As linked data becomes more of a reality for the library community, OCLC has worked with libraries around the world to better understand how data, tools, and services can help integrate linked data into existing workflows and provide a clear path to transition to linked data. In this presentation, we will talk about insights from those libraries, the linked data work OCLC has done over the past few years to help with this integration and transition, and new linked data native tools and services we are developing for future library work.
In an increasingly asynchronous world, libraries are faced with the challenge of offering service hours and access to library spaces in ways that meet their users' needs. One emerging solution is self service access, which extends service beyond regularly staffed hours. As a complement to traditional staffed hours, these new service models can be a valuable addition by offering patrons the opportunity to use their libraries when it best suits their schedules. In this session, four Minnesota library systems will share their experiences with self service building access solutions. By the end of this session, attendees will understand how these technologies can be implemented in different ways for various service models and communities. They will also discuss the broader impact on both frontline staff and library users in their diverse mix of urban, suburban, and rural communities.
Library Technology Manager, Scott County Library (MN)
I have over 20 years of experience in both public libraries and school libraries. Ask me about Extended Access self service periods, community engagement, staff training, process improvement, and grant writing!
Scott has worked in public libraries for over 20 years. He obtained his MSI from the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor. Since 2023, he's served as the Library Director for Hennepin County Library.
This presentation will focus on the lived experience of a librarian who recently moved into a large middle management role at a sizable R1 institution, while adjusting to a new discovery of their neurodiversity. Through discussing their lived experience, the presenter hopes to illustrate some of the lessons about neurodiversity in their current leadership role. They will also discuss their new journey into understanding their life as a neurodivergent person and how it intersects with their career. Finally, while this presentation will provide tips that the presenter has found helpful in their experience with neurodiversity and library leadership, it will also stress that part of neurodiversity is a lack of universality to our experiences. The presentation will address the importance of discovering what works on your own path. It will also discuss how to work with your neurodiverse colleagues to discover what will help them best succeed in their roles in their own institutions.
AI is making lots of headlines, but how can we harness its powers for good? We are working on a series of much-needed renovations and remodels to create user-centered spaces that make our students feel comfortable and welcome. Recently we've begun exploring the use of generative AI to help us envision possibilities for existing spaces and take a "shortcut" through the design process by allowing us to share AI-generated ideas and images with the university's remodel and construction services unit. Ultimately, the use of AI tools in the design process could save both time and money, while opening new possibilities and ideas that we might otherwise overlook.
In this presentation we'll share examples of how our library is experimenting with generative AI tools to support building improvements, get better feedback from users, and support library space design that will support campus diversity and inclusion goals. We'll also host a discussion among attendees about how cutting-edge AI tools could be used, or are already being used, to support facilities enhancements in other libraries.
Passionate about creating libraries that invite community and connection, I’ve had the privilege of working in both public and academic libraries. Currently I am managing library spaces and building operations at Colorado State University Libraries. I’m driven by a commitment... Read More →
Discovery products providing a single search interface to library collections have become industry standard in large academic libraries since their emergence in the late 2000's. The process and parameters by which libraries select and evaluate these products is, however, neither standardized nor well represented in the literature. This presentation begins to fill in gaps by discussing libraries' procurement processes and assessment methods including usability studies, drawn from both the literature and real life. Presenters proceed by offering insights into how commercial discovery products use more standardized and proven metadata schemas like MARC, gleaned from mapping metadata for implementations of EDS (EBSCO Discovery Services) and Primo (Ex Libris). It concludes by offering a preview of novel research using metadata to benchmark the precision and relevance of search results from proprietary discovery products, reinforcing the importance of maintaining the integrity and accessibility of legacy metadata.
For decades we have discussed what the libraries of the future would be to have a direct impact on the health and wellbeing of those who work and visit. For decades we have forecasted building designs that could have a direct impact on climate change. Those libraries have been built, are being built, and are in design. The 2030 challenge for buildings impacting climate change is upon us in a few short years.
Come and learn the best practices that are having an impact on the lives of so many community members across the nation through the healthy and sustainable libraries they have built and how they are contributing to diminish climate change through the 2030 challenge and COTE Top Ten Principles. This session will provide information from case studies and current methods that are being successfully used and implemented along with ways to fund these needed methodologies such as how to access federal funds from the Inflation Reduction Act.
As MSR Design’s interior design discipline lead and a firm associate, Veronica believes that the most successful library projects arise from an inter-disciplinary design approach. Veronica has worked in communities across the country developing inclusive spaces that not only tread... Read More →
An interior designer and associate with MSR Design, Emily is passionate about developing concepts to inform an interdisciplinary design process from start to finish. She focuses on creating spaces that are intuitively designed for users and offer an inclusive sense of place. Emily... Read More →
Saturday November 16, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Orchestra B
In January 2024, ChatGPT Plus, Microsoft Copilot Pro, Google Gemini Advanced, and Claude Pro were four of the most popular Generative AI services available to the public. Each had subscription plans for around $20.00 a month. Meanwhile, at [LIBRARY], library student workers were creating basic metadata for scanned electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs) from the 1920s-1990s. Due to time constraints, these historical ETDs only had basic metadata fields such as title, author, and date. How could the Oklahoma State University library add valuable metadata with limited staff and time? To solve this problem, [LIBRARY] student workers began testing these four, subscription-based Generative AI services to see if they could create reliable, accurate abstracts and keywords. To do this, student workers learned how to create accurate prompts to gather the best possible metadata, and then they learned how to evaluate the results with a rubric provided by their supervisor. This presentation will demonstrate how student workers used Generative AI to create abstracts and keywords for electronic dissertations and theses for an institutional depository. Then it will compare these four Generative AI options, evaluate their performance for creating metadata, and envision the future of generative AI and metadata.
Representatives from the committee and other practitioners will discuss the latest news and questions about browser technology changes, troubleshooting, Federated Credential Management (FedCM), results from the 2023 Library Automation Perceptions Survey, and whatever is on the audience's mind. How are changes affecting your institution's current authentication system? How are resource vendors responding? Ask questions and make suggestions. If we can't address your concern in the session, we'll make sure the Core Authentication and Authorization Committee gets details out to the community in future communications. The FA Committee web page has resources that provide an understanding of authentication technology from foundational to expert. This session follows up on previous information sessions at ALA and Core Forum
Electronic Resources Librarian, Cornell University
I'm an Electronic Resources Librarian at Cornell University, and have been here since June 2016. My current focus, as of 2023, is split between work on Cornell's Open Access strategy, and ensuring that our databases and online resources all work well together for the benefit of our... Read More →
Saturday November 16, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm CST
Orchestra D
The focus of this presentation will be to share best practices and lessons learned in building a public safety and social service collaboration. These two presenters have been working together for several years (one from the security and safety side and the other from the social service side). Utilization of technology to address both of these issues will also be shared.
David Corrington is a former U.S. Federal Agent with the US Department of Homeland Security. Prior to becoming a Federal Agent, David was a Criminal Defense Investigator for the Federal Public Defenders Office in Washington. In addition to Federal criminal investigations, David has... Read More →
Technical services librarians do not often participate in library instruction. At our university, the technical services librarian partnered with an instruction librarian and teaching faculty on a DEI grant to explore issues of information privilege with students in first-year foundation classes. We are investigating existing systems of information collection and dissemination, with the premise that such systems are often inequitable and potentially harmful. We are teaching students how data algorithms play into information distribution, the reasons for missing and marginalized perspectives in published research, and privilege in access to information. Our experiences with this grant showcase how metadata and collections librarians can share their expertise in electronic resource acquisition and collection development, as well as show the principles of critical cataloging in metadata and classification are relevant to patrons. We will demonstrate how our instruction sessions have made students more successful in finding and evaluating information.
Coordinator of Library Collections, Elon University Belk Library
Shannon Tennant is the Coordinator of Library Collections at Elon University’s Belk Library in Elon, NC. She received both her BA and her MLS from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and then worked at a public library in New Hampshire before coming to Elon in 2000... Read More →
n the summer of 2023, three departments within the Access and Resource Services Division of a large academic library created paid summer internships to provide opportunities for graduate students from underrepresented groups to gain practical library and preservation experience. In preparing for our second round of internships, we reflected on what went right during our pilot year and where we could improve, including streamlining recruitment and onboarding workflows and creating a community for our interns. This presentation will focus on the changes we made and their impact on the success of the 2024 intern program. Panelists will share observations on the use of library internships as a DEI strategy and the logistics of creating engaging internship experiences, including developing job descriptions, hiring checklists, interview questions, potential projects and funding sources. We will discuss both intern and library staff assessments of the value of participating in one or both years of our internship program. This presentation will be helpful to those who want to implement shorter internship programs in libraries of different types and sizes and to creatively leverage collaboration between departments and libraries for easier planning and higher impact.
Leading staff in an ever-changing, unpredictable environment can be difficult. Right now, library staff at every level are facing new (and old) challenges to their emotional well-being at work. When both staff and supervisors are feeling overloaded, it can be hard to find the time and space to lead staff effectively. Coaching can be a powerful tool for proactively supporting staff, even in times of constant transition. In this session, we'll discuss the impact that coaching methods can have on building resilient employees and teams. We'll share tools and techniques that help supervisors create intentional space for thoughtful, productive conversations with staff that address concerns, provide feedback, and enhance professional development. We'll discuss ways to create a habit of using coaching skills and how proactive coaching sessions can positively impact your employee development and team-building efforts. Join us at this session to learn how adding coaching to your professional toolbox can yield substantial benefits.
Stacey Hendren is the Library Manager of the Northtown Branch in Anoka County and a long-time member of the Minnesota Library Association, Public Library Association and the American Library Association. At MLA, Hendren was President (2021), Public Libraries Division Chair (2017... Read More →
Director of Outreach & Instruction, SELCO (Southeastern Libraries Cooperating)
In addition to working for SELCO as their Director of Outreach & Instruction, I'm also a Certified Narrative Coach Practitioner. My focus is providing support to library and nonprofit staff so they can attain their professional and personal goals.
Libraries are more than repositories of information—they are evolving community and student hubs, fostering holistic wellbeing, interactive learning, and hybrid environments. We will explore current trends shaping both academic and public library spaces to support the diverse needs of their communities, students, and patrons. We'll begin by examining wellbeing-focused design trends, from biophilic elements and wellness spaces to outdoor areas that enhance personal growth and community success. Next, we'll delve into interactive spaces, discussing the evolution of children’s areas, the rise of family rooms in both public and academic libraries, and how libraries are becoming hands-on environments for making and creativity. Finally, we'll look at the hybrid revolution, unpacking how libraries are adapting to support hybrid learning, flexible staff workspaces, and reimagined user spaces like study rooms and pods to meet the demands of both in-person and digital interactions. Join us for a thought-provoking session on the future of library design that aims to equip you with insights for creating more inclusive, versatile, and engaging library spaces.
Director, Capital Planning & Project Management, Columbus Metropolitan Library
Throughout the past two decades, Wendy Tressler, M.Ed., MLIS has worked in a variety of leadership roles at Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML). Currently serving as the Director of Capital Planning & Project Management, she leads construction, facilities, technology, and lean/operational... Read More →
Assoc. Dean, Library Information Systems, Access & Facilities, University of Miami
The University of Miami has a number of renovation projects in progress or queued up as part of the Libraries Master Plan, completed in 2022. Areas of interest: building & collection security; collection storage facilities; creation & mgmt of spaces to promote wellbeing and accessibility... Read More →
Special Projects and Initiatives Manager, Saint Paul Public Library
Marika’s passion for public libraries began in 2001 when she developed the first homework center at the Saint Paul Public Library. Since then, she has developed several impactful programs, including the Saint Paul Read Brave initiative, a citywide reading initiative that fosters... Read More →
CEO, president, and principal with MSR Design, Traci uses design as a tool for positive change for her clients and their communities. Recent projects Traci has led include the Missoula Public Library and Culture House—the first project in North America to be named IFLA/Systematic... Read More →
Scott has worked in public libraries for over 20 years. He obtained his MSI from the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor. Since 2023, he's served as the Library Director for Hennepin County Library.
Genre/form terms describe what a resource is, while subject headings describe what a resource is about. While genre/form vocabularies have been available for use in libraries for years, they were often only used in special collections cataloging, in favor of using subject headings to provide genre/form information. As the use of faceted vocabularies has become more popular, so has the use of genre/form terms. The presentation will provide an overview of using genre/form terms in resource description today. Topics covered include the difference between genre/form terms and subject headings, benefits of recording genre/form terms, and how terms are recorded in various schema (e.g., MARC 21, Dublin Core, and BIBFRAME). A variety of genre form thesauri will be featured from Library of Congress Genre Form Terms to more specialized vocabularies such as Getty Art & Architecture Thesaurus, RBMS Controlled Vocabulary for Rare Materials Cataloging, and Genre Terms for Tabletop Games.
Recent research in the cultural heritage conservation field has identified arsenic and other toxic heavy metals in pigments used in 19th century book bindings. How hazardous are these materials, and what should libraries do if they have 19th C. items in their collections? This presentation will provide background information on this growing field of interest, and a broad overview of some of the research to date. We will also provide a case study of the ongoing research project at the [UNIVERSITY] Library, testing for the presence of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, mercury, and lead in pigments used to color bookcloth and paper. We will describe our planning process, communication plans, the current state of our findings, what we've learned so far, and outstanding questions. Not every library has the staff or funding to undertake a large-scale research project, so we will also provide tips to identify potentially problematic pigments, as well as things to consider when handling or providing access to these materials.
Collections Care Coordinator, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Shelby Strommer is the Collections Care Coordinator in the Preservation Services unit of the University of Illinois Library. She holds a Master of Science in Information from the University of Michigan, where she specialized in Preservation. She is also a member of the National Heritage... Read More →
Collections Care Graduate Assistant, University of Illinois
Arthur Hall is the Collections Care Graduate Assistant for the University of Illinois's Preservation Department. He is currently obtaining his MSLIS from UIUC, where he received his BFA for New Media in 2023.
In 2022, our library migrated to a new library management system, joining an established shared implementation of Alma and Primo. Integrated resource sharing and document delivery was partially available to our user community at go-live, and expanded considerably over the following year, with the addition of a new network and new partners. In this presentation, we will share our experiences over the past two years. We will discuss challenges that we have encountered with an expanding resource sharing network - both high-level and "on the ground" for our User Services staff - and how we have worked to address them, as well as the benefits we have found. We will also share insights on how making our collections, especially our legacy physical collections, more visible has opened them to new users beyond our local community and supports the larger movement in academic libraries toward greater emphasis on sharing collections across institutions.
Associate University Librarian, Distinctive Collections, McMaster University Library
Wade Wyckoff joined McMaster University Library in 2006, where he is currently Associate University Librarian, Collections. Previously, he held appointments as Cataloguing Policy Librarian, Collection Services Librarian, and Associate University Librarian, Collections with the University... Read More →
Explore how artificial intelligence can revolutionize libraries by enhancing accessibility, streamlining operations, and fostering community connections. In this session, Brian Pichman will share innovative AI applications tailored for libraries, focusing on open and transparent solutions that empower both public and academic institutions. Discover strategies for integrating AI technologies in marketing, user interaction, and information dissemination, ensuring libraries remain at the forefront of knowledge and technology in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Brian Pichman, a forward-thinking technologist and champion for progress, breathes new life into libraries and educational institutions through his groundbreaking work across his careers. By seamlessly integrating state-of-the-art technology, fostering dynamic collaboration, and... Read More →
As library leaders transition into new roles, it is anticipated they will encounter various challenges at their new institution. These challenges may include issues such as space shortages, team vacancies, low staff morale, or new library administration. There is an inherent expectation that new managers will grapple with at least one of these challenges from the start. However, what happens when these leaders find themselves facing multiple challenges simultaneously? As it's often said, when it rains, it pours. This session aims to provide insights into effectively navigating these challenging waters and redirecting the downpour to overcome each obstacle, no matter the number. Attendees will discover how one library and its staff turned adversity into an opportunity for growth, restoration, and revitalization. The session will explore how the library leveraged collaborative cross-campus partnerships, capitalized on staff strengths-building opportunities, and fostered the development of a healthy work environment amid challenging circumstances.
This study aims to investigate the alignment between a university (UW-Madison) library’s resources and the research outputs of the university’s scholars. By comparing citations in university publications with the library collections, we seek to quantify the degree to which the library supports academic research at the university. This analysis will involve comparing research outputs, extracting cited references, and assessing the library collections of overlaps and gaps. This study will rely on data from popular bibliographic databases such as Web of Science, and the library cataloging records. The project’s merit lies in providing evidence-based insights for library collection management, enhancing support for academic research, and optimizing resource allocations in university libraries. Findings will inform strategic decisions in collection development, ensuring resources are closely aligned with the university’s research needs. This endeavor will not only improve library services but also contribute to the broader scholarly communication field, offering a replicable model for similar assessments at other institutions.
As censorship becomes more prevalent throughout the country, states are turning to legislation to cut attempts off at the knee. From proposed legislation threatening state funding to libraries to proposed administrative fees to individuals who challenge multiple books per month, states are looking for ways to defend the inalienable right to read. In New Mexico recently proposed legislation which aimed to curtail censorship within public libraries was recently introduced but ran out of time in a short budget session. While this legislation was well supported and will likely be reintroduced, there are lessons to be learned. Follow the legislative process, and hear from NM Deputy State Librarian and ALA UABB member, Kate Alderete on the ups and downs of passing anti book ban legislation and what ALA resources are available to library workers.
Join library staff members, as they delve into the rapidly evolving landscape of Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT within the context of public libraries. Amidst continuous media attention and daily technological changes, the library proactively formed a cross-departmental AI task force to monitor advancements and its impact to libraries.
In this session titled, "If I hear the word AI one more time" we invite you to explore the task force findings, focusing on their relevance to library customers and staff. The presenters will not only discuss the benefits of AI technology for libraries but also underscore the associated challenges, including biases and inaccuracies.
These recent technological strides have sparked dialogues among our peers and customers. We'll discuss how AI can enhance staff productivity and how libraries can support customer adoption. As gateways to knowledge, libraries have a pivotal role to play in facilitating the safe use of AI.
So, gear up for a lively and interactive discussion. Join us as we demystify AI together!
While many associate creativity with individual work in the fine arts, creativity–the development of a valuable new product, idea, or problem solution–is vital to innovation, solving problems, and facilitating change. While some elements of creativity are dependent on a person’s inherent interests and abilities, creativity is significantly influenced by a person’s context. In other words, an individual’s creativity largely depends on whether their environment supports creative work. Creativity is constantly demanded of libraries as they face challenges and bans, technological changes, and fluctuations in the characteristics and interests of their user populations. While the value of creativity may seem obvious, the practices needed to cultivate it in the workplace are less understood. This presentation will draw on both quantitative and qualitative data collected by the presenter from academic library staff and leaders over the last several years to identify barriers that both library staff and leaders face when trying to cultivate a creative work environment. It will then provide attendees with specific strategies that can contribute to a work environment that encourages creativity among employees while countering destructive environmental elements that can contribute to bullying, low morale, and burnout.
Traditionally, web accessibility efforts concentrated on providing alternative text for images, employing proper heading structures, and ensuring videos were accompanied by captions. However, the landscape of web accessibility has evolved significantly since the U.S. 2021 Executive Order, which integrated Accessibility into Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (now DEIA) initiatives. This shift has heightened the focus on making websites universally accessible.
My goal is to demystify the process of enhancing your website's compliance with DEIA. This non-technical session is designed to guide attendees through the essential adjustments needed to embrace this broader perspective on accessibility. We'll explore the critical role of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and offer a glimpse into the forthcoming standard. Join me to learn how to make your website not only accessible but also inclusive, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.
Library renovation projects are filled with surprises, pitfalls, and endless decisions - far more than an inexperienced leader will generally expect. Panelists represent a broad spectrum of librarians, partners, and professionals who are integral to any facility project. Three of the five panelists are in leadership roles at public university libraries somewhere in the renovation process and the others hold key roles in keeping renovations moving and on track. Two are in the midst of renovations - one for their entire building and the other on the next step of a phased building renovation. The third will soon be kicking off a whole building renovation. Through the planning and renovation process, they have gained experience collaborating with architects, project managers, campus stakeholders, and their library colleagues to design a library to serve their campus community for years to come. This presentation will provide insight from the perspectives of library leadership, architects, and construction project management. They will discuss the importance of developing and maintaining partnerships with stakeholders on campus and beyond, navigating the complicated landscape of construction and renovation, fundraising, the best and worst parts of renovation, and lessons learned.
