; Lauren Moore, Southern Tier Library System; Painted Post, N.Y.; Amanda Travis, Onondaga County (N.Y.) Public Library
Outcomes Made Easy: 7 Steps for Success – PROGRAM
Friday, March 14, 4:15–5:15 PM
In an era of budget cuts and service reductions, it has never been more important to articulate the value of your library’s services to stakeholders, including funders. One of the best ways to do this is to share outcomes—aka how the library is making a difference in the lives of your customers. Learn seven basic steps to measuring outcomes, from identifying the need to presenting the results in order to successfully tell your story.
Presenter: Michele Gorman, Charlotte Mecklenburg (N.C.) Library
Libraries Supporting Citizenship in the Digital Age – PROGRAM
Saturday, March 15, 9:15–10:15 AM
Libraries play a pivotal role in helping Americans make informed choices about their lives, work, and health. Users increasingly need not only good, up-to-date information but also the skills to navigate digital resources in order to make the best choices. IMLS has consistently worked with other federal agencies to help make civic literacy information and training readily available to librarians in topics including financial literacy, education, health, pathways to citizenship, digital literacy, and economic and workforce development. Learn about IMLS’s digital and civic literacy activities, and its partnerships with federal agency partners USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) and CFPB (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau).
Presenter: Maura Marx, Institute of Museum and Library Services, Washington, D.C.
Library + Partners = Community – PROGRAM
Saturday, March 15, 9:15–10:15 AM
Communities thrive through effective and strategic partnerships, and the public library is uniquely positioned to foster collaborative efforts that have positive impacts on people. Collaboration is a process, with the relationship often going through many revisions as environments and goals change. Learn how to take traditional partnership approaches to the next level; be informed by innovative services developed through collaboration; and equip yourself with practical steps to create, negotiate, and nurture your next library partnership.
Presenter: Chance Hunt, The Seattle (Wash.) Public Library
Collections/Tech Services
Public Libraries in the Marketplace: The Business of Digital Content – PROGRAM
Friday, March 14, 2:00–3:15 PM
Publishers, distributors, and libraries are key organizations in an ecosystem that connect authors and reader. All of these organizations face unprecedented challenges as they move into the uncharted future of digital content. This frank conversation will illuminate/summarize where we’ve come so far, and provide insight on strategies and opportunities going forward.
Presenters: Skip Dye, Penguin Random House; New York, N.Y.; Sari Feldman, Cuyahoga County (Ohio) Public Library; Vailey Oehlke, Multnomah County (Ore.) Library District; Steve Potash, OverDrive, Cleveland, Ohio
Leadership
Leading with Emotional Intelligence: Building Trusting Relationships – PRECONFERENCE
Tuesday, 9:00 AM–12:30 PM
SPONSORED BY THE INDIANA LIBRARY FEDERATION
Current research shows that people with high levels of emotional intelligence (EQ) are more successful personally and professionally. High EQ is correlated with building trusting relationships, engaging discretionary effort and energy, strengthening self-regulation and demonstrating social skills—key qualities for leaders and staff. In this insightful and informative workshop, deepen your ability to engage, encourage and empower staff capacity and enrich your credibility and respect as a leader. How to register
Presenters: Susan Akers, Indiana Library Federation, Indianapolis, Ind.; Lauren Burnett, Center for Inner Quality, Cleveland, Ohio
Strategic Momentum: Facilitation Skills to Build Consensus and Accomplish Outcomes – PRECONFERENCE
Tuesday, March 11, 2:00–5:30 PM
SPONSORED BY THE INDIANA LIBRARY FEDERATION
What do you do to encourage participation? How do you get folks on the same page? How do you handle side conversations? How can you get to consensus? Learn how to gain collaboration, engagement, and decision making with several important resources—the 5 Principles of Engagement, the 6 Tools of Facilitation, a guide to handling interruptions and derailments, and models of discussion and consensus decision-making. How to register
Presenters: Susan Akers, Indiana Library Federation, Indianapolis, Ind.; Lauren Burnett, Center for Inner Quality, Cleveland, Ohio
Turning Outward to Lead Change in Your Community: Aspirations – PROGRAM
Thursday, March 13, 10:45 AM–12:00 PM
Leverage your trusted position in the community to engage people on issues that matter. Try out practical Harwood Institute tools and hear examples of their use. Each of four sessions focuses on an individual tool, creating a powerful framework for convening diverse groups and leading change. The Aspirations tool helps librarians focus on community aspirations, identify next steps for change, and create an aspirations-based story for their community as a starting point for library action.
Presenters: Cheryl Gorman, The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation, Bethesda, Md.; Deborah Robertson, American Library Association Public Programs Office, Chicago, Ill.; Carlton Sears, The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation
Turning Outward to Lead Change in Your Community: Turn Quiz – PROGRAM
Thursday, March 13, 2:00–3:15 PM
Leverage your trusted position in the community to engage people on issues that matter. Try out practical Harwood Institute tools and hear examples of their use. Each of four sessions focuses on an individual tool, creating a powerful framework for convening diverse groups and leading change. Librarians may use the Turn Quiz tool to assess the focus of their efforts in the community as they further shift their orientation from internal to external.
Presenters: Cheryl Gorman, The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation, Bethesda, Md.; Deborah Robertson, American Library Association Public Programs Office, Chicago, Ill.; Carlton Sears, The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation
Connecting with Community Partners: LibraryAware Community Award Winners – CONVERSTATION
Thursday, Mar 13, 4:15–5:15PM
What can connecting your community and working with partners do for your community and your library? What partnerships and projects are most successful? Hear from winners of the inaugural LibraryAware Community Award and have a lively discussion of successes, overcoming obstacles, impact, and future plans for working with community partners. You too can be an award winning-library!
Presenter: Barbara Kozlowski, Skokie (Ill.) Public Library
Want Collaboration? Engage Your Community – PROGRAM
Thursday, March 13, 4:15–5:15 PM
Community engagement isn’t just patrons and partners! We’ll discuss progress and lessons learned in year two of an IMLS grant to create an engagement model. We’ve blogged our journey, created a rich toolkit, and tackled the elusive metrics and measurement piece. We’ll share the capacity building and cultural shift necessary to get headed in the right direction. Omaha, Nebraska, is a better place and Omaha Public Library is well on the road to becoming an essential community service.
Presenters: Cheryl Gould, InfoPeople Project, Petaluma, Calif. ; Sam McBane Mulford, ideation • collaborative, Napa, Calif.;Theresa Jehlik, Omaha (Neb.) Public Library; Linda Trout, Omaha Public Library
Turning Outward to Lead Change in Your Community: Intentionality – PROGRAM
Friday, March 14, 10:45 AM–12:00 PM
Leverage your trusted position in the community to engage people on issues that matter. Try out practical Harwood Institute tools and hear examples of their use. Each of four sessions focuses on an individual tool, creating a powerful framework for convening diverse groups and leading change. Librarians may use the Intentionality tool to test the external orientation and mindfulness of their community engagement choices and decisions.
Presenters: Cheryl Gorman, The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation, Bethesda, Md.; Deborah Robertson, American Library Association Public Programs Office, Chicago, Ill.; Carlton Sears, The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation
Community Conversations: The Library as the Public Square – CONVERSTATION
Friday, March 14, 2:00–3:15 PM
Do your patrons see your library as a place to discuss important community issues? By partnering with local organizations, your library can play a leadership role in civic engagement. Learn how to find partner organizations, identify hot topics, identify subject experts for your panel, market through social media and maintain civil discourse. You will change the expectations of non-users and supporters alike through this process.
Presenters: Michele Lauer-Bader, Half Hollow Hills Library, Dix Hills, N.Y.; Helen Crosson, Cold Spring Harbor (N.Y.) Library
Turning Outward to Lead Change in Your Community: Sustaining Yourself – PROGRAM
Friday, March 14, 2:00–3:15 PM
Leverage your trusted position in the community to engage people on issues that matter. Try out practical Harwood Institute tools and hear examples of their use. Each of four sessions focuses on an individual tool, creating a powerful framework for convening diverse groups and leading change. Sustaining Yourself helps librarians to personally map the components that feed their motivation and commitment for community work.
Presenters: Cheryl Gorman, The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation, Bethesda, Md.; Deborah Robertson, American Library Association Public Programs Office, Chicago, Ill.; Carlton Sears, The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation
Throw Out the Map: Sustainable Thinking for the Future of Libraries – PROGRAM
Friday, March 14, 4:15–5:15 PM
Many outsiders question the viability of today’s libraries in light of rapid technological advances. While change is inevitable, what may need to change the most is how you think and talk about what your library is and why it exists. The attitude you have about the existing situation will help you see opportunities that can help your library move forward and secure operating funds.
Presenters: Rebekkah Aldrich, Mid-Hudson Library System, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
Selling Change across Your Organization – PROGRAM
Saturday, March 15, 9:15–10:15 AM
By re-imagining the entire customer experience, the Cuyahoga County (Ohio) Public Library is transforming public library service in the 21st century. Collaboration in three key areas: transforming physical spaces; increasing convenience through technology; and communicating who we are/what we do through our branding ensures that we are leading change in our organization. The presenters will discuss how to work together with all levels of your organization to sell change and provide examples of successful strategies.
Presenters: Rebecca Ranallo, Cuyahoga County (Ohio) Public Library; Hallie Rich, Cuyahoga County Public Library; Tracy Strobel, Cuyahoga County Public Library
Edge: Where People Connect, Communities Achieve – PROGRAM
Saturday, March 15, 10:30–11:30 AM
Have you wondered how library leaders have used the Edge Initiative to enhance public technology services for their community and how you might be able to do the same? Do you want to hear about actual experiences your peers have had with this management tool? Well, here’s your chance! Library leaders who have used Edge will share everything from getting started and completing the assessment to building an action plan and engaging stakeholders.
Presenters: Alison Saffold, Urban Libraries Council, Chicago, Ill; Others TBA
Marketing/Advocacy
How to Ruin Your Library’s Reputation in 10 Easy Steps! PR Essentials – PRECONFERENCE
Wednesday, March 12, 9:00 AM–12:30 PM
Alienate your users, your community AND key stakeholders! Unfortunately, it’s easier than you may think! Learn the fundamentals of publicity and awareness raising&mash;from the inside out; effective ways to cultivate positive word-of-mouth in your community; and how to communicate when and where it matters most—in the library, in writing, and online. How to register
Presenter: Rebekkah Aldrich, Mid-Hudson Library System, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
Won’t You Be My Neighbor: Building Partnerships in Small Rural Communities – CONVERSTATION
Thursday, March 13, 2:00–3:15 PM
Come discuss ideas on forming relationships with nonlibrary organizations that have the same goals as a library. The two facilitators have experience forming relationships with organizations such as Rotary, Tift County Theatre, Literacy Volunteers, churches, the YMCA, the school system, the Department of Labor, the local college, the Society for Creative Anachronism and others to build programming and advocate for the library.
Facilitators: Victoria Horst, Tifton-Tift County (Ga.) Public Library; Deborah Moorman, Irwin County (Ga.) Public Library
Working Effectively with Friends Groups – CONVERSTATION
Thursday, March 13, 2:00–3:15 PM
Friends groups can be tremendous advocates for libraries and they raise lots of money, too! In fact, the latest survey from United for Libraries found that Friends groups across the country raised an average of $50,000 per year! Sometimes, though, working with Friends can be difficult. This session will provide an opportunity for librarians to discuss and share best practices in working with Friends and provide solutions for those whose Friends aren’t all that friendly.
Facilitator: Sally Reed, United for Libraries, Philadelphia, Pa.
Go Local with Geek the Library – CONVERSTATION
Thursday, March 13, 4:15–5:15 PM
The Geek the Library community awareness campaign has helped public libraries across the country create awareness, generate engagement, and encourage action. The campaign is designed to highlight the vital role of public libraries and raise awareness about the critical funding issues many face. Geek the Library provides tools to help library leadership and staff actively engage with the community and start local conversations—improving critical communication and advocacy skills. Visit get.geekthelibrary.org for more information.
Presenter: Jennifer Powell, OCLC, Dublin, Ohio
Innovation, Outreach, and Partnerships: Ways to Make Your Library Discoverable! – PROGRAM
Friday, March 14, 10:45 AM–12:00 PM
Hear about the New Jersey State Library’s “It’s time… to rediscover your library!” campaign, and learn ways to make your library discoverable. This session will provide an overview of various innovative program ideas, tips and tricks, and offer real world case study examples. Attendees will also learn new ways to expand their reach into their local communities through strategic outreach and partnerships.
Presenters: Peggy Cadigan, New Jersey State Library, Trenton, N.J.; Tiffany McClary, New Jersey State Library
Minute 2 Win It: Make the Case for Your Library with a Data-Based Elevator Speech – CONVERSTATION
Friday, March 14, 10:45 AM–12:00 PM
Does your elevator speech sound more like elevator music? We’ll help you add meaning and value to it by brainstorming and sharing examples of how to combine statistics with stories to craft a powerful advocacy message for various stakeholders. You are encouraged to bring data from your annual Public Library Survey results (http://1.usa.gov/14JWMqj) and/or any other statistics you collect about your library for use in drafting your own elevator speech.
Presenters: Linda Hofschire, Library Research Service, Colorado State Library, Denver, Colo.; Meghan Wanucha, Library Research Service, Colorado State Library
Walk the Talk: Executing Your Mission Statement – CONVERSTATION
Friday, March 14, 10:45 AM–12:00 PM
How does your library get from here (mission) to there (results)? How do your facilities, programming, promotions, outreach, and virtual services support your strategic direction? Join us for an engaging discussion with a director who has “walked the talk,” successfully launching an innovative library branch in his community. Attendees will be asked to share their own successes, struggles, and innovative ideas.
Presenters: Harmony Faust, Gale, part of Cengage Learning, Farmington Hills, Mich.; Robert (Bob) Pasicznyuk, Cedar Rapids (Iowa) Public Library
Millage Requests: Information Persuasion beyond the Lawn Sign – CONVERSTATION
Friday, March 14, 2:00–3:15 PM
Does your library face the prospect of asking voters for a tax increase? Many library staff members face the dubious challenge of educating and appealing to citizens without advocating to vote a certain way about a library levy. This session will tackle questions about your influence through web usability (design and content), the marketing behind talking points, and why we love pictures more than words when it comes to information.
Presenters: Juliane Morian, Clinton-Macomb Public Library, Clinton Township, Mich.; Jamie Morris, Clinton-Macomb Public Library
Shine the Light: Increasing Your Library’s Visibility without Increasing Costs – PROGRAM
Friday, March 14, 2:00–3:15 PM
Your website is optimized, but what’s the next step to increase your library’s visibility online? New partnership programs use the power of cooperation at scale to help libraries become more visible on popular sites like Yelp, GoodReads, Google, DOGOBooks, Wikipedia, EasyBib and others. Come hear results from The New York Public Library, which has used the OCLC Library Spotlight program to increase awareness of its branch locations and new services and to connect with new patrons.
Presenters: CIndy Cunningham, OCLC, San Francisco, Calif.; Rupen Dolasia, DOGO Media, Inc, Tiburon, Calif.; Johannes Neuer, The New York (N.Y.) Public Library; Chip Nilges, OCLC, Dublin, Ohio; Alice Sneary, OCLC, Dublin, Ohio
Every Reference Question is a Vote for Library Funding – CONVERSTATION
Friday, March 14, 4:15–5:15 PM
EveryLibrary is the nation’s first and only Political Action Committee for Libraries that works to win elections for libraries. At this session we’ll share what we learned while working on the battleground of library ballot campaigns. We’ll facilitate a dialog between librarians about the importance of politics in our daily routine and encourage each other to get involved in the fight for library funding at the ballot box.
Presenter: Patrick Sweeney, EveryLibrary, Chicago, Ill.
Tools for Winning at the Ballot Box – PROGRAM
Friday, March 14, 4:15–5:15 PM
St. Louis County (Mo.) Library (SLCL) passed a six-cent tax increase in November of 2012 with a 58 percent majority. Prop L was the first time SLCL had asked the voters for an increase in over 30 years. Using a mix of social media, print, and paid media, the campaign was a success. Presenters will discuss the strategy and tools used to make the initiative a success.
Presenters: Melanie Huggins, Richland County (S.C.) Library; Charles Pace, St Louis County (Mo.) Library; Paul Zemitzch, Sequel, St. Louis, Mo.
Who We Are, What We Do, and Why it Matters: Establishing Our Distinctive Sense of Purpose – PROGRAM
Saturday, March 15, 10:30–11:30 AM
Learn about a simple strategy that will make your library indispensable using strategic vocabulary that conveys what libraries are—a timeless, economic imperative that merits maximized funding. Applying the easy-to-visualize “Three Pillars” positions your library as a major component of your region’s education system—along with public schools, colleges and universities. Aligning with education establishes a distinctive sense of purpose, instilling pride in ourselves, our work, and our profession.
Presenter: Valerie Gross, Howard County (Md.) Library System
Serving Adults
Libraries Mean Business: Supporting Local Economic Development – CONVERSTATION
Friday, March 14, 2:00–3:15 PM
With more than 64% of all new jobs in the U.S. being created by small businesses, communities that support their entrepreneurs help drive economic growth. Libraries play a big part in economic recovery by providing the support, information, and planning tools needed by local businesses, entrepreneurs, and non-profit organizations. Come learn about innovative ways your library can connect with your business community. All types/size of libraries are invited to bring success stories and promotion examples.
Facilitators: Deb Biggs-Thomas, Michigan eLibrary, Lansing, Mich.; Jeff Regan, Gale-Cengage Learning, Farmington Hills, Mich.; Randy Riley, Michigan eLibrary
Spaces and Places
Keeping It Real about Going Green – PROGRAM
Thursday, March 13, 10:45 AM–12:00 PM
Are you building (or dreaming of building) a new library and want to see innovative examples of sustainability? Or are you hoping to “greenify” your existing library? A panel of experienced public library facility managers have been there, done that, and are ready to talk. Hear their success stories and lessons learned and discover how similar initiatives can be launched at your library no matter the size or budget.
Presenters: Jim Allen, County of Los Angeles (Calif.) Public Library; Susan Baier, County of Los Angeles Public Library; Eric Herman, County of Los Angeles Public Library; Floyd Willis, County of Los Angeles Public Library
Make it Happen Anyhow: Fundraising and Library-Building in Hard Times – PROGRAM
Thursday, March 13, 2:00–3:15 PM
Douglas County (Colo.) Libraries lost two consecutive funding elections, and it seemed certain the county wouldn’t get the new libraries needed to meet patron demand. Learn how the Castle Pines community opened a library despite the odds and achieved phenomenal fundraising goals by engaging a league of fundraisers and advocates. Discover how DCL is building new community-driven libraries without raising taxes and how to activate a library support movement in your own community
Presenters: Amy Long, Douglas County (Colo.) Libraries; Aspen Walker, Douglas County Libraries
Library Makerspaces: Building Community through Participatory Learning – PROGRAM
Friday, March 14, 10:45 AM–12:00 PM
Learn from some of the top library innovators as they discuss creating and running makerspaces and participatory learning experiences in their libraries. This session will offer program ideas, tips and tools to get started, and ways to tap into and empower your local community creativity. The Maker spirit is more than just hype—it is a powerful, creative, entrepreneurial force with transformative potential rivaling that of social media. Come find out why!
Presenters: Matthew Hamilton, Anythink Libraries, Thorton, Colo.; Monica Harris, Oak Park (Ill.) Public Library; Nate Hill, Chattanooga (Nash.) Public Library; Dara Schmidt, Anythink Libraries; Steve Teeri, Detroit (Mich.) Public Library
Bed Bugs Defense Force Assemble! – PROGRAM
Saturday, March 15, 10:30–11:30 AM
When faced with the threat of bed bugs, the Kalamazoo (Mich.) Public Library assembled a team to eradicate the insects. Discover how this team of managers immersed themselves in the world of bed bugs with the single-minded goal to control and defend against the villainous varmints. Attain facts about bed bugs and learn how to respond, manage, and mitigate the pests. Hear also how to minimize staff and public panic by keeping them informed.
Presenter: Kevin King, Kalamazoo (Mich.) Public Library
