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Start 8:00 AM

End 8:05 AM

Welcome to LibLearnX! Please take a moment to watch the Conference Platform Overview video

We’re going to take just a couple of minutes to show you some of the features of the virtual platform so you can make the most of your virtual conferencing experience.

The main page is called the Virtual lobby. On this page, you can select different days to see when sessions occur. The session start times are adjusted automatically to your time zone. The session rooms will open five minutes before the published start time. Once the room has been opened, simply click on the tile to access it. Once the session goes live, it will appear here.

Familiarize yourself with the tabs at the right in each room, chats, Q&A, downloadable files and other functionality is found here. Press this link from within a room to return to the virtual lobby.

Notice on the left side in the lobby, there are a few links. My Account allows you to change your personal information and to upload a headshot for your profile that people will see in the networking section on the site.

The My Agenda page allows you to search through all the upcoming sessions and see descriptions of the session, speaker bios and other information relevant to the session. There's a link here that lets you save a session to your calendar so you don't miss it.
Also in the virtual lobby is a Networking section. You can search for colleagues by name or company. And if you see someone you know, you can click on their tile to send them a private message or ask to meet them in a video chat right within the platform.
The Group Room section adjacent to the Networking Area allows anyone to start a group chat room, simply press the plus sign, name your room, make it public, and the title will appear for anyone to join you here for a video chat. Invite people to share their camera by selecting this button.

Also located on the left navigation is a link to the sponsor area. Here you can visit our sponsors, enter their rooms and download informational materials and at published times actually video chat with representatives from the companies.
One final note, notice on the left side in the lobby is a Help link. If you select this, it has some important information here and also an email link to reach our help staff directly during the conference. Any questions or technical issues can be resolved using this link during the event.

We hope that you enjoy the virtual conference.

Start 8:05 AM

End 8:15 AM

ALA LibLearnX Virtual Mystery Hunt - Day 1

Start 8:10 AM

End 8:15 AM

ABRAMS Children’s Books Spring-Summer 2022 Book Buzz

Start 8:10 AM

End 8:15 AM

ALA Preview: The LibLearnX Virtual Mystery Hunt

The ALA Games and Gaming Roundtable invites you to take part in a virtual mystery hunt. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, involves 4 days of riddles, problem-solving, and teamwork. Your first assignment will be revealed on Friday, January 21st.

Start 8:10 AM

End 8:15 AM

Bloomsbury Book Buzz

Start 8:10 AM

End 8:15 AM

Candlewick Press: The World of Atinuke - A Conversation with an Author: Atinuke

Start 8:10 AM

End 8:15 AM

EBSCO: Once Upon a Time: Practical Tips for Gathering Stories to Promote Your Library

Start 8:10 AM

End 8:15 AM

FE Technologies - RFID Your Way

Start 8:10 AM

End 8:15 AM

Holiday House, Pixel+Ink, Peachtree Book Buzz

Start 8:10 AM

End 8:15 AM

Introducing Peachtree Teen: Chat with the Editors

Start 8:10 AM

End 8:15 AM

On-Demand Video Courses with Gale Presents: Udemy

Start 8:10 AM

End 8:15 AM

OpenAthens: How OpenAthens is improving user experience with the new MyAthens Plus.

Start 8:10 AM

End 8:15 AM

OverDrive: Update from OverDrive

Start 8:10 AM

End 8:15 AM

Penguin Random House: Fall 2021 - Spring 2022 Highlights

Start 8:10 AM

End 8:15 AM

Penguin Random House: Library Marketing Staff Picks: 3 Books in 3 Minutes

Start 8:10 AM

End 8:15 AM

ProQuest: Better Research. Better Learning. Better Insights. New Resources for Academic Libraries.

Start 8:10 AM

End 8:15 AM

Random House Children's Books: Everything In Its Place Author Conversation

Start 8:10 AM

End 8:15 AM

Random House Children's Books: Spring 2022 School & Library Staff Picks

Start 8:10 AM

End 8:15 AM

Shadow Mountain New Titles!

Start 2:00 PM

End 3:00 PM

Membership Orientation Session

This session will include a brief orientation about your membership and introduce you to some of the resources available from across the Association to help you and your library. Plus, the New Members Round Table will talk us through some tips on how to maximize your conference experience – virtual or in-person. Then you’ll get a quick overview of the virtual conference space and some highlights to include in your schedule and we’ll wrap up the time with some opportunities to break into smaller groups to connect with other ALA members and library colleagues.

Start 3:00 PM

End 3:45 PM

Voices of Asian Americans in History and Today

Join ALA President, Patricia “Patty” Wong as she welcomes Professor of Ethnic Studies, University of California, Berkeley, Catherine Ceniza Choy and journalist and author William Gee Wong in an engaging discussion that will highlight the current state of affairs for Asian Americans; their place in history; influence; and how librarians and libraries can be more responsive and engaged with the community.

Start 4:00 PM

End 5:00 PM

ALA Gives Back - Transcribe historical documents for the Smithsonian

Start 4:00 PM

End 5:00 PM

ALA Gives Back - Turn books into e-books

Start 4:00 PM

End 5:00 PM

ALA Gives Back - Use your knitting, crafting, and cooking skills for good

Volunteerism, community impact, and giving back are part of the DNA of LibLearnX. Although we can’t gather in person, we encourage you to explore these and other virtual volunteer opportunities – as chosen by ALA’s Conference Committee. Please use the hashtag #ALAGivesBack to tell us how you are volunteering. Provide lovingly created handmade pieces of comfort and support to veterans, deployed service members and their families. No matter if you are an expert seamstress or a casual hobbyist, there is an opportunity to help US troops on the Sewing and Crafting Team of Soldiers’ Angels. Other virtual opportunities include sending baked treats, writing letters, and making cards.

Start 4:00 PM

End 5:00 PM

ALA Gives Back - Volunteer to provide online reference service

Volunteerism, community impact, and giving back are part of the DNA of LibLearnX. Although we can’t gather in person, we encourage you to explore these and other virtual volunteer opportunities – as chosen by ALA’s Conference Committee. Please use the hashtag #ALAGivesBack to tell us how you are volunteering. The Public Library Association will be meeting in Portland in March, so there is no better time to help out Answerland, Oregon's online reference service, where librarians help Oregon residents find answers to questions and provide research guidance 24/7. Sign up to become a volunteer today! The Public Library Association will be meeting in Portland in March, so there is no better time to help out Answerland, Oregon's online reference service, where librarians help Oregon residents find answers to questions and provide research guidance 24/7. Sign up to become a volunteer today!

Start 8:10 AM

End 5:00 PM

ALA LibLearnX Virtual Mystery Hunt - Day 2

Start 10:00 AM

End 11:00 AM

ALA President in Conversation with U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono is one of the most fiercely outspoken Democrats in Congress, but her journey to the U.S. Senate was far from likely. In Heart of Fire, "one of the finest political memoirs in the history of the genres" (Library Journal), she compellingly chronicles her life as a woman coming into her own power over the course of five decades in public service, and of the mother whose courageous choices made her life possible. Hirono will be in conversation with Patricia (Patty) Wong, the first Asian American to serve as president of the American Library Association.

Start 11:00 AM

End 11:30 AM

One Shot Instructions, Anti-Racism, and Information Literacy Pedagogies

For many subject specialists, instruction is an integral part of professional practice. Yet, the theoretical grounding and structure of these sessions have remained unchanged despite the push towards diversity and equity. We will interrogate one-shot instruction sessions that many librarians partake in as part of their outreach charge. Common arguments against integrating critical race pedagogy within one-shots are that there isn’t enough time. However, using various examples we demonstrate how antiracist pedagogy can be integrated within one-shots. Our examples stem from some of the instruction sessions we have had as subject liaisons to the departments of English and history.

Upon completion, participants will be able to understand how one-shot instruction sessions perpetuate hegemonic structures of whiteness

Upon completion, participants will be able to understand that one-shots can be integrated within antiracist frameworks

Upon completion, participants will have three examples of how librarians can critically engage college students within alternative knowledge production systems that allow for more marginalized voices and sources

Start 11:00 AM

End 11:30 AM

Sort It Out! In-House Classification Systems for Comics and Graphic Novels

Do you and your patrons find comics and graphic novels a disorderly mess on the shelves? Think outside the box, and learn how an in-house classification system can keep those materials organized, sequential, easier to shelve, and attractive, boosting circulations to boot. Comics and graphic novels, especially superhero titles, can be very difficult to keep organized on the shelves. Due to frequent renumbering of titles and changes in creative teams, these materials can become confusing to shelve and even more confusing for patrons to find their next, sequential read. Unfortunately, traditional classification systems for libraries do not help this format organized, but an in-house classification system just might! Learn some clever ideas from libraries across the country to create your a classification system that will keep your sequential art sequential.

Identify challenges to comics and graphic novels organization.

learn best practices for in-house classification systems for comics and graphic novels.

plan an in-house classification system for comics and graphic novels.

propose an in-house classification system to library leadership and staff.

create standardized bibliographic records for comics and graphic novels within the library.

Start 11:00 AM

End 11:30 AM

Trauma in the Library

Trauma in the Library:Symptoms of PTSD Among Staff and Methods for Ensuring Trauma-Informed Care.” Project goals are: 1)identify the types of post-traumatic symptoms experienced by library staff in diverse library settings where violence and other trauma has occurred; 2)conduct a national online survey, interviews+fishbowls to ascertain the extent of workplace-related PTSD symptoms on staff and their awareness of existing resource help; 3)identify trauma-informed care tools, policy and procedures that libraries can implement; and 4)create trauma-informed-care for library staff curricula. Presenting initial data on library workplace-related trauma our LLX-session will use Fishbowl techniques to share survey+interview insights and gather evidence.

Learn about data from the current 600+ participants and future goals of the study, supporting the hypothesis public library staff are experiencing high rates of trauma at their workplaces.

Collaborate in fishbowls to make systematic, concentrated efforts collecting data from public library employees, who have experienced or witnessed one or more traumatic incidents as part of their library duties.

Define current findings that will help in creating a clear evidence-based narrative that can be used to develop and advocate for better mental health and safety support in the future.

Start 11:30 AM

End 12:00 PM

Theater Speaker Angeline Boulley

Angeline Boulley is a storyteller who writes about her Ojibwe community in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. She will discuss her debut novel “Firekeeper’s Daughter,” a groundbreaking YA thriller about a Native teen who must root out the corruption in her community. The novel was championed by We Need Diverse Books, a nonprofit organization created to promote diversity of multiple forms in children's literature and publishing. As a result, the book has since received wide acclaim. It was selected for TIME’s “100 Best YA Books of All Time” list and it is soon to be adapted as a Netflix series by President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama's production company, Higher Ground.

Start 12:30 PM

End 1:30 PM

A Transdisciplinary Collaboration: Developing Resources About Muhammad Ali; Inspiring Social Justice Action

The University of Louisville (UofL) Libraries and the UofL Muhammad Ali Institute for Peace and Justice collaborate to create digital exhibits commemorating Muhammad Ali’s international impact on civil rights and social justice movements. Additional collaboration with the Muhammad Ali Center will provide an opportunity for University and community members in his Louisville hometown to celebrate his 80th birthday, January 17, 2022, to record and upload video/audio memories or thoughts for a tribute titled “Standing Up For Peace: How Does Muhammad Ali Inspire Us Today? ” The commemoration will conclude with a symposium titled “Muhammad Ali: A Transcendent Life.”

Learn how managing collaborations between multiple libraries, the University of Louisville’s Muhammad Ali Institute for Peace and Justice and the Department of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) produced digital exhibits.

Learn how to use the libraries resources and collections and to create story mapping, producing multiple digital exhibits commemorating the various life stages of Muhammad Ali.

Students, the campus community, and local to global communities, will understand Muhammad Ali’s legacy as a champion of social justice issues in the U.S. and worldwide.

Students, the campus community, and local to global communities, will make connections between Muhammad Ali’s convictions and their own convictions about social justice issues.

Students, the campus community, and local to global communities, will Identify how Muhammad Ali legacy is an inspiration for them to “stand up for peace” today.

Start 12:30 PM

End 1:30 PM

Advancing Race and Social Equity in Library Communications

Prince George's County Memorial Library System (MD) staff discuss best practices for advancing race and social equity in communications, as part of overall institutional efforts to recognize and correct longstanding systemic inequities. PGCMLS' ongoing antiracism and social equity work, and how it's reflected in communications, has strengthened the Library's role in the local and statewide community as an organization that is proactively creating an inclusive environment for customers of different backgrounds. Attendees will learn how PGCMLS's Race and Social Equity Framework, collaboration with the Board's Community Engagement Committee, and staff work teams help to inform the direction of institutional communications.

Assess how institution's reflect equity, diversity, and inclusion in their communications and marketing.

Design public relations and marketing campaigns that deliberately advance institutional race and social equity goals.

Collaborate with different internal and external stakeholder groups to foster institutional support for clear and bold communications that demonstrate inclusion to customers and the community.

Evaluate communications workflows and strategies in order to adapt institutional communications to meet the changing needs of communities that are hindered by systemic inequities.

Conduct an communications environmental scan to inform the development of library communications campaigns that advance race and social equity.

Start 12:30 PM

End 1:30 PM

Census 101: Basic Numbers for Everyone

The United States Census Bureau has a wealth of information about communities. As information professionals, we need to both refresh our skills in understanding the data the Census Bureau publishes and bring that expertise to community members that need it. This basic learning lab will help you prepare outreach or programming for your library community using data from the Census Bureau. Intended for beginners and folks who may feel intimidated by finding basic information published by the US Census Bureau.

Find data and customize data tables using the Census Bureau website's data portal.

Make a map using data.census.gov and customize the map to show Census Bureau data relevant to their own community.

Identify community partners (such as grant applicants, journalists, students, and more) that need basic information such as racial, socio-economic, and housing data.

Identify two resources for complex Census Bureau Data questions for referral.

Start 12:30 PM

End 1:30 PM

Creating Interactive Timelines for Outreach and Education

In this introductory Learning Lab, participants will work together to develop an interactive timeline. You'll learn about Timeline JS, an online tool for building interactive timelines, and we'll brainstorm applications of the tool for research, teaching, outreach and publication. We'll learn how to format metadata and data for the tool, discuss Creative Commons and public domain resources, and how to properly cite media objects. No technical experience is needed; a Google login may be helpful but is not required. Participants from any type of library are welcome.

Start 12:30 PM

End 1:30 PM

Maximizing Today’s Signals to Imagine Tomorrow’s Libraries

Using strategic foresight to create the libraries of the future is essential. The first step is to recognize, gather and utilize the signals of what’s happening today to inform future decision-making. This session will introduce participants to the practice of foresight, how to identify signals and practical ways to begin using today’s headlines and stories to imagine potential scenarios for libraries.

Start 12:30 PM

End 1:30 PM

Practical Tools for Implementing a Collection Diversity Audit

Library collections tell a story about the communities in which they serve. To ensure that libraries serve everyone in their communities it is essential to evaluate the representation included in each collection, assess gaps, and create new processes to fill those areas. Implementing a diversity audit is critical to understanding the current state of your collection and will lead the way to develop plans for ongoing improvement. Participants will learn how to create and conduct a diversity audit, evaluate materials for inclusivity, and develop strategies for library users to find the diverse material in the collection.

Upon completion, participants will be able to implement a comprehensive diversity audit of their collection.

Upon completion, participants will have a strong understanding of how to evaluate materials for inclusivity.

Upon completion, participants will be able to develop strategies for library users to find diverse materials in their collections.

Start 12:30 PM

End 1:30 PM

Workshop Warm Up: Energize the Audience for Increased Engagement

Learn techniques for using the time before a session to warm up the participants. A warm up can start your audience thinking about the topic, help you determine what they want from your session, and develop a personal connection which can turn a good session into a great one. Discover ways to use the time prior to the official start to warm up your attendees, and hear why anyone can do an effective warm up. Also hear about numerous free online tools that can help identify who is in your audience, what they expect, and what questions they are bringing.

Distinguish warming up an audience from performing in front of an audience

Identify appropriate tools and techniques to achieve desired audience state

Apply warm-up techniques to any speaking/presenting situation

Establish a culture of pre-event activities as common place

Start 1:00 PM

End 1:45 PM

Theater Speaker Charly Palmer

Over 30 years and counting, Charly Palmer’s art speaks for itself. In every painting, he bears witness of African ancestry and contemporary experiences — rhythmic, visual stories that shift what each viewer believes to see — should one dare to look deeply. He was commissioned by Time Magazine for the July 2020 "America Must Change" issue. Asked to capture a moment in which Americans will see whether their country is able to live up to its promise. Palmer created a 40-by-30 inch, acrylic painting of a little girl faced with both the injustice of today and America’s historical role in it, titled ‘In Her Eyes.”Palmer will discuss his author-illustrator debut, “The Legend of Gravity,” a tall tale about a neighborhood basketball hero. It’s a clever, energetic story about the unsung superstars walking among us, complete with vivid art and heartfelt themes of teamwork, loyalty, friendship, and fun.

Start 2:00 PM

End 2:30 PM

Author Tea Time with Paula Young Shelton and Gordon C. James

Join bestselling Caldecott Honor winner Gordon C. James and author and educator Paula Young Shelton as they discuss their powerful new picture book about a special day from the childhood of civil rights icon Ambassador Andrew Young.

Start 2:30 PM

End 3:30 PM

50+ Years in the Making: Claiming Social Justice as a Core Value

The program considers the ongoing efforts of the Intellectual Freedom and Social Justice Working Group. The ALA Council at Midwinter Conference 2021 approved The Resolution to Condemn White Supremacy and Fascism as Antithetical to Library Work and charged the Working Group with reviewing neutrality rhetoric and identifying possible alternatives. This program will engage the audience in facilitated small-group dialogues about the role of neutrality in libraries and explore options for centering social justice as a guiding principle. Co-sponsored by Intellectual Freedom Committee (IFC), Committee on Professional Ethics (COPE), Intellectual Freedom Round Table (IFRT), and Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF).

Upon completion participants will be better able to understand and explain core library values.
Upon completion participants will be able to know the history of social justice movements within ALA and the library profession.
Upon completion participants will be able to know why the idea of library neutrality is flawed and why it never actually was a reality.
Upon completion participants will be able to understand the consequences of adhering to a neutrality rhetoric.
Upon completion participants will be able to see the opportunities in moving to a new rhetoric (be it radical empathy or something else).

Start 2:30 PM

End 3:30 PM

This session will not be presented live today but may be posted as an on-demand recording at a later date.

Do you encounter questions of copyright in your library? You will leave this session with a better understanding of copyright exemptions like the fair use doctrine and feel more confident addressing copyright questions and policies in real-life situations. Learn about recent developments in copyright such as the CASE Act and how our ability to provide access to library materials through course reserves and resource sharing may be affected. Heidi T. Eakin from Colgate University Libraries will guide participants through an active and lively discussion and cooperative group investigation of copyright usage.

Identify the specific limitations and exceptions found in U.S. Copyright Law necessary to assess copyright status and usage permissions for materials in libraries.

Understand how and with whom to engage to integrate copyright issues in digital course reserve and resource sharing policies and procedures.

Determine which limitations and exceptions are most applicable and how and when to implement copyright status assessments in digital course reserves and resource sharing.

Articulate the interaction of limitations and exceptions with other provisions of U.S. Copyright Law, such as the four factors of fair use and CONTU guidelines.

Apply thoughtful applications of these limitations and exceptions to provide or expand access to library resources for users at their institutions.

Start 2:30 PM

End 3:30 PM

Creating Psychological Safety for Your Teams

Leading a team can provide a variety of challenges, particularly around communicating with one another. People shut down, disengage, and work in silos, becoming less productive in the process. One common reason behind this is the team does not feel psychologically safe. They are fearful of expressing ideas, trusting one another, navigate difficult conversations, and sharing mistakes. Creating psychological safety with your team can bring teams together to become happier, collaborative, and productive. Providing support to your staff can be fulfilling and demanding. You have the passion and drive to care for your staff and you just need the right tools to help them feel safe. For over 10 years I have helped groups and teams learn how to create a safe environment, leading to higher performing teams. In this workshop you will: Develop an understanding of what psychological safety is Understand the benefits of building it Learn the steps of how to promote psychological safety within your team Leaving you with a better understanding of how an emotionally safe environment helps develop a higher-performing team. Providing you more time to focus on other important tasks. Instead of spending extra time and emotional energy trying to manage your staff. You can provide an environment where they feel safe to share openly, work together, and get things done.

Start 2:30 PM

End 3:30 PM

Digital Equity Impact of the American Rescue Plan Act Through IMLS Grants

In April 2021 the Institute of Museum and Library Services distributed $178M in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to state libraries, to reach communities across the U.S.  Under the umbrella of pandemic response, one of the core tenets of this funding was digital inclusion efforts. States built from lessons learned during CARES Act stimulus funds roll-out in 2020 as they approached ARPA in 2021. Featuring a panel of state librarians from Iowa, Louisiana, and Utah, this session will provide an early peek at how these stimulus funds are having an impact on digital equity efforts, in particular.

Identify library trends with respect to American Rescue Plan Act funding and impact

Develop project ideas and innovative approaches to digital equity

Connect to resources available through State Library Administrative Agencies and IMLS

Start 2:30 PM

End 3:30 PM

Engagement Isn’t One Thing, It’s Everything

Does your library define patron engagement as one specific activity –digital marketing, program attendance, library card sign ups—or as a wholistic approach to building strong relationships? The pandemic has reminded us patrons don’t just engage with the library when they enter the building or complete one activity, they engage with the library through hundreds of moments, online and in-person. In this session, we’ll discuss many forms of user engagement and share an Engagement Audit worksheet to assess different types of engagements happening at each library. We’ll present suggestions on building consistency across engagements and tips for improving patron relationships.

Discuss common definitions for engagement and vote on most applicable

Imagine new ways to engage patrons and build community relationships

Conduct an Engagement Audit and apply new ideas to their library

Start 2:30 PM

End 3:30 PM

Generating and Organizing Virtual Patron Engagement (and Doing It for Free!)

Have you created online content and virtual programming only to have it be used once and then disappear into the interwebs? Now that you’ve read that question, do you WANT to make that content? Are you looking to build an engaging and interactive webspace, but lack the technical skills and/or funds? Do you want permanent content storage that you can easily update yourself? No problem! Learn how you can build a professional-looking site using freeware and a general knowledge of popular office software. Discover how librarians at the Free Library of Philadelphia built a free online repository of programming during the pandemic and how it transformed into a living history of their division’s patron engagement. This interactive session will challenge attendees to reconsider how they are virtually serving their patrons while considering issues of access, equity, and inclusion. You will walk away with the tools necessary for any library worker to engage with patrons through virtual content — for free!

Participants will be able to confidently design a free virtual clearinghouse of content and operate two freeware services that provide valuable quantitative data for statistics and administrative knowledge.

Upon completion, the participants will be able to successfully identify and use at least three freeware systems to create virtual outreach inspired by their library’s collections, programs, and services.

Upon completion, participants will be able to produce a guidebook of best practices for their institution’s online content and clearinghouse allowing for effective collaboration between librarians, paraprofessionals, and other stakeholders.

Start 2:30 PM

End 3:30 PM

How to Think Like a Library Project Manager to Execute Your Ideas

Library staff who can execute ideas - big and small - are change agents. At the heart of every innovation is someone who understands how to bring people together to test the viability of an idea, then advocate for attention and resources to bring it to life. This session demystifies basic steps that project managers take to build ideas into action plans, with an emphasis on practical applications in libraries. The trainer has been practicing these techniques in progressive leadership roles in libraries for more than a decade and considers project management a secret ingredient to her success.

Start 2:30 PM

End 3:30 PM

The Relevance of IDEA work in Librarianship

The panel will outline and detail the importance of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access in regards to librarianship by giving examples of currently successfully implemented techniques. Explanations will be given to as to how IDEA benefits the whole of librarianship rather than just the historically excluded groups.

Start 2:30 PM

End 3:30 PM

When Libraries and XR Collide

Immersive (XR) narratives are here. In this session, attendees will be provided a primer on XR learning before stepping into the educational cinematic virtual reality (eduCVR) experience How Do We Love Thee? (Gardner, 2021). Inside How Do We Love Thee? participants become Pen Browning’s girlfriend in order to learn about his mother from the people who knew her. Afterwards, we will let our imaginations fly while considering the potential for XR narratives in our library communities.

Start 3:30 PM

End 4:00 PM

"Instruction? In this Panorama?": Conducting 360° Virtual Library Tours with ThingLink

With the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting academic instruction, librarians at the University of Alabama tackled a common question: how do we convey our services and orient our first-year students in a virtual environment? This presentation demonstrates the usage of ThingLink, a technology platform that showcases interactive, 360° images, as a response to that question. Outlining the instructional value and technical details of creating virtual tours in academic libraries, this presentation provides new insight as to how innovative technologies can facilitate new points of access for students unfamiliar with library services. The benefits and drawbacks of using ThingLink will also be discussed.

Start 3:30 PM

End 3:45 PM

A Spoonful of Information Literacy

This ShopTalk will describe the successful project by Chapman University librarians to create a new information literacy program for first-year students and how the Canvas software provided a fresh approach to skill-based information literacy teaching. The workflow will be discussed, including the challenges of working with the Framework and the module template designed to utilize the VARK (Visual, Auditory, Read/Write, Kinesthetic) learning schema. Attendees will come away with an understanding of building a module in Canvas and how technology can assist in information literacy.

Start 3:30 PM

End 4:00 PM

Designing Innovative Library Learning Experiences

In this session, you will learn how using visual planning tools to help design innovative library experiences, creating buy in from key stakeholders within your library system. We will explore several visual tools for visioning, planning, designing, and launching successful learning projects faster and with greater quality. Throughout the session, you'll explore common roadblocks and implement ways to avoid them. You will also practice techniques for communicating ideas across diverse stakeholders to gain consensus and buy-in. When you leave this session, you'll have the tools you need to save time, increase quality, and decrease stress when effective library learning experiences.

Start 3:30 PM

End 3:45 PM

Hosting a Repair Event in Your Library

Learn about repair events and how your library can host them. Repair events are intergenerational programs in which people bring their broken stuff to the library and get coached by volunteers with fixing skills on how to repair broken things. Fun for all ages, repair events bring neighbors together to learn life long skills and to create a culture that values all people, places, and things.

Start 3:30 PM

End 4:30 PM

Oh Dear, We’re Queer: Work/Life Balance & Library School During COVID-19

This shoptalk will discuss the experiences of two queer library employees, one staff member and one non-MLIS librarian, as they adapted their lifestyles and workflows to the realities of the immediate shift to work from home while pursuing advanced degrees in library science. It will discuss how their work/life balance and academic studies were impacted by three systemic barriers that they confronted in their lives and workplace. The talk will consider the solutions and workarounds developed to address those barriers, and propose three alternative actions to address inequities for future workers.

Start 3:30 PM

End 4:00 PM

Supporting Indie Authors

Independent authors have published the majority of books for over a decade. Their dynamic narratives can break boundaries and provide genuine accounts of local community life not possible in mainstream books. Led by Asst. Manager/Supervising Librarian Tejas Desai, himself a prolific indie novelist, Cambria Heights Library in New York City has become a pioneer in collection development, programming and resources for independent authors, including an Annual Author Festival, Indie Author section and a Self-Publishing Resources page. Joined by Manager Kacper Jarecki, Mr. Desai will lead a discussion about how libraries can continue and expand their support for independent authors.

Start 3:30 PM

End 3:45 PM

Sustainability 101 for Libraries: Digging Into the Triple Bottom Line

In this session we'll dig into the "triple bottom line" of sustainability to uncover why practices and decisions that are socially equitable and environmentally sound and economically feasible are in line with many library and community values. We'll connect this to questions like: Why is sustainability an ALA Core Value? What does sustainability have to do with libraries? Why does ALA have a Sustainability Round Table?

Start 3:45 PM

End 4:00 PM

Bite-Sized Readers' Advisory Training

Readers’ advisory can be one of the most satisfying library services, but a lack of time for RA training means not everyone can participate. It is possible to become a successful readers’ advisor by consuming bite-sized chunks of targeted content on a regular basis. This Shop Talk is for public library staff, at any level, in any department, who wants to improve their readers’ advisory skills, with a focus on RA for adults. Booklist’s Senior Editor for Collection Management and Library Outreach Susan Maguire will share tips and tricks for building RA training into regular workflow, with specific resources for understanding principles of RA and keeping up with publishing. The ultimate goal is to build an inclusive culture of reading so everybody on staff can become a great readers’ advisor.

Start 3:45 PM

End 4:00 PM

Compact Copyright: Thinking Through Library Fair Use Questions

In this short talk, copyright librarian Sara R. Benson will provide a quick fair use primer as well as a way to think through fair use determinations. Join her for this talk based on the fair use chapter of her book “Compact Copyright: Quick Answers to Common Questions.” Sara will walk you through fair use, tools to assess fair use, and a few common hypothetical fair use questions.

Start 3:45 PM

End 4:00 PM

Making Our Spaces Accessible: Makerspaces that Include Patrons with Disabilities

Makerspaces and making activities are more common than ever in public libraries, but very few are designed to be accessible by all. Conversations with public library patrons with disabilities have illuminated the need for more inclusive services, equipment, and practices. This session, developed as a result of an IMLS funded grant (LG-246292-OLS-20), will examine the results of those conversations. Attendees will gain knowledge of the importance of inclusive design, and will leave with practical tips for improving accessibility in their own makerspaces and making activities.

Start 3:45 PM

End 4:00 PM

One Small Library, One Giant Leap: Putting Open Access First with CloudSource+

This session will help small libraries stretch thinning budgets in the face of rapidly increasing information needs. Carolina University, a small private college, is using the new CloudSource+ platform from SirsiDynix to implement an OA-forward library services model, promoting OA content rather than using it as a fallback. The presenters will share the library’s strategy for providing discovery and access to a wide array of OA content alongside limited subscriptions, providing a better user experience, increasing access to high-quality resources, and creating cost savings.

Start 4:00 PM

End 4:30 PM

Creating a Library Usability Service for Online Learning

In 2019, the Nevada State College Library piloted a Usability Testing Service to provide instructors with actionable feedback on their Canvas course sites’ organization, navigability, and accessibility. Now in 2022, the service has led to some great initial feedback from students to faculty on improvements made to their courses, and generated collaboration opportunities for the library with other unit on campus.

In this session, I'll share how the Usability Testing Service was created, the piloting process and initial results, and how this service is now being used as a resource for instructors during an unprecedented time at the college.

Articulate the value of user experience and usability testing for online learning and libraries.

Replicate the same or similar usability service at their own library, or have an understanding of the work involved.

Define what a usability test is and the essential process of conducting a test.

Start 4:30 PM

End 5:30 PM

I Love My Librarian Award Ceremony

The I Love My Librarian Award encourages library users to recognize the accomplishments of exceptional public, school, college, community college, or university librarians. Each year 10 librarians are selected by leaders from the library community to receive a plaque and $5,000 cash award. This event will showcase the accomplishments of this year's amazing award winners.

Start 6:00 PM

End 6:45 PM

Weston Woods Film Festival

Weston Woods Studios invites you to an exclusive screening of new releases, including SOMEONE BUILDS THE DREAM, BE YOU!, TOMORROW MOST LIKELY and a sneak peek of THE SUN IS KIND OF A BIG DEAL. Please join Producer Paul Gagne with authors Peter H. Reynolds, Lisa Wheeler and Nick Seluk for a visual feast of the very best in children’s literature.

Start 8:10 AM

End 5:00 PM

ALA LibLearnX Virtual Mystery Hunt - Day 3

Start 10:00 AM

End 10:45 AM

Theater Speaker Molly Shannon

Molly Shannon is an Emmy-nominated actress and comedian. She spent six seasons as a member of the repertory company on "Saturday Night Live," primarily known for the eclectic characters she created, such as Mary Katherine Gallagher and Sally O’Malley. Shannon will discuss “Hello, Molly! A Memoir,” a candid, compulsively readable, hilarious, and heartbreaking memoir of resilience and redemption. It explores with humor and candor her struggle to come to terms with the legacy of her father, a man who fostered her gifts and drive, but who was also left with the impossible task of raising his kids alone after the loss of their mother.

Start 10:30 AM

End 11:30 AM

Broadband 101

Are you mystified by those blinking lights in your network closet or shelf? Please come to this fun and highly interactive session to make sense of all those boxes and wires, and more importantly to have a clear enough understanding of broadband components to help library staff know what they have; what they need; and to have the connectivity vocabulary to advocate for technology resources with policymakers, IT professionals or library staff.

Start 10:30 AM

End 11:30 AM

Embracing Diversity in Book Evaluation Committees

Learn how to set up and structure a book evaluation committee to create annual youth booklists for targeted audiences. Presenters will discuss their own experiences and strategies for success, whether dealing with staffing issues, problematic titles, reader engagement, age ratings, translation issues, or community booklist promotion. Participants will learn how to embrace and uplift voices from underrepresented communities while navigating issues of representation and authenticity. In addition, participants will learn how to use the resulting booklists for collection development and enrichment, particularly across a multi-branch library system.

Start 10:30 AM

End 11:30 AM

Let Teens Lead: Strategies to Build Programs Developed By Teens, For Teens

Are you curious about learning how to implement youth voice in your teen program planning? In this session, you will receive a toolkit that will help you confidently put teens in leadership positions to develop more engaging teen programming. The case study for the session will be Bridges & Books, a literature podcast developed by teens and for teens featuring teen-hosted interviews with award-winning and NYT Bestselling authors of teen literature. The session will be led by Kelsey Ford, adult advisor of Bridges & Books and creator of Bookish in the ‘Burgh, Pittsburgh’s Teen Book Festival.

Start 10:30 AM

End 11:30 AM

ONE VOICE for All Library Types: Exploring Ecosystem Implementation

At a time when libraries of all types are reconfiguring after the rigors of the Pandemic and other challenges, librarians will want to develop a strong voice for legislative and public advocacy. "A library ecosystem is the interconnected network of all types of libraries." Learn how to implement the ONE VOICE Ecosystem Toolkit which offers all libraries tools for collaboration around advocacy topics. Strengthen your existing Ecosystem structure or begin a new collaboration across library types. Leadership, Communication, Collaboration and Sustainability are the toolkit facets that intertwine and enable success in both legislative advocacy and community awareness.

Start 10:30 AM

End 11:30 AM

Personalization in the Catalog with Machine Learning and Linked Data

King County Library Systems has partnered with BiblioCommons on a pilot project to create a machine learning system to produce personalized recommendations for their library services. By leveraging modular content, linked metadata, and patron behavioural data, libraries can promote their diverse set of content and services to patrons as they navigate the catalog. The project goal is to use the patron’s contextual data, combined with anonymized behavioural click data, to predict and promote the most relevant content to increase user engagement. Presentation includes summary of the pilot and findings, feedback, and next steps for effective personalized promotions.

Start 10:30 AM

End 11:30 AM

The History of Black Librarianship and its Impact on the Present

This presentation will explore the history of Black librarianship and its continued impact on the library profession. This is a timely topic giving the racial divide within and outside the library profession. This topic is also important because the accomplishments of Black librarians are often hidden and not visible in library history literature. We believe educating the profession about the many contributions Black librarians made to libraries and librarianship will help broaden perspectives, lessen stereotypes, build trust, and foster appreciation and respect for Black librarians and the work they do.

Start 10:30 AM

End 11:30 AM

What Academic Librarians Need to Know About Customer Relationship Management Platforms

In this session, the presenters will discuss the value a CRM system can bring to institutions. They will elaborate on implementation challenges and share preliminary observations about their recent adoption of Springshare’s LibCRM. Attendees will learn the benefits of CRMs to coordinate communication, improve service, promote transparency, assist with training, and document impactful interactions and partnerships. The presenters will touch on issues of privacy and how good policies can empower libraries to improve customer service without compromising privacy.

Start 10:30 AM

End 11:30 AM

What Keeps Us Growing? A Discussion About Late-career Motivation — For Everyone

We will discover common experiences of “Senior” library workers through discussion and polling before we take a brief look at the research. This is a conversation about what is keeping us going and growing. Do late-career workers need different kinds of support and challenge? Are aging librarians the same as aging lawyers or coders? Does it matter where you are in the hierarchy, what kind of library you are in, who you are? Participants will take away research-supported and experientially validated ideas for making one's way through the end of a career or sustaining those in that journey.

Start 11:00 AM

End 11:30 AM

Adding “Student Voice & Choice” Into Readers’ Advisory

Learn how you can use Bookopolis.com, a social network made especially for readers 13 and under, to find children and YA books based on young readers’ reviews and recommendations. Explore interactive discovery tools such as BookQuest, curated lists based on genre and grade level, and how your young patrons can add their own reviews. Research shows incorporating ‘voice and choice’ is critical to help students be engaged as readers. Encouraging peer-to-peer recommendations is a great way to help young readers find books they are excited to read. Join Kari Riedel, the founder of Bookopolis.com, a social network made especially for readers 13 and under, to learn how you can use this free tool to find kid-approved books for your young patrons. With this “Goodreads for kids” tool, young people can create virtual bookshelves, add their own reviews, and peruse over 600,000 reviews written by other kids. Explore interactive discovery tools such as BookQuest, curated lists based on genre and grade level, and customized recommendation lists.

Start 11:00 AM

End 11:15 AM

Diversity or Adversity: Building Bridges through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programming

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programming should be seen as ideas that promote acceptance and solutions that are put in place for change. The needs of an organization are extremely important as it is necessary to create a real belonging and a diverse culture. Diversity, equity, and inclusion programming can complement and reinforce the organization's mission, vision, and values and work best coming from those who work in the organization. DEI programming should be viewed as an investment and something that could change perceptions and behavior. All programming should have an impact to deliver meaningful information and should align with the organization’s needs. Our library’s Diversity and Inclusion committee recognized the need for such programming and has developed several ways and methods to deliver DEI content. This presentation will discuss our programs, how/where we deliver the content, the impact that these programs have made, and strategies to avoid ineffective programming.

Start 11:00 AM

End 11:15 AM

Local History for the People – A Newspaper Partnership

In 2018, the Kansas City Public Library began a community reference project with The Kansas City Star newspaper. Librarians and reporters respond to reader submitted questions about the city’s history. Publishing local history articles in the city’s newspaper of record allows us to reach a much larger readership. However, institutional differences have caused friction. I will explain how we overcame these challenges and demonstrate how your library can benefit from this type of collaboration.

Start 11:00 AM

End 11:15 AM

On Whose Authority? The Importance of Emphasizing Expertise in Information Literacy

Social media discussions surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic reinforces the challenges to educating users in information evaluation. While the ACRL Framework highlights the necessity of examining producers of information, this becomes increasingly difficult when individuals disagree on what constitutes expertise. This session will argue for greater emphasis on expertise in information literacy practice. Participants will learn how to identify signifiers of expertise, describe how social media impacts access to information and incorporate expertise into instructional practices. The presentation builds on research conducted by Laura Saunders and John Budd along with the presenter’s research on health information seeking on social media.

Start 11:00 AM

End 11:30 AM

Putting International in International Games Week: Diverse Programming Ideas for Gaming

International Games Week occurs worldwide every year in November. In an attempt to create programming that is more international, Murray State University Libraries has put together two tabletop gaming programs that focus on games from around the world and the history of gaming worldwide. Working in conjunction with our global languages department and library maker space we have worked to develop events that are both fun and educational. This session will be an opportunity to look at a successful gaming program at an academic library, play some games, and discuss creative and innovative programming ideas that can be implemented anywhere.

Start 11:30 AM

End 11:45 AM

3 Reasons Your DEI Programs are not Working

Though nearly two-thirds of colleges and universities offer diversity trainings for faculty, staff, and students each year, racial trauma, bias incidents, and hate crimes on college campuses are on the continual rise. In fact, recent studies have shown that diversity training had "no positive effects," fails on multiple levels, and in numerous cited cases and lawsuits, creates more harm than good. It's time to move beyond popular “drive by” diversity training sessions to creating change that supports an inclusive workplace for everyone. In this Shop Talk by Elaina Norlin, participants will take a Workplace Agility, Flexibility and Inclusivity IQ quiz; learn the Top 5 Reasons most DEI training fails to meet key objectives and goals; and gain practical tips for preparing for DEI initiatives.

Start 11:30 AM

End 12:30 PM

Language Access for All

The City of Los Angeles Language Access Working Group leads efforts to improve access to information and services by English Language Learners. The goals of this group are to assess, identify and prioritize key language access challenges and propose solutions and strategies. Hear from representatives from the Working Group and the Los Angeles Public Library as they share their work in progress towards a City-wide policy for language services. Topics will include Federal and local laws, current City approaches and opportunities for improvement, language access during the pandemic, and the work of the library translations teams.

Start 11:30 AM

End 11:45 AM

Making the Case for a UX Librarian

Despite growing interest in user experience or UX, the library profession lacks a formalized UX community. Applying user experience design principles in libraries provides opportunities to connect with and better serve all patrons.

The presentation will include UX resource suggestions, identify affordable professional development opportunities, and outline plans for building partnerships within the library.

At the end of the session, attendees will be able to explain what UX is and how it can be applied within a library environment, identify resources for UX beginners, and draft plans for their own professional development in this growing area.

Start 11:45 AM

End 1:00 PM

Innovative Approaches to EDI in Texas Libraries

As the saying goes, “Everything is bigger in Texas.” The Lone Star state is home to 29 million people, three of the largest cities in the U.S and has one of the highest diversity indexes in the country. It is a state steeped in tradition but building for the future and navigating all the challenges and opportunities that come with growth. Academic, school, and public libraries across Texas are rising to the challenge. Join us as library leaders share their innovative approaches to meeting the needs of their diverse communities.

Start 1:00 PM

End 1:30 PM

ABRAMS Children’s Books presents Author Tea Time with Eric Smith

Some books you read. This book you feel. Join ABRAMS Children’s Books for a conversation with young adult author Eric Smith about his next book, Jagged Little Pill: The Novel, a collaboration with Alanis Morissette, Diablo Cody, and Glen Ballard (April 2022). Moving, heartfelt, and raw, Jagged Little Pill: The Novel draws on the Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical’s story and gives readers deeper glimpses of the 5 main teenage characters: Frankie, Jo, Nick, Phoenix, and Bella. It’s a story about the power of voicing your pain, standing up for what’s right, and finding healing and connection.

Start 1:30 PM

End 2:30 PM

Anchoring Our Communities: Developing Opportunities for Community-Engaged Research

As our nation reckons with its legacies of institutionalized racism, organizational DEI efforts have flourished. How can librarians support diversity and inclusion within our communities? This session will show librarians how to develop mutually beneficial collaborations between their organizations and historically excluded groups to increase equitable access to information. In the session, participants will learn about community-engaged research projects the Business Librarian at the University of Louisville is developing with campus and community partners to connect local Black-owned businesses with university resources. Session attendees will work together in interest-based small groups to develop their own community-based research proposals.

Start 1:30 PM

End 2:30 PM

Be Here Now: Presenting Library Resources at the Moment of Need

Who starts an information search on Google? Probably you do, and definitely your patrons. A panel consisting of a public librarian, a data specialist, and a library resource vendor will describe their collaboration to use Google Ads to promote library resources. The Google Ad Grants program for nonprofits provides in-kind money of up to $10,000 per month for keyword ad campaigns. These campaigns promote library programs and resources where potential patrons are looking—Google search results. Libraries and vendors benefit by creating awareness and usage of library resources, and the public benefits by realizing the opportunities made possible through the library.

Start 1:30 PM

End 2:30 PM

Build Student Agency with Self-Selected Research Topics

Genius Hour, Passion Projects, Project Based Learning, whatever you choose to call it, self selected research topics provide students an opportunity to spend a portion of their in-school time learning about a topic of their choosing—even subjects outside of the curriculum. When properly implemented, a Genius Hour program can create true passion for learning among all students, giving them the opportunity to draw on their own culture and identity, background knowledge, and personal experiences. You can help to ignite interest in STEM as well as the arts, encourage collaboration, and improve your relationship between you and your students. Prepare students for real life outside of the educational system by starting a passion project program in your school, regardless of your staffing or budget. Learn why Genius Hour is the perfect program complement to your community; how to make a convincing case to administration, enlist the participation of faculty; and look forward to playing a part in creating imaginative and independent thinkers, not test takers.

Start 1:30 PM

End 2:30 PM

Creating Mindful Moments During Story Time

We live in a stressful world—even children feel it. This Learning Lab will introduce ways to bring mindfulness into youth services—specifically through a mindfulness story time, and lead participants through a demonstration of such a program that will leave them feeling significantly calmer and ready to tackle the day. These story times capture the best parts of the library—books, resources, and community—while providing a space to introduce children to breathing exercises, gratitude, and more. This Learning Lab will focus on best practices, resources, potential community partners, and building mindfulness moments into libraries outside of story times as well.

Start 1:30 PM

End 2:30 PM

Curating for Inclusion: Redefining "Public" in Academic and Municipal Libraries

As both academic and municipal libraries seek to be more inclusive, they grapple with defining what public means. Both typologies have experienced a growing demand and share a sense of civic duty to make their buildings, programming, and collections accessible to a broader range of patrons. What are the obligations of a public or private university to its local and global community? How have public libraries extended a sense of welcome to their patrons while safeguarding their rarest and most special collections? Academic librarian, two City librarians, and an Architect to discuss the issue of Public in libraries.

Start 1:30 PM

End 2:30 PM

Diversity, Author Identity, and Metadata: Encouraging the Discovery of Hidden Voices

While there’s an increased demand for materials authored by historically underrepresented groups, there is also no easy way to identify this content. That’s because there’s a lack of authoritative, standardized metadata regarding author identity. Librarians, researchers and readers struggle to identify this content, which hinders efforts to diversify and decolonize curricula, support research, and promote diverse voices. However, the issue is not an easily addressed one. This panel consisting of an academic librarian, publisher and aggregator, seeks to provide a broad overview of the conversation regarding metadata and author identity, addressing the ethical, practical, and legal ramifications for all stakeholders.

Start 1:30 PM

End 2:30 PM

It’s Time to Listen: A New Approach to Public Engagement

There is only one way to find out what communities want: Ask them. But traditional methods of public engagement are not always effective. Unrealistic expectations, broken trust, lack of equity and plain old apathy combine to block authentic input. Join this presentation to learn:

• How to create survey questions that uncover what residents really want
• How to facilitate focus groups that uncover participants real feelings
• How data combines with input to form a complete picture

Start 1:30 PM

End 2:30 PM

Let’s Talk About It: Developing Training Programs for Difficult Topics

Designing effective staff training can be challenging, especially when tackling difficult topics. With thought and planning, libraries can develop training that is engaging, meaningful, and responsive to real – and sometimes formidable – needs. Learn how Plano Public Library transformed its approach to training and created staff-led, informative sessions to share timely information, encourage dialogue, and ultimately empower staff. Regardless of the library’s size or type, this Learning Lab will guide participants through considering current training needs and the solutions that will improve the experiences of both staff and patrons.Designing effective staff training can be challenging, especially when tackling difficult topics. With thought and planning, libraries can develop training that is engaging, meaningful, and responsive to real – and sometimes formidable – needs. Learn how Plano Public Library transformed its approach to training and created staff-led, informative sessions to share timely information, encourage dialogue, and ultimately empower staff. Regardless of the library’s size or type, this Learning Lab will guide participants through considering current training needs and the solutions that will improve the experiences of both staff and patrons.

Start 1:30 PM

End 2:30 PM

Now or Never? The Library’s Critical Role in Supporting Research and Scholarship

In the past, the library’s position in the wider scholarly landscape has exploded into many new areas and increasingly more direct research-related support and services to departments, faculty, and students. Amidst this expansion, a languid development in the IR space has ensured collections are rarely complete or even representative of the institutional scholarship. What if the repository was to pivot to a research information hub that is seen as a crucial institutional asset? It could provide essential and automated data to those across the institution with a seamless approach to migration of legacy information, leveraging the library expertise more fully.

Start 1:30 PM

End 2:30 PM

Sustainable Thinking Builds Strong Libraries and Resilient Communities

In Patty Wong’s inaugural address of the 2021 ALA Annual conference, sustainability was highlighted as one of her four areas of focus. To address the need for guidance on infusing sustainable thinking and action into library operations, a Learning Lab featuring leaders from the Sustainable Libraries Initiative (SLI) will demonstrate how this award-winning program can bring about organizational transformation. Focusing on examples from different library settings where the triple bottom line definition of sustainability was used as a guiding factor in decision-making, this innovative way of thinking will prepare your library for future disruption and help support your organization’s resilience.

Start 1:30 PM

End 2:00 PM

Theater Speaker Kelly Yang

Kelly Yang is the New York Times bestselling author of “Front Desk,” the first book in the Front Desk series aimed at middle-grade readers. The Front Desk series also includes “Three Keys,” and "Room to Dream."Her new book, “New from Here,” is a poignant middle-grade novel about courage, hope, and resilience, as an Asian American boy fights to keep his family together and stands up to racism during the initial outbreak of the coronavirus.Yang was awarded the 2019 Asian/Pacific American Award for Children’s Literature and describes herself as “living, walking proof in the power of libraries and librarians to change lives.”

Start 2:30 PM

End 2:45 PM

Comics Programming for Adults: Engaging Communities in Reading, Creating, and Storytelling

Comics have a long, complex history of use, neglect, disdain, and adoration in libraries and this history remains at play today. While many libraries have fully embraced comics collections, particularly for children and teens, there is more to be done to fully embrace the medium. In particular, while adult comics collections are growing, programming and engagement with them remains a challenge. In this shoptalk, participants will get a rapid introduction to the world of adult nonfiction comics and come away with the tools to kickstart adult comics programming in their library.

Start 2:30 PM

End 2:45 PM

Diversifying Your Romance Collection

Order romance novels for your library? This session will give you ten steps you can take to diversify your romance collection and reader’s advisory efforts. Led by avid romance reader and librarian Brigid Black from the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library in Wakefield MA this session will ignite a passion for finding a diverse array of books for your romance (or any genre) collection. Brigid will show you her best sources and tips for finding new voices to expand your collection and promote those books to all romance readers within your library.

Start 2:30 PM

End 2:45 PM

Flexible and Equitable: Utilizing Universal Design in Online Instruction and Instructional Materials

Online learning can be both a great equalizer and a great divider. The flexibility of online modalities often attracts a wide variety of learners including those from low socioeconomic backgrounds, those with disabilities, adults continuing education, international and military personnel, as well as first-generation students. Online modalities can provide an excellent space to develop new teaching methods as well as improved tools for accessibility. In this session, participants will consider consider and discuss how Universal Design considerations can be used to promote equitable and inclusive online instruction for students/patrons of all types.

Start 2:30 PM

End 2:45 PM

Library Internships & Diversity: How Internship Programs Can Uplift BIPOC Library Students

Have you ever wondered why your library doesn't have internship program? Have you thought about changing that? Does the lack of diversity in librarianship bother you? As a previous graduate library intern and now a Resident Information Literacy Librarian, Ramón shares insights from his experience as well as that of other interns into why library internships matter, their impact on BIPOC library students, and how internships can help libraries work on their EDI goals. Participants will be given the opportunity to reflect on their library's EDI practices and will walk away with best practices for building an effective internship.

Start 2:30 PM

End 3:00 PM

Nonboring Nonfiction: Using Hands-on Activities to Engage Young Readers

Join nonfiction author Mary Boone to learn how hands-on activities can support kids’ nonfiction. Boone will showcase three recent books: Wood, Wire, Wings: Emma Lilian Todd Invents an Airplane by Kirsten Larson, This is a Book to Read with a Worm by Jodi Wheeler-Toppen, and the presenter’s own book, Bugs for Breakfast: How Eating Insects Could Help Save the Planet. Instructions for additional activities will be available. Yes, some schools bring in STEM-related speakers, and some parents send their children to fancy science camps. But not all children have access to these opportunities. Let your library be the great equalizer!

Start 2:30 PM

End 3:00 PM

Raise Up Radio: Connecting Families, Libraries, and Radio for Educational Equity

Raise Up Radio addresses educational inequities in rural areas and to create a new community of practice for library professionals. The program links learners in rural areas together using STEM content delivered over local radio stations. These radio programs will be designed by local youth and families using best practices for equitable engagement in learning, resulting in opportunities designed to meet the unique needs of each community. To support and expand these efforts, team members will form a community of practice for library professionals seeking to design radio programming in partnership with their local community.

Start 2:45 PM

End 3:00 PM

Authentic Voices in Collection Audits: Representing Children and Teens Living in Generational Poverty

How do we develop our collections to represent the voices of children and teens navigating the world today living in poverty – both their joys and challenges? As we focus on making a place for all stories, we may be leaving out the voices of those living in generational poverty. This ShopTalk will address developing our youth collections to more accurately and completely represent all readers, looking at socioeconomics as one measure. My recently published book addresses this topic in depth https://www.alastore.ala.org/prgp and you can get a further taste of who I am and what I do at www.opendorrs2books.com.

Start 2:45 PM

End 3:00 PM

The Forgotten Level: How We're Failing Library Middle Managers

In the study of management in libraries, there's one group that's often overlooked- our middle managers. From department heads to supervisors, many new managers find themselves struggling with little or no training on the skills necessary to succeed in their role. This presentation examines how we often leave our middle managers to flounder, what they need to know in order to successfully make the mindset switch into management, and how to find the tools and resources new managers need for success.

Start 2:45 PM

End 3:00 PM

The Library's Role in Helping First Year Students Enhance their Digital Skills

This presentation examines the role a library plays in helping students to improve their digital literacy and how the library can implement Google's Applied Digital Skills curriculum for students in the First-Year Experience programs.

Start 2:45 PM

End 3:00 PM

“Pop-Up” Makerspaces: Academic Library Outreach and Programming to Bridge a Digital Divide

The Pop-Up Makerspace program utilized the academic library's technology collection and developed programming with the public library for learning, development, and engagement. Academic libraries in collaboration with local public libraries, sharing resources, and developing instructional programming promotes early literacy through the makerspace as a technology savvy- extension. The Pop-Up Makerspace program utilized academic library technology collections from the local university for elementary, middle, and high school students for learning, development and engagement.

Start 3:00 PM

End 3:30 PM

Theater Speaker Cicely Lewis

Cicely Lewis is a YA author and school librarian with a passion for encouraging others to love reading. She started the Read Woke™ Books in partnership with Lerner Publishing Group in response to the shootings of young unarmed black people, the repeal of DACA, and the lack of diversity in young adult literature. Lewis will discuss her books, “Mass Incarceration, Black Men, and the Fight for Justice” and “Resistance to Slavery: From Escape to Everyday Rebellion.” Lewis received the 2019 National Teacher Award for Lifelong Readers by the National Council of Teachers of English and Penguin Random House.

Start 3:30 PM

End 4:30 PM

Augmented Reality: Immersive Learning and Virtual Community Building

Due to the pandemic, libraries across the world turned to virtual programming as an alternative to traditional in-person programming, meetings, and events. While video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Google Meets, and Facebook Live help deliver real-time content and approximate the in-person experience, another increasingly popular digital platform in libraries and teaching and learning in general is augmented reality. In this session attendees will be introduced to an augmented reality experience. The presentation provides an overview of the history of the use of virtual environments at San Jose State University's School of Information, the motivation behind ongoing explorations of different social virtual reality platforms that began in late 2019, and why our path forward will likely include a focus on browser-based virtual environments. The session will include a brief demonstration of a browser-based virtual environment technology and how it works, and attendees will be given a tour of our exhibit room. See how an XR room is created, the ease with which an exhibit can be built, and how to do basic tasks and activities in a virtual environment that is accessible on any device (even a phone). Participants will also have an opportunity to join us in our exhibit room, where they’ll find additional resources and information. The presentation will conclude with a Google doc tutorial handout that has the link to our environment so they can also visit at anytime in the future.

Start 3:30 PM

End 4:30 PM

Bullying, Incivility, and You: Applying Strategies from Nursing to Library Work Environments

In this session, participants will engage in discussion, reflection, and role-play to identify and personalize individual and institutional strategies to mitigate bullying in their libraries. Though bullying and incivility have long impacted librarians, particularly librarians from historically marginalized groups, research on the topic fails to provide substantial affirming, practical action steps. As a field with a strong focus on both public service and research, and with a majority woman-identified workforce demographic, research from the field of nursing can help bridge this gap. This session identifies, contextualizes, and operationalizes workplace bullying and incivility countermeasures from nursing literature in order to energize librarians to create positive change in their home institutions. Content leaders in this session will present participants with high-impact interventions to prevent and address incivility and bullying in the workplace, as identified from published research in the field of nursing. Small participant groups will workshop ways to adapt these interventions to the needs of their libraries and will role-play their scenarios in a guided play-learn exercise. Space for reflection, discussion, and sharing experiences will be incorporated throughout the session. Special attention will be paid to prioritizing BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other historically marginalized voices while creating a supportive learning environment for all. Participant takeaways include handouts addressing strategies and a bibliography of resources. Online resources, such as slides and access to brainstorming exercises, will be available to participants following the session.

Start 3:30 PM

End 4:30 PM

Connecting the Dots: Engaging Stakeholders in Effective Library Advocacy

When traditional silos are breached and a broader range of stakeholders are engaged, advocates amplify impact, strengthen libraries, and support communities. Hear from advocates representing diverse stakeholders who will share examples, reflect on key learnings, and explore opportunities for greater collaboration. Member leaders representing ALA's Committees on Library Advocacy, Legislation, Chapter Relations, and United for Libraries Advocacy will connect the dots on engaging and mobilizing advocates across traditional boundaries to increase impact and improve outcomes for libraries and communities they serve. Takeaways include actionable steps to enhance advocacy; participants will engage in collective consideration of opportunities to reach additional stakeholders.

Start 3:30 PM

End 4:30 PM

Disrupting “Fit”: Improving Recruitment and Retention in Academic Library Hiring

Relying on “fit” in academic library hiring criteria reinforces exclusionary practices. This may drive candidates to opt-out of job opportunities and work cultures they find problematic. The myth of “pipeline” problems further upholds supremacist ideals instead of changing processes to be more inclusive. In this interactive session, discuss your experiences with academic library hiring and explore methods to reduce bias in job advertisements and search procedures.

Start 3:30 PM

End 4:30 PM

Information Power: Get Your Staff to Love Library Data

While data is more in demand, library staff can feel apprehensive. Accessible tools that are easy to use and reduce errors can help staff invest in a data plan. Data plans help organize data, help focus on data that represents your library’s work, and help identify departments in need of data. Learn how Microsoft tools can help create efficient data collecting systems that represent the diversity of library staff and resources.

Start 3:30 PM

End 4:30 PM

Join the Molly of Denali Library Initiative!

Join WBGH staff and collaborators in learning about the Molly of Denali Library Initiative. Molly of Denali is a PBS television program for young viewers and their families. It features ten-year-old Molly Mabray, her family and friends in the town of Qyah, living every day live as Alaskan Native/First Nations people. Key among the resources available to Molly is the library where Molly and her friends go to find answers to their many questions. The Library Initiative provides eight games for young viewers and their families and ideas on how libraries can engage their patrons through the games.

Start 3:30 PM

End 4:30 PM

Nature-Based Public Library Programming to Build Community

Learn to build a new framework to bring the mental and physical health benefits of nature-based programming to achieve a set of goals including community-building and support, equity, environmental justice, and innovation. Find support to eliminate traditional barriers to nature faced by marginalized communities and individuals, including safety, education, and accessibility. A key component of this program is technology. Hybrid programming allows patrons to easily choose between in-person and virtual attendance, enhancing the flexibility that is necessary in uncertain times. We will also discuss the possibility of creating an interactive nature app tailored to your community.

Start 3:30 PM

End 4:30 PM

Now That You Have Lots of Connectivity, What Can You do With It?

In this interactive session, we will discuss how to use high-speed broadband to improve administrative capabilities, turn challenges into opportunities, and offer dynamic broadband-driven services to library patrons.

Start 3:30 PM

End 4:30 PM

Professional Research Teams: A Collaboration Between Librarian and Instructional Coach

Extend your reach beyond the traditional library classroom by collaborating with your Instructional Coach and professional faculty to embark upon faculty research teams. Modeled after best practices in academic research, this collaborative approach allows school faculty to engage in real-time action research, but takes the sting out of the approach by providing the collaboration of the Teacher-Librarian and Instructional Coach as support for the faculty. The result? Teachers engaging in passion-based research that impacts their students and the larger school community in profound ways, all supported by their Teacher-Librarian and Instructional Coach team.

Start 4:30 PM

End 5:30 PM

Ensuring Equity when Program Planning

Library programs are offered according to the naturally considered needs of the community and library members. To ensure your library programs are being offered equitably, revision is crucial: continuously reflect on costs, the types of programs and the audiences. Relying on the same programs to meet each branch's unique needs is no longer enough! Start making data-driven programming decisions!

Start 4:30 PM

End 5:30 PM

Library Programming for Expectant Parents and Parents of Newborns

How can we reach expectant and new parents from underserved populations with the message that literacy begins before birth, letting them know the important role they play in their babies' development while showing them playful ways to talk, sing, and share books with their babies from the very start? "Mother Goose on the Loose: Hatchlings" year one has been successfully piloted virtually with English and Spanish speakers in Maryland. Learn about the challenges, the adaptations and overwhelmingly positive evaluations for this joint Maryland State Department of Education/Maryland State Library/Mother Goose on the Loose project. Consider becoming a participant!

Start 4:30 PM

End 5:30 PM

Managing Expectations: Developing a Library Makerspace

Public makerspaces can be a great resource for patrons of all ages. They create opportunities to learn about new technology and design skills, while also keeping it affordable and accessible. Find out how Geauga County Public Library started its own makerspace, what challenges it faced, and helpful tips learned through the process. Geauga County Public Library includes six full-service branches throughout the county in northeast Ohio. The GCPL makerspace, known as the Inspiration Station, is located at the Bainbridge branch and is available to all patrons for personal patron use, library programming, and services.

Start 4:30 PM

End 5:30 PM

Mind the Gap: Looking for New Opportunities in Library Programming

This interactive workshop will guide attendees through the process of planning library programs, including creating instructional content. Planning begins with identifying a gap in the library’s current offerings, and determining the interestedness of the potential audience, as well as the ideal modality for the programming. Attendees will be introduced to software and equipment they can use to improve the quality of both live and recorded online programming as well as in person programming. From there, attendees will apply these processes in an activity they can bring back to their libraries. Attendees should be willing to work in groups.

Start 4:30 PM

End 5:30 PM

Misinformation Escape Room: Building Misinformation Literacy Through an Immersive Learning Experience

The Government is about to sign a contract to put Euphorigen into the public water supply, making the benefits of this supplement available to the entire population. But you have suspicions, and only 45 minutes to uncover the truth. The Euphorigen Investigation is an escape room that immerses players in a world of manipulated media, social media bots, deepfakes and other forms of misinformation. This project of the University of Washington was designed for libraries to help the public gain knowledge and build resilience to misinformation. Join teams of 4-6 players to solve misinformation puzzles! More information at www.lokisloop.org

Start 4:30 PM

End 5:30 PM

New Challenges – and Solutions! – for Technology Skilling and Workforce Programming

Technology skilling and workforce programs need new strategies! How can libraries upskill older adults who are technology-resistant or unprepared for digital transformation? How can libraries engage Black and Latinx populations who suffered from longstanding inequities and are overrepresented among those with limited digital skills? How do we move beyond computer basics to give these learners the skills they need for tomorrow’s workforce? What are new strategies for teaching technology skills virtually, when you can’t be hands-on? In this highly interactive session, experts will share data on these challenges and lead short working sessions to solve these problems and share solutions.

Start 4:30 PM

End 5:00 PM

Theater Speaker Jacqueline Woodson

New York Times bestselling author Jacqueline Woodson has written over 30 books for young adults, middle-graders, and adults. Woodson will discuss her new books for children. "The World Belonged to Us" and "The Year We Learned to Fly." Woodson is a four-time Newbery Honoree and a three-time Coretta Scott King Award winner. Among multiple honors, she is the recipient of the Sibert Medal Award, an NAACP Image Award, and the highest international recognition given to a children’s author, the Hans Christian Andersen Award.Woodson also gives stirring lectures that delve into the inspiration behind her books and explore important issues of race, gender, and bullying.

Start 4:30 PM

End 5:30 PM

Using Technology to Adapt and Expand Library Services to the Incarcerated

Start 4:30 PM

End 5:30 PM

Visual Tools for Team Collaboration

Having a mission focused on delivering learning solutions and at the most affordable price possible requires rethinking the organization and its employees. This is the core principle of TEL Library. In order to make this vision a reality, TEL Library had to operationally reengineering learning design, authoring and production processes, and technology. During this session you will learn how TEL Library used the power of Learning Environment Modeling to help collaborate as a team to design and deliver learning solutions at the most affordable price.

Start 4:30 PM

End 5:30 PM

Women in Librarianship and their Role in Climate Change

This event by ALA's COSWL explores the role of women librarians in sustainability advocacy and leading change to help the profession, library workers, and the communities which they serve. Speakers include the United Nations Chief of Publishing, a librarian from ALA's Resilient Communities Libraries Respond to Climate Change program, ALA Sustain RT and international librarians seeking to Bring to forefront of library discussion the climate crisis as we recover from COVID-19, Raise awareness and showcase advocacy opportunities for librarians working in a variety of library systems, and Provide action items for sustainability at both the national and international level.

Start 5:00 PM

End 5:30 PM

Advancing Social Justice Through the 9th Principle of the Code of Ethics

During the American Library Association Annual Conference in 2021, the ALA Council voted to adopt a ninth principle to the ALA Code of Ethics, which states the values and the ethical responsibilities of the profession. Inspired to support the professional framework of equity, diversity, and inclusion, which are an ALA Strategic Direction, the newly adopted principle addresses the ethical responsibility to advance social justice and obligations towards equity, diversity, and inclusion. This Ideas XChange will provide the opportunity to introduce the ninth principle, its intent, and allow attendees to pose clarifying questions to the panel of experts.

Start 5:00 PM

End 5:30 PM

Designing Storytime for the Whole Child

The bedrock of library youth programming is the storytime series, which focus early literacy skills. Virginia Beach Public Library recently underwent a curriculum update to strengthen and expand upon that focus, repositioning storytime to focus on activities that incorporate a “whole child” approach. Storytimes now include other areas vital to a child’s development including early math, science, problem solving, tools for expressing feelings, friendships, building healthy bodies, making smart choices, and creating and appreciating the arts. Discussion will highlight resources and lessons learned, and participants will receive a tool kit.

Start 5:30 PM

End 6:30 PM

RUSA Book & Media Awards Virtual Ceremony

Join us for this popular event as we unveil the year’s best in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, audiobook narration, and reference materials, featuring the Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction.

Start 8:10 AM

End 5:00 PM

ALA LibLearnX Virtual Mystery Hunt - Day 4

Start 9:00 AM

End 10:00 AM

ALA Youth Media Awards

Each year the American Library Association honors books, videos, and other outstanding materials for children and teens. Recognized worldwide for the high quality they represent, the ALA Youth Media Awards, including the prestigious Newbery, Caldecott, Printz, and Coretta Scott King Book Awards, guides parents, educators, librarians, and others in selecting the best materials for youth. Selected by committees composed of librarians and other literature and media experts, the awards encourage original and creative work in the field of children’s and young adult literature and media.

Start 10:05 AM

End 10:50 AM

23rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Virtual Holiday Observance and Sunrise Celebration

The 23rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Virtual Holiday Observance and Sunrise Celebration commemorates Dr. King's legacy and recognizes the connection between his life's work and the library world. This year’s theme focuses on Dr. King’s 1957 speech “Give Us the Ballot – We Will Transform the South” with a keynote address by author Keisha Blain and a call-to-action speech by ALA Executive Director Tracie Hall. The 2022 Celebration is sponsored by ALA's Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services, ALA’s Social Responsibilities Round Table (SRRT), OCLC, BCALA, and Beacon Press.

Beacon Press invites conference participates to receive a free copy of Keisha Blain’s book “Until I am Free”: http://www.beacon.org/Assets/ClientPages/MLKmidwinterform2022.aspx

Start 11:00 AM

End 11:30 AM

Express Your Power: Promoting EDI Through Media and Information Literacy

Inspired by cross-cultural social change, the Express Your Power series introduces freedom of expression as a central human right in America. Emphasizing the significance of personal truth-telling and using library resources, the series uplifts communities through social inclusion. The public pedagogy initiative by Media Smart Citizens is in partnership with the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL) of The New York Public Library and students from The New School.

Start 11:00 AM

End 11:30 AM

Foundation & Formation: Literacy Outreach to Black Boys & Young Black Men

Seeking to eradicate the deficit narrative of the ‘Preschool to prison pipeline,’ this learning and idea exchange will share research, practice, programming, and leadership perspectives of facilitating single-gendered literacy models for Black boys and young Black men for libraries. This session will identify the gaps in services, policies, and leadership within the library profession to encourage asset-based approaches to operationalize outreach from storytime to teen programs, creating nurturing literacy spaces for young Black males. Insight about the Black male identity, the ‘library as place,’ leadership development, and culturally responsive programming is included and a timely, necessary discussion for libraries.

Start 11:00 AM

End 11:30 AM

Problematic Authors and Their Works — An Intellectual Freedom Q&A

Content challenges are a familiar experience for most library staff. ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) has provided many resources in which to counter such challenges. However, the distinction between challenged materials and challenged authors has largely gone undifferentiated and unexplored. In response, The ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee (IFC), in conjunction with OIF is putting together a Q&A document to assist in clarifying how library staff should handle authors and creators deemed problematic. This session will provide an opportunity for IFC members to present this document, facilitate discussion, and solicit feedback from the general membership.

Start 11:30 AM

End 12:15 PM

Theater Speaker Mariko Tamaki

Mariko Tamaki is a Canadian writer of comics and prose. She maintains a solid fascination with the complex process by which teenagers become, or try to become grown-ups. Her recent book for young adults, “Cold: A Novel,” is a haunting story about a shocking crime in a quiet town and four students who knew too much and said too little. She is the co-creator of The New York Times bestseller, “This One Summer.” The book received an Eisner Award, Governor General Literary Award, a Caldecott Medal, and a Michael L. Printz Honor. In addition to her literary work, Tamaki holds a Master’s in Women’s Studies and worked for two years on a doctorate in Linguistic Anthropology.

Start 12:30 PM

End 1:30 PM

A Virtual Place of Their Own: Providing Radical Teen Services on Discord

Learn how to radically transform library services for teens by advocating for and implementing virtual library services with teens using Discord, an online voice, video, and text communication service. This presentation will examine the success of the San Antonio Public Library’s 210teenlibrary Discord server to highlight the advantages of using Discord to provide virtual library services for teens, explain how Discord can organically create a virtual library environment with a high-level of teen participation and ownership, and discuss how teen-serving librarians and library staff can be responsive to the needs, interests, and diversity of their teen patrons through Discord.

Start 12:30 PM

End 1:30 PM

All Learners Welcome, Serving At Home Learners and Homeschoolers at Your Library

COVID19 has altered the way youth live and learn. It is imperative for libraries to alter services to meet the growing need of homeschoolers and at home learners. This session will share insight on how one librarian inherited a homeschooling program concept that has grown into a national advocacy platform. Historically education has taken root in progress, this program has roots in the mission and vision to support equity and inclusion through a lens of social justice as fundamental values of American Library Association: to the underserved and the most vulnerable populations. We can't remain stagnant.

Start 12:30 PM

End 1:30 PM

Being a Queer Librarian in Texas: Expectation vs. Reality

Presented by the ALA Rainbow Round Table, come share in a conversation discussing expectation versus reality from the perspective of several librarians.

Start 12:30 PM

End 1:30 PM

Challenging Tradition: Leveraging Library Resources to Lower Cost & Increase Success

Academic libraries The decision to use library licensed content in courses provides immediate access to course materials at no additional cost sets up all students for success. According to the 2018 Florida Virtual Campus Student Textbook and Course Materials Survey, over 64% of students surveyed were not purchasing the required textbook, 42% were taking fewer courses and 35% were earning a poor grade. Hear from librarian experts in the trenches about how libraries are adapting to meet these student needs. Gain insights into investigating similar options on your own campus and how those efforts can help you improve outcomes and reduce cost for your students.

Start 12:30 PM

End 1:30 PM

Rags to Riches: Recycling Books for Fun, Fashion, and… Furniture?

Since all libraries have volumes to discard, Julie Ousley explores options for transforming forlorn rejects into artworks, chic fashion accessories, and functional furniture and decor! Her breezy and humorous Show-and-Tell presentations for the Texas Library Association’s Annual Conference have long intrigued and inspired audiences to action. Her honest appraisals of Excellent Outcomes vs Pinterest Catastrophes span years of experience. This program is a springboard for not only creating marketable items, AND for developing creative, inexpensive craft programming, but it ALSO demonstrates the library’s commitment to environmental conscientiousness. Disclaimer: No books actually worth reading have been harmed in making these projects!

Start 12:30 PM

End 1:30 PM

Take This Job and Shove It: The Great Quit Movement

According to Texas A&M Professor Anthony Klotz, “The Great Quit” as a current workplace movement where employees are voluntarily leaving their jobs and not looking back. During April 2021, an estimated 4 million people resigned from their jobs with an estimated 4-6 million are said to be quietly restructuring their lives to resign in the next 12 months. This unusual trend has been flagged by corporations as record breaking and disturbing. To get ahead of the problem, some corporations are handing out salary bonuses and extra perks but are sadly finding that this is not enough to keep people around. What is fueling this mass exit? Will this impact libraries or are we safe? If your library had a mass exit tomorrow, would your organization be strategically positioned to fill in the gaps? This talk will break down the new workplace trends and offer some action steps to plan for our post pandemic future.

Start 12:30 PM

End 1:30 PM

The Candy Corn Question: Passive Programming That Pulls Them In

Passive programming supplements your library's scheduled programming and declares, "We see you and we're glad you're here. What's up?" These light-touch, low-pressure invitations to interact can transcend language, age, physical or emotional limitations, and even social anxiety to let every library customer claim the library as their own. You'll find that a standing, frequently-updated solicitation to share, weigh in, or accept a challenge lets your library community reveal itself as the open, interesting, diverse group it is. Bonus: these programs support reading initiatives, foster family engagement, encourage visit frequency, and barely make a dent in your programming budget.

Start 1:00 PM

End 1:15 PM

Reading & Writing Reviews in a Climate of Book Challenges

When a book is challenged, reviews are often used as a defense of a book being in a collection or targeted for a specific age group. In this session, we’ll hear from an OIF representative about precisely how they use book reviews to help libraries facing challenges from their communities, and Booklist editors will discuss how a professional review is different from a community-sourced review. We will also include advice for professional book reviewers—or anyone writing about books for their libraries—about describing books in ways that will offer solid justifications for their place in a collection.

Start 1:00 PM

End 2:00 PM

Tips for Interviewing in Academic Libraries

Understanding how to communicate before, during, and after the interview is often the key to consideration from a committee. This session will provide attendees insight into the interview process when applying for jobs.nThis session will help attendees understand the academic librarian job interview process. The presentation will explain what applicants should have in their application packet and what they should expect from colleges and universities before, during, and after the interview.

Start 1:00 PM

End 1:15 PM

US 1950 Federal Census — What Librarians Need to Know

On 1 April 2022 the National Archives and Records Administration will release the US 1950 Federal Population Census. Census records are an important and interesting way to become interested in genealogy and local history as it provides a ‘snapshot’ into an individual or family’s life in a specific place and time. They also include detailed information that may help make connections across generations. Census records have an important impact on government policies on housing, education, health, transportation, and other issues. The federal census includes all people living in the United States in 1950.

Start 1:15 PM

End 1:30 PM

Develop Your Trades Skill Workforce with Virtual Reality

The Clayton County Library System (CCLS) is the FIRST library system in the world to offer patrons FREE access to Interplay Learning, the leading provider for digital and virtual reality training simulations to help individuals develop on-the-job skills quickly and efficiently, building better careers and better lives for the essential skilled trades. Attendees will learn about the program's launch from inception to implementation, learn how CCLS is building partnerships with local businesses, schools, organizations and Clayton County Courts and view a live demonstration of 3D courses and receive best practices tips for implementing a similar program at your library!

Start 1:15 PM

End 1:30 PM

School and Community Leadership: Librarians Turn the Page on the Leadership Paradigm

Librarians have what we need for effective school or community leadership. Librarians have a special skill set not covered in most administration programs. As a result, schools and community organizations often rely on non-research based information and struggle with digital literacy. Hear my story (and others) of how libraries led me to leadership, where I am now Chief Academic Officer of public schools spanning 18 counties. You can positively impact schools and communities with your library best practices, informing culture via digital literacy, research-driven change, and effective professional development for others. You could be a school or community leader!

Start 2:00 PM

End 3:00 PM

Voices of Change

Start 4:30 PM

End 6:00 PM

Give Smart: How Everyone Can Become an Intentional Philanthropist

We plan our collections. We plan our time. But how many people plan their charitable giving? This ALA Philanthropic Advisory Group event will provide tips and tools for how to expand the power of your philanthropy by giving with purpose. Attendees will learn from leading library donors how to develop their own giving plan and how to put that plan into action to benefit the causes they care about most. The program will be co-moderated by Philanthropic Advisory Group leadership and feature the opportunity for interactive discussion.

Register in advance for this meeting: https://ala-events.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMrc--hpz8sGtYEuHGizXJ3gIiLAAjrogjG

Speakers

Others

Aaron LaFromboise

Director of Library Services @ Blackfeet Community College

Aaron LaFromboise is the library director at Medicine Spring Library, the academic library for Blackfeet Community College, the community library for the Blackfeet Reservation, and the archives for the Blackfeet Tribe. She is also the current president of the American Indian Library Association, having served in the association for the past six years. Aaron is engaged with many local and national library associations and initiatives, and is passionate about advocating for tribal libraries, tribal librarianship, and Indigenous people in North America.

Abigail Phillips

Assistant Professor @ University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Abigail L. Phillips is an assistant professor in the School of Information Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. My general research interests include youth, social media, cyberbullying, empathy, librarianship, libraries, making, neurodiversity, advocacy, and mental health. She received my PhD in Information Science from the School of Information at Florida State University in the Spring of 2016. Before Abigail began the PhD program, she worked as public librarian at a rural library system in Southwest Georgia. Please connect her via email: abileigh@uwm.edu or Twitter: @abigailleigh

Adjoa Boateng

Head of Information Management (2018-21) @ BirdLife International

Adjoa K, Boateng, Head of Information (2018-2021), BirdLife International IFLA PC Chair and Governing Board Member Forward thinking, highly experienced and empathetic Information Professional with a proven history strategic leadership and product development towards a shared vision and successful outcomes. People-focused and passionate about digital transformation and emerging trends. Working and communicating for global and diverse audiences. Skilled in and possessing a solid understanding of best practice around Project Management, Data management User Research and Design, Research Processes and Information Retrieval.

Adriana Garcia

Adriana McCleer

Community Partnerships Supervisor @ Appleton Public Library

Adriana McCleer is the Community Partnerships Supervisor at Appleton Public Library where she oversees programs, community engagement, outreach, and partnerships related to teens and adults. She and two colleagues, Yee Lee Vue and Francisco Cabrera, presented the Small Business – Big Impact initiative focused on business start-up, retention, and expansion for people of color and immigrants.

Alexandra Howard

Business Research & Teaching Librarian @ University of Louisville

Alexandra Howard is the Business Research & Teaching Librarian at the University of Louisville. As tenure-track faculty, her research explores how universities can support local Black-owned businesses in their communities and how librarians can help cultivate campus and community partnerships. Professor Howard is a participant in ALA's 2022 Class of Emerging Leaders, serves on ACRL's Diversity Alliance Taskforce, and was appointed by her university president to the University of Louisville's Commission on Diversity and Racial Equity. She has her B.A. in Africana Studies from Oberlin College and MLIS with a concentration in Cultural Heritage Informatics from Simmons University. Professor Howard is a new librarian, earning her MLIS in 2020, and her background is in community outreach and engagement. Before becoming a librarian, she worked as a criminal defense investigator at the Nashville Public Defender where she investigated hundreds of cases to uncover evidence and secure not guilty verdicts or reduced incarceration for her clients. Prior to that, she coordinated a leadership and advocacy program for homeless youth at a nonprofit in San Francisco. While in graduate school for her MLIS, she worked as a library assistant at a law library, small liberal arts college, and at Northeastern University where she discovered her passion for working with entrepreneurs and supporting business research. Professor Howard is excited about bringing an innovative, anti-racist, community-engaged lens to her work as a librarian and looks forward to learning from her peers at LibLearnX.

Alexandra Rivera

Associate Dean for Diversity, Inclusion, and Organizational Development @ Michigan State University Libraries

Amanda Gardner

Doctoral Candidate @ Baylor University

Amanda Gardner

Doctoral Candidate @ Baylor University

Analisa Falcon

Librarian III @ Houston Public Library

Analisa Falcon is the Collection Development Specialist for the Houston Public Library (HPL). She previously worked as an assistant manager at an HPL branch where she taught ESL and Creative Writing. Analisa also helped lead a team of ESL instructors write an English curriculum unique to HPL. She holds an MLS in Library Science and an MFA in Creative Writing. Before coming to the library, Analisa taught high school English.

Anaya Jones

eLearning Librarian @ Southern New Hampshire University

Anaya Jones is an eLearning librarian and assistant professor at Southern New Hampshire University where she works to lower cost to students by leveraging library and open resources. Her interests include library instruction at scale, online education, and accessibility. Jones earned her MS in Library and Information Science from Drexel University, her BA in English from Mary Baldwin University and is CPACC certified by the IAAP.

Andrew 'Sekou' Jackson

Library Trustee @ Queens Public Library

Librarian Andrew P. Jackson was born on January 28, 1947 in Brooklyn, New York to Bessie Lindsey Jackson and Walter Luther Jackson, Sr. Jackson graduated from Forest Hills High School in the East Elmhurst neighborhood of Queens, New York, and joined the U.S. Air Force in 1964. After receiving the bronze star for his service with the 4th Air Commando Squadron in Vietnam, Jackson was honorably discharged in 1968. He then completed several semesters at Bernard M. Baruch College in Manhattan, before working for the New York City Human Resources Administration and the Agency for Child Development. Jackson went on to complete his B.S. degree in business administration at York College (CUNY) in 1990, and his M.L.S. degree from Queens College in 1996. He also earned his public librarian’s professional certificate from the University of the State of New York Education Department in 1996. In 1976, Jackson moved to California, where he worked as a car salesman. He later returned to Queens, where he was hired at the Langston Hughes Community Library and Cultural Center. In 1980, he was promoted to executive director of the center. Under his leadership, the Langston Hughes Library established a partnership with the Queens Public Library in 1986. In 2001, Jackson became an adjunct professor at his alma mater, York College (CUNY). He was appointed vice president of the Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA) in 2002, serving as president of the Black Caucus from 2004 to 2006. Jackson also worked as a training, operations, and development consultant for the Roosevelt Public Library System; and in 2007, he became an adjunct professor at Queens College. Jackson authored the book Queens Notes: Facts About the Forgotten Borough of Queens, New York, and co-edited The Black Librarian in America: Issues and Challenges of the 21st Century. In 2016, Jackson retired from his position as executive director at the Langston Hughes Community Library and Cultural Center. Jackson received numerous awards and accolades, including the Governor’s Award for African Americans of Distinction in 1994, the Literacy Advocacy Award from the Black Caucus of the American Library Association in 1999 and a Professional Achievement Award from the BCALA in 2007. From 1997 to 2010, Jackson served on the executive board of the BCALA as well as on the board of directors for Queens Public Television and the Renaissance Charter School in Jackson Heights. Andrew P. Jackson was interviewed by The HistoryMakers on April 26, 2018.

Andrew Harant

Branch Manager @ Cuyahoga County Public Library

Andrew Harant (he/him/his) manages the North Olmsted and Olmsted Falls branches of Cuyahoga County Public Library. He served two terms on ALA's Committee on Professional Ethics (COPE), including one year as Chair, and a few years as COPE's liaison to the ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee. He has also previously served on and chaired Ohio Library Council's Intellectual Freedom Committee. As Co-Chair of COPE's Working Group on Social and Racial Justice, Andrew collaborated with a wonderful team in creating this new 9th Principle of the ALA Code of Ethics.

Andrew Tadman

Librarian IV @ East Baton Rouge Parish Library

Andrew Tadman is the Reference Coordinator for the East Baton Rouge Parish Library System. He serves as the chairman for the Louisiana State Library Database Advisory Committee, and also serves on the EBSCO Public Library Advisory Committee.

Andria Amaral

Young Adult Librarian @ Charleston County Public Library

Andria L. Amaral has spent over 20 years planning and developing public library programs, collections, and services for students in grades 6-12. She has provided professional development workshops and moderated panels at library and education conferences such as PLA and NCTE, has been a guest lecturer to MLIS students at the University of South Carolina and YA literature students at the College of Charleston, and serves on the board of the YALLFest young adult literature festival. She lives in Charleston, SC with her husband and pack of rescue dogs.

Angeline Boulley

Author @ Firekeeper Enterprises, LLC

Angeline Boulley is a storyteller who writes about her Ojibwe community in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. She will discuss her debut novel “Firekeeper’s Daughter,” a groundbreaking YA thriller about a Native teen who must root out the corruption in her community.The novel was championed by We Need Diverse Books, a nonprofit organization created to promote diversity of multiple forms in children's literature and publishing. As a result, the book has since received wide acclaim. It was selected for TIME’s “100 Best YA Books of All Time” list and it is soon to be adapted as a Netflix series by President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama's production company, Higher Ground.

Anna Avalos

Multilingual Collections Manager, Los Angeles Public Library

Anna Avalos, is the multilingual collections manager of Los Angeles Public Library. She was selected a 2020 Library Journal Mover and Shaker - Community Builder.

Annemarie Gordon

Sustainability Coordinator @ Suffolk Cooperative Library System

Anthony Chow

Director @ San Jose State University School of Information

Dr. Chow is the iSchool Director.

Anthony Sanford

Assistant Director, Digital Inclusion at City of New York, Mayor’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer

Experienced professional with over 5 years of Information Technology Project Management experience. Served as liaison for initiatives focused on strategy, implementation, management and policy issues in telecommunications, cyber security, FISMA Compliance, and computing and electronic mass media. Proficient individual with problem solving, business information planning, communications, interpersonal, and leadership skills.

Arro Smith

Library Division Manager @ San Marcos Public Library

Dr. Arro Smith (he/him/his) has been a public librarian since 1990 in San Marcos, Texas. (And he’s been out at work since 1991.) His Capturing Our Stories: An Oral History of Librarianship in Transition was published by the American Library Association in 2017.

Aryssa Damron

Children's Librarian @ DC Public Library

Aryssa Damron is a children’s librarian with the District of Columbia Public Library system. Her research specialities lie in picture book biographies, Little Women, and pop culture representations of royalty. She serves on the Andrew Carnegie Medals Committee for 2022, the ALSC Membership Committee, the Booklist Advisory Board, and is involved with the Jane Austen Society of North America and Capitol Choices. She holds a BA in English from Yale University and a MSLS from the University of Kentucky. She is the author of "The Path to the Ivy League Leads Straight Through the Public Library," a chapter in the book Hope and a Future: Perspectives on the Impact that Librarians and Libraries Have on Our World, as well as a forthcoming chapter in Beyond the White House.

Ava Brillat

Program Lead for Information Literacy and Instruct @ University of Miami

Ava Brillat received her MLIS from the University of South Florida in 2010 and her MA in Liberal Studies from the University of Miami in 2019. Prior to coming to the University of Miami, she worked as an Instructional Design Librarian. Her personal research is focused on mentoring, collaboration, and diversity in librarianship. Ava identifies as a white, able-bodied, cis-gender female, which impacts her perspective and research.

Aviva Ebner

Assistant Superintendent & Chief Academic Officer @ Compass Charter Schools

Dr. Aviva Ebner is the Assistant Superintendent & Chief Academic Officer for Compass Charter Schools, serving 18 counties across California. Dr. Ebner's Ph.D. is in Educational Leadership and she holds credentials in library services, life science, and administrative services, plus has an English Language Learner authorization. She has been a leader in the field of virtual education, authoring continuing education courses for universities on the topic and consulting for non-classroom based charters. She has served as an adjunct faculty member in the graduate school of education at a major university. She has presented at many conferences over the years, including ASCD and CLMS. Dr. Ebner has authored 13 books and multiple articles/chapters in other publications. She served as a teacher, coordinator, dean, librarian, assistant principal, principal, executive director, and regional superintendent before coming to Compass Charter Schools as CAO.

Beatrice Calvin

Manager, Professional Development @ American Library Association

Bethany Winslow

Director of Online Learning @ San Jose State University, School of Information

I'm an experienced eLearning specialist and instructional designer who has created and sustained effective working relationships with multiple levels of stakeholders in higher education. I worked full-time as an instructional designer while I was an online student myself, and I earned a master's degree in education specific to online teaching and learning. My areas of interest include virtual world building and virtual reality exploration, instructional design, and all forms of virtual collaborations that expand access to information. In virtual worlds I work with iSchool colleagues at SJSU and other institutions, and I'm an active participant and presenter at events and conferences in multiple virtual world or VR environments.

Betsy Diamant-Cohen

Consultant @ Mother Goose on the Loose, LLC

Dr. Betsy Diamant-Cohen, a children's librarian with a doctorate, and creator of the Mother Goose on the Loose (MGOL) program, was the recipient of the Vatemare Award for Creativity in Libraries and has been recognized for "revolutionizing the way librarians work with children from birth to age three". As a former Children’s Programming Specialist at the Enoch Pratt Free Library and Early Childhood Specialist at Port Discovery Children’s Museum, this nationally-recognized author, speaker, and expert in the area of early childhood literacy knows first-hand that children learn best through play. Her webinars, workshops, online courses, and conference presentations combine research findings with hands-on, age-appropriate skill-developing activities for all. Her expertise includes combining early literacy practices with a focus on the development of the “whole child” using Canadian music educator Barbara Cass-Beggs’ “Listen, Like, Learn” approach for teaching music to parents and babies. Betsy enjoys translating research into action via library programming. She developed the successful "Mother Goose on the Loose: Goslings" program for parents of babies in Neonatal Intensive Care Units, and most recently has been developing the "Mother Goose on the Loose: Hatchilngs" program for expectant parents and parents with newborns.

Betty Turock

Professor and Associate Dean Emerita, Rutgers University

Betty J. Turock is Professor and Associate Dean Emerita at Rutgers University, where for 22 years she was a member of the faculty of the School of Communication, Information and Library Studies. For eight years she was Director of the master’s program and Chair of the Department of Library and Information Science. During her tenure, the program was named among the top ten in North America by U.S. News and World Report, a rank it continues to maintain. Turock is a Past ALA President of the American Library Association and in that capacity traveled over 300,000 miles and testified on more than a dozen occasions before the Congress and the Federal Commission on Communications (FCC) to focus the interest of the people of the United States on just and equitable access to electronic information. During her presidency Turock aided in the creation of the Spectrum Scholarship Program, which to date has educated over 1300 BIPOC librarians. She is recognized as one of the single largest donors to that program and is widely respected as a leader in library focused philanthropy.

Bill Wong

Journalist and Author

William Gee Wong, a native of Oakland, California’s Chinatown, is a retired journalist and author of Yellow Journalist: Dispatches from Asian America and Images of America: Oakland’s Chinatown. He’s worked for the Wall Street Journal and the Oakland Tribune and has also written for the San Francisco Chronicle, the San Francisco Examiner, sfgate.com, East West Chinese American Journal, and Asian Week, and appeared as a regional commentator for The News Hour with Jim Lehrer on PBS. He was a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Philippines and is working on a father-son memoir.

Billy Allen

Branch Manager, Whitney Library, Las Vegas-Clark County Library District

Billy Allen is a librarian whose work is focused on youth services. Mr. Allen is currently the Youth Services Supervisor at North Regional Library in Broward County. His passion for the youth involves creating engaging programs and resources that meet the educational, informational, and recreational needs of children from birth through age 18. Billy Allen is also the founder of 3kingvisions, an educational story time platform. This platform features the Youtube show “Story-time Adventures with Mr. Billy” which has over 26,000 views on its channel currently. Mr. Allen is a proud alumni graduate of two HBCU’s, Lincoln University of Missouri and North Carolina Central University.

Brandy McNeil

Director - Adult Services @ New York Public Library

Dr. Brandy McNeil, Ph.D is a NY bred, serial innovator who focuses on community needs through game-changing innovations to build successful adult education programs. As an award-winning Director of digital literacy for The New York Public Library, Dr. McNeil has played a significant role in paving the way for impactful programs in the 89 branches under her stewardship across NYC. Building the highly successful TechConnect program, Brandy has established partnerships with large organizations such as Apple, Google, Microsoft & MIT to name a few. Through her effective and inspirational leadership she has made it her mission to help underserved communities to ensure everyone has equitable access to technology, knowledge and opportunity.

Bria Sinnott

Arts & Communication Librarian, Towson University

Bria is a research and instruction librarian at a mid-sized public university in Maryland. Her interests include curiosity-based learning and outreach focused on empathy and inclusion.

Brian Gray

Special Projects Officer @ Case Western Reserve University

Brian C. Gray is the Special Projects Officer for the Kelvin Smith Library, Case Western Reserve University. He co-chaired the library's implementation of its personal librarian program, and the related three national conferences focused on personal-librarians and first-year-experience programs. He recently co-authored a book called Personal Librarians - Building Relationships for Student Success. He is the manager of the library's Springshare tools, including LibConnect. He taught technology courses for Kent State University School of Library and Information Science. He has held leadership positions for the Library Leadership and Management Association (LLAMA) and for the Academic Library Association of Ohio. He holds a BS in chemical engineering (University of Akron), an MLIS (Kent State University), and an MBA (Case Western Reserve University).

Bridgette Sanders

Social Sciences Librarian @ UNC Charlotte

Bridgette Sanders is the Social Sciences Research & Instructional Services Librarian at J. Murrey Atkins Library, University of North Carolina Charlotte in Charlotte, North Carolina. She received her MLS from Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia and her Bachelor of Science in Library Science from South Carolina State University, in Orangeburg, SC. Her research interests include diversity, equity, and inclusion, reference and instruction, virtual reference, and library spaces. She is the co-editor of the ALA editions book "Making the Most of Your Library Career." She has presented at several conferences including the EDUCAUSE West/Southwest Regional Conference, the Library 2.012 Worldwide Virtual Conference, and the EdMedia: World Conference On Educational Media & Technology. Her proposal to the 2020 AAC&U Conference on Diversity, Equity, and Student Success was accepted but not presented.

Brigid Black

Reference Librarian @ Lucius Beebe Memorial Library

Brigid Black is a reference librarian at Lucius Beebe Memorial Library with a strong interest in collection development and reader's advisory. Her passion for public service moved her out of the archives and into a public library.

Bucky Dodd

Bucky Dodd, Ph.D. is the Chief Learning Innovation Officer and director of LX Studio at the University of Central Oklahoma. Dr. Dodd is an innovator, master teacher, and visionary of the future of education. He holds a Ph.D. in Education from Oklahoma State University and graduate and undergraduate degrees in Adult Education and Corporate Communications and maintains an active research and development agenda in these areas. As a prolific writer, teacher, and speaker on the future of education, his research focuses on visual planning and collaboration systems, innovation, and the design of learning experiences. Dr. Dodd is the creator of Learning Environment Modeling®, an award-winning visual collaboration system for the design and evaluation of learning experiences, and has been recognized internationally for his research and design expertise. He has a proven record of leading innovation initiatives in corporate, government, and education organizations and is consistently sought out as a thought leader on the future of learning.

Carl Thompson

Carl Thompson: President, Counting Opinons (SQUIRE) Ltd., since 2004 An IT professional and entrepreneur with 30+ years of technology management and software development experience across large multi-national and international firms, including managing technology deployment on large-scale projects. Summary of Skills • Over 17 years experience in delivering on-line Internet-based solutions. • Over 30 years managing and leading the development and deployment of integrated solutions. • Successful in providing leadership and vision in large business-to-business and business-to-consumer solutions. • Strong experience with a variety of technology platforms and environments. • Successful in saving organizations time and money by delivering appropriate solutions. Other experience includes large-scale development projects for multi-national banks, insurance and resource companies. Education University of Waterloo Honours B. Math with a dual major in Statistics and Business

Carmen Cole

Information Sciences and Business Librarian @ Penn State University Libraries

Carmen Cole (she/they) is the Information Sciences and Business Liaison Librarian for the Penn State University Libraries at University Park, Pennsylvania. Carmen is committed to engaging in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility work in her professional and personal life. She has published in venues such as the Journal of Academic Librarianship, Journal of Business & Finance Librarianship, and most recently, the ACM Transactions on Computing Education. Carmen has presented at the ALA Annual Conferences and Midwinter Meetings, ACRL, IFLA, AAAS Annual Meeting, and the ACM SIGCSE Technical Symposium.

Carolyn Muller

Director of Business Development & Client Success @ LX Studio

Carrie Sanders

Youth Services Coordinator @ Maryland State Library Agency

Carrie Sanders is the Youth Services Coordinator for the Maryland State Library, where she provides consultation and training to youth services coordinators for all Maryland public libraries in the areas of early literacy skills, media mentorship, STEAM programming, teen services, family engagement, and other initiatives surrounding youth services. Previous experience includes a decade of service as a school librarian and also public library work as a children’s librarian. She is passionate about instilling a love of reading in youth of all ages and helping to nurture a love of learning through inquiry-based activities and family engagement.

Carson Block

Library Technology Consultant @ Carson Block Consulting Inc

Carson Block has lead & loved library technology efforts for more than 20 years. He's been called a "Geek who speaks English" and occasionally compared to Ferris Bueller and Calvin (and Hobbes). Carson is dead serious about the essential and positive community impacts of libraries and focuses his consulting practice on helping libraries increase their capacity to serve patrons. Carson has served in leadership positions in ALA ASCLA, ColoradoPLA and others, and evangelizes libraries to SXSW Interactive and other tech communities. Carson is the author of Managing Library Technology: A LITA Guide (Rowman & Littlefield).

Cary Jim

Research Assistant @ University of North Texas

Cary K. Jim is a doctoral candidate at the University of North Texas. Her research focuses on applying data science techniques and measurement principles to analyze complex data for decision-making. She is a LEADING Fellow with Drexel University and a recent 1st place winner (Team D2IE) of an Education Open Data Challenge sponsored by Open Data Institute (UK) and Microsoft.

Casey Conlin

Library Sustainability Coordinator @ Mid-Hudson Library System

Casey Conlin is the Library Sustainability Coordinator for the Mid-Hudson Library System in upstate New York, USA. He currently serves as Past-Coordinator for the American Library Association’s Sustainability Roundtable, and Chair of the New York Library Association’s Sustainable Thinking and Action Roundtable. He is a co-creator of the Library Sustainability Initiative and the Sustainable Library Certification Program.

Catherine Ceniza Choy

Professor of Ethnic Studies, University of California, Berkeley

Catherine Ceniza Choy is professor of ethnic studies at the University of California, Berkeley. Before that, she was an assistant professor of American studies at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. She is the author of the books “Empire of Care” and “Global Families,” and the co-editor of the anthology “Gendering the Trans-Pacific World.” An engaged public scholar, she has been interviewed in many media outlets, including ABC 2020, The Atlantic, CNN, the Los Angeles Times, NBC News, the New York Times, ProPublica, the San Francisco Chronicle, Time, and Vox.

Chance Hunt

Assoc. Teaching Professor @ Information School - UW

Chance Hunt (Assoc. Teaching Professor, The Information School, University of Washington) has enjoyed a 30-year career in public libraries and municipal government. He has served as a children's librarian, youth services manager and public services administrator in libraries in the Seattle area, culminating in leading the Broadband and Community Technology division for the City of Seattle. At both the local and state levels, Chance has focused on innovative programs and services that activate the public space and enhance access to library services and digital technologies. His work on "What If All Kids Read the Same Book?" brought him recognition as a Library Journal "Mover and Shaker" in 2004. An avid supporter of community collaboration, he is currently serving on the board of directors for Team Read. He is an IFTF Foresight Essentials Practitioner.

Charles Kratz

Charly Palmer

Over 30 years and counting, Charly Palmer’s art speaks for itself. In every painting, he bears witness of African ancestry and contemporary experiences — rhythmic, visual stories that shift what each viewer believes to see — should one dare to look deeply. He was commissioned by Time Magazine for the July 2020 "America Must Change" issue. Asked to capture a moment in which Americans will see whether their country is able to live up to its promise. Palmer created a 40-by-30 inch, acrylic painting of a little girl faced with both the injustice of today and America’s historical role in it, titled ‘In Her Eyes.” Palmer will discuss his author-illustrator debut, “The Legend of Gravity,” a tall tale about a neighborhood basketball hero. It’s a clever, energetic story about the unsung superstars walking among us, complete with vivid art and heartfelt themes of teamwork, loyalty, friendship, and fun.

Chaundra Johnson

State Librarian @ Utah State Library

Chaundra Johnson now leads the Utah State Library as Director, following her time as Library Development Program Manager for over two years. Before that she served as Community Programming & Outreach Services Coordinator at the East Baton Rouge Parish Library for over 14 years. She holds a master's degree in Library and Information Science from Louisiana State University.

Chris Coward

Senior Principal Research Scientist @ University of Washington

Chris Coward is a Senior Principal Research Scientist and Affiliate Associate Professor at the University of Washington Information School. Chris studies issues of information access, digital equity, information and digital literacy, misinformation, and civic engagement. He directs the Technology & Social Change Group (TASCHA), a research center he co-founded in 1999 as a nexus for multidisciplinary research on digital technologies and society. In 2019 Chris and four other principal investigators co-founded the Center for an Informed Public (CIP) with a mission to resist strategic misinformation, promote an informed society, and strengthen democratic discourse. Many of Chris’s research projects are centered in public libraries, generating practical as well as academic outputs.

Christina Dorr

Author @ ALA Editions

Christina H. Dorr, PhD, is a retired school librarian of 30+ years. She has also taught literature, literacy, technology, and library science courses for the past 17 years as an adjunct instructor for five universities in Ohio, including Kent State University and the Ohio State University, where she had earned a doctorate in education with a specialty in literature and literacy. Dorr has written book reviews, columns, articles, and interviews for various journals for many years, presented at numerous state and national organizations, and served on several book award committees for the American Library Association, most recently as a member of the 2020 Caldecott Committee. Profiles in Resilience: Books for Children and Teens That Center the Lived Experience of Generational Poverty is her third book, the first two being co-authored with Liz Deskins; the second one was LGBTQAI+ Books for Children and Teens: Providing a Window for All, with a second edition planned soon. She is also co-editing the second edition of Reference Sources and Services for Youth with Dr. Meghan Harper, also being released through ALA Editions.

Christina Giovannelli Caputo

Librarian, Arlington Heights Memorial Library.

Christina Caputo (she/her) is a Youth Services Librarian that teaches for ALA and Univ. of Wisc. Madison. She is an advocate for inclusive and equitable library services to alternative schooling methodologies. She is the author of the book, "Library Services to Homeschoolers, a Guide" published by Rowman and Littlefield. A change agent dedicated to increasing the professions awareness of At Home Learners, join the conversation on Facebook. (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1616005898516578).

Christopher A. Brown

Special Collections Curator @ Free Library of Philadelphia

Christopher A. Brown is the curator for the Children's Literature Research Collection at the Free Library of Philadelphia. He has worked in public, academic, and special libraries in the US and Canada. As an active member of the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), Brown served on the 2013-2015 Children's Literature Legacy Award committee (formerly the Wilder Medal) that honored Donald Crews, the 2018-2020 Notable Children's Book committee and is currently a member of the ALSC Budget committee. He is also a member of the Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, the Guild of Book Workers, and is serving as a judge for Young Adult Literature for the 2021-2023 L.A. Times Book Prizes. In his spare time, Brown reviews Children and Teen materials for Kirkus. He received his BA from the Pennsylvania State University, his MLIS from the University of Pittsburgh, and an MA in Folklore from Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Cicely Lewis

@ Lerner Publishing Group

Claire Kluskens

Archivist @ National Archives and Records Administration

Claire Kluskens is a digital projects archivist and designated Genealogy/Census Records Subject Matter Expert specializing in records of high genealogical value. She spearheaded the completion of more than 330 National Archives microfilm publications, and now works on digital and description projects for the National Archives Catalog. She lectures frequently and has published extensively in national, state, and local genealogical publications. Claire has been a National Archives and Records Administration staff member since 1992 and has done genealogical research since 1976.

Colin Kaepernick

Athlete, Activist, Philanthropist, and Author

In August of 2016, Kaepernick made headlines around the world when he “took a knee” while in uniform during the National Anthem before an NFL pre-season game. His action sparked a movement, and he has become widely known for his activism and protest of racial injustice and oppression. In October 2016, he co-founded, and originally funded, the Know Your Rights Camp to advance the liberation and well-being of Black and Brown people through education, self-empowerment, mass-mobilization, and the creation of new systems that elevate the next generation of change leaders. In 2020, he started Kaepernick Publishing to elevate a new generation of writers and creators through the development and publication of meaningful works of all genres with the focus of amplifying diverse views and voices. Kaepernick will discuss his first children’s book, “I Color Myself Different,” a joyful ode to Black and Brown lives based on the real events that happened in young Colin's life.

Crystal Chen

Teen Center Coordinator @ The New York Public Library

Crystal Chen is a Teen Center Coordinator at The New York Public Library and a 2018 American Library Association Emerging Leader. She received her MSLIS from Pratt Institute and is an active member of the Chinese American Librarians Association and Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association. She also serves as a community admin for We Here (wehere.space), a supportive community for BIPOC in LIS.

Daniel Freeman

Director, Continuing Education @ American Library Association

Daniella Pagan

Senior Librarian @ Queens Public Library

I am a children's librarian serving at Queens Public Library's South Jamaica branch. I am passionate about developing well-rounded, diverse collections for children and their families in New York City. Previously, I served as the chair of The New York Public Library's Mejores Libros Para Pequeños 2021 committee.

Danielle Colbert-Lewis

Head of Research and Instructional Serv. @ NC Central University

Danielle Colbert-Lewis is the Head of Research and Instructional Services at the North Carolina Central University (NCCU), James E. Shepard Memorial Library. Previously she held the position of Research and Instructional Services Librarian at NC Central University, Reference and Instruction Librarian at the University Library System, University of Pittsburgh with faculty ranking. Librarian expertise includes the following areas: Reference, Information Literacy, and utilizing legal resources, First Year Experience Instructor, Institutional Repository, and Programming. Prior higher education professional student affairs experience includes serving the University of Pittsburgh’s Office of Cross-Cultural and Leadership Development and the Office of Student Life as a Coordinator and Advisor for the following organizations: Asian Student Alliance, Black Action Society, Campus Women’s Organization, Freedom Honor Society, Rainbow Alliance, and Strong Women Strong Girls campus coach. Prior to serving the University of Pittsburgh professional experience includes the following: Assistant Director of Reunions and Class Activities at the University of Virginia Alumni Association, Area Coordinator at the University of Richmond Westhampton College, and Assistant Resident Director at Virginia Tech Residence Life. Research, presentations, and professional development focus on the following areas: Personality type theory and librarians, higher education leadership, social justice, information literacy, mentoring, emotional intelligence, teaching, and learning.

Dave Liu

CEO @ Liucrative Endeavors

Advisor, Author, Entrepreneur, Investor, Philanthropist. Dave is a 30-Year Veteran from Wall Street and Silicon Valley. He's raised over $15 billion for hundreds of companies, created multiple start-ups, and had multiple billion dollar exits.

David Leonard

President @ Boston Public LIbrary

David Leonard has led the Boston Public Library since June 2016. In this role, David oversees a system comprising the historic Central Library in Copley Square, 25 neighborhood branches, and an archival center. The BPL also serves as the Library for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Previously, as Interim President, David oversaw the completion of the $78 million renovation of the Central Library in Copley Square and several of the branch libraries.

David Wasserman

Davis Anderson

Assistant Director for Programs and Partnerships, Metropolitan New York Library Council

I am currently Assistant Director of Programs and Partnerships at Metropolitan New York Library Council, a New York City-based institution that provides resources and services to over 200 libraries, archives, and museums. Our service area includes New York City and Westchester County. I am project director for NYC Digital Safety, an NYC-funded program that informs libraries of evergreen topics in data privacy and digital security. I’ve also designed and facilitated a fair number of workshops on topics like data privacy & security, web mechanics, and (human) networking skills for library staff. One of my crowning achievements is seeing my work included in the New York Times. My symposia series investigated topics like the impact of capitalism on libraries, the goals and methods behind disinformation, and how we as a community to make our way toward open access without reifying extant power structures. I received a Master of Science in Information and Library Science from Pratt Institute in 2013, a Master of Music from Western Michigan School of Music in 2005, and a Bachelor of Music Performance from University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2003. I’m a 2016 Mozilla Web Literacy Leader, a 2012 Library Journal Mover & Shaker, and a 2012 SLA Rising Star. I am currently working toward a Certificate in Learning Design from New York University.

Dean Hendrix

Dean of Libraries, University of Texas at San Antonio

As Dean of Libraries, Dean Hendrix provides leadership, strategic direction and vision for the UTSA Libraries, the Institute for Texan Cultures, and the UTSA Art Collection. Identified as a top 20 researcher in library and information science worldwide by the journal, Scientometrics, he focuses his research on bibliometrics, research impact, strategic planning, social networks, and open educational resources. Active in the profession since 2000, Hendrix has advocated for open educational resources, novel uses of technology, equity, diversity and inclusion, and bold leadership in our communities. He has led the UTSA Libraries to fully embrace its democratic and social justice missions by aligning with several civil rights and immigrant rights groups, including Academia America, the Mexican American Civil Rights Institute (MACRI), Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA), and the National Chicano Student Walkouts Conference. He was awarded the State University of New York (SUNY) Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Librarianship in 2012.

Debbie Joy

Director, Marketing @ LibraryIQ

Sara collaborates with a wide variety of library systems to optimize all areas of operations and ensure quality services. Sara recently served as the Deputy Director of the Ventura, California library system and managed the Main Library of the Jacksonville Public Library. Sara has presented to many library groups. She earned her first master’s in teaching from Georgia College & State University and her second master’s in Library Science from the University of Alabama.

Deborah Caldwell-Stone

Director, Office for Intellectual Freedom @ American Library Association

Bio to come later

Deborah Doyle

Commission Chair @ Sonoma County Library

Deborah Doyle is a writer, editor and fundraiser, who has been an active library advocate, as a professional and volunteer, at local, state and national levels. She is Chair of the Sonoma County (Calif.) Library Commission and currently serves as president of California Public Library Advocates. She has been president of the California Library Association and worked in both staff and volunteer roles — including executive director and board chair — at Friends of the San Francisco Public Library. She is the only person to receive the California Library Association’s President’s Award twice — the highest honor given to an individual for significant contributions to libraries. Deborah has worked in marketing recruiting and research. She is a performer who currently plays Queen Elizabeth I at renaissance faires and events throughout Northern California. Deborah holds a BA from University of Virginia with high honors and an Executive MLIS from San Jose State University. She is on the board of United for Libraries and chairs United's Public Policy & Advocacy Committee.

Denelle Eads

Employee Relations & Staff Development Librarian @ UNC Charlotte

Denelle Eads is the Employee Relations & Staff Development Librarian at UNC Charlotte’s J. Murrey Atkins Library. In addition, she is also the library’s Diversity Coordinator. Before working with Employee Relations, she was the Special Collections Research and Outreach Librarian at Atkins Library. She earned her MLIS from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Originally, from Huber Heights, Ohio, Denelle earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communications/Journalism from Bowling Green State University. Prior to her library career, Denelle was an Assistant Director of undergraduate Admissions for Wilberforce University, Kent State University, and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Denelle is a former freelance writer for newspapers and magazines in North Carolina and Ohio. She is active in the library profession, as she has presented at several conferences including Metrolina Library Association in Charlotte, NC, (NCLA) North Carolina Library Association and ALA. Denelle previously served on ALA’s Chapter Relations Committee and the TOLD Committee.

Denise Laird

Outreach Librarian @ Carroll County Public Library

Denise Laird is a Library Associate in the Outreach Department of the Carroll County Public Library in Maryland. She drives Storytime Express bookmobiles to deliver books and present Storytimes for preschools, day care centers and home care providers throughout Carroll County. She helps design and perform puppet shows based on classic children’s literature as part of the Carroll County Public Library puppet troupe, presenting in branches and on the road. She also teaches best practices for Storytimes and Puppetry to high school students in Child Development classes. Since COVID, she has added a popular virtual Storytime series to her offerings. Denise has been a Home Visitor for the international program Parents as Teachers for both the library and the local public school system. She previously was a part of the Judy Center, the early learning initiative, in Carroll County Public Schools since its inception in 2002 and previously taught Kindergarten.

Denise Stephens

Dean of University Libraries @ University of Oklahoma

Dean Stephens serves as the Dean of the University of Oklahoma's Libraries. In her role at Washington University, Stephens manages the university libraries’ nine locations, the system’s archives and special collections. Under her leadership, a library strategic plan was developed through a campus-wide collaborative effort involving faculty and students. She also helped spearhead a multi-institution initiative to establish a branch of the Federal Statistical Research Data Center at Washington University. Stephens oversaw the creation of the university’s academic support and collaboration program, which serves to enhance learning objectives and foster innovation in academic departments and campus organizations. She also saw the completion of a renovation project that transformed 16,000-square-feet of Washington University’s John M. Olin Library into new collaboration and study spaces, an AI and visualization lab, exhibition galleries and more. Before joining Washington University, Stephens worked at the University of California, Santa Barbara as a university librarian. In this role, she increased the library acquisitions allocations by 15% and planned and executed the library’s $80 million expansion and update. Throughout her career, she has also held positions at the University of Kansas, Syracuse University, the University of Virginia and at OU, where she served as a library technician while pursuing her master’s degree.

Diane Luccy

Business and Careers Manager @ Richland Library

As the Business and Careers Manager at Richland Library, Diane Luccy has played an integral role in creating, developing, and enhancing the growth of the Business, Careers and Research Center as a vital community resource for job seekers, small busness owner, and local workforce development partners. For the past three years, an important part of Diane's work has been co-managing Richland Library's Career Online High School (COHS) initiative as well as co-managing Richland Library's Entrepreneurial Launch Pad, ALA/Google Libraries Build Business Grant. Diane holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master's Degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Texas at Austin.

Dom Jebbia

Digital Collections Associate @ Carnegie Mellon University

Dom Jebbia is Digital Collections Associate at Carnegie Mellon University Libraries where he works in acquisitions, print/electronic serials, eresource management, and ILS administration. They will complete a Master of Science in Information in Library and Information Science program, as well as a minor in Applied Data Science, at Drexel University in March 2022. Their research interests include scholarly publishing, botany, metadata, queer and human sexuality studies, data science, library systems, assessment, and food studies. They are a member of the Association for Information Science & Technology and the Cactus and Succulent Society of America, as well as the Association of College & Research Libraries and the American Library Association.

Dorcas Hand

School Library Advocate @ Students Need Libraries/HISD

Dorcas Hand, co-chair of the ALA Committee on Library Advocacy Ecosystem (COLA) Subcommittee, is a retired school librarian now active as a library advocate locally in Houston, in Texas Library Assn and TXASL as the TX Chapter Councilor, as co-chair of the ALA COLA Ecosystem Subcommittee, and as member of the FTRF Board. www.StudentsNeedLibrariesinHISD.org #HTXSchoolLibs #handdtx

Dorothy Stoltz

Dorothy Stoltz is a certfied trainer for Dr. Edward de Bono Thinking Methods and retired director for community engagement at Carroll County Public Library in Maryland. She was chair of the PLA/ALSC Every Child Ready to Read Committee (2014-2015) and is currently serving on the Maryland Hatchlings Steering Committee and the Maryland STEM Festival Board. Publications include Inspired Collaboration, Transform and Thrive, and the article “Augmented Reality Brings Early Industry to Life” in Old Mill News. Dorothy is a co-author for the ALSC white paper, “Media Mentorship in Libraries Serving Youth,” The Power of Play, Every Child Ready for School, Tender Topics, and the Every Child Ready to Read Toolkit for Serving Early Childhood Educators.

Elaina Norlin

Professional Development, Association for Southeastern Research Libraries

Elaina Norlin is the Professional Development DEI Coordinator for the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries. She is an accomplished teacher, technology and leadership development trainer, and writer with extensive leadership experience and a flair for public relations, organizational development, marketing and persuasion and communications. Author of two books, she has delivered over 80 workshops, training sessions, presentations, and institutes both nationally and internationally on marketing, web usability design, facilitation, strategic influence, and conflict management. Self-motivated and results oriented, she is well known for her ability to juggle many projects at once. Her current book is available at the ALA Store which is titled "The Six Step Guide to Library Employee Engagement"

Elaine Czarnecki

Literacy Consultant / Owner @ Resources in Reading

Elaine Czarnecki is a literacy consultant specializing in evaluation and early literacy. She is the owner of Resources in Reading in Huntersville, North Carolina. Elaine has provided consulting, professional development, and evaluation services for a variety of initiatives across the country since first beginning her work with public libraries in 2001. Her recent projects include the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funded Cruise into Kindergarten initiative in Pennsylvania, the Southeast Florida Library Information Network (SEFLIN) Building Capacity for Early Literacy Programming initiative, and the LSTA funded Peer Coaching to Improve Technology, Information and Digital Media Literacies for Families project in Maryland, among others. Elaine is the co-author of Every Child Ready for School: Helping Adults Inspire Children to Learn, published by ALA Editions, Tender Topics: Picture Books about Childhood Challenges, published by Huron Street Press, and the Every Child Ready to Read Toolkit for Serving Early Childhood Educators.

Eldon James

Retired @ none

While in federal prison I decided to become a librarian. Despite my age and circumstances I made that happen by graduating the University of Texas at Austin School of Information in 2007. Amazing serendipity made Dr. Loriene Roy my advisor. The year I was graduated the American Library Association chose her as President and Dr. Roy took me to Washington as a part of her presidential party and introduced me to ALA and particularly a group called the Prisoners Forum, an interest group in ASCLA (later ASGCLA) now defunct; where this ex-con found a family with correctional librarians. That group was replaced by the Library Services to the Justice Involved (LSJI). One of those librarians shortly thereafter ask me to help write the Prisoners’ Right to Read and help move it though ALA. That experience led to the Intellectual Freedom Committee, Intellectual Freedom Round Table, and the Freedom to Read Foundation. ASCLA needed a liaison to all three and I volunteered. FTRF welcomes liaisons on its committees and before long I was serving in all three intellectual freedom groups. Now retired, and living in Abilene, Texas I devote my time to serving on IFRT, as LSJI liaison to IFC, and as a member of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) group rewriting the Guidelines for Prison Library Services.

Eleanor Davey Corrigan

Publisher, Adam Matthew Digital.

Publisher at Adam Matthew Digital, a global publisher of digital primary source resources providing access to collections from leading archives and libraries around the world

Elizabeth Rush

Library Support Specialist @ Northside Independent School District

Elizabeth Barrera Rush is currently a library specialist at Northside Independent School District in San Antonio, Texas. She received her BBA from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio and her MSIS from the University of Texas at Austin. Elizabeth has spent over 20 years serving elementary and middle school students in private, charter, and public school libraries as well as the San Antonio Public Library. She is author of the book, “Bringing Genius Hour to Your Library: Implementing a Schoolwide Passion Project Program” (ABC-Clio, January, 2018), and the newly released book, “The Efficient Library: Ten Simple Changes that Save You Time and Improve Library Service.” (ABC-Clio, 2020). She has written articles for TeacherLibrarian Magazine and School Library Connection. She has been an advocate for libraries speaking in a congressional panel in Washington D.C., consultant for the National Assessment for Educational Progress in writing, presented webinars and workshops for AASL, InfOhio, and ABC CLIO on Librarian Led Genius Hour and Library Management and Efficiency in Library Service. She is a member of TLA, and is an active member of ALA’s Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures Division and Co-Vice Chair of the Cataloging Norms Interest Group and Member of the ALA/AIA Building Award Committee, as well as a proud ALA Spectrum Champion for the Office of Diversity, Literacy & Outreach.

Emily Knox

Associate Professor @ iSchool at Illinois

Emily Knox is an associate professor in the School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her book, "Book Banning in 21st Century America," was published by Rowman & Littlefield and is the first monograph in the Beta Phi Mu Scholars’ Series. Her articles have been published in the Library Quarterly, Library & Information Science Research, and the Journal of Intellectual Freedom and Privacy. Emily serves on the boards of the Association for Information Science & Technology, Freedom to Read Foundation, and the National Coalition Against Censorship. Her research interests include information access, intellectual freedom and censorship, information ethics, information policy, and the intersection of print culture and reading practices. She is also a member of the Mapping Information Access research team. Emily received her Ph.D. from the doctoral program at the Rutgers University School of Communication & Information. Her master’s in library and information science is from the iSchool at Illinois. She also holds a B.A. in Religious Studies from Smith College and an A.M. in the same field from The University of Chicago Divinity School.

Emily Mross

Business Librarian @ Penn State University Libraries

Emily Mross (she/her), assistant librarian, is the business librarian and library outreach coordinator at the Penn State Harrisburg Madlyn L. Hanes Library in Middletown, Pennsylvania. Emily is actively involved in efforts to increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility among academic library users and employees. She has published in portal: Academic Libraries and the Academy, Ticker, Pennsylvania Libraries: Research and Practice, and College and Research Libraries News. Emily has also presented at ALA conferences, ACRL, and a number of state and regional venues.

Emma Karin Eriksson

Young Adult Librarian, NYPL

Emma Karin Eriksson went into librarianship to serve and support communities. Having found an after school refuge in her local library as an awkward teenager, choosing her undergrad college based on its inviting library space, and participating in radical community archives and zine libraries, she knows that libraries are spaces beyond books where patrons should see themselves reflected. Emma enjoys sharing her 15 + years of zine making experience with kids, teens, and adults giving them the tools to make their own and teach others.

Enid Trucios-Haynes

Law Professor & Director, Muhammad Ali Institute @ University of Louisville

Enid Trucios-Haynes is a Professor of Law at the Louis D. Brandeis School of Law, University of Louisville and the Director of UofL’s Muhammad Ali Institute for Peace and Justice. She directs the Muhammad Ali Scholar Program and several research initiatives. She is Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Cooperative Consortium for Transdisciplinary Social Justice Research which is dedicated to translating community-engaged social justice research into policy and action. She is co-director and co-founder of the Brandeis Human Rights Advocacy Program at UofL which advances immigrant rights.

Eric Smith

Eric Smith is a YA author and literary agent with P.S. Literary. His next book, Jagged Little Pill: The Novel, a collaboration with Alanis Morissette, Diablo Cody, and Glen Ballard, will be published with Abrams in April 2022. It’s an adaptation of the Grammy and Tony award winning musical. His latest books include You Can Go Your Own Way, Battle of the Bands (edited with Lauren Gibaldi), Don’t Read the Comments (a YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults selection), The Girl and the Grove, and The Geek’s Guide to Dating.

Fannie Mae Cox

Outreach & Reference Librarian @ University of Louisville

Professor Fannie M. Cox serves as the Outreach and Reference Librarian, where she is responsible for engaging community organizations to develop partnerships promoting Information Literacy. She is the library's faculty representative to the University’s Community Engagement Committee. Also, she is a Library Liaison/Collection Specialist for Education and Human Development, Health and Sport Science, Urban and Public Affairs, and the Multicultural Children’s Collection. And her areas of research are: Bridging the High School-College Gap, Homelessness, Computer and Financial Literacies.

Francisco Canas

Staff Engineer @ BiblioCommons

Francisco is a Staff Engineer at BiblioCommons, where he has spent the last 6 years building software for public libraries. His contributions span across the suite of products and include ILS integration work, discovery layer and community content features, and analytics. He currently leads development on the Personalized Promotions and Email Marketing products. Francisco completed his computer science degree at the University of Toronto with a focus on artificial intelligence and statistics.

Gabrielle Griffis

Assistant Youth Services Librarian, Brewster Ladies' Library

Gabrielle Griffis is the Assistant Youth Services Librarian for Brewster Ladies' Library, repair event organizer, and Blue Marble Librarian. She is a contributing writer to the books Repair Revolution: How Fixers are Transforming Our Throwaway Culture and Libraries and Sustainability: Programs and Practices for Community Impact.

Glen Benedict

Access Services Librarian @ University of the District of Columbia

Glen J. Benedict is the Access Services Librarian for the University of the District of Columbia. He has been an ALA member for six years, and has served on the Committee on Legislation and the Intellectual Freedom Committee, as well as committees for the New Members Roundtable and Rainbow Roundtable. His professional interests include critical thinking, intellectual freedom, and circulation services.

Gordon C. James

Gordon C. James is the award-winning illustrator of Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut, written by Derrick Barnes, for which Gordon received a Caldecott Honor medal, the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Award, and an Ezra Jack Keats Honor award, among others. He is the illustrator of the New York Times bestseller I Am Every Good Thing, also written by Derrick Barnes, and winner of a Boston Globe–Horn Book Awards Honor. Gordon is also the illustrator of the multi-award-winning Let ‘Er Buck! George Fletcher, the People’s Champion written by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson. To learn more, please visit: https://www.gordoncjames.com/

Heather Booth

Audio Editor @ Booklist

Heidi Eakin

Head of Borrowing Services and Assessment, Colgate University Libraries

Heidi Eakin provides vision and strategic leadership as the Head of Borrowing Services in the University Libraries at Colgate University in Hamilton, NY. She leads an experienced staff to rethink traditional practices, priorities, and evolving user needs including the distribution of responsibilities among positions using data-driven decision-making and based on emerging best practices. Her specialties are access services, copyright and fair use issues, resource sharing, outreach, and library statistics and assessment. Heidi holds a BA in Art History from Skidmore College and an MLIS from The University of Pittsburgh.

Ian Reid

VP Customer Service @ Counting Opinions

Ian has worked extensively on developing Counting Opinions' Programs and Events tool. Ian's extensive experience with a range of libraries has helped him to think several steps ahead in terms of what the wants, needs and hurdles will be for libraries and the software they use. Ian liaises between development and support roles, giving him a unique perspective and approach to every solution he's a part of.

Ilana Keane

Recent MLIS grad @ LIU

Born and raised in NY, Ilana developed a love and appreciation of overlooked green spaces and nature from a young age. Holding a BA in Art History from Vassar College, she worked for years in tech, in the Communications department of Etsy, Inc. Motivated by the desire to serve the public, she switched paths to Library Science to pursue social justice. A recent grad of LIU's MLIS program, she received a Robert Moses archiving fellowship, and focused on the work of public libraries to support their communities. She believes in access to education, information, and nature for all.

Israel Favela

Collection Development and Cataloging Manager @ Houston Public Library

Israel Favela (he/him/his) has worked in Circulation Services, Collection Development, Library Branch Management, and is currently the Collection Development and Cataloging Manager at the Houston Public Library. He has also served as chair of the Latino Caucus and Queers & Allies Round Tables at the Texas Library Association where he is currently a member on the Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Apart from his work in libraries, Israel also serves on the Board of Trustees of his alma mater, Chinquapin Preparatory School, a co-ed boarding school for motivated youth from historically excluded communities.

Jack Phoenix

Collection Development Manager @ Cuyahoga Falls Library

Collection development librarian and writer in the Greater Cleveland area

Jacqueline Woodson

New York Times bestselling author Jacqueline Woodson has written over 30 books for young adults, middle-graders, and adults. Woodson will discuss her new books for children. "The World Belonged to Us" and "The Year We Learned to Fly." Woodson is a four-time Newbery Honoree and a three-time Coretta Scott King Award winner. Among multiple honors, she is the recipient of the Sibert Medal Award, an NAACP Image Award, and the highest international recognition given to a children’s author, the Hans Christian Andersen Award. Woodson also gives stirring lectures that delve into the inspiration behind her books and explore important issues of race, gender, and bullying.

Jaime Eastman

Public Services Librarian, Senior @ Plano Public Library

Jaime Eastman is a Senior Public Services Librarian at Plano Public Library. She is also Family Place Coordinator for the Harrington Library location. She currently serves as the co-chair for ALSC’s Library Service to Underserved Children and Their Caregivers Committee. She prepares and presents a variety of programming and training for patrons and staff, and enjoys connecting others with the resources they need for success.

Jan Murphy

@ Gale, a Cengage company

Jan Murphy is a product management director at Gale, where she has spent her entire career, beginning as an assistant editor in 1991 (when there was a typewriter on her desk!).

Jarrid Keller

Deputy Director @ Sacramento Public Library

Jenessa McElfresh

Senior Research & Learning Services Librarian @ University of Tennessee Health Science Center

Jenny Choy

Director, School & Library Marketing @ Abrams The Art of Books

Jessica Agudelo

Youth Collections Coordinator @ BookOps

Jessica Caloza

Jessica Valli

Help & Information Coordinator, Northeastern University Library

Help & Information Corodinator at Snell Library.

Jin Ha Lee

Associate Professor @ University of Washington

Jin Ha Lee is an Associate Professor at the Information School in University of Washington and the director of the GAMER (GAME Research) Group. Her research interests include: music, game, and multimedia information seeking and retrieval, information organization and access, and knowledge representation. The GAMER Group explores new ideas and approaches for organizing and providing access to video games and interactive media, understanding user behavior related to video games, and using video games for informal learning.

Jo Monahan

Librarian @ UNT LIbraries

Jo Monahan serves as University of North Texas Libraries' College of Education subject librarian, where she supports the information needs of the faculty and students. She is also a member of the Library Research Support Services (LRSS) department that works closely with graduate students.

Johana Orellana Cabrera

Adult Services Librarian @ North Richland Hills Library

Johana E. Orellana Cabrera is an adult services librarian at the North Richland Hills Library. She is a 2011 ALA Spectrum Scholar, 2015 ALA Emerging Leader, and has served as an ALA Councilor from 2015-2021. She is currently the chair of the ALA Committee on Professional Ethics and an Intellectual Freedom Round Table Director-at-Large. She also serves as a chair for committees in the Texas Library Association and the Asian Pacific American Librarians Association. She is dedicated to EDI practices, intellectual freedom, and serving marginalized community members.

Julia Davis

Editorial Director @ Astra Publishing House/Boyds Mills & Kane

Julia Davis is an experienced library manager with a strong passion for staff development, education, and outreach. As a Branch Manager for the Clay County Public Library System, Julia has worked to implement cross training, strengthen community ties, and empower her staff to provide the best possible service at every level. Julia holds a MLIS from Valdosta State University, a MSOL from Jacksonville University, and is a current PhD candidate at Anderson University studying the role readiness of library middle managers. She is a proud graduate of the Sunshine State Library Leadership Institute and her article, “So Many Student, So Little Time: Practical Student Worker Training in an Academic Library” appeared in the February 2020 edition of the Journal of Access Services.

Julie Brophy

Adult & Community Engagement @ Baltimore County Public Library

Julie Brophy is the Adult & Community Engagement Manager at Baltimore County Public Library, where she provides leadership and vision on services and events for adults, cultivates strategic partnerships and collaborations to better meet the community’s needs, and looks for opportunities to connect in the community through mobile engagement and outreach. Julie has worked in public, academic and government libraries during her career in New York, North Carolina, Washington DC and now Maryland. She received her Bachelor of Arts from the State University of New York at Buffalo and her Masters of Library Science from the University of Maryland.

Julie Ousley

Presenter, Layperson @ New Braunfels PL, volunteer

Julie Ousley is a 5th generation Texan, was a pioneering female student at a formerly all male, all military college, with degrees in Microbiology and Medical Technology from Texas A&M and University of Texas Medical Branch. She is a long time library activist, serving on advisory boards from local to state level, and actively volunteers with the New Braunfels Friends of the Library, where uncountable volumes leftover from their annual book sale drove her crazy enough to start researching and experimenting with ways to repurpose and recycle these unwanted volumes, which has led to her status as The Crafty Bibliophile, and a side mission with the “Rags to Riches: Recycling Books for Fun, Fashion, and…Furniture?” program. In her spare time when she’s not playing with grandchildren, or leading a Bible study, she likes to curl up with a useless book and a power tool.

Kacper Jarecki

Kacper Jarecki is a library manager for Queens Public Library.

Kara Van Abel

Associate Professor @ UAB Libraries

Kara Van Abel is a Reference Librarian & Liaison to the Collat School of Business at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She developed an online business reference course called Business Research Toolkit and is a co-creator of the Business Librarians Exchanging Instructional Materials (BLExIM) website. She's currently researching user experience in libraries and applying those principles to her work. When she’s not busy being a librarian, she’s busy weathering the pandemic as a mother to two energetic toddlers. Her advice to everyone during these trying times is to count your blessings, sleep whenever possible, and always wash your hands.

Karen Fisher

Primary Investigator, University of Washington

Dr. Karen E. Fisher is the Primary Investigator of this IMLS project. A Professor in the Information School and an Adjunct Professor in the Communication Department at the University of Washington, she is also a Field Ethnographer with UNHCR Jordan, Adjunct Professor, Åbo Akademi University (Finland), and and Visiting Professor, Siegen University, (Germany). With a MLIS and PhD from the University of Western Ontario and Post Doc from the University of Michigan, supporters of Karen’s work include the IMLS, Facebook, Google, NSF, the LEGO Foundation, Microsoft, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Dr. Fisher is renowned for her development and use of theory and methods for understanding information problems, specifically on how people experience information as part of everyday life, with emphasis on the interpersonal aspects and the role of informal social settings or “Information Grounds.” Karen was Co-PI of the "Access for All" study of how people use public access technology in public libraries across the U.S.

Kari Riedel

Founder @ Bookopolis

Kari Riedel believes that all kids can love reading - if they find the right book. Book discovery is key to unleashing the magic of reading for people of all ages. She is the founder of Bookopolis.com, an online community made especially for 7- to 13-year-old readers. She also runs after-school book clubs for elementary and middle school students and is a frequent contributor to Brightly.com. She carries a book with her at all times - including the carpool line and her sons' baseball games.

Karin Suni

Librarian @ Free Library of Philadelphia

A lover of both theatre and libraries since childhood, Karin Suni has combined the two into her position as Curator of the Theatre Collection in the Rare Book Department. She started at the Free Library of Philadelphia in 2006 in the Literature Department after receiving her Masters in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In 2008, she left the library to pursue her Masters in Text and Performance Studies from King's College London, co-taught by the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. She returned to the Free Library in 2011 and completed a Special Collections Certificate through the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2012. Karin is an active member of the Rare Books and Manuscripts Section of the Association of College and Research Libraries (RBMS-ACRL) and is a current member of the Reference and User Services Association’s Reading List Council. She is also a Theater Library Association Board member.

Katina Jones

Statistical Research Analyst, Mid-Continent Public Library

Katina Jones is the Statistical Research Analyst at Mid-Continent Public Library. She pours over statistics and demographics from the Library’s 35 locations to support their data-driven decision making. Prior to MCPL, she was the State Data Coordinator at the Missouri State Library, working with the IMLS and Census Bureau to collect and distribute statistics for the state. Ms. Jones received her bachelor’s degree in Applied Psychology and Social Science from Alverno College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Kelly Yang

Author @ Simon & Schuster, Inc.

Kelly Yang is the New York Times bestselling author of “Front Desk,” the first book in the Front Desk series aimed at middle-grade readers. The Front Desk series also includes “Three Keys,” and "Room to Dream." Her new book, “New from Here,” is a poignant middle-grade novel about courage, hope, and resilience, as an Asian American boy fights to keep his family together and stands up to racism during the initial outbreak of the coronavirus.Yang was awarded the 2019 Asian/Pacific American Award for Children’s Literature and describes herself as “living, walking proof in the power of libraries and librarians to change lives.”

Kelsey Ford

Advisor @ Bridges & Books Podcast

Kelsey L. Ford (she/her) is the creator of Bookish in the 'Burgh, Pittsburgh’s Teen Book Festival, as well as the creator and adult advisor of the Bridges & Books Podcast and PA Reads YA, both projects created alongside teen leaders in Pennsylvania and designed to amplify teen voices and highlight and champion diverse books. She was named one of “13 Luminaries to Meet in 2020” by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for her work with teens through Bookish in the ‘Burgh and is a passionate advocate of championing diverse teen voices. Kelsey holds a B.S. degree in Advertising & Public Relations and an M.A. degree in Arts Management. She will graduate with an M.S. in Library & Information Science with a focus in youth services from Simmons University in May 2022. After four and a half years working in artistic programming for young audiences at the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Kelsey is now the Manager of Marketing & Development at the Pittsburgh Youth Chorus. She serves as the 2021-22 Young Adult Library Services Association liaison to the American Library Association.

Kelvin Watson

Executive Director @ Las Vegas Clark County Library District

Kelvin Watson is the executive director of the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, oversees 25 branches spanning 8,000 square miles, a budget of $77 million, 700 employees, and a collection of 3.2 million items. The Library District is a vibrant and vital member of the community offering limitless learning; business and career advancement; and government and social services support. Mr. Watson joined the Library District from his role as the director of the Broward County Libraries Division, where he managed 700+ full-time employees and a budget of more than $70 million. The Broward County library system serves 1.9 million people through 38 locations in the Ft. Lauderdale, Florida region. Regarded as one of the most highly respected thought leaders in the library industry, he is credited with expanding his customer base in past library management roles, through outreach efforts to underserved and diverse populations. His deep experience in fundraising, technology, program development, plus his demonstrated success in addressing the digital divide, will help the Library District to further expand its role as a free educational resource for all residents.

Kevin Strowder

Director, ALA Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services

Kevin D. Strowder joined ALA in June 2021 as Director of the Office for Diversity, Literacy and Outreach Services where he oversees numerous association programs including the Spectrum Scholarship. Prior to coming to ALA Strowder served as Senior Program Manager, Climate and Culture with Embarc, an organization centered around experiential education. His extensive tenure in the public sector has granted him the privilege to invest in diverse communities through LGBTQ+ activism, Service and Volunteerism, HIV/AIDS treatment, and DEI Strategy. Strowder’s passion for ‘creating moments’ and placing people at the core of his personal mission keeps him motivated to ensure we all someday see a fully just and equitable society. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Psychology from Lakeland University and a Master of Science in Organizational Development from Roosevelt University. Interior Design, dance, and rollerblading are a few of his favorite pastimes for self-care.

Kimberly Zablud

Founder & Senior Consultant @ Advancing with Purpose

Kim Zablud is founder and a senior consultant at Advancing with Purpose, which provides planning and project management for mission-driven organizations. Previously, Kim worked in leadership roles at the DC Public Library for 11 years. As Chief of Public Services, she oversaw 25 neighborhood libraries, 400 staff, and helped lead a $210 million modernization project for the MLK Central Library in downtown DC. At DCPL, Kim sponsored and led a host of projects that garnered local and national attention including the Memory Lab Network - a five-year federal grant to provide digital preservation training through libraries; Dig DC - the library’s first digital local history repository with 5,000 items and counting; and the DC Oral History Collaborative - where the city documents stories and memories of community organizations and residents in their own words. Kim is a member of the Seeding Disruption education leaders fellowship, which helps youth-facing professionals in DC solve problems with equity-driven design thinking. She is an adjunct professor at Catholic University teaching the Public Libraries course. In prior roles, she worked as a librarian at the New York Public Library and as a project manager at Kadix Systems, a management consulting firm serving government clients. She has an MLIS from Rutgers University, a Master Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the American University, a BA from Carleton College, and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

Kirsten Grünberg

Librarian III, Hyattsville Branch @ Prince George's County Memorial Library System

Kristin Lahurd

Assistant Director, ODLOS @ American Library Association

Kristin Pekoll

OIF Assistant Director @ American Library Association

Kristin Pekoll is the Assistant Director at the Office for Intellectual Freedom. She is a former YA librarian from Wisconsin and a lifelong Green Bay Packers fan who happens to live in Chicago Bears country. She is the author of Beyond Banned Books: Defending Intellectual Freedom throughout Your Library published by ALA Editions in 2019.

Lacy Molina

Student @ University of North Texas

Lacy Molina is a doctoral student and research assistant with Dr. Sarah Evans in the Department of Information Science at the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas. Currently, she is working with Dr. Evans and Mr. Lance Simpson, MLIS, from the University of Alabama on Raise Up Radio: Family and Youth Engagement in Library Supported Learning Via Radio, a IMLS funded project.

Lance Simpson

Research/Instructional Services Librarian @ The University of Alabama

Lance Simpson is a Research and Instructional Services Librarian with Rodgers Library for Science and Engineering at The University of Alabama. His background is in developing informal STEM learning spaces for teens in public libraries, and his research focuses on the development and sustainability of community learning ecosystems utlizing the Connected Learning framework. He is the co-principal investigator alongside Dr. Sarah Evans at The University of North Texas for "Raise Up Radio: Family and Youth Engagement in Library Supported Learning Via Radio," a project funded through Institute of Museum and Library Services grant number RE-250133-OLS-21.

Laura French

Laura French is a Californian lured to Texas by the opportunity to be Curator of the Armstrong Browning Library (ABL) at Baylor University. Before joining the ABL, she held positions as Special Collections Librarian at California State University, Stanislaus and as Interim Librarian for Rare Books and Literary Manuscripts at the University of Maryland, College Park. Previously, Laura taught English and Social Sciences at the secondary level. When not helping researchers or teaching Baylor students, Laura spends her time collecting more fabric than she will be able to sew in this lifetime.

Lauren (Lexa) Gambrill

Researcher Coordinator, University of Washington

Lauren Alexa (i.e. Lexa) Gambrill has a Masters of Social Work with an emphasis in trauma, and is the Research Coordinator for this study at the University of Washington. She joined the iSchool after working and volunteering with other UW Labs and programs to broaden her research experience. Lexa is concurrently earning degrees in Clinical Psychology PhD and a Masters of Public Health. In undergrad she accomplished earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology (BS) and Bachelor’s of Social Work (BSW), whilst also fulfilling her roles as both a Student Assistant and a Research Assistant to different professors. Previously she worked with variety of different populations, from Military Families and crisis lines to child development clinics and inpatient hospitals.

Lauren Johnson

Library Technical Assistant, Southern Connecticut State University

Lauren M. Johnson is a Library Technical Assistant at Southern Connecticut State University in the Access Services Department. Her main role is working in Interlibrary Loan and Course Reserves. Her experience with the academic library makerspace was during her graduate assistantship, in which she provided technology programming to Southern Connecticut students, faculty, and staff, as well as provided outreach to the local libraries. This was one of her favorite experiences in library school.

Lauren Johnson

User Experience Librarian @ Nevada State College

Lauren Johnson is the User Experience Librarian at Nevada State College. Since coming to NSC in 2019, she’s used UX research to design and implement a new library website, streamline the library’s knowledge management process, and create a campus usability testing service for online learning. She received her MS in Information Science from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she was a member of the first User Experience & Assessment cohort. An experienced presenter, she has presented most recently at ER&L and the ALA CORE Webinar series.

Leigh Wright

Product Manager @ ProQuest

Leigh Wright holds a Master of Library and Information Science from Rutgers University (NJ) and has worked in and around the North American publishing and library industries for 15 years. Her work has included bibliographic metadata management, sales reporting, content analytics, and consumer behavior market research. Areas of expertise include publishing in the scholarly/textbook, K-12, and trade markets; libraries in the university and K-12 educational spaces; as well as taxonomy development, subject classification, and bibliographic metadata. Her favorite projects include creating the Wall Street Journal’s bestseller lists for 3 years, creating an Intellectual Property taxonomy focused on popular mass media brands, and the 13 years and running that she has served on the North American BISG BISAC Subject Codes Committee, which creates and maintains the subject classification system used by North American publishers and booksellers. Passionate about the free exchange of ideas, culture, and knowledge and lifelong bibliophile, Leigh is a co-leader on the ProQuest Books Team’s DEI initiatives.

Lessa Pelayo-Lozada

President-Elect @ American Library Association

In April 2021, Lessa Kanani'opua Pelayo-Lozada, adult services assistant manager, Palos Verdes Library District, Rolling Hills Estates, California was elected 2021-2022 president-elect of the American Library Association (ALA). Pelayo-Lozada is the first Emerging Leader and first Native Hawaiian to be elected ALA President; she was part of the 2011 Emerging Leaders class. She holds an MLIS and a BA in sociology from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and an AA in philosophy from El Camino College, Torrance, California.

Lily Troia, MLIS

Ex Libris Research Solutions @ Pro Quest, a part of Clarivate

- Academic librarian and research services expert with a background in digital solutions, multi-level research enterprise strategy development, scholarly communication, open access, and data preservation/digital archiving -Diverse experience in project and business management, digital media outreach, and a focus on connecting clients to actionable, sustainable tools and processes with an innovative eye on interdisciplinary and cross-organizational collaboration - Guide organizational leadership and teams to strategize around digital tools and data that align with mission, actionable use, increased efficiency, and decision-making - Subject specialist in altmetrics, copyright, research data management, scholarly communication, digital media outreach, and academic digital services - Extensive blogging, editing, and social media experience in academic sphere and beyond. - Previous positions with the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at the College of William and Mary and Harvard University's Office of Scholarly Communication - Appointed Board of Directors and Communications Chair of Society for Science User Research Facilities, Communications Chair - Experience supporting STEM and HHS/arts researchers, plus personal work as Social Science scholar

Linda Saint Marc

Founder/ Director @ Media Smart Citizens

Linda Saint Marc is an Associate Professor of Professional Practice with the School of Media Studies' Media Management Graduate Program at The New School. As a C-level media executive and publisher, Linda launched and managed 128 category-leading international magazine editions with corresponding digital media assets on six continents. As a brand strategist, she is recognized for reimagining and expanding organizations to optimize connectivity with audiences worldwide. Linda is also the founder of Media x Women, an organization providing young women with the resources they seek to rise and succeed as media professionals with confidence (mediaxwomen.com).

Lisa Kropp

Director @ Lindenhurst Memorial Library

Lisa Kropp is the Director of the Lindenhurst Memorial Library and an adjunct assistant professor at St. John’s University department of library and information services. She is the coordinator of SustainRT at ALA, and the priority group consultant for ALSC’s advocacy committees. Lisa serves as a member at large on the NYLA Council, and is an advisory board member-at-large of the Sustainable Libraries Initiative. She received her MLS from CUNY Queens, and a Certificate in Public Library Administration from Long Island University.

Lisa Wheeler

Lisa Wheeler has written many books for children, including The Pet Project, illustrated by Zachariah OHora; Spinster Goose, illustrated by Sophie Blackall; and People Don’t Bite People and People Share with People, both illustrated by Molly Idle. When she isn’t running around the country visiting schools, standing at podiums, she resides with her family in Michigan.

Loida Garcia-Febo

International Library Consultant @ LGF

Loida Garcia-Febo, International Library Consultant expert in library services to diverse populations and human rights. President of the American Library Association 2018-2019. At IFLA: Governing Board 2013-2017, Co-Founder of New Professionals, two-term Member/Expert resource person of FAIFE, two-term member of CPDWL. Currently: CPDWL Consultant, Info Coordinator of the Management of Library Associations Section. At ALA: Chair, ALA UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals Task Force (2020-2021) and Current Chair, Women’s Issues in Librarianship. Born, raised, and educated in Puerto Rico.

Lori Fisher

Assistant State Librarian @ NH State Library

Lori Fisher is the Assistant State Librarian at the New Hampshire State Library in Concord, NH. Previously, she served as a public library director for 11 years in Bow, NH. Lori is an officer in the NH Library Association (NHLA) as the chapter's elected ALA Councilor, and is co-chair of the NHLA Advocacy & Legislative Committee. She serves on the following committees/groups within ALA: member of ALA Policy Corps cohort II; member of the Committee on Legislation; member of the United for Libraries Advocacy Committee; and liaison to the Committee on Library Advocacy.

Loriene Roy

Professor @ School of Info UT-Austin

Dr. Loriene Roy is a Distinguished Service Professor in the School of Information at the University of Texas at Austin (UT-Austin) where she teaches public libraries, reference, and library instruction/information literacy graduate courses. She is an adjunct for the University of Hawai’i at Manoa (UH-Manoa) where she teaches a graduate course on “Indigenous Librarianship.” She serves on boards for a number of projects including the Library of Congress Literacy Awards and the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition. She was President of the American Indian Library Association (AILA) (1997-1998) and the American Library Association (2007-2008). She is Anishinabe, enrolled on the White Earth Reservation, a member of teh Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. She received the AILA 2015 Distinguished Service Award; 2014 Distinguished Alumnus Award, The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; UH-Manoa 2014 Sarah Vann Award; 2009 Leadership Award, the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums; 2007 Library Journal Mover & Shaker; two Texas Exes Teaching Awards; two James W. Vick Texas Excellence Awards for Academic Advisors; and is an inaugural member of the UT-Austin Distinguished Service Academy. She has given over 600 presentations and has over 200 publications including 10 co-edited books.

Madeleine Ildefonso

Senior Librarian @ LAPL

Madeleine Ildefonso, Managing Librarian, oversees the Office of Civics and Community Services at the Los Angeles (CA) Public Library (LAPL). She has worked in six LAPL locations over seventeen years as a children's librarian, a branch manager, and now as a project manager for system-wide initiatives like the New Americans Initiative. Madeleine is interested in connecting library users with engaging and meaningful services and programs to empower their decisions and support their success and resilience.

Madeline Peña

Principal Librarian for Community Engagement and Outreach, Los Angeles Public Library

Madeline Peña is a passionate public librarian who leads the Community Engagement and Outreach Department at the Los Angeles Public Library. She comes from a background in graphic design, marketing, and TV production and has worked in public libraries for over 14 years. An active member of REFORMA, The National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking, she served as 2018-2019 President and was the recipient of the 2015 REFORMA Dr. Arnulfo D. Trejo Librarian of the Year (LOTY) Award.

Maggie Albro

Science Librarian @ Clemson University

Maggie Albro (she/her) is a Science Librarian at Clemson University Libraries. Her research interests include interpersonal conflict and stress in libraries, library publishing practices and the role of librarians as researchers, and workplace experiences relating to employee engagement and burnout. Her work has appeared in the Journal of Academic Librarianship, South Carolina Libraries, and Journal of New Librarianship.

Maria McCauley

Director of Libraries @ Cambridge Public Library

Maria McCauley is Director of Libraries for the City of Cambridge which includes seven libraries. Previously, she served as the Director of Libraries in Santa Monica and the City of Somerville. She earned a Bachelors from Ohio Wesleyan, a Masters from the University of Pittsburgh and a PhD from Simmons. She serves on the American Library Association’s Executive Board and has been elected to President of the Public Library Association (PLA) for 2022-2023.

Mariel Colbert

Program Officer @ American Library Association

Mariko Tamaki

Marquita Gooch-Voyd

Asst. Director Information Technology and Training @ Clayton County Library System

Marquita Gooch-Voyd has 15 years of varying library field experience. Her primary areas of expertise are new and emerging technologies, library marketing, community engagement and workflow simplification. She currently serves as the Assistant Director for Technology, Training and Innovation and the Marketing Coordinator for the Clayton County Library System and most recently became the first person of color to be named the Georgia Librarian of the Year (2020).

Martin Garnar

Director @ Amherst College

Martin is Library Director at Amherst College. He serves as co-chair of the Intellectual Freedom and Social Justice Working Group (with Valerie Bell), He is chair of the Intellectual Freedom Roundtable. He was co-editor of the Intellectual Freedom Manual, Tenth Edition.

Mary Boone

Nonfiction Author @ BUGS FOR BREAKFAST: How Eating Insects Could Help Save the Planet

Mary Boone has ridden an elephant, jumped out of an airplane, hung out backstage with a boy band, and baked dozens of cricket cookies – all in the interest of research for her books and magazine articles. She’s written more than 60 nonfiction books for young readers, ranging from inventor biographies to how-to craft guides. Her most recent middle-grade book is BUGS FOR BREAKFAST: How Eating Insects Could Help Save the Planet (Chicago Review Press, 2021). Mary grew up in rural Iowa. Prior to writing books, she reported and edited for several daily newspapers. She now lives in Tacoma, Washington, where she enjoys being outdoors, reading, and hanging out with her very energetic Airedale Terrier, Ruthie Bader.

Mary Crotty

Technology Trainer @ Geauga County Public Library

Mary Crotty is the Technology Trainer for Geauga County Public Library in Northeast Ohio. She developed the Inspiration Station: GCPL's Maker Space for the county and manages all organization, training, and maintenance of the machines. She has her Masters in Library and Information Science from Kent State University and has a Bachelors of Arts in English and Studio Art from Marietta College. She has worked in academic libraries, archives, and public libraries. Mary considers herself a technologically advanced librarian who focuses on making new technology accessible and fun for everyone. Her favorite machine in the Inspiration Station is the laser engraver for its versatility. She has created engraved glass candle holders, leather bookmarks, engraved wineglasses, wooden boxes, keychains, and acrylic ornaments all from the same machine. Mary Crotty enjoys crafting and reading in her free time. She likes to knit, crochet, sew, cross-stitch, and paint. Her favorite books include the Invisible Library series by Genevieve Cogman and the Fool series by Christopher Moore. Mary is also an Irish step dancer and volunteers to teach adults basic Irish dancing for Egan Irish Dance School in Chesterland, Ohio. She has Irish danced for over 16 years and loves the rich culture and energy of the dance style.

Mary Haggerty

Director of Media Engagement @ WGBH Educational Foundation

Mary Haggerty, Director of Media Engagement Ms. Haggerty oversees the development and implementation of national and international educational outreach and engagement initiatives for the WGBH Educational Foundation. She heads a team that works with parents, early childhood educators, pediatricians and researchers to explore how media and technology can support healthy child development. Ms. Haggerty works on R&D initiatives that explore the impact of digital tools on character development, STEM engagement, and literacy acquisition. Before coming to WGBH, she was a Peace Corps volunteer in Mauritania, and held various positions at Reading Is Fundamental. She speaks Spanish, and holds a BA and MA in Spanish language and literature.

Matthew Haddox

Librarian II @ Virginia Beach Public Library

Matt Haddox currently serves as the Lead Librarian at the TCC/City Joint-Use Library for the Virginia Beach Public Library, coordinating youth, teen, and adult programs and services. He received his MLIS from San Jose State University in 2016 and began his career at the Virginia Beach Public Library in 2006. Haddox serves as a vice-chair to the Virginia Library Association’s LGBTQIA+ Forum, a group that focuses on providing resources and support to librarians across the Commonwealth to incorporate intentional inclusion practices in programs and services. In addition, he serves as a LENA Grow and LENA Start instructor for the City of Virginia Beach, providing preschool and childcare teacher enrichment opportunities to improve the quality of life of underserved populations. Haddox led the Storytime Curriculum Update Team for the Virginia Beach Public Library, a project that focuses on the Whole Child approach, Every Child Ready to Read, Social and Emotional Learning, STEAM, health, and play.

Matthew Loaiza

Librarian II @ San Antonio Public Library

Matthew Loaiza (he/him) is the Assistant Manager for the Teen Library @ Central at the San Antonio Public Library. He works with a team of Teen Services staff to provide teens with access to programs, activities, and resources at the Teen Library @ Central; additionally, Matthew assists in offering off-site library services to teens throughout the city and serves as a liaison for many of the Library’s partnerships with teen-focused organizations. He currently leads the 210teenlibrary Discord workgroup and the 210teenlibrary Instagram workgroup for Teen Services at the San Antonio Public Library, which focus on providing virtual library services to teens using Discord and Instagram. Through his work, Matthew looks for opportunities to build lasting relationships between teens and their local public library through innovative and transformative library services, experiences, and resources for teens.

Matthew Noe

Lead Collection & Knowledge Management Librarian @ Harvard Medical School

Matthew Noe (he/his) is Lead Collection & Knowledge Management Librarian at Countway Library, Harvard Medical School, and a part-time instructor at the University of Kentucky. Matthew is a specialist in graphic medicine and advocate for the use of comics at all levels of education. He is the current President of GNCRT of ALA GNCRT, Treasurer of the Graphic Medicine International Collective, member of the Worcester Public Library Board of Directors, and was a 2020/2021 ALA Emerging Leader. He writes comics reviews and lesson plans for Diamond BookShelf under the column 'Noe's Comics Nook' and in Booklist. You can often find him overcaffeinated, posting about all manner of things on Twitter, or curled up with two dogs, a book, and not enough hands.

Matthew Smith

Director of Libraries @ State University of New York College of Environmental Sciences and Forestry

Matt’s work is focused on re-centering the library in the college community both as an inspiring, people-centered facility and by providing the tools and services that integrate the library with every aspect of the research enterprise at ESF. To achieve this, he keeps focused on solving other people’s problems and not the many obstacles to solving them. He holds degrees from SUNY Oswego and SUNY Albany and resides in Canastota, NY. When not at work you will not find Matt because he’s driven his vintage Japanese MPV out into the wilderness and does not want to be found.

Megan Janicki

Project Manager, Libraries Build Business @ American Library Association

Megan Palmer

Assessment Librarian @ Clemson University

Megan Palmer is an Assessment Librarian at Clemson University. She obtained her BA in Psychology from the Pennsylvania State University and her MLIS from the University of Pittsburgh. She is a member of ALA's Committee on Library Advocacy. She was President of the South Carolina Library Association in 2020 and was a 2012 ALA Emerging Leader.

Megan Wilson

Research and Instruction Librarian @ Murray State University

Megan Wilson is an Assistant Professor and Research and Instruction Librarian at Murray State University where she teaches courses in information literacy and serves as the liaison to the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology as well as the School of Agriculture. Her research interests include virtual reference, gaming in libraries, outreach, and online learning.

Meredith Del Monte

Public Services Librarian, Senior @ Plano Public Library

Meredith is a Senior Public Services Librarian at Plano Public Library. She regularly develops and presents programming for both youth and adult audiences. She identified and developed a program series for the Google productivity suite to support skills development for job seekers. Meredith is also active in developing training for library staff including use of online resources, technology, and collection care.

Michael Saar

Head Instruction/Assessment @ Lamar University

Michael Saar (He/Him/His) is head of instruction and assessment services at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. His research interests include information evaluation and digital learning.

Michael Vargas

Michael is an international facilitator with nearly 10 years of experience. Utilizing his Master in Clinical Psychology, improv and design thinking background Michael facilitates workshops and speaks to organizations on developing collaborative and productive team cultures by working with teams to develop psychological safety, building trust, and effective communication. He has worked with a variety or organizations and businesses such as Salesforce, Dropbox, Kaiser Permanente, ACLU, and the County of San Diego.

Michael Wells

Special Collections Librarian @ Kansas City Public Library

As a librarian with the Kansas City Public Library’s Missouri Valley Special Collections, I connect our patrons with local history and genealogical resources. My primary responsibilities include management of our local history reference collection, our reference services, and our department’s digitization efforts. Our digital history website makes over 20,000 photographs, maps, postcards, and other historically valuable objects freely available to our patrons and anyone else interested in the history of the Kansas City area.

Michele Fenton

Librarian I/Cataloger @ Indiana State Library

Michele Fenton is a catalog librarian at the Indiana State Library in Indianapolis, Indiana. She received her MLS from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro, is a 2016 IFLA IMLS Fellow, and is a co-editor of International Leads, the newsletter of the ALA International Relations Round Table. In addition, she is a member of BCALA, the Indiana Black Librarians Network, ALA, the ALA International Relations Round Table, the ALA Library History Round Table, the ALA Ethnic & Multicultural Information Exchange Round Table, and ACRL.

Michelle Finley

Head of Circulation, Assistant Librarian @ University of West Florida

Michelle Finley has ten years of experience working in academic libraries. She was appointed the Head of Circulation and Assistant Librarian at The University of West Florida in January 2020 after living abroad for two years. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Administration and Leadership Studies at UWF and enjoys researching human resources in libraries.

Michelle Hamiel

COO for Public Services @ Prince George's County Memorial Library System

Michelle Hamiel is known and respected throughout Maryland Libraries as an extraordinary leader with enhanced leadership skills and exceptional judgment. Her seasoned experience, dedication, and leadership skills as Chief Operating Officer for Public Services for the past seven years has contributed to some of the Library's most high-profile initiatives – LINK, a program providing library access to all county public school students, and the circulation of Kajeets, similar to hotspots, that allows home internet access for customers. As Chief Operating Officer, Hamiel leads the day-to-day operation of 19 Prince George’s County library branches as well as the county detention center library. She is helping Maryland libraries navigate Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-racism efforts as she facilitates both the MLA and Maryland State Libraries’ taskforce for equity and diversity initiatives. Michelle is a James Partridge award winner. She holds a Master’s degree in Library Science from the UMD iSchool and a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration. She also receives inspiration from her students at the University of Maryland iSchool where she serves as an adjunct lecturer.

Michelle Nass

Mrs. Michelle Nass is the Teacher-Librarian at Downingtown West High School, outside of Philadelphia, PA. She is active in PSLA and is passionate about leading from the library, supporting her students in an engaging and safe environment, working towards diversity, equity, and inclusion goals, and having fun every day. Outside of school she has three kids, is active in her community, and loves mountain biking and paddle boarding when she can escape!

Michelle Robertson

Assistant Professor @ University of Central Oklahoma

Molly Shannon

Moneik Frazier

Circulation Specialist, Prince George's County Memorial Library System

Moneik Frazier serves as the Circulation Services Specialist at the Prince George's County Memorial System, where she has worked for over 25 years. She oversees and develops circulation policies and procedures for the Library. She develops and implements programs and facilitates training for circulation staff that will lead to best practices for the delivery of circulation services, whether that is various material formats, collection management, or proficient shelving practices. She also manages the Library’s fees, including collection agency procedures and practices.

Nancy Jo Lambert

Librarian @ Reedy High School

Nancy Jo Lambert is a Google for Education Certified Trainer and public high school teacher librarian. She is a speaker advocating for libraries by telling the story of the learning happening in her library. She holds positions in the Texas Library Association, Texas Computer Education Association, American Library Association, American Association of School Librarians, and the Texas Association of School Librarians. She has been published in professional journals and won numerous awards and grants and was named TCEA Library Media Specialist of the Year the American Association of School Librarians Social Media Superstar Curriculum Champion in 2019. She is co-founder of EduPrideAlliance.org #TeachPride and a #FReadom organizer. She is known for sharing her professional work on Twitter @NancyJoLambert and her website nancyjolambert.com.

Naphtali Faris

Branch Manager, Mid-Continent Public Library

Naphtali is the Lone Jack Branch Manager for Mid-Continent Public Library. Previously, she was MCPL’s Early Literacy Coordinator. She has also worked for the Kansas City Public Library, Missouri State Library, and St. Louis Public Library. Naphtali speaks regularly about youth readers’ advisory, youth services, and early literacy strategies in the region. She has presented at WorldCon on science fiction for youth readers. She has served on the Printz, Newbery, and Caldecott Award committees.

Natasha Edmonds

Books Sales Manager @ ProQuest

Natasha Hesch

Senior Product Manager @ BiblioCommons

Natasha Hesch is a Senior Product Manager at BiblioCommons and has been with the company for over 10 years. She earned her MLIS from Western University and previously worked at Stratford Public Library and Waterloo Public Library.

Nichelle M. Hayes

@ Center for Black Literature & Culture - Indianapolis Public Library

Nichelle M. Hayes MPA, MLS, is Vice-President of the BCALA. She works as the Leader of the Center for Black Literature & Culture (CBLC) ~ Indianapolis Public Library. The space serves as both windows and mirrors for the community. Hayes recently was honored as one of the 2021 Library Journal Movers & Shakers - Advocates. In 2020 Hayes was recognized by the Center of Leadership Development for Achievement in Arts and Entertainment 2020 as well as Indianapolis Public Library for the Helen L. Norris Distinguished Service Award. She’s a lover of Poetry and a lifelong learner and a blogger at https://thetiesthatbind.blog where she discusses genealogy and keeping families connected. Hayes is a native of Indianapolis. She is an Information professional, a genealogist & civic leader.

Nicholas Brown

COO for Communication and Outreach @ Prince George's County Memorial Library System

Nicholas Alexander Brown is a Honduran-American library executive, arts producer, and musician based in Prince George's County, Maryland. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer for Communication and Outreach at the Prince George's County Memorial Library System and is the 2021 Library Journal Marketer of the Year. He previously served as director of special productions & initiatives at Washington Performing Arts. In 2019, Brown was named to the Library Journal Movers & Shakers - Innovators list for his work in programming and community engagement. Brown served on the Librarian of Congress' strategic programming team (Office of Special Events and Public Programs). He held the position of music specialist/concert producer for the Library's Music Division from 2012-2018, programming the historic Concerts from the Library of Congress series. Brown co-produced the Library of Congress Bibliodiscotheque series, featuring Gloria Gaynor and Tim Gunn. He is currently an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Library and Information Science at The Catholic University of America and a past president of the District of Columbia Library Association. Brown previously worked in the Office of the President and Provost at Harvard University, served in the 215th Army Band, has performed internationally as a conductor, French horn player, and chorister, and held internships in the Office of the First Lady at The White House (Obama Administration) and in the Boston Symphony Orchestra Press Office.

Nick Seluk

Nick pursued his lifelong dream of being a professional cartoonist after serving nine years in the corporate world as a graphic designer. In his childhood, he drew inspiration from classics like Calvin and Hobbes, The Far Side, Garfield, and The Simpsons. In 2018, his first children’s book was published by Scholastic, titled The Sun is Kind of a Big Deal, the first in a 3-book series.

Nicole Cooke

Augusta Baker Endowed Chair and Associate Professor, University of South Carolina

Nicole Cooke is the Augusta Baker Endowed Chair and an Associate Professor at the University of South Carolina. Her research and teaching interests include human information behavior, critical cultural information studies, and diversity and social justice in librarianship. She was the 2019 ALISE Excellence in Teaching Award recipient, and she has edited and authored several books, including Information Services to Diverse Populations and Fake News and Alternative Facts: Information Literacy in a Post-truth Era.

Nicole LaMoreaux

Assistant Director, Research & Instructional Services, The New School Library and Advisor, Media Sma The New School

Nicole LaMoreaux is the Assistant Director, Research & Instructional Services at The New School in New York City. She received her Master of Library Science degree from the University at Buffalo, SUNY, and received her Bachelor of Science degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, SUNY. She is the former Reference and Instruction Librarian at LIM College and the former Research Assistant at the Fashion Institute of Technology SUNY. She was the Past President of ALA's New Members Round Table and the former Moderator of the ARLIS-NA's Fashion, Textile, and Costume Special Interest Group. She is a current member of ALA's Committee on the Status of Women in Librarianship.

Nicole Lawton

Children's Librarian @ Naperville Public Library

Nicole Lawton is a Children’s Services Librarian at the Naperville Public Library. Nicole is responsible for programming for children of all ages, assisting local educators with obtaining library materials for their classrooms, organizing Outreach events at local schools and childcare centers, and serving as a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team. Nicole is passionate about diversity in Children’s Literature and shares her passion for this topic by facilitating workshops for pre-service teachers at North Central College.

Nili Ness

Correctional Services Librarian @ Queens Public Library

Nili Ness is the Correctional Services Librarian for Queens Public Library. Her work includes providing library services at local jail facilities and community outreach. She is a strong proponent of the Prisoners' Right to Read. Nili is the recipient of the 2020 ASGCLA Exceptional Service Award.

Pamela Hamlin

Family Literacy Specialist @ Prince George's County Memorial Library System

Pamela Hamlin is an experienced early childhood educator, play-advocate, trainer, and emergent literacy specialist who has worked in early childhood programs, child resource and referral, and the public library. She is skilled in parent education, teacher mentoring/coaching, library programming, early childhood education, and child development (birth-age 5). As a strong professional with a commitment to supporting parents in their role as their child's first teacher, Pam believes that nurturing, play-based environments encourage strong relationships and opportunities for the exploration and experimentation which allows young children to develop the skills they need to succeed in school and life.

Patty Wong

City Librarian/Director of Library Services @ Santa Clara City Library

Patricia (Patty) Wong is the first Asian American to serve as president of the American Library Association. Her term began July 2021 and closes at the adjournment of the 2022 Annual Conference. Wong has been an active ALA member for 37 years. She is a member of the Freedom to Read Foundation and, as an ALA Executive Board member, has worked with the association’s Intellectual Freedom Committee, Committee on Legislation, and the Conference Committee. She is the City Librarian for the Santa Clara City Library. She has worked as a school librarian, children’s librarian, cataloger, and special librarian, as well as leadership roles in public libraries. Her work in managing change, equity and diversity, youth development, developing joint ventures and collaborations between public libraries and community agencies, and fundraising has been published in a number of journals, conference proceedings and edited collections. Wong also is the recipient of several awards, including the 2012 ALA Equality Award, CALA Distinguished Service Award (2014), and Member of the Year, California Library Association (2012). She is also adjunct faculty for the iSchool at San Jose State University where she has taught hundreds of students to serve young people and write grants to benefit local and regional communities —and make the world a better place.

Paul Gagne

Paula Willey

Library Manager @ Enoch Pratt Free Library

Paula Young Shelton

Paula Young Shelton is an early childhood educator with nearly thirty years of experience teaching young children. She is the author of the acclaimed children's book Child of the Civil Rights Movement, illustrated by Raúl Colón, which was named a Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Book of the Year. She is a graduate of Duke University and holds a master’s degree in Education from Bank Street College. Ms. Shelton has committed herself to enriching the lives of young children through a multicultural, interactive, child-centered approach to education. In her upcoming title, Just Like Jesse Owens, she and her father, civil rights icon Ambassador Andrew Young, deliver a powerful oral history about a special day in Andrew’s childhood that changed him forever.

Pete List

Pete List (New York City) is a versatile director and animator who easily transitions across different media to create distinct looking visuals appropriate to the project. He has 20+ years of experience in traditional stop motion, hand drawn and Flash and After Effects animation, creating animation for film, television, web, and apps for clients.

Peter H. Reynolds

Born in Toronto, Canada, Peter H. Reynolds is an accomplished writer, storyteller and illustrator who has been acclaimed around the globe for his best-selling “stories for all ages” about protecting and nurturing the creative spirit, including the three books in his “Creatrilogy” - The Dot, Ish and Sky Color.

Peter Velikonja

Head of Research @ Koios LLC

Peter Velikonja is a trained classical musician with over twenty years professional software development including audio, streaming, Big Data and online advertising experience. He worked the stacks at Northwestern University Music Library 40 years ago, and can still find Beethoven at ML410.B.

Rachel Keiko Stark

Health Sciences Librarian @ California State University, Sacramento

Rachel Keiko Stark, MS, AHIP, is the Health Sciences Librarian for Sacramento State University. She has previously worked as a library manager in hospitals, and as a librarian in public, academic, and pharm/HS libraries. She holds a MS from Drexel University and a BA from Willamette University. Rachel is an ALA Spectrum Scholar (2010-2011) and a MLA Rising Star (2017-2018). Her research interests include intergenerational communication in librarianship, intergenerational communication in the Japanese American community, and interprofessional education.

Radhi Jagirdar

Product Marketing Manager @ ProQuest

Rae-Anne Montague

Assistant Professor, Chicago State University

Rae-Anne Montague is an Assistant Professor and Library and Information Science Program Coordinator at Chicago State University. Dr. Montague is a former teacher and school librarian; and is the immediate past chair of the ALA Rainbow Round Table (RRT).

Ramiro S. Salazar

San Antonio Public Library Director

Ramiro Salazar joined the City of San Antonio, Texas, as Director of the Public Library in April 2005. He is responsible for the delivery of library services to approximately 1.9 million residents in San Antonio and Bexar County, Texas. He provides management oversight for the library system, consisting of the downtown Central Library, 29 library outlets, and he leads a team of over 550 employees. Since joining the San Antonio Public Library, Mr. Salazar has led efforts to complete capital improvements and other major projects, including expansion and/or renovation of thirteen existing branches and the opening of ten new library locations. The San Antonio Public Library offers an extensive collection of English and Spanish language books, eBooks, music, and audio books of all genres for check out and a growing digital collection. The Library Department also offers a variety of programs for children, teens, seniors, and special needs populations.

Ramón García

Resident Information Literacy Librarian @ University of Northern Colorado

Ramón is currently a Resident Information Literacy Librarian & Assistant Professor at the University of Northern Colorado where he teaches a credit bearing library course in the Information Literacy & Undergraduate Success department. His work also entails providing outreach to undergraduate & first generation college students. He is a recent graduate from the University of North Texas' MS-LS program as well as a previous Research and User Experience intern at Southern Methodist University. He is also an ALA Spectrum Scholar and an ARL Kaleidoscope Scholar. His interest include information literacy, undergraduate success, first generation college students, and critical librarianship.

Rand Boyd

Coordinator of Special Collections @ Chapman University

Rand Boyd is the Coordinator of Special Collections at Chapman University's Frank Mt. Pleasant Library of Special Collections and Archives. He teaches courses on information literacy at Chapman University and Brandman University.

Raymond Garcia

Raymond Pun

Education and Outreach Manager @ Hoover Institution Library & Archives

Ray Pun is a librarian in California.

Rebekkah Smith Aldrich

Executive Director @ Mid-Hudson Library System

Rebekkah Smith Aldrich is currently the Executive Director of the Mid-Hudson Library System in upstate New York. Rebekkah is a co-founder of the award-winning Sustainable Libraries Initiative; Chair of the American Library Association's Council Committee on Sustainability; an advisory board member for the Center for the Future of Libraries; and Library Journal's sustainability columnist. Named a Library Journal Mover & Shaker, Rebekkah is a frequent international speaker on the topic of how libraries contribute to more sustainable and resilient communities.

Renate Chancellor

Chair and Associate Professor @ Catholic University of America

Renate Chancellor is Chair and Associate Professor in the Department of Library and Information Science at the Catholic University of America. She received her Master’s and Ph.D. in Information Studies from UCLA. Dr. Chancellor's research focuses on human information behavior, and social justice in Library and Information Science. She has published in scholarly journals and has presented her research in national and international venues. Recent publications include: E.J. Josey: Transformational Leader in the Modern Library Profession, Racial Battle Fatigue: The Unspoken Burden of Black Women Faculty In LIS, and From Protests to Practice: Confronting Systemic Racism in LIS. Her forthcoming book, Breaking Glass Ceilings: Clara Stanton Jones and the Detroit Public Library is scheduled for release next year. She is a recipient of the Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE) Leadership Award and the ALISE Excellence in Teaching Award.

Rob Reynolds

Executive Director @ TEL Education

Rob Reynold is the Executive Director and Founder of TEL library a non-profit, missional organization committed to providing equitable access to higher learning to everyone.

Robbie Sittel

Librarian @ University of North Texas

Robbie Sittel is the Government Information Librarian at the University of North Texas where she oversees the Sycamore Library, a campus branch library that houses specialized services and collections including UNT’s Government Information Connection and the Funding Information Network. She is a past member of the Depository Library Council, advisory body to the Government Publishing Office and is the current chair of ALA's Government Documents Round Table (GODORT).

Roberta Phillips

Chief Executive Officer @ Prince George's County Memorial Library System

As the Chief Executive Officer of the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS), Roberta R. Phillips oversees all operations of its 19 branch libraries that serve a diverse population of approximately 960,000. She is currently working on the PGCMLS Strategic Guide 2020-2023 and exploring the library’s role in establishing a Child Friendly County. Her work focuses on advancing the community through inclusive practices, strategic and conceptual -thinking and evidence based best practices for 21st century learning. In addition she is working on amplifying community partnerships and community engagement with the library .Prior to coming to PGCMLS, Phillips served as the Director of Planning and Projects for the award-winning Richland Library in Columbia, South Carolina. Richland Library consists of a main building and 12 branch locations, serving about 415,000 people. During her tenure at Richland Library, Phillips worked on strategic plan initiatives, community engagement and special projects. Most notably, Phillips coordinated interiors, space planning, and customer experiences for 12 building projects with three new facilities and nine renovations, including the renovation of the 240,000-square foot Main Library. Previously, she served as the Director of the Orangeburg County Library in Orangeburg, South Carolina.

Roseann Acosta

Public Relations & Programming @ Hicksville Public Library

Roseann Acosta is a New York native with a passion for strengthening communities through providing equal access to information and discovering innovative ways to encourage lifelong learning. She began her career in private industry working in public relations and market research before making the switch to the non-profit sector. She now has over a decade of experience in her position as the program coordinator and public relations liaison for the Hicksville Public Library. Her efforts in leading her organization’s outreach campaigns have been successful, resulting in established partnerships that strengthen the mission of the library. She has served on numerous community-based committees and is currently the President of the Nassau County Library Association's Public Relations and Programming Division. As a program coordinator, her events have brought in record numbers of diverse attendees from all ages and backgrounds. She holds a Master’s in Library and Information Science from LIU Post, and a Master’s in Media & Communications with a concentration in Marketing and Advertising from the New York Institute of Technology. Roseann has a passion for literature, a thirst for knowledge, and a love of the environment.

Russel Peterson

Research and Instructional Services Librarian @ University of Alabama Libraries

Russel Peterson is an academic librarian at the University of Alabama Libraries. Originally from Minnesota, Russel was a first-generation student at Carleton College, attaining his Bachelor's Degree in History in 2015. He later went on to the University of Michigan, where he completed his Master of Science in Information before moving to the Deep South. Russel attributes his career trajectory to his time as a volunteer shelver at his small town public library when he was a teenager.

Sara Benson

Copywright Librarian, Assistant Professor @ University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Sara Dallas

Director @ So. Adirondack Library System

Sara Dallas is chair of the IFRT's Program Committee. The committee is charged with planning a program for the Annual Conference meeting.

Sara Kelly Johns

Online Instructor, School Libraries @ Syracuse University iSchool

Sara Kelly Johns, co-chair of the ALA Committee on Library Advocacy Ecosystem (COLA) Subcommittee, is an online instructor for Syracuse University iSchool teaching pre-service librarians and was an online adjunct previously for Mansfield (PA) University’s School Library and Information Technologies. A Past-President of AASL and a current ALA Councilor-at-large, Johns was a longtime school librarian and was named the 2017 AASL Social Media Superstars Advocacy Ambassador.

Sara Roberts

Director of Library Operations @ Library Systems and Services

Sara Roberts (Director of Library Operations) collaborates with a wide variety of library systems to optimize all areas of operations and ensure quality services. Sara recently served as the Deputy Director of the Ventura, California library system and managed the Main Library of the Jacksonville Public Library. Sara has presented to many library groups. She earned her first master’s in teaching from Georgia College & State University and her second master’s in Library Science from the University of Alabama.

Sarah Dupont

Head Librarian @ Xwi7xwa Library, University of British Columbia

Sarah Dupont is of Métis-settler heritage and uses she/her pronouns. Formerly the inaugural Aboriginal Engagement Librarian at The University of British Columbia (UBC), Sarah became the Head Librarian of the X̱wi7x̱wa Library in 2019. In this role, she provides leadership on complex collections, programming, and community engagement work from this small-in-size-but-mighty-in-mandate branch, which is the only Indigenous branch library at a post-secondary institution in Canada. She proudly oversees the dynamic work of the incredible X̱wi7x̱wa team of four full time employees and a number of student librarians. As Head Librarian, Sarah works on Indigenous initiatives in the Library, campus-wide, and beyond the university. She helped develop and now chairs the Steering Committee for Indigitization, a community capacity building program that focuses on the digitization and preservation of community cultural heritage. Sarah places a priority on recruitment and support for Indigenous graduate students in their journeys to becoming information professionals: she previously served as the UBC iSchool’s First Nations Curriculum Concentration Coordinator and adjunct instructor. She is currently the Council of Prairie and Pacific University Libraries’ (COPPUL) Chair of the Indigenous Knowledge Standing Committee and is proud to have recently been awarded its Outstanding Contribution Award.

Sarah Erekson

Regional Government Documents Librarian @ University of Florida

Sarah Erekson is the Regional Government Documents Librarian at the George A. Smathers Libraries at the University of Florida. She is the Regional Coordinator for the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) in Florida, Puerto Rico and the U. S. Virgin Islands. Previously, she was the Government Information and Municipal Reference Manager at Chicago Public Library, a dynamic FDLP selective depository. Erekson is also very active in the Government Documents Round Table (GODORT) of the American Library Association.

Sarah Evans

Assistant Professor @ University of North Texas

Sarah A. Evans, PhD, MLIS, is Assistant Professor of Children’s and Young Adult Librarianship in the College of Information at the University of North Texas and Co-Director of the UNT Multiple Literacies Lab. Her research examines the literacies and identities taken up in voluntary learning experiences. Topics of study include public library services for youth, learning in fan communities, graphic novels and comics, and the history and culture of youth literature. Since 1999, Dr. Evans has worked for and with libraries, including as a public library branch manager, collection development librarian, middle school teacher-librarian, and as a researcher. Throughout her career, she has served in the American Library Association and its subdivisions, most frequently in the Young Adult Library Services Association. Dr. Evans holds a bachelor’s degree in Drama, a master’s of Library and Information Science, and a doctorate of philosophy in Learning Sciences from the University of Washington, as well as an elementary education certificate from Western Washington University.

Sarah Guy

Librarian @ Carolina University

Sarah Guy has been a librarian at Carolina University in Winston-Salem since July 2020.

Sarah Houghton

Director of Discovery and Delivery @ California Digital Library

Sarah Houghton is the Director of Discovery and Delivery for the California Digital Library, the digital library services organization for all 10 University of California campuses and their 100+ libraries. She has worked in public and academic libraries for 25 years in technology and management roles including as a public library director. She is a contributing author for the Intellectual Freedom Manual published by the Office of Intellectual Freedom of the American Library Association and has been involved with intellectual freedom and ethics issues and groups in ALA throughout her career.

Sarah Hunter

Editor, Books for Youth and Graphic Novels, Booklist Magazine

Sarah Hunter is the editor of the Books for Youth and Graphic Novels sections at Booklist. Before getting an A.M. in Literature from University of Chicago, she worked as a writing tutor in between shifts at her college library. She came to Booklist after volunteering for a nonprofit literacy organization in Chicago.

Sarah Kantor

Studio Librarian, University of Tennessee Chattanooga

Sarah Kantor is a Studio Librarian at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. Prior to UTC, she was the Reference Services Coordinator at Kennesaw State University. Sarah's research interests include media literacy, reference in academic libraries, and library culture studies.

Senator Mazie K. Hirono

U.S. Senator of Hawaii

Senator Mazie K. Hirono is the first Asian American woman and the only immigrant serving in the U.S. Senate. She is a passionate, outspoken Democrat who has spent her life as a dedicated public servant, standing up for workers, women, students and teachers, and immigrants. In her remarkable memoir, “Heart of Fire: An Immigrant Daughter’s Story,” available now, Senator Hirono shares the intimate moments of her life as she carved out an unconventional, groundbreaking path that led her to ultimately hold one of the country’s highest offices. A deep homage to her mother, “Heart of Fire” illustrates the cultural and gendered lines the Senator walked daily. Senator Hirono is a graduate of the University of Hawaii, Manoa and the Georgetown University Law Center. She has served in the Hawaii House of Representatives (1981-1994), as Hawaii’s lieutenant governor (1994-2002), and in the U.S. House of Representatives (2006-2013). She became the first Asian American female senator and Hawaii’s first female senator in 2013, winning reelection in 2018. Hirono serves on the Committee on the Judiciary, the Committee on Armed Services, and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, among others.

Shabnam Banerjee-McFarland

Associate Agent & Editor @ Odom Media Management

Shannan Prukop

Librarian II @ San Antonio Public Library

Shannan Prukop (she/they) is the Teen Services Librarian and assistant manager for the Carver Branch Library at the San Antonio Public Library, and serves as a member of the 210teenlibrary Discord workgroup, running the weekly Dungeons & Dragons program. When not wrangling books and assisting teens, they are a feature writer for No Flying No Tights. And in that sliver of free time between that, she watches terrible movies with her spouse and shoves her two cats off of cosplay projects.

Shatha Baydoun

History, Modern Languages & Literatures Librarian @ University of Miami

Shatha Baydoun is a library faculty member at the University of Miami. She has a master’s degree in information science from Wayne State University along with a master’s degree in history from the University of Michigan. Her current research interests include academic libraries, information literacy, DEIA issues, along with the various ways libraries, museums, and archives design metadata for Arabic and Islamic cultural artifacts. She speaks Arabic and Krio (the lingua franca of Sierra Leone).

Shauntee Burns-Simpson

President @ Black Caucus of the American Library Association

Shelby Carroll

Librarian - Assistant Director @ Carolina University

Shelby Carroll earned her Master in Library Science from Indiana University in 2020. She also earned her BA from Indiana University in 2016, graduating with a degree in Human Biology focusing on Human Health and Disease. During her graduate studies, Shelby worked as a graduate assistant in the university's Sciences Library, as well as providing reference at the Wells Library. She completed an internship at Do It Best Corp., where she worked on the data analyst team as a database and integration development intern. She has been working at Carolina University since July 2020, where she and her co-director have implemented several new programs and services, including the open access content model discussed in the program. She also helped to develop a new three-year strategic plan for the library, which focuses on expanding the digital collections of the library.

Sherri Aldis

Chief, United Nations Publications, United Nations

Sherri Saines

Subject Librarian for the Social Sciences @ Ohio University Libraries

BA English; MLS Clarion University. 1999-current: Librarian at Ohio University, Athens, OH. From grant-funded teaching position to Reference librarian, First Year Experience Coordinator, to Subject Librarian for an ever-shifting collection of fields of study. Mother, grandmother, wife, seamstress, reenactor, poet, dancer.

Shirley Robinson

Executive Director, Texas Library Association

Shirley Robinson, CAE accepted the position of Executive Director for the Texas Library Association, effective January 9, 2020. She has more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit trade association management at statewide organizations. She is a member-focused leader with a proven record of implementing successful initiatives and sustaining organizational growth. Robinson is a skilled and experienced manager of both people and resources. As a successful relationship builder and collaborator, she exhibits a membership-focused service philosophy, and has extensive experience working with members, boards, volunteers, vendors, and community partners. She brings experience in conference planning; advocacy; budgeting and financial management; fundraising and grant writing; and technology, including association management system (AMS) migration and implementation. She is experienced in working with statewide organizations with missions and values similar to TLA’s – to serve the public good.

Shoshana Frank

Assistant Director of Admin & Events, Librarian, Chabad of Naperville

Shoshana Frank is a Librarian and the Assistant Director of Admin & Events for Chabad of Naperville. When she is not reviewing for Booklist or Judging National Book Awards, Shoshana is busy creating a wide array of programs, participating in ALA's 2022 Emerging Leaders Cohort, and managing the community center. Shoshana was a founding member and key leader of the Naperville Public Library's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team. Shoshana adores sharing the vast community services through programs, outreach, and everyday conversations. Outside of work Shoshana is an avid community volunteer and world traveler.

Sindu Meier

Architect, Senior Associate @ William Rawn Associates

Sindu Meier, AIA Senior Associate, William Rawn Associates, Architects, Inc. Sindu has managed several of the firm’s highest profile projects including the historic Johnson Building transformation of the Central Library at Boston Public Library (2017 Harleston Parker Medal). Most recently, she managed the King Open/Cambridge Street Upper Schools & Community Complex, one of the City of Cambridge’s first Net Zero Emissions projects. This building is home to the ALA Award winning Valente Branch library and the K-8 Learning Commons. Sindu has also designed libraries including the Olin Library expansion at Washington University in St. Louis and the Lilly Music Library at Tufts University. Sindu serves as a Library Trustee for the Milton Public Library.

Spencer Keralis

Assistant Professor @ University of Illinois Urbana Champaign

Spencer D. C. Keralis is Assistant Professor and Digital Humanities Librarian with the University of Illinois Libraries. They have served in leadership roles in academic libraries since 2012, fostering interdisciplinary digital scholarship research and pedagogy. Their research on labor ethics in digital humanities appears in Disrupting the Digital Humanities (2018) and is forthcoming (with Rafia Mirza and Maura Seale) in Debates in Digital Humanities 2022. They have extensive experience in digital project management and data curation. Their research has appeared in Book History, American Periodicals, hyperrhiz: new media cultures, The Journal of Interactive Technology and Pedagogy, and Unbound: A Journal of Digital Scholarship. They hold a Ph.D. in English and American Literature from New York University.

Stacy Zemke

Chief Information Officer @ TEL Education

Steph Noell

Special Collections Librarian @ University of Texas at San Antonio

Steph Noell (they/them) has been an academic librarian for 9 years and has worked in higher education for 20 years. They are currently the Special Collections Librarian at the University of Texas at San Antonio where they manage the special collections instruction program as well as a rare books collection of more than 28,000 titles. Throughout their career, they have supported their LGBTQIA+ campus community by making their office a Safe Zone, volunteering as a mentor for the Student-Faculty Pride Association, and ensuring that the collections they manage represent the spectrum of student identities.

Steven Yates

Assistant Director and Assistant Professor @ University of Alabama SLIS

Steven Yates is an assistant director and assistant professor at the University of Alabama School of Library and Information Studies. He currently serves as chair of ALA’s Committee on Library Advocacy and as a member of the ALA Policy Corps. He is a past president of the American Association of School Librarians and the Alabama Library Association.

Stewart Brower

Director, Schusterman Library @ University of Oklahoma-Tulsa

Stewart (“Stew”) Brower, MLIS, AHIP, is Director of the Schusterman Library, University of Oklahoma-Tulsa. He received his Masters of Library and Information Studies from the University of Oklahoma (OU) in 1993, and has worked in academic libraries for most of his career. He received certification in leadership development from Cornell University in 2020, and has routinely taught workshops and graduate courses in library leadership for the last several years, as well as the graduate course, “Comics & Graphic Novels” for the library school at OU.

Susan Maguire

Senior Editor @ Booklist

Suzanne Wulf

Head of Digital Services, Niles-Maine District Library

Enthusiastic leader with a passion for meeting community needs through engaging programming and dynamic library services. Experience leading and coaching successful teams and collaborating with different groups. Skilled at managing budgets, launching new initiatives and strategic thinking. Dedicated to the advocacy and promotion of library through community partnerships and professional development.

Tabrizia Jones

Young Adult Librarian, New York Public Library

Tabrizia Jones is the Young Adult Librarian of the Pelham Parkway-Van Nest Branch of the New York Public Library. As someone who was born and raised in the Bronx, she has seen great things that makes New York a creative and vibrant city and what way to display that creativity in a magazine that celebrates New York! Tabrizia has participated with literary magazines and newspapers in high school, working on them and submitting to them. In her spare time, she loves to write, both short stories and poems, do art, and of course, read!

Tamiko Brown

Library Coordinator, Fort Bend Independent School District

Tamiko Brown is a Library Coordinator with over 20 years of experience as a school librarian. In 2014, she was inspired about a student Maker Faire hosted by President Obama at the White House. To give students a chance to tinker, she made a decision to add a maker space as one of her first steps toward bringing her library into the 21st century. Her maker space talks have been featured at the Texas Computer Education Association and Texas Library Association conferences, and CCISD’s What’s Trending: Librarians as Leaders Conference. Librarians throughout Texas look to Brown as a leader. She frequently speaks to community organizations, and she hosts tours of her library for other librarians from the school district or state. She has taught a Social Studies Methods night course at the University of Houston Clear Lake (UHCL). Brown’s array of STEM activities feeds the wider goal of teaching critical thinking and how to collaborate. She aims to provide access to opportunities for all kids, regardless of socioeconomic status. She was honored with the 2016 Campus Teacher of the Year and was named the 2017 SLJ School Librarian of the Year.

Tarah Hayes

Administrative Manager @ University of Oklahoma-Tulsa

Tarah Hayes has been the Administrative Manager at the University of Oklahoma-Tulsa Schusterman Library since 2016. Over the years her role at the library has expanded to become a leadership position on the Library Executive Team, with primary responsibilities for all library assessment, space planning and leading the library Ambassadors program. Currently, Tarah is expanding her role to include fundraising and is planning a mini golf event in celebration of the Schusterman Library’s 10th Anniversary.

Taylor Greene

Chair of Instructional Services @ Chapman University

Taylor Greene is the Chair of Research and Instructional Services at Chapman University's Leatherby Libraries. He oversees library instruction initiatives, including for the First-Year Foundations program.

Tejas Desai

Tejas Desai is an American novelist of Indian descent and a Supervising Librarian for the Queens Public Library in New York City, where he was born and raised. He is the author of the bestselling international crime trilogy The Brotherhood Chronicle (2018-2020) and the acclaimed Good Americans (2013) which Kirkus Reviews called "a solid collection of rare caliber" that "speaks volumes about the human condition and modern life in America." He is the founder of The New Wei literary movement, which advocates independent, provocative literature and a dynamic new multiculturalism. He has been presenting on the topic of independent and multicultural literature for almost a decade, and has written about it in HuffPost, Neworld Review, Publishing Perspectives and other publications. He has also been featured in several publications including Thrive Global, Buzzfeed, The New York Journal, LA Post-Examiner, The London Post, NYK Daily and many others. It has been written, among other things, that "in the world of literature, Desai has become a superhero, delivering readers the ride of their lifetime." (USA Reformer).

Teri DeVoe

Associate Deputy Director @ Institute of Museum and Library Services

Teri DeVoe is an Associate Deputy Director at the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). She leads the Grants to States program that provides formula-based library funding to states, territories, and freely associated states. Teri has also served in multiple positions in the agency's Office of Library Services since 2012. Previously, Teri was the Coordinator of the EPA National Library Network and has additional library experience in university, school, and non-profit settings.  She holds a Master of Science in Library Science (MSLS) and an MA in art history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Tiffeni Fontno

Head Librarian @ Boston College-ERC

Tiffeni J. Fontno is currently a doctoral student, in Education & Leadership for Organizatiacon from the University of Dayton. She received her Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from Kent State and a Master of Education (M.Ed) from John Carrol University. In 2019, she was named the Educational Resource Center head librarian at Boston College. She is an active member of the American Library Association, serving on committees pertaining to children's literature, education, literacy, and diversity.

Tina Chan

Reference services program manager and humanities librarian, MIT Libraries

Tina Lerno

Librarian II, Digital Content Team, Emerging Technologies and Collections Division, Los Angeles Public Library

Tina Lernø is a librarian for the City of Los Angeles and part of the Library’s Digital Content team where she is responsible for web content and design, with a focus on teen user needs and comics advocacy. Before becoming a librarian, Tina worked in the world of television animation doing color design on shows such as Harold and the Purple Crayon, Jackie Chan Adventures, and The Boondocks. Tina is the past chair of the GGNFTs committee for YALSA and is currently an active member of GNCRT and REFORMA. She is a native of Los Angeles, CA. where she currently resides with her two children and her three cats. Her vast vinyl record collection makes an excellent backdrop for sewing, puzzling, and reading comics, and she reads about 500 books a year!

Tom Jacobson

VP, Executive Library Advocate & Strategist @ Innovative Interfaces Inc.

After more than 40 years working with libraries, Tom is well-suited to advise operations at Innovative on the unique needs and opportunities for libraries and their patrons. His experience includes 25 years with Innovative, 2 years as a consultant for OCLC, and running his own consultancy, where he and his partners helped libraries operate and grow with a patron focus. He’s proficient in the best practices of ILS/LSP procurement, library workflows and operations, resource sharing and discovery technologies, and library market sizing and analysis. Tom holds a B.A. in International Relations from American University and an M.L.I.S. from the University of Maryland.

Toms Mathew

Administrative Sup @ Houston Public Library

Toms Mathew currently serves as the Administrative Supervisor for the Finance Division of the Houston Public Library. He holds a Bachelors of Science in Finance, and was a part of the Library's Statistics and Business Intelligence team as the Data Collections Specialist.

Traci King

Tracie D. Hall

Executive Director, American Library Association

In February 2020, Tracie D. Hall was appointed the American Library Association’s 10th executive director in its 143-year history. In her new role, Hall oversees the oldest and largest library association in the world, made up of 57,000 members and more than 200 staffers. Hall is the first female African American executive director in ALA’s history. Upon Hall’s appointment, ALA President, Wanda K. Brown, observed that “Her unique combination of philanthropy and library know-how positioned her to be the leader ALA needs today. She is optimistic, energizing, and innovative, qualities that will serve the association well as it continues its investments in advocacy, development, and information technology.” She was among the first cohort of ALA’s Spectrum Scholars, and she served as the director of ALA’s Office for Diversity. Most recently, Hall directed the culture portfolio at the Chicago-based Joyce Foundation, developing new grant programs designed to foster greater equity and diversity in arts administration, catalyze and scale neighborhood-based arts venues, cultural programming, and creative entrepreneurship.

Trisha Prevett

ELearning Librarian @ Southern New Hampshire University

Twanna Hodge

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Librarian @ University of Florida

Twanna Hodge is the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Librarian at the University of Florida Libraries. She graduated from the University of Washington in 2015 with her master's degree in library and information science. She was the co-chair of the National Conference of African American Librarians XI Conference Programming Committee, co-chair of the ACRL 2021 Scholarships Committee, and more. Her research interests are diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility issues and efforts in the LIS curriculum and workplace, library residencies and fellowships, cultural humility in librarianship, and the retention of BIPOC and underrepresented library employee in librarianship. She is a 2013 Spectrum Scholar and 2018 ALA Emerging Leader.

Uta Hussong-Christian

Associate Professor & Science Librarian, Oregon State University

Uta Hussong-Christian, Associate Professor & Science Librarian at Oregon State University's Valley Library, is a current co-chair of the Education & Program Committee for ALA's Sustainability Round Table (SustainRT) and a past Coordinator of SustainRT.

Valerie Bell

Executive Director, Athens Regional Library

Valerie Bell is the executive director of the Athens Regional Library System (ARLS) in Athens, GA. She earned a bachelor’s degree in history and political science, with a minor in philosophy and a master’s degree in library science from St. John’s University in New York. Serving residents in five Northeast Georgia counties, ARLS was named 2017’s Georgia Public Library of the Year for “creative programming, thoughtful customer service, and strong community partnerships that benefit library users of all ages throughout the five counties they serve.” In 2018, ARLS was awarded a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to partner with the University of Georgia School of Social Work to become a trauma-informed library.

Victor Baeza

Graduate Initiatives and Engagement @ Oklahoma State University

Mr. Victor Baeza, Graduate Initiatives and Engagement Coordinator, provides leadership to the Oklahoma State University (OSU) Libraries in the areas of services to graduate students, and serves as the Business Librarian for OSU. He continuously works to develop new outreach opportunities and collaborations across campus. His 25 years of involvement in library instruction has given him diverse experience in designing, directing and delivering workshops, training sessions, and seminars to the academic community. Victor has a BS in Communication from Eastern New Mexico University. He earned his MLS from the University of North Texas and received his MBA from Texas Christian University.

Wesley Smith

Studio Librarian @ University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Wesley Smith received both a Bachelor of Science in Sport Administration and Master of Arts in Higher Education from University of Louisville. Prior to UTC, Wesley was the Media Resources Consultant at Clemson University. As a Studio Librarian at UTC, he specializes in multimedia production and multimedia instruction

Yvonne Dooley

Business Reference Librarian @ University of North Texas

Yvonne Dooley is the Business Librarian and Copyright Specialist at the University of North Texas Libraries and was previously one of four Business Reference & Research Specialists at the Library of Congress. Prior to her current position, she also worked at the U.S. Copyright Office as an information specialist and supervisory project manager on a large-scale digitization project. Yvonne began her career as a business reference librarian at Southern Methodist University. She has over 20 years of experience in public, academic and special libraries and is a past president of the District of Columbia Library Association.

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