2024 Core Forum

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.

In today's interconnected world, libraries have transitioned from physical repositories to dynamic hubs of both physical and digital information. As the guardians of invaluable data and resources, libraries face unique challenges in ensuring comprehensive information security. Dive deep into the essentials of information security tailored specifically for libraries. Explore practical techniques to evaluate the current state of your library's information security, and understand the steps needed to fortify it. You will hear how the Columbus Metropolitan Library developed and implemented robust security measures to stand strong against potential threats. More than just technical solutions, discover administrative strategies that form the a holistic security approach. Also covered will be a discussion around strategies and controls that cater to the diverse needs of libraries. Columbus Metropolitan Library has evolved its information security practices over the last several years. Delve into the journey, gaining insights into how the information security program has matured, facing challenges and achieving milestones. Join this session to empower yourself with the knowledge and skills required to create a secure, trustworthy environment for library customers and staff alike.

AI tools are being pushed by tech companies to do everything for us from writing emails on our behalf to creating visuals to match the most outlandish prompts we can think of. Join this presentation for a 101 overview of where these tools come from, how authors are using these tools, and what generative books and art mean for libraries.

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.

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

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.

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!

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.