2024 Core Forum

7:45amBus Departs Hilton8:00 – 8:45amTour of SPPL Mobile Library8:45-9:30amTour of George Latimer Central Library (SPPL)9:30amBus Departs George Latimer Central Library10:00 - 11:00amTour of Minneapolis Central Library11:00amBus Departs Minneapolis Central Library11:15amBus arrives back at Hilton

Saint Paul Public Library:
 
About the Mobile Library
 
Saint Paul Public Library's Mobile Library is a vibrant and dynamic community resource, bringing the rich offerings of the library directly to neighborhoods throughout the city. This innovative service is a testament to SPPL’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that everyone, regardless of location, can benefit from our vast collection of materials, resources, services, and programs. For many community members, the Mobile Library serves as their home library, and they rely on the vehicle’s visit for similar services found in a library building. By    meeting Saint Paul residents where they are, the Mobile Library fosters joy of discovery, supports lifelong learning, and strengthens community connections in all corners of Saint Paul.  
 
After more than 19 years traversing all corners of the city, the Bookmobile, as it was formerly called, reached the end of its useful library life. In August 2024, the SPPL replaced the old vehicle with a state-of-the-art vehicle—the Mobile Library—that provides new and expanded services based on community feedback.
 
The Mobile Library is more accessible, efficient, and better reflects Saint Paul’s rich diversity by offering books in multiple languages and displaying vibrant art. In addition to a revolving collection of books for borrowing, residents can participate in ever-changing programming for all ages and connect with a digital navigator to answer technology-related questions and get access to broadband internet. The vehicles wrapped with original artwork created by a community artist.
 
About the George Latimer Central Library and Nicholson Commons
 
One of Saint Paul's most historic structures, the George Latimer Central Library is the largest Saint Paul Public Library (SPPL) housing approximately 350,000 materials in its collection and welcoming over 300,000 visitors annually.  
 
The building was built 1914-1917 for $1.5 million. Architect Electus Litchfield used Italian Renaissance Revival style design and was heavily influenced by New York’s J. P. Morgan Library (1906). Features include arched windows, Palladian style entrances, large stonework, balustrade surrounding the building, rondel features near the arched windows, use of classical columns and pilasters, and cornice capping the structure.  
 
The City of Saint Paul and The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library have funded two major renovations of the building since its construction. A $15.9 million renovation 2000-2002 was designed by the architects at Meyer, Scherer, and Rockcastle (MSR). A $1.3 million renovation 2015-2016 was designed by Lawal Scott Erickson (LSE) Architects.  
 
On the second floor, the Nicholson Commons is one of the architectural highlights of the library. Featuring large, arched windows, angel friezes, and painted ceiling beams, the room originally served as the main reading room. In 2002, the room was endowed with a $1 million gift from local philanthropists Richard and Nancy Nicholson.  
 
In 2022, using the Nicholson endowment, SPPL worked with MSR to engage community members to create a plan for service, space, and user experience improvements to Nicolson Commons. Through community engagement they established the guiding principles of creating a space that is welcoming, empowering, and flexible.  
 
The first phase of improvements was completed in summer 2023, which include a reconfigured public computer area, the installation of additional electrical outlets, and updated meeting rooms for improved co-working experiences. There is designated reading, studying, and browsing areas with comfortable seating and improved lighting.
 
The next phase of this project is now underway focusing on additional study spaces on the main level of Nicholson Commons. The third phase will include repurposing the balcony for increased use and appreciation of its stunning views of the Mississippi River and Rice Park.  
 
Hennepin County Library:
 
About the Minneapolis Central Library
 
Minneapolis Public Library was founded in 1885 and opened in the city’s first public library building on 10th Street and Hennepin Avenue in 1889. In 1961, a larger and more modern building was constructed on the present-day location. The current building, opened in 2006, houses the largest collection of items in the Hennepin County Library system, along with the Cargill Gallery, a library-based gallery space committed to community-engaged group exhibits, the Teen Tech Center, special collections, an auditorium, and several meeting rooms. With over 600,000 visitors per year, the Minneapolis Central Library is an integral part of downtown Minneapolis.

Registration:
Core/MLA Members - $79
Non Members - $99

How can a renovation include marginalized and emerging communities? Can a larger collection actually limit inclusion? Learn techniques from the private sector - retail and restaurants - that help you understand the needs of diverse communities, plan space for inclusion, analyze circulation efficiency and avoid zone conflicts.

Registration:
Core Members - $119
Minnesota Library Association Members - $119
Non-Members - $149

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the significance of preserving digital materials extends beyond merely storing bits and bytes; it is about safeguarding and providing access to our cultural heritage, scientific data, and governmental records for future generations. This introductory session on digital preservation aims to provide participants with a comprehensive overview of the principles, practices, and challenges of digital preservation. Through this session, attendees will gain insights into the strategies and technologies employed to ensure the long-term accessibility and usability of digital content.
Participants will leave the session with a solid understanding of the basics of digital preservation, awareness of the challenges faced in the field, and knowledge of the tools and strategies available to tackle these challenges. They will be equipped to begin thinking critically about digital preservation in their own contexts and how they might contribute to preserving digital heritage. This proposal outlines a session designed to introduce attendees to the foundational concepts of digital preservation, highlight the challenges faced, and explore practical solutions. It aims to cater to a broad audience, providing a valuable learning experience for those new to the field as well as offering insights for professionals looking to enhance their digital preservation strategies.

Registration:
Core Members - $119
Minnesota Library Association Members - $119
Non-Members - $149

The Somali Museum's mission emphasizes education, and we offer personalized tours of the Museum's collection for those who want an in-depth introduction to Somali culture. We welcome and encourage groups from schools, religious life centers, and community organizations, as well as individuals.

Registration:
Core/MLA Members - $79
Non Members - $79

If you’re in senior or middle management, you know the necessity of effective strategic planning and implementation, but what should you do if your go-to planning model doesn’t reflect our current trends and challenges? ALA’s For Results series has an enduring, widespread impact on elevating library services, but the foremost trends of EDI, operating in a divisive sociopolitical climate, and resetting after a global pandemic are absent in its 20-year-old text. Using the Strategic Planning for Results’ methodology as a starting point, we’ll explore:

• identifying and integrating equity, diversity, and inclusion into existing process and product;
• improving clarity of messaging and services to stakeholders and your broader community, starting with strategy;
• developing infrastructure to support ethics-affirming behavior with your staff; as well as
• connecting with community and capturing feedback to build inclusive service and facilities plans

Learn how these approaches can revitalize your planning and implementation process to meet the challenges of tomorrow, starting today. Don’t abandon your strategic planning model, adapt it!

Registration:
Core Members - $119
Minnesota Library Association Members - $119
Non-Members - $149

How can you have a greater impact in your community while staying focused on the needs of your core constituents? Have the information needs of your community changed following the COVID-19 pandemic and do you believe there are new ways that libraries of all types can work together to meet those needs? Do you know how your counterparts in academic, public, school, and special libraries are approaching the same leadership challenges you are?
In this workshop, colleagues representing different library types will present a model for community-facing collaboration on information issues of concern to local communities based on their successful work together. While this model is built on a foundation of existing collaboration, it is informed by a logic model that can be adapted for use in any local environment where partners across library types are committed to making a collective impact on information issues of concern to their community, e.g., health misinformation, voter misinformation. Participants in this workshop will be introduced to case studies in collaboration and strategies for collective impact on our community emerging both from traditional forms of library collaboration as well as our new focus on strategic investment on issues of concern in our shared service community.

Registration:
Core Members - $119
Minnesota Library Association Members - $119
Non-Members - $149

The tour will start with a visit to the Minnesota Library Access Center (MLAC), a high-density storage facility for Minnesota libraries that stores and makes available 1.6 million books and journals from across the state, and the adjacent storage for the University of Minnesota's Archives and Special Collections (ASC), which holds over 40,000 cubic feet of archival records, manuscripts, media collections, and more. Constructed in 2000, both storage areas are located in caverns below the University's Elmer L. Andersen Library.

To complete the tour, we’ll visit the University of Minnesota’s nearly-completed Collections Facility, a new high-density storage facility featuring 30 foot tall shelving that will hold approximately 3.3 million volumes. The nearly completed Collection Facility is scheduled to open for collections ingest in January 2025.

Meet: Meet in hotel lobby at 12:30pm

Registration:
Core/MLA Members - $79
Non Members - $99

Inspired by Books tours relate works of art to popular books, including The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson, a local author.

Registration:
Core/MLA Members - $39
Non Members - $39

Join other conference attendees at Lumi, a restaurant serving Turkish and international cuisine with plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans. The restaurant is a 4 minute walk from the Hilton. 

If you are interested in signing up for this dine around, add it to your schedule and you’ll be sent a sign-up link a few days before the start of the conference. 

Join other conference attendees at nearby Sanjusan, a Japanese-Italian fusion restaurant serving small plates, pizza & pasta amid an industrial-chic vibe. The restaurant is a 7 minute walk from the Hilton. 

If you are interested in signing up for this dine around, add it to your schedule and you’ll be sent a sign-up link a few days before the start of the conference. 

A conversation about pushing for deep institutional change in turbulent times. How do we do our jobs when the concept of equality, equity, peace and social justice are being questioned and the oppression of others is desired? What is your responsibility to ensure humanity, equality, equity, peace and social justice? If we want a future where everyone is thriving, we must ensure these concepts are at the root of everything that we do at work and in our lives.

Saray Garnett-Hochuli is a prominent public servant currently serving as the Deputy City Operations Officer, and previous role as Director of Regulatory Services for the City of Minneapolis. She has played a pivotal role in advancing key city functions related to equity, housing, public health, safety standards, homelessness response and operational efficiencies.
Garnett-Hochuli is known for her strong leadership and commitment to creating an anti-racist culture within the department and the enterprise at the City of Minneapolis. She is highly regarded for her fearless approach to handling difficult challenges, including protecting her staff amid threats of violence. Her leadership during a period of significant change in Minneapolis government has earned her the respect of colleagues and city officials alike, as she works to foster equity and accountability in city operations.

Throughout her career in the private or public sector, she has demonstrated strategic leadership across various public and private sector collaborations. She has been a key figure in shaping the future of the City of Minneapolis, earning praise for her dedication and passion.

Following a period of disruption, library leaders need to realign service offerings with current organizational priorities and resources. In this interactive session, we will introduce a new model that we designed and applied at our large research library to redefine, reevaluate, and right-size research service offerings to better align with current staffing levels and support work-life balance for staff. Our model includes: (1) a rubric designed to aid in the evaluation of service offerings against available resources and campus needs; (2) a reusable checklist to support the sunsetting of services; and (3) a service template to clarify ongoing services for internal and external audiences. In our session, participants will use our model to engage in hands-on learning as they assess the sustainability and resource levels of the service offerings at their own institution. They will be positioned to identify potential service changes to align internal and external communication strategies for supported change. We will also infuse our session with change management practices that center people and support them as individuals in these change processes.

In recent years, the traditional use of digital collections simply as proxies for the physical has shifted to a paradigm of viewing collections as data suitable for computational use and novel research methods.  A metadata strategy with robust description can provide access and inspire new contextual narratives and knowledge. The presenters saw great potential for a collections as data exploration in a significant World War I archival collection to highlight lesser-known stories, including those of the Pioneer Infantry, women, and noncombatants. This case study presentation will discuss approaches to digital collections metadata, digital storytelling, data visualization and mapping, and will present real-world techniques that participants can use in their own work.

The World War I Service Records collection contains a rich record of the experiences of students and alumni who engaged in military or community service. The collection, however, was accompanied by extremely minimal folder-level metadata, which, in combination with CONTENTdm's limited visualization capabilities, presented major challenges for exposing the collection's rich data and making its contents available. The presenters will share approaches to creating granular but scalable metadata and will discuss the use of ArcGIS and other digital humanities tools for bringing hidden stories of diversity to light.

Neurodiversity within the librarian professional is often neglected as a subject of scholarly conversation. With higher rates of neurodivergent students approaching traditional college-age, it is more important than ever to embrace neurodivergence within the academic library. This starts with fostering an inclusive environment for library staff, faculty, students, and patrons. Hiring a neurodiverse library staff creates a safe space for neurodivergent students through example. Neurodivergent library staff can also work with library administration to incorporate inclusive mental and physical spaces within the library. The concept of the library as a safe-space for college students is a familiar narrative, and this sentiment should be extended to library staff as well.

Is your Maker Space in a rut? Is your team struggling to keep up with rapidly changing technologies? In this 60-minute session, the Salt Lake City Public Library will discuss how to leverage existing creative skill sets in a team, reintroduce creative spaces to communities, and adapt to changing digital landscapes to lengthen the life and impact of creative spaces. They will also discuss how focusing on existing creative technologies can meet community digital equity and inclusion needs.

As the role of the library continually evolves to serve all ages of lifelong learners, careful consideration and planning in design allows your organization to shine as a true, multi-generational community asset. While the professional world grapples with the nuances of a "five-generation workplace," libraries are uniquely tasked with serving the full population not just as a library, but as a flexible community center. Doing so successfully requires a level of adaptability and creativity that begins with the built environment and supports and enhances programming, planning and services long into the future. Nationally, a number of library systems are adopting hybrid partnership models that further blur this line between traditional library, community center and senior center through blended funding methods and creative wide-reaching partnerships. Whether your system is on the leading edge of pioneering new possibilities or enacting small, incremental changes locally, our team of library and design professionals will inspire creativity and energy to improve the lives of your community members of all ages.   Viewed through the lens of recently-opened and currently in-design library projects, as well as national perspectives on emerging best practices, topics will include diversity, equity and inclusion, accessibility, patron awareness, organizational partnerships and advocacy.

Whether you are working on a small renovation or a new building project, it can be overwhelming. Stress can come from not knowing what questions to ask and the fear of not knowing what you don't even know. In this presentation will help give people the vocabulary and knowledge base to know enough to able to walk the walk and talk the talk when working on facility projects. It will start at the macro level of a project and work down to the micro level, along the way teaching someone the knowledge and process needed to make their project a success.

Completely revitalizing a public library collection can be challenging for many reasons including budget, public opinion, and staff buy in.  But it can be done! This session will discuss how to plan and implement a project to uplift a collection with intention based weeding and selection to replace items that will enhance the diversity and discoverability of the collection.

Recently, a HBCU started a pilot project capturing the stories of immigrant students and intertwining them with the learning experiences of the text Our Stories Carried Us Here. This project began as a collaborative effort with the library, College of Liberal Arts and the Office of International Affairs. One objective this project seeks to answer is, "What impact does attending a historically black university play on domestic, as well international students, success in  (1) debunking myths, stereotypes, and/or biases of individuals born in different regions; (2) gaining new insights on immigration issues; (3) and expanding awareness of international issues?" A second objective is to aid in broadening the knowledge of all student's values, cultural practices, roles, and ritualized procedures that tie them together while meeting the mission of the HBCU. This interactive workshop recaps the first semester of International Our Voices and the progression of future projects at the HBCU to answer the question above. Audience members will engage in (1) addressing strategic inclusive efforts for international students that involve domestic students; (2) learning the dynamic of Story Stitch circles for campus team gatherings; and (3) considering best practices for starting digital storytelling practices and library archival options.

Today's libraries are challenged with engaging busy customers who see thousands of ads per day. This session will provide key strategies for staff at all levels to cut through the noise to increase customer engagement. Panelists will cover award-winning library marketing methods and ideas used by other industries. Two award-winning library marketing directors will share key techniques to position your library in the public eye by providing strategies to address common questions such as: How do you prioritize program promotion? What materials make the biggest impact for promoting events and services? How can I get more people to my program or to utilize this service? Panelists will share how you can move the needle even without a giant marketing budget or dedicated department. Key scalable techniques like developing a style guide, embracing the marketing funnel, and focusing on specific promotion outside your library's walls will be shared to help strengthen brand awareness, position your library in the public eye, and develop efficient workflows that allow more time serving the community.

You're a manager! Now, what? Transitioning from staff member to management, even as an assistant, can be tough. Now you have to make decisions, learn to say no, set policy, create culture, and find a way to create work life balance  for yourself and your staff. It's overwhelming. Don't just survive your first few years of management  find ways to thrive. Come for a candid panel discussion of three managers ranging from Supervisor to Deputy Director where they discuss the transition to management, their struggles, failures, and successes. This session will provide a candid peek behind the curtain of the struggles of being a manager both as a new manager, and throughout management. We'll discuss strategies that have helped us manage the transition, how we work with our staff, and lessons we've learned from experience. There will be plenty of time for audience questions.

With building projects, bigger isn't always better. This case study of a library renovation and addition project illustrates how the concept phase help the library organization prioritize needs, re-set the building for decades of service, and create an award-winning, community-beloved asset.

E-resources are a central part of the services provided by academic libraries, but getting them to work with each other, or just getting them to work, is often a significant challenge. From access questions to failed inter-resource connections, from miserable metadata to discovery layer concerns, plus platform migrations, limited branding, and much more, it can be nearly impossible to ensure resources are discoverable and are properly connecting with each other. This preconference will investigate the problems that limit or prevent access, address tools to fix what can be fixed, understand what cannot and how (if possible) to work around it, and explore a potential cooperative solution to manage this issue. Just knowing that a problem exists can be incredibly difficult in many instances. Trying to figure out what’s causing that problem, then trying to solve these problems, will take even more time. In this preconference, those with responsibilities for e-resources will get a sense of what might be causing the problems they’re experiencing, and how they might be able to fix those problems. Attendees may want to bring a laptop so they can research, investigate, address and solve problems during the session.