MLA ANNUAL CONFERENCE HOME | MLA 2024 ANNUAL CONFERENCE ARCHIVE HOME | SMALL & STRATEGIC PRE-CONFERENCE ARCHIVE HOME FEATURED SPEAKERS | BREAKOUT SESSIONS | LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT | MLA ANNUAL CONFERENCE HISTORY MLA Small & Strategic Pre-Conference Breakout Sessions*Schedule is subject to change Tuesday, October 15, 202410:30 – 11:15 AM | 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM | 1:30 - 2:15 PM
Tuesday, October 15, 2024 | 10:30 - 11:15 AMMake the Most of MeLRoom: Peninsula Room Patrons expect the library to be everything to everyone. How can frontline staff be prepared to answer questions about car repair, getting ready for the GED, and locating forms for a small business? The Michigan eLibrary eResources (MeL) can help! MeL includes eResources such as eBooks, articles, and tutorials to solve your patrons' information needs and stretch your budget dollars. Join this session to discover practical tips and tricks for utilizing Michigan's free, 24/7 online library. OutcomesAt the end of the session participants will:
Session Materials
SpeakerLaura Warren-Gross Laura Warren-Gross is the MeL Engagement Specialist for Public Libraries. In this role, she provides MeL eResource training for public library staff across Michigan. When she is not working, you'll find her reading, traveling, and hanging out with her family.
The Importance of Servicing Tweens and Have Fun Doing It!Room: Council Room Bru! Tweens are anything but basic and have mad rizz. But tweens today face a multitude of challenges that can impact their emotional, social, and physical well-being. No cap. By engaging with public libraries during this critical stage, tweens are more likely to develop a lifelong relationship with libraries, which can lead to continued use and support throughout their lives. This curious, enthusiastic, and all-around awesome demographic is at a critical stage in their development of literacy skills. OutcomesAt the end of the session participants will:
Session Materials
SpeakerKatie Kirk Katie is the Youth Services Librarian for the Gary Byker Library in Hudsonville, MI, where she works with kids, teens, and families. Katie has been working in libraries for 10 years. Currently, she runs the youth department, youth collection development, programming and outreach. She loves connecting and learning from her young patrons. Over the years, she has become more passionate about collaborating with others and spreading the love of libraries to the community.
Library Policy WorkshopRoom: Directors Room Good, legal policies are crucial to the operations of any library. A well-written and thoughtfully enforced policy can reduce conflict, limit liability, and make the library a better place to work and visit. This interactive session will provide participants with the knowledge and tools to create clear thoughtful policies that consider the law and enforcement. Participants will receive a checklist and policy template. OutcomesAt the end of the session participants will:
SpeakerClare Membiela Clare Membiela has worked with law in libraries for over 30 years, first as a law firm librarian, then in Law School libraries, and now for the Library of Michigan. She has an MLS (with a law librarian specialty) from Southern Connecticut State University and a J.D. from University of Miami Law School. In her job with LM, Clare enjoys working with libraries of all types from across Michigan.
Tuesday, October 15, 2024 | 11:30 AM - 12:15 PMSmart and Strategic AI Use in Small and Rural LibrariesRoom: Peninsula Room Small and rural libraries have big dreams but limited time. This practical session will explore situations in which free or low-cost generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) tools can help small and rural library staff get more done in less time - without being unethical. Attendees will leave the session with practical ideas they can implement right away on a limited budget, as well as a few situations in which Gen AI may not be the best tool. OutcomesAt the end of the session participants will:
SpeakerKristin Fontichiaro Kristin Fontichiaro is a clinical professor at the University of Michigan School of Information. An award-winning author, editor, and educator, she has written dozens of books for librarians, educators, and youth.
Strategic Partnerships: How to Avoid the PiranhasRoom: Directors Room Small libraries may have limited funds, space, or staff, but they can extend their reach through partnerships. However, not all partnerships are created equal. How do you identify the most strategic partners, and how do you avoid the dreaded “piranhas?” (Partners who chew up resources and provide little in return.) This session will provide an overview of the elements of successful partnerships, and those to avoid, followed by brainstorming and mapping to identify truly strategic partners. OutcomesAt the end of the session participants will:
SpeakerMichelle Bradley Michelle Bradley is the Library Development Manager at the Library of Michigan. She previously worked in public library administration and library consortia. She holds an MLS and a Graduate Certificate in Public Management and a B.A. in Advertising, and is also a certified Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator, Coach, and Trainer. She is passionate about helping libraries design strategies for success. As a certified Forest Bathing Guide, you can find her in her off-work hours enjoying nature.
Adult Sensory Story Time: Embracing Neurodivergent Adults in Your CommunityRoom: Council Room Dive into our Adult Sensory Story Time! Over 18 months, we've welcomed neurodivergent adults for monthly sessions filled with stories, songs, exercises, sensory stations, crafts, snacks, and expert insights. Join us to learn how to start this inclusive program at your library! OutcomesAt the end of the session participants will:
SpeakersBeth Emmons With 16 years of experience as a kindergarten teacher, Beth Emmons became the Early Learning Specialist at Wickson Library in Frankenmuth two years ago. She’s created many new programs to ensure all patrons feel welcome to participate. A book nerd at heart, Beth loves to inspire a passion for reading. Jennifer Harden Jennifer earned her MLIS in 2015 and has over 15 years of experience working in public libraries. As the Adult Services and Outreach Librarian at Frankenmuth Wickson District Library, she creates, promotes, and implements programs for our adult patrons. Jennifer appreciates the unique challenges small, rural libraries face and enjoy coming up with creative ways of meeting the needs of our community. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with my family and, if it's summertime, reading in her pool.
Tuesday, October 15, 2024 | 1:30 - 2:15 PMEmpowering Small Libraries: Increasing Access to Local History with LMDigitalRoom: Peninsula Room Small libraries often have a wealth of local history materials in their collections, but providing digital access to these collections can be expensive and technologically prohibitive when adopting new systems. This session will provide an overview of the LM Digital hosting program and training on the process of uploading content. It will highlight strategic ways for small libraries to provide access to digital local history collections using this free resource from the Library of Michigan. OutcomesAt the end of the session participants will:
SpeakersBiz Gallo Biz Gallo is the Statewide Digitization Initiatives Coordinator at the Library of Michigan. After spending the past eight years helping cultural heritage institutions across the country preserve their audiovisual collections through archival reformatting, she transitioned to state government in order to support libraries and cultural heritage organizations in Michigan create, provide access to, and preserve digital collections. Jennifer Sasota Jennifer Sasota possesses 23 years of experience in various roles within both the State of Michigan and Federal libraries. Jennifer earned her Master of Library Science Degree from Penn West Clarion and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and Social Science from Upper Iowa University. She is passionate about creating accessibility and preserving historical materials through digitization.
Programming RoundtableRoom: Council Room Session Materials
Grant Writing Tips and TricksRoom: Directors Room Interested in ways to acquire grant funding for your library? Not sure how to start or where to go for information? Whether you are a small library with one full time person, or a larger library with many branches and lots of staff, grant writing can be an intimidating world to enter. But don't let it stop you! Be informed, be organized, and be tenacious. This session will be part presentation and part information sharing as we work together to develop and/or improve our grant writing skills. Outcomes
Session Materials
SpeakerCindi Place A retired school media specialist from Boyne City Schools, the Technology, Reference, and Adult Services Librarian at Boyne District Library, and now the Director at Bellaire Public Library. She serves on the Mid-Michigan Library League Board, member of ALA, ARSL, MLA, the Bellaire Chamber of Commerce Board (Treasurer), and a member of the Bellaire DDA. She received her BS from Central Michigan University, a media specialist degree at CMU, and MLIS from Wayne State University.
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