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MLA 2024 Conference
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Friday, October 25
 

7:00am CDT

Breakfast
Friday October 25, 2024 7:00am - 8:00am CDT
Ballroom 1
Friday October 25, 2024 7:00am - 8:00am CDT
Ballroom 1
  Meal

8:00am CDT

C.A.R.E. Inside: Minnesota Department of Corrections Libraries
Friday October 25, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
Meeting Room 102


Skip the background check and metal detector and go behind the Sally Port to look at libraries in the State of Minnesota’s Correctional Facilities, where incarcerated people (IPs) are urgently in need of good information and desperate for the latest James Patterson novel. Meet a few intrepid librarians who are changing lives through aiding incarcerated individuals in constructive usage of time, bringing the joys of access, offering legal research materials, connecting with families, and so much more!

A panel of Minnesota Department of Corrections (MN DOC) librarians will present an overview of the MNDOC libraries and their general services, defying common stereotypes and clarifying what make makes these public libraries special. The panel will share what it means to “C.A.R.E.” within their particular library and how library services contribute to the MN DOC’s mission of “Transforming lives for a safer Minnesota.” The discussion will focus on past successes, future directions, best practices, and the unique challenges of providing professional, thoughtful library service in carceral spaces.
Speakers
SS

Sara Stueve

Reference Librarian, MCF - St. Cloud
Sara R. Stueve, MLIS, has worked in libraries her whole life. Starting as a shelver at Great River Regional Libraries (GRRL), clerking for Central Minnesota Library Exchange (CMLE) while in college, then working at Rasmussen College as an Academic and Instructional Librarian for several... Read More →
JC
JL

Jennifer Lund

Minnesota Department of Corrections
After 16 years in academic libraries, Jennifer Lund left her role as Business and Economics Librarian at the University of Minnesota – Duluth to become a librarian for the Department of Corrections at a medium-security prison in Moose Lake, Minnesota. She’s spent the past year... Read More →
LL

Laiza LeMay

Minnesota Department of Corrections
With over a decade of experience, Laiza LeMay has worked in diverse library settings, including school, university, specialized (surfing museum 🤙), and public libraries. Skilled in collections management, program development, and project management, Laiza played a key role in implementing... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
Meeting Room 102
  Session

8:00am CDT

Creating a Building Maintenance Plan for Your Library
Friday October 25, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
Meeting Room 103
Many librarians are tasked with caring for their building in addition to running their library. Without the proper training and knowledge, this can be a daunting venture. In this session (also led by Jack Rol, Construction Manager with the Mayo Clinic) we will talk about the basic steps librarians can take to develop a plan for their building that will help track and identify issues early before they become costly emergencies.
Speakers
avatar for Brigette Rol

Brigette Rol

Director, Lake City Public Library
Director at the Lake City Public Library
JR
Friday October 25, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
Meeting Room 103
  Session

8:00am CDT

Directors' Roundtable
Friday October 25, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
Meeting Room 104
Back by popular demand! The Directors' Roundtable is an opportunity for library directors of all types to connect for conversation, idea sharing and networking. There will be no presentation, the group will discuss topics and questions shared by attendees.
Speakers
avatar for Jill Smith

Jill Smith

Library Director, Bayport Public Library
Jill Smith is the director of the Bayport Public Library. She has been at Bayport Public Library for 9 years. and has worked in public libraries for almost 30 years. In her spare time, she enjoys knitting and baking.
avatar for Jodi Carlson Grebinoski

Jodi Carlson Grebinoski

Library Director, Virginia Public Library
Friday October 25, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
Meeting Room 104
  Session

8:00am CDT

Exploring Libraries Across the Lincoln Highway
Friday October 25, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
Meeting Room 105
In this presentation I will talk about my recent trip on the Lincoln Highway, visiting public libraries along the way. The Lincoln Highway was the first interstate highway in the US, started in 1913, and it stretches from New York City to San Francisco. This gives an opportunity to sample a wide variety of communities. I visited public libraries along this highway, as well as other learning organizations. Learning about the programs and collections of these libraries is the focus of the research project.

This study builds on another one I did several years ago, traveling the Lewis and Clark Trail - visiting every public library along the way. This study is a larger selection of libraries, and should provide more information.
Speakers
MJ

Mary Jordan

Librarian, St. Cloud Technical & Community College
Mary's interest in libraries started when she was young, and she staggered home with armloads of book - that almost all made it back to the library on time. In high school she used to skip class and take the bus to the downtown public library. It was probably inevitable that she later... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
Meeting Room 105
  Session

8:00am CDT

Minnesota Libraries Learning Network: Many Apples, One Tree
Friday October 25, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
Meeting Room 107
Join us to explore the exciting developments in the Minnesota Libraries Professional Learning Network (MNPLN) and the LevelUp initiative. This session will provide a bit of background on the LevelUpMN.org program and how it has been reinvigorated and reimagined by The MNPLN Coordinating Council, a group of library leaders from Minitex, State Library Services, MNPALS, MLA, public libraries, academic library education programs, school libraries, academic libraries, and the MCMTs. The Council has come together to plan and create course content that is essential for all library professionals in MN. These courses will be available to anyone interested in the workings of libraries to register and work through at no cost, and participants will be able to share transcripts and certificates of their accomplishments with employers and on social platforms. We will review these current efforts and share plans for the future as we strengthen our amazing MN library community to be more inclusive and supportive of all library workers and their professional growth.

Speakers
avatar for Ann Walker Smalley

Ann Walker Smalley

Director, Metronet
Promotion of multicounty multitype services
avatar for Tami Lee

Tami Lee

Director, St Libraries & Expanded Learning Opportu, MN Department of Education
Tami Lee is the Director of State Library Services and Expanded Learning Opportunities at MDE, also known as the Minnesota State Librarian.
avatar for Ann Kaste

Ann Kaste

Outreach and Instruction Librarian, Minitex
Ann Kaste is an Outreach and Instruction Librarian and Coordinator of K12 Outreach at Minitex. Ann's interests are in all things libraries and making access to digital resources as seamless as possible for library users and educators. Ann has worked in academic, special, and K12 libraries... Read More →
avatar for Johnna Horton

Johnna Horton

Executive Director of PALS, PALS
Johnna Horton is the Executive Director of PALS, an organization that provides software support and training for library personnel in the Consortium of MnPALS Libraries, a group of 53 academic, special/state agency, and K-12 libraries. Over the years, Johnna has been a bookseller... Read More →
avatar for Elizabeth Hoffman

Elizabeth Hoffman

Director, Plum Creek Library System
Elizabeth Hoffman is the Director of the Plum Creek Library System, a nine-county federated regional public library system headquartered in Worthington. She has worked in libraries for over 20 years. Elizabeth received her B.S. Ed in History and Social Science from Northern State... Read More →
avatar for Maggie Snow

Maggie Snow

Director, Minitex
Maggie Snow is the Minitex Director and has been working in libraries for 30+ years. Snow is a former president of the Minnesota Library Association and was awarded MLA’s William G. Asp Distinguished Career Award in 2018. She is a board member of the Minnesota Library Foundation... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
Meeting Room 107
  Session

8:00am CDT

Minnesota Libraries Trustees and Advocates (MLTA) Section Meeting
Friday October 25, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
111
Come learn more about MLA's Minnesota Libraries Trustees and Advocates (MLTA) Section, whose purpose is: 
  • To promote, develop and extend library service in the State of Minnesota through cooperation with MLA and the Minnesota Department of Education.
  • To provide library trustees with the opportunity for an exchange of ideas.
  • To supply information to the public with regard to library services and finances.
  • To stimulate the interest of trustees in becoming more effective in developing library policies.
Friday October 25, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
111
  Session

8:00am CDT

The future is diverse: working together to create pathways to the profession
Friday October 25, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
Meeting Room 109
Hear from Library staff and a cohort of interns how the Northfield Public Library, in partnership with the Northfield Community College Collaborative (NCCC), used a Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant to launch an inclusive internship program intended to appeal to and support students from diverse backgrounds who might not otherwise consider a career in libraries. Libraries serve their communities best when their staff is representative of the communities they serve. However, around 85% of library school graduates are white women. Over 95% of NCCC students are the first in their families to attend college. Over 85% are BIPOC. Over 80% are low income. More than 75% are female, and 15% are parents.

Using the Inclusive Internship Initiative (iii) toolkit designed by the Public Library Association as a template, we brought on 5 interns to work with us in the summer of 2024. With the funding we received we were able to offer reimbursement for childcare during the summer through the flexible spending benefit the City of Northfield provides, in addition to an hourly wage.

Attendees will learn how we developed the grant proposal and adapted the iii toolkit to fit our needs; how we designed a 12-week internship experience to provide professional experience to interns and develop leadership skills of current staff; what worked and what didn’t; and how we leveraged partnerships with three educational institutions (NCCC, TORCH, and Carleton College) to offer a valuable, paid library internship to a diverse group of students. Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage directly with our interns in a panel discussion. This session is intended for anyone in a position to advocate for increasing diverse staffing and professional development in libraries.
Speakers
avatar for Natalie Draper

Natalie Draper

Library Director, Northfield Public Library
Natalie Draper has been the Director of Library Services in Northfield since February of 2021. She relocated from Richmond, VA, where she was the manager of the Main Library. She received her Master of Library & Information Science from the University of Kentucky in 2007 with a focus... Read More →
avatar for Angelica Linder

Angelica Linder

Outreach Manager, Northfield Public Library
Angelica Linder has been the Outreach Coordinator for the Northfield Public Library since 2017. She is originally from Barranquilla Colombia where she attended the University Autonoma del Caribe to study Hotel and Tourism Management. She has a certificate of Foundations of Supervision... Read More →
resolution LSTA grant docx
Friday October 25, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
Meeting Room 109
  Session

8:00am CDT

The READ Act (Reading to Ensure Academic Development) – What’s it got to do with public libraries?
Friday October 25, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
Meeting Room 110
How can we support children learning to read at the library? Although public librarians may not be subject matter experts when it comes to teaching children how to read, we do have something just as valuable: the ability to foster a love of reading, connect children with materials to support their journey, and act as a trusted community resource for caregivers and schools. In this session we’ll dive into the Minnesota READ Act and what it means for the evolving landscape of teaching kids to read, the difference between decodable texts and traditional beginning readers and how to create a decodable book collection with quality, fun titles.
Speakers
avatar for Ashley Bieber

Ashley Bieber

Library Development and Early Literacy Specialist, Minnesota Department of Education, State Library Services
In her capacity of Library Development and Early Literacy Services Specialist, Ashley Bieber focuses on supporting early literacy and youth services staff in libraries across Minnesota. She also administers Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund grants to Minnesota’s 12 regional library... Read More →
LA

Lucy Arias

MN Dept of Education - Division of Early Learning
Lucy Arias is the Early Language and Literacy Specialist and was previously the Preschool Development Grant Tribal Nations Lead at the Minnesota Department of Education. She earned her BS in Child Psychology and M.Ed. in Parent and Family Education from the University of Minnesota... Read More →
DL

Dawn LaBrosse

Youth Services Coordinator, Washington County Library
Dawn LaBrosse started her library career in 2007, receiving her MLIS in 2008 from St Catherine University. After a short stint in law and academic libraries, she knew instantly that her passion was with youth and early literacy. LaBrosse found her dream position coordinating youth... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
Meeting Room 110
  Session

8:00am CDT

Vendor Session: Strategies and Tools for Library Collection Development: Leveraging Titlewave, the #1 eCommerce Site in K12
Friday October 25, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
Meeting Room 108
This session will demonstrate how you can use Titlewave to analyze, weed, and build a library collection.

Titlewave is an online collection development and curriculum support tool for librarians and administrators, and it features professionally curated content and support tools that help you find the best educationally relevant materials.

This session will provide a deep dive into Titlewave and will provide time for questions.
Speakers
SS

Scott Spanier

Sales Consultant, Follett Content Solutions LLC
For 30 years, I have been helping media specialist build and manage their library collections using the tools that Follett provides.
Friday October 25, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
Meeting Room 108
  Session

8:50am CDT

Break: Exhibits open & Silent Auction
Friday October 25, 2024 8:50am - 9:20am CDT
Ballroom 2
Friday October 25, 2024 8:50am - 9:20am CDT
Ballroom 2
  Exhibits

8:50am CDT

Silent Auction
Friday October 25, 2024 8:50am - 12:00pm CDT
Ballroom 2
Friday October 25, 2024 8:50am - 12:00pm CDT
Ballroom 2
  Exhibits

8:50am CDT

Exhibits open
Friday October 25, 2024 8:50am - 4:00pm CDT
Ballroom 2
Friday October 25, 2024 8:50am - 4:00pm CDT
Ballroom 2
  Exhibits

9:20am CDT

Author Panel 2: Children's
Friday October 25, 2024 9:20am - 10:10am CDT
111
Speakers
avatar for Molly Beth Griffin

Molly Beth Griffin

Molly Beth Griffin is the author of several picture books including Just Us, Ten Beautiful Things, and The Big Leaf Leap. She has also published a YA novel, Silhouette of a Sparrow, two poetry chapbooks, and a series of beginning readers. She is a teaching artist at The Loft Literary... Read More →
avatar for John Coy

John Coy

John Coy is the author of young adult novels, chapter books, and fiction and nonfiction picture books. He has received numerous awards for his work and loves working with students to celebrate reading and writing. He lives by the Mississippi River in Minneapolis.
avatar for Paul Bogard

Paul Bogard

Paul Bogard is the author of The End of Night: Searching for Natural Darkness in an Age of Artificial Light, a finalist for the PEN/E. O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award. His most recent works include Solastalgia: An Anthology of Emotion in a Disappearing World and the children’s... Read More →
TC

Ty Chapman

Ty Chapman is an award-winning author and poet based in Minnesota. He is the author of many children’s books, and the poetry collection, Tartarus. Additionally, he co-edited the poetry anthology, All Power to the People, with his friend and collaborator, Ari Tison. He has published... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 9:20am - 10:10am CDT
111
  Session

9:20am CDT

Branch Manager Roundtable
Friday October 25, 2024 9:20am - 10:10am CDT
Meeting Room 101
Meet up with library managers and other middle managers for an open discussion about the joys and perils of our jobs, idea sharing, and the opportunity to connect with folks doing similar work. This session is inspired by the successful 2023 session Directors' Roundtable.
Speakers
JC

Julia Carlis

Senior Library Manager, Washington County Library
Julia is the Past President of MLA and the Senior Library Manager for Washington County Library at RH Stafford in Woodbury and Valley in Lakeland where she works with her team, the library system, and partner organizations to provide responsive and engaging services, programs, and... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 9:20am - 10:10am CDT
Meeting Room 101
  Session

9:20am CDT

Connecting with Our Radical History in Cataloging
Friday October 25, 2024 9:20am - 10:10am CDT
Meeting Room 102
Did you know that Minnesota has a radical history of critiquing and improving our cataloging standards? Join our panel discussion to learn more about this history and how it influences the work of critical cataloging today. A trio of St. Kate's MLIS students—Amy Gabbert-Montag, Jaylene Telford, and Charlotte Kadifa—will offer insight into radical catalogers, Sandy Berman and others at Hennepin County Library, based on their ongoing project Voices of the Catalog: A Digital and Oral History of Hennepin County Catalogers. That work continues to inspire activism centered on making the Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) more equitable and respectful. Hear from contemporary critical catalogers Violet Fox and Tina Gross about new developments in subject analysis, including collaborative projects to revise LCSH relating to Indigenous peoples, LGBTQ people, and disabled people, as well as the development of alternate vocabularies such as the Zine Subject Thesaurus. The panel discussion will inspire you to continue this important work and find ways to contribute to ongoing efforts to improve our catalogs. We welcome anyone curious about critical cataloging or radical Minnesota history!

Panelists: Violet Fox, Tina Gross, Amy Gabbert-Montag, Jaylene Telford, and Charlotte Kadifa

Moderator: Elissah Becknell
Speakers
CK

Charlotte Kadifa

Student, St. Catherine University MLIS Program
Charlotte is an MLIS student at St. Catherine University, she is passionate about the use of primary sources and redefining history as storytelling.
JT

Jaylene Telford

Graduate Student, College of St. Catherine, MLIS Program
Jaylene is a library aide at the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library focusing on digitization.
avatar for Elissah Becknell

Elissah Becknell

Cataloging & Metadata Education Librarian, Minitex
Elissah Becknell is the Cataloging & Metadata Education Librarian at Minitex in the Digital Initiatives & Metadata Education unit. She develops and presents training on library cataloging and metadata standards for library workers across the Midwest. She is also an adjunct instructor... Read More →
avatar for Tina Gross

Tina Gross

Metadata Analyst, University of Minnesota
Tina Gross (she/her) is a Metadata Analyst at the University of Minnesota Libraries. She served as chair of the CaMMS Subject Analysis Committee Working Group on the LCSH “Illegal aliens” (see its report at https://alair.ala.org/handle/11213/9261) and is a contributor to the recent... Read More →
VF

Violet Fox

Northwestern University Library
Violet Fox has an MLIS from the University of Washington in Seattle and recently worked at the University of Nevada as the Digital Collections Wikimedian in Residence exposing underrepresented materials in Special Collections and the Archives. She has served as an editor for the Sears... Read More →
avatar for Amy Gabbert-Montag

Amy Gabbert-Montag

Assistant Archivist, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Graduate Student in Library and Information Sciences program. Passionate about library promotion, access, and outreach.
Connecting with Our Radical History in Cataloging pdf
Friday October 25, 2024 9:20am - 10:10am CDT
Meeting Room 102
  Session

9:20am CDT

Digitizing Minnesota's Newspapers
Friday October 25, 2024 9:20am - 10:10am CDT
Meeting Room 103
The Minnesota Historical Society digitizes Minnesota’s newspapers and makes them available in the Minnesota Digital Newspaper Hub. Learn more about the MNHS newspaper collection, digitization processes, how this work is supported, and what you can find in the digitized newspapers and in the Hub. Newspapers are a valuable resource for personal and family research, for students and teachers, and for local libraries, historical societies, businesses and more, documenting the people, places, events, and stories of a community over time.
Speakers
avatar for Jillian Odland

Jillian Odland

Program Associate, Minnesota Historical Society
Jillian Odland is a Program Associate with the Digital Newspapers program at the Minnesota Historical Society, coordinating newspaper digitization projects and administering the Minnesota Digital Newspaper Hub online database.
AR

Andrew Romitti

Digitization Assistant, Minnesota Historical Society
Andrew Romitti is a Digitization Assistant with the Minnesota Historical Society, leading current and historic newspaper digitization for preservation and access. 
Digitizing Minnesota Newspapers pdf
Friday October 25, 2024 9:20am - 10:10am CDT
Meeting Room 103
  Session

9:20am CDT

Extending Digital Literacy to Include Digital Wellbeing: Examining a Pilot
Friday October 25, 2024 9:20am - 10:10am CDT
Meeting Room 104
School Media Specialists play a critical role in developing the media literacy of students and have the unique opportunity to expand media literacy to include Digital Wellbeing thereby supporting the wellbeing and learning of students.

The US Surgeon General describes youth mental health as a defining public health crisis and has called out technology as a root cause. The growing omnipresence of Technology and Digital Media (TDM), its potential negative impacts, and lack of solutions point to a clear need to better understand the impacts of TDM on youth and how to support youth’s Digital Wellbeing.

LiveMore ScreenLess, built upon positive youth development (PYD) models, offers a strength-based approach to Digital Wellbeing leveraging Developmental Relationships and Adult-Youth Partnering. The model equips and supports educators and students with the training, coaching, and resources necessary for adult-partnering to uplift and nurture the inherent ability of youth to influence their lives and their peers.

From February to June 2024, LiveMore ScreenLess created a pilot study with funding from the Minnesota Department of Education to examine the outcomes of a school-based Digital Wellbeing intervention that equips Media Specialists with the training to hold Digital Wellbeing Facilitated Conversations; the tools for the creation of Digital Wellbeing activities; and the coaching to support the steps along the way.

A panel of Minnesota Secondary Media Specialists, LiveMore ScreenLess staff, and an MDE Library Services representative will share the implementation of the pilot, their individual projects, and how Digital Wellbeing can be infused in your library culture.

Speakers
KK
Friday October 25, 2024 9:20am - 10:10am CDT
Meeting Room 104
  Session

9:20am CDT

Getting your remodel started! What’s the process?
Friday October 25, 2024 9:20am - 10:10am CDT
Meeting Room 105
We know that if people have a better understanding about the steps it takes to get the process started, Media remodels wouldn’t be such a scary and overwhelming prospect. We have tips and tricks for getting what our patrons want/need and how we can get that while working with architects, furniture designers, movers, contractors, vendors, etc…
Let's talk about how to start the process to make your Media Center a hub of learning by being cognizant of the intentional design of each space and component including furniture, providing access to technology and literature, enhancing programming, and channeling student creativity in our spaces. The driving force behind all that we do needs to be supporting the goals of our district, buildings, staff, and students along with what we know about Universal Design, the 21st Century Model, supporting the whole student, and the goals of a Future Ready Library. We can also share how we incorporated collaboration spaces, MakerSpaces, and getting support from your community, administration, and staff for your vision.
Speakers
avatar for Amy Carney

Amy Carney

Media Specialist, White Bear Lake Area HS
Amy is a Media Specialist at White Bear Lake Area High School. Her career includes 13 years teaching 6th grade Language Arts at North Branch Middle school, four years as the Media Specialist/Tech Integrationist at North Branch HS, and now on her ninth year at WBLAHS. This year we... Read More →
RL
Friday October 25, 2024 9:20am - 10:10am CDT
Meeting Room 105
  Session

9:20am CDT

How to Sustain a Health & Fitness Literacy Program in Your Library
Friday October 25, 2024 9:20am - 10:10am CDT
Meeting Room 106
Since earning my group fitness instructor certification to start a fitness and health literacy program in 2019, my program and knowledge have evolved far beyond what I had initially imagined. I’ve increased my knowledge of health and fitness for older adults (my target audience) and created a popular set of programs with a core group of regular students and library users. I use these classes as a platform to help people know their bodies and empower them when speaking to their healthcare providers about their health. Just as importantly, I have learned how to do this on a budget. In this presentation, I will discuss lessons learned and how you, too, can develop a sustainable health and fitness program in your public library.
Speakers
avatar for Nicole Miller

Nicole Miller

Library Director, Cannon Falls Library
Nicole is the director of the Cannon Falls Library, a certified group fitness instructor, and a long time gymnastics coach. Her varied interests aid in her nontraditional approach to librarianship and have led to dynamic and innovative library programs. She has been on the advisory... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 9:20am - 10:10am CDT
Meeting Room 106
  Session

9:20am CDT

Instruction Roundtable (IRT) Meeting
Friday October 25, 2024 9:20am - 10:10am CDT
Meeting Room 110
This roundtable provides a forum for staff from all types of libraries to share information, resources, and best practices related to all types of library and information literacy instruction. The roundtable will offer opportunities for training, discussion, idea-sharing, and networking among library staff who teach. The co-chairs of the Instruction Round Table are charged with providing two instruction-related professional development opportunities per year for Minnesota library staff. These usually include one online opportunity and one that is face to face. Come learn more!
Speakers
RO

Rachel Osborne

Library Media Generalist, Johnson High School
avatar for Kayleen Jones

Kayleen Jones

Education & Human Service Professions Librarian, University of Minnesota Duluth
Kayleen Jones is Education & Human Service Professions Librarian at the Kathryn A. Martin Library at UMD. She is responsible for the Children's Literature Collection at UMD.
Friday October 25, 2024 9:20am - 10:10am CDT
Meeting Room 110
  Session

9:20am CDT

Providing Multilingual Health Information
Friday October 25, 2024 9:20am - 10:10am CDT
Meeting Room 107
This class is designed to assist librarians and others who work with diverse populations in locating health information. The resources presented are selected for their emphasis on providing culturally relevant information in the preferred language of the population. Background information on refugees and immigrants in the U.S. and their unique health issues will be presented.
Speakers
avatar for Stacey Hendren

Stacey Hendren

Library Manager, Anoka County Library
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 →
avatar for Katherine Chew

Katherine Chew

Associate Librarian, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus
Katherine V. Chew, MLS is an Associate Librarian and the Research/Outreach Services & the liaison librarian to Mortuary Science, Center for Allied Health Programs and Center for Bioethics for the Health Sciences Library at the University of Minnesota. She provides research support... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 9:20am - 10:10am CDT
Meeting Room 107
  Session

9:20am CDT

Regional Public Library Systems
Friday October 25, 2024 9:20am - 10:10am CDT
Meeting Room 108
Intended for the general information of any library staff or stakeholder, this session will provide an overview of Minnesota's regional public library systems including key differences between consolidated and federated systems in structure and operation.
Speakers
MW

Melissa Whatley

Director, KRLS
Melissa Whatley is the director of the Kitchigami Regional Library System located in Pine River, MN and serving five northcentral Minnesota counties (Beltrami, Cass, Crow Wing, Hubbard and Wadena).
avatar for Erin Smith

Erin Smith

Director, Viking Library System
Erin Smith is privileged to serve as the director of the Viking Library System, headquartered out of Fergus Falls, MN.​ She has served in that position for five years. Prior to serving as a regional public library system director, she was the Director of the Fergus Falls Public... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 9:20am - 10:10am CDT
Meeting Room 108
  Session

9:20am CDT

The Digital Equity Act & You: New Library Grant Opportunities
Friday October 25, 2024 9:20am - 10:10am CDT
Meeting Room 109
The federal Digital Equity Act is bringing over $20M to the state of Minnesota over the next three years. These funds will be received by the Minnesota Office of Broadband Development, then distributed through grant and contract processes statewide to support organizations in implementing and expanding digital equity programs and services. As some of the original digital equity advocates, libraries of all types are well-positioned to be leaders in the work ahead. During this session, we’ll learn more about the Digital Equity Act, highlight some library-specific grant opportunities, and explore the basic elements of a strong Digital Equity Act grant application.
Speakers
avatar for Hannah Buckland

Hannah Buckland

Digital Equity Program Lead, MN Office of Broadband Development
Hannah Buckland is the Digital Equity Program Lead with the Minnesota Office of Broadband Development. She previously worked as a State Library Program Specialist at the Minnesota Department of Education and as Director of Library Services as Bezhigoogahbow Library in Leech Lake... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 9:20am - 10:10am CDT
Meeting Room 109
  Session

10:10am CDT

Break: Exhibits open & Silent Auction
Friday October 25, 2024 10:10am - 10:45am CDT
Ballroom 2
Friday October 25, 2024 10:10am - 10:45am CDT
Ballroom 2
  Exhibits

10:45am CDT

Author Panel 3: YA
Friday October 25, 2024 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
111
Speakers
avatar for Shannon Gibney

Shannon Gibney

Shannon Gibney is a writer, educator, and activist. She is author of several books, including The Girl I Am, Was, and Never Will Be: A Speculative Memoir of Transracial Adoption, which received a Michael L. Printz Honor and a Minnesota Book Award; See No Color and Dream Country, both... Read More →
avatar for Gary Eldon Peter

Gary Eldon Peter

Gary Eldon Peter is the author of the short story collection Oranges, recipient of the Gold Medal for LGBTQ+ fiction in the Independent Publisher Book Awards and the Midwest Book Award, and the novel The Complicated Calculus (and Cows) of Carl Paulsen, which received the Minnesota... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
111
  Session

10:45am CDT

Bodies in the Library: The Invisibility of Anti-Fat Bias in IDEA Conversations
Friday October 25, 2024 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
Meeting Room 101
Library patrons come in all shapes and sizes – that’s just a fact. It’s also a well-documented fact that people in fat bodies experience increased social stigma, body shaming, and spatial discrimination within built environments. And yet, conversations about IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility) rarely include body size. When you design your services and spaces, are you considering whether they are accessible, comfortable, and welcoming for all sizes of patrons and staff?

This presentation will provide attendees with an introduction to the concept of anti-fat bias, how it fits into IDEA frameworks, and how it can manifest and be addressed in a library context. We will also discuss the complicated issue of how we talk about body size, and the historical and political contexts of the “F” word. This session will be valuable to library staff of all types who are invested in creating inclusive and accessible spaces for patrons and staff. Attendees will leave with learning resources and tools to reflect on their own internal biases and advocate for fat bodies in the library.
Speakers
LB

Lydia Beller-McKenna

Librarian, Anoka County Library
Lydia Beller-McKenna (she/they) is an Adult Services Librarian at Anoka County Library, where they enjoy connecting the community with meaningful programs and services. Prior to moving to Minnesota, they worked in Teen Services in their native state of New Hampshire, planning and... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
Meeting Room 101
  Session

10:45am CDT

Building the Next Chapter: Leading a Building Project as a Solo Librarian
Friday October 25, 2024 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
Meeting Room 102
What do you do when your small town library doesn’t need more space but the decor and layout are stuck in the last century? What is the line between charming and outdated? When your city is so small that many functions are outsourced, how do you find funding and create an effective plan to remodel your space (all while still running your library)? And what happens when a global pandemic hits right when you are ready to kickoff the project? Join Jill Smith and Sara Wagner from Bayport Public Library and Ann Vonda and Jonathan Strand from BTR to hear about Bayport Public Library’s recent remodeling project. Learn lessons on building community support, finding expert advice, and achieving the goal of an updated flexible, modern library space.
Speakers
avatar for Jill Smith

Jill Smith

Library Director, Bayport Public Library
Jill Smith is the director of the Bayport Public Library. She has been at Bayport Public Library for 9 years. and has worked in public libraries for almost 30 years. In her spare time, she enjoys knitting and baking.
SW

Sara Wagner

Bayport Public Library
Sara became a Bayport Library fan when she moved to town in 1989. She was an original member of the Foundation for the Bayport Public Library and served on that board for several years. More recently, as a member of the Library’s board of directors, Sara was proud to be involved... Read More →
AV
JS

Jonathan Strand

BTR
Jonathan is driven by a design ethic that balances programmatic objectives, aesthetics, well-being, and sustainability. For more than 18 years at BTR, he has served as a lead project designer, project architect, and project manager focused on mission-oriented, non-profit, and educational... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
Meeting Room 102
  Session

10:45am CDT

Effective Data Storytelling for Libraries
Friday October 25, 2024 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
Meeting Room 103
How do we connect and engage with people so that we can advocate for our libraries? We tell our stories. How do we craft the best stories? There are some great ideas in the book, Effective Data Storytelling: How to Drive Change with Data, Narrative and Visual, by Brent Dykes.

I will briefly discuss our consortium short course where we used this book, along with some of the key data storytelling concepts. Then participants will go through an exercise to get you thinking about what data you have and start sketching out your own data story.

At the end of this session, participants will understand key data storytelling concepts. Participants will apply these concepts to their situations and start creating their own data stories. The intended audience is anyone who wants to create more effective data stories in order to connect and engage with people and ultimately advocate for their library.
Speakers
avatar for Jill Holman

Jill Holman

Support and Training Librarian for Systems and Data, PALS (MnPALS Consortium)
Jill has been doing data projects for decades, starting with a statistical programming internship at the American Medical Association during college. Next, she studied research methods and statistics as part of her MLS program at the University of Michigan. She also enjoys teaching... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
Meeting Room 103
  Session

10:45am CDT

Library Leadership Forum - Pathways to Librarianship
Friday October 25, 2024 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
Meeting Room 105
We’re excited to bring the Library Leadership Forum (LLF) to the MLA Conference and have our monthly discussion in person! Join us for a discussion on the MLIS degree and educational pathways to librarianship, necessary skills for library staff to meet community goals, and critical questions about the future of librarianship. All Minnesota library staff, including job seekers, are welcome with no commitment to attend regularly. The LLF is sponsored by Metronet with the goal of delving into thoughtful discussions about library work, values, and librarianship, enhancing professional and leadership development, tapping into the value of shared experience, and building resilient networks. Find more info and readings at: https://metrolibraries.net/resources-and-archives/
Speakers
avatar for Carol Jackson

Carol Jackson

Certified Narrative Coach Practitioner, Metronet
Carol Jackson facilitates Metronet’s Library Leadership Forum, a monthly professional development discussion group. She earned her MLIS from St. Kate’s and spent 20 years working in public libraries, fifteen of which were spent managing libraries. In 2022, she took a hiatus from... Read More →
avatar for Maggie Snow

Maggie Snow

Director, Minitex
Maggie Snow is the Minitex Director and has been working in libraries for 30+ years. Snow is a former president of the Minnesota Library Association and was awarded MLA’s William G. Asp Distinguished Career Award in 2018. She is a board member of the Minnesota Library Foundation... Read More →
avatar for Carla Pfahl

Carla Pfahl

Outreach & Instruction Librarian, Minitex
Carla Pfahl is an Outreach & Instruction Librarian and the Coordinator of AskMN, Minnesota’s statewide 24/7 virtual reference service. As a consortial librarian with Minitex, Carla enjoys working to support libraries, librarians, and library services across Minnesota. Along... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
Meeting Room 105
  Session

10:45am CDT

Say What?: Navigating Difficult Conversations with Motivational Interviewing
Friday October 25, 2024 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
Meeting Room 104
From book challenges and bomb threats to upset patrons, difficult conversations are a common part of library life. How often have you successfully argued with someone and changed their mind? Instead of trying to change someone else’s mind, we should help them find their own motivation to change. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a well-researched technique that can transform these interactions and enhance patron engagement. Originally developed in the healthcare field, MI empowers patrons to discover their own motivation for change. This session will explore how MI can be applied in a library setting to foster more meaningful and productive conversations with our patrons.

In this session, attendees will learn the foundational principles of MI, including the spirit of MI, the OARS (Open-ended questions, Affirmations, Reflective listening, and Summarizing) technique, and the stages of change model. Participants will develop skills to apply MI techniques in various library contexts, such as assisting patrons with information needs, promoting library programs, and managing difficult conversations. Library staff will learn strategies to remain empathetic and non-judgmental while guiding patrons toward constructive outcomes.

By attending this session, library staff will gain valuable tools to create a welcoming and supportive environment that encourages patrons to explore and utilize library services more fully. Participants will leave with a concrete understanding of how to implement MI strategies to build stronger relationships with patrons, address their unique needs, and ultimately enhance the overall library experience.
Purpose
The purpose of the proposal is to introduce library staff to Motivational Interviewing (MI) as a valuable technique for improving interactions with patrons, especially during difficult conversations. The aim is to equip staff with practical skills that can be applied to enhance patron engagement and support.
Goals
Introduce MI Principles: Familiarize attendees with the core principles and techniques of Motivational Interviewing.
Practical Application: Demonstrate how MI can be effectively used in various library contexts to address patron needs.
Skill Development: Enhance the ability of library staff to handle challenging situations empathetically and constructively.
Objectives
Understanding MI: Attendees will gain a clear understanding of the foundational principles of MI, including the spirit of MI and the OARS technique.
Applying MI: Participants will learn how to apply MI techniques in scenarios such as assisting patrons with information needs, promoting library programs, and supporting personal development.
Managing Difficult Conversations: Library staff will develop strategies to remain empathetic and non-judgmental while engaging with patrons experiencing crises or holding unreasonable beliefs.
Improving Patron Engagement: Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to create a more welcoming and supportive environment, ultimately enhancing overall patron satisfaction and library experience.
Speakers
avatar for Anthony Molaro

Anthony Molaro

Associate Professor, St. Catherine University
Anthony Molaro is a nationally recognized speaker, teacher, and consultant. He teaches management, marketing, and public services courses in the MLIS Program at St. Catherine University. He has written and presented on various topics, including several presentations at MLA. He is... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
Meeting Room 104
  Session

10:45am CDT

School Library Status Report
Friday October 25, 2024 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
Meeting Room 110
In this presentation, we will review the data collection efforts and present findings from the 2023-2024 MN School Library Status Report. The School Library Data Team endeavored to answer two questions: 1. How many MN schools have libraries? 2. How are MN school libraries staffed? Come to the session to get answers to these questions, discuss whether or not they match your experience, and learn how we will continue these efforts. 
Speakers
avatar for Verena Getahun

Verena Getahun

Library Data Coordinator, Minnesota Department of Education, State Library Services
Verena Getahun is the library data coordinator at State Library Services in the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). In her role at MDE, Verena coordinates data collection and analysis for the annual report and consults with libraries on using data to communicate their value... Read More →
avatar for Ashley Dress

Ashley Dress

SELS Librarian - School Media Center, SELCO
Ashley Dress is the SELS Librarian - School Media Center for the Southeast Library System, the multicounty multitype library system in the southeast corner of the state and based in Rochester. Previously, she worked as the library director of the Caledonia Public Library in Caledonia... Read More →
avatar for Lacey Rotier

Lacey Rotier

Assistant Professor and SLMS Coordinator, St. Catherine University
Lacey Rotier works at St. Catherine University as an Assistant Professor and the School Library Media Program Coordinator in the Library and Information Science Department. Lacey received her Master's of Library and Information Science and K-12 School Library Media license from St... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
Meeting Room 110
  Session

10:45am CDT

Storytime P.R.E.P - Planning & Reflection for Engaging Programs
Friday October 25, 2024 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
Meeting Room 108
How do you prepare Storytimes and early literacy focused programs? Learn how to cultivate collaboration in the planning and reflection stages of program development to create and sustain impactful youth programs.

In Storytime P.R.E.P., you will explore methods to:
• Plan engaging storytimes: Develop effective planning strategies to create interactive storytime sessions using tools like Google AppSheet.
• Reflect on best practices: Explore how to identify and share successful storytime techniques through self-evaluation and peer observation.
• Engage all ages: Learn about resources for exploring books and other materials and how to encourage parents and caregivers to join in the discovery of early literacy components.
• Program with confidence: Leave empowered to build connections with other librarians and educators to enhance your storytime practice.
Speakers
avatar for Amy Fettig

Amy Fettig

Library Manager, Anoka County Library
Amy Fettig is a Library Manager with Anoka County Library and previously worked as a teacher and library media specialist. She has presented at the MNCodes Summit and Learning Forward annual conference in years past and has a passion for leveraging technology tools to develop creative... Read More →
DW

Dana Weigman

Administrative Services Supervisor, Anoka County Library
JG

Jennifer Gerbig

Librarian, Anoka County Library
Jennifer Gerbig (she/her) is a youth services librarian at Anoka County Library. She helps coordinate the teen volunteer program at her branch, plans programs for middle and high schoolers, and collaboratively plans storytimes for all ages with her colleagues.
EM

Elizabeth Moon

Librarian, Anoka County Library
Elizabeth Moon (she/her) is a youth services librarian at Anoka County Library. She works with volunteer mentors for Anoka County’s Reading Bridge program, plans programming for school aged children, and collaboratively plans storytimes for all ages with Jennifer and her other coworkers... Read More →
Storytime Self Evaluation pdf
Storytime Observation Form pdf
How to Conduct a Storytime Observation pdf
Friday October 25, 2024 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
Meeting Room 108
  Session

10:45am CDT

Technical Services Section (TSS) Meeting
Friday October 25, 2024 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
Meeting Room 107
Come learn more about MLA's Technical Services Section (TSS), whose purpose is to provide members and other Minnesota library workers with opportunities to discuss current problems and future developments in library technical services, and to educate and inform. 
Speakers
avatar for Jean Kramer

Jean Kramer

Technical Services Librarian, Minnesota State University Moorhead
I serve as Technical Services Librarian at Minnesota State University Moorhead. My responsibilities include managing the acquisitions and cataloging units. I work closely with our Electronic Resources Librarian selecting and trouble-shooting a number of online tools. I am also the... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
Meeting Room 107
  Session

10:45am CDT

Vendor Session: Go Beyond the News with The New York Times
Friday October 25, 2024 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
Meeting Room 106
With innovative forms of journalism, The New York Times informs readers about the
changing world through a digital experience that enables understanding, improves media literacy and combats misinformation.

With more than 250 stories a day, The New York Times goes beyond the news with visual media, cutting edge infographics, audio podcasts. Take a journey through NYTimes.com and discover the stories that fuel the passions of readers and learners of all ages.

Learn how to:
Navigate The New York Times
Access resources for the classroom, curriculum and professional development with the Learning Network and NYT inEducation.
Take a step back in time with NYT historical
Feed wanderlust with our global coverage

Test your word skills with NYT Games
Give college students a tool for learning how to cook with NYT Cooking
Increase sports literacy and feed team spirit with with The Athletic
and so much more…
Speakers
ST

Sophia Tarlas

The New York Times
Sophia Tarlas manages enterprise digital access for The New York Times in the US and Canada. She has spent the past eight years working directly with students, faculty, employees, community patrons and organizations on the delivery and use of NYTimes.com. Her areas of specialty are... Read More →
KF

Kandace Fitzwater

Kandace Fitzwater has been National Director, Education and Public Library B2B for The New York Times since 2018. She began her career with The Times in 2005, first as an Education Account Manager then Education Senior Manager before assuming her current role. She presently manages the US Education Team working with K-12, Higher Education, and Public Library institutions. Kandace received her BSBA from the Ohio State University and her MBA from Otterbein University. She is based in Columbus, OH.
Friday October 25, 2024 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
Meeting Room 106
  Session

10:45am CDT

Who runs the library? Statute 134 and YOU.
Friday October 25, 2024 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
Meeting Room 109
Statute 134 defines public libraries in Minnesota and how they are operated, yet many do not clearly understand what the statute says. Come to this session for clarification about how to use the statute to understand and define the roles of the director, the board, and city hall. Information shared may be useful to other types of libraries who have a board and need ideas how to define board roles and strengthen relationships with governing entities.
Speakers
avatar for Steve Harsin

Steve Harsin

Public Library Consultant, SELCO
Public Library Consultant, 40+ year career in all types of libraries, Past President of MLA, William G. Asp Distinguished Career Award 2023
avatar for Krista Ross

Krista Ross

Executive Director, SELCO
Executive Director of SELCO/SELS since 2017, Krista has worked in public libraries in Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin where she spent 15 years as the director of a public library system and was President of Wisconsin Library Association.
TG

Terry Glidden

Instructional Specialist, SELCO
Computer Science degree and MBA. Has worked at SELCO 14 years, most recently as the Instructional Specialist. Previously College Instructor teaching IT and Business classes both in-person and in remote learner environments.
Friday October 25, 2024 10:45am - 11:35am CDT
Meeting Room 109
  Session

11:35am CDT

Break: Exhibits and Silent Auction
Friday October 25, 2024 11:35am - 11:45am CDT
Ballroom 2
Friday October 25, 2024 11:35am - 11:45am CDT
Ballroom 2
  Exhibits

11:45am CDT

Lunch
Friday October 25, 2024 11:45am - 1:10pm CDT
Ballroom 1
Friday October 25, 2024 11:45am - 1:10pm CDT
Ballroom 1
  Meal

12:10pm CDT

2024 MLA Awards Presentation
Friday October 25, 2024 12:10pm - 1:10pm CDT
Ballroom 1
Friday October 25, 2024 12:10pm - 1:10pm CDT
Ballroom 1
  Keynote

1:10pm CDT

Break: Exhibits and Silent Auction
Friday October 25, 2024 1:10pm - 1:20pm CDT
Ballroom 2
Friday October 25, 2024 1:10pm - 1:20pm CDT
Ballroom 2
  Exhibits

1:20pm CDT

A Librarian's Guide to the 2021 Minnesota K-12 Social Studies Standards
Friday October 25, 2024 1:20pm - 2:10pm CDT
Meeting Room 101
This presentation will highlight what standards and benchmarks in the 2021 Minnesota K-12 Social Studies standards contain research-related skills as well as examining the K-12 sequence of the skills and topics from a library media specialist perspective.

Library media specialists across the state support and collaborate with classroom teachers on student research in schools and it is important that they know and understand the academic standards that classroom teachers use as a basis for their instruction. Librarians can use the information from this presentation to suggest collaborations with social studies teachers as well as to consider how their collection can support students and teachers.
Speakers
avatar for Lacey Rotier

Lacey Rotier

Assistant Professor and SLMS Coordinator, St. Catherine University
Lacey Rotier works at St. Catherine University as an Assistant Professor and the School Library Media Program Coordinator in the Library and Information Science Department. Lacey received her Master's of Library and Information Science and K-12 School Library Media license from St... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 1:20pm - 2:10pm CDT
Meeting Room 101
  Session

1:20pm CDT

Boost Attendance at Programs: How to Increase Awareness of and Attendance at Programs
Friday October 25, 2024 1:20pm - 2:10pm CDT
Meeting Room 102
Is your library looking to increase attendance at programs? Do community members mention that they didn’t know about a program you’ve been offering for years? In 2023, the Albert Lea Public Library made a concerted effort to increase awareness of library programs, resulting in a 30% increase in program attendance. In this session, attendees will learn what the Albert Lea Public Library did to increase awareness and attendance of programs, including many low or no cost options. At the end of the session, attendees will be able to identify strategies they can put into practice in their own libraries and communities to increase awareness of and attendance at library programs.
Speakers
AS

Annice Sevett

Library Director, Albert Lea Public Library
Annice Sevett is the Library Director of the Albert Lea Public Library. Prior to becoming the director, she served as the Assistant Library Director for two and a half years. Sevett has worked in public libraries for ten years, including as a Reference Librarian at a medium sized... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 1:20pm - 2:10pm CDT
Meeting Room 102
  Session

1:20pm CDT

Critically Compassionate Library Workplaces
Friday October 25, 2024 1:20pm - 2:10pm CDT
Meeting Room 108
For many librarians, we cultivate compassion and emotional intelligence for the people who walk into our spaces and utilize our services or programming. This presentation is going to turn compassion and emotional intelligence inward, to reframe how we engage in our workplaces and treat each other. Informed by critical librarianship and culturally responsive theories, this presentation will invite the audience to practice compassionate communication, critique absurd library bureaucracy, and contemplate what a psychologically safe workplace might look like. We are going to move beyond teamwork and friendship to a more nuanced view of collegiality that critiques library workplaces in productive ways. Engagement with reflection, compassion, and culture moves library workers toward building authentic relationships and imbues their work with meaning and purpose without demanding selflessness and burnout.
Speakers
avatar for Elissah Becknell

Elissah Becknell

Cataloging & Metadata Education Librarian, Minitex
Elissah Becknell is the Cataloging & Metadata Education Librarian at Minitex in the Digital Initiatives & Metadata Education unit. She develops and presents training on library cataloging and metadata standards for library workers across the Midwest. She is also an adjunct instructor... Read More →
avatar for Jenny Sippel

Jenny Sippel

Faculty Librarian, Minneapolis Community & Technical College Library
Jennifer (Jenny) Sippel is a Faculty (Lead Outreach) Librarian & Instructor at Minneapolis Community & Technical College. She regularly presents on the topic of Mindfulness, uses Contemplative Pedagogy in her classroom, and took a sabbatical during Spring 2016 to deepen her understanding... Read More →
Critically Compassionate Library Workplaces Presentation pdf
Critically Compassionate Library Workplaces Activity Handout pdf
Friday October 25, 2024 1:20pm - 2:10pm CDT
Meeting Room 108
  Session

1:20pm CDT

Getting started with Code and Scratch Jr.
Friday October 25, 2024 1:20pm - 2:10pm CDT
Meeting Room 104
School and Children’s librarians session that introduces coding with Scratch Jr. Intro to the app tools and simple project creation with options for storytelling, interactive presentations and student created games. This session is for beginners and will include hands-on time. Bring your tablet with the app installed.
Speakers
avatar for Anne Marie Griffin

Anne Marie Griffin

Library Media Specialist, Rochester Public Schools
Anne Marie has been a library media specialist for 17 years at a variety of levels K-12. Most recently at Gibbs Elementary and RPS Online. She teaches a wide variety of information literacy skills including computer coding. She enjoys helping students use technology to create.
JH
avatar for Brandi Vieths

Brandi Vieths

Rochester Public Schools
...
Friday October 25, 2024 1:20pm - 2:10pm CDT
Meeting Room 104
  Session

1:20pm CDT

Hooded History - The KKK in 1920s Minnesota
Friday October 25, 2024 1:20pm - 2:10pm CDT
Meeting Room 105
The Testify: Americana Slavery to Today exhibit is expected to be on display at the 2024 MLA Conference in Rochester. The exhibit shows items collected by Diane and Alan Page which document the experiences of African Americans and the prejudice they were subjected to.
Since November, I have visited libraries in the SELCO region who have hosted the Testify Exhibit, sharing the story of intolerance shown by residents of Minnesota. Many people are unaware that the Ku Klux Klan was active throughout the state during the 1920s. In fact, their stated goal was to have a Klan organization in every county in Minnesota.
The purpose of my presentation is to inform individuals on the Klan’s presence in Minnesota, in both large cities and small towns. The strategies that Klan recruiters used are examined, as well as their manipulation of facts to support their movement.
The presentation covers the growth of the Klan, the tenets of the group, and the responses from communities. The eventual decline of the Klan is described and the role that anti-hate groups played in that decline. Finally, objects of Klan memorabilia are shown. Sources are suggested for those who would like to learn more.
Some of the best learning experiences come during the discussions at the end of the program. Those who attend Hooded History often express their appreciation for the new perspective they have gained regarding hate groups.
Speakers
NV
Friday October 25, 2024 1:20pm - 2:10pm CDT
Meeting Room 105
  Session

1:20pm CDT

How to talk to non-library folks about libraries
Friday October 25, 2024 1:20pm - 2:10pm CDT
Meeting Room 106
This session is for anyone who struggles to explain "why libraries" to non-library people. We tend to "info dump" when given the opportunity, losing the attention of our audience. In this session, the participant will be challenged to think about their library's mission and their own work in the structure of an elevator speech. Participants will produce their own elevator speech using a template, and will then practice their elevator speeches in front of their colleagues in small groups.
Speakers
avatar for Johnna Horton

Johnna Horton

Executive Director of PALS, PALS
Johnna Horton is the Executive Director of PALS, an organization that provides software support and training for library personnel in the Consortium of MnPALS Libraries, a group of 53 academic, special/state agency, and K-12 libraries. Over the years, Johnna has been a bookseller... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 1:20pm - 2:10pm CDT
Meeting Room 106
  Session

1:20pm CDT

Inclusive Higher Education for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Friday October 25, 2024 1:20pm - 2:10pm CDT
Meeting Room 107
In the 2018-2019 academic year, the State of Minnesota began providing additional financial aid for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the Grants for Students with Intellectual and Development Disabilities (ID Grant) program. However, the Minnesota Inclusive Higher Education Consortium (MIHEC) highlighted additional barriers for these students which included lack of postsecondary education options, limited capacity in Minnesota’s three existing Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) programs, and limited funding. In the 2023 Minnesota Legislative Session, the State acted to address these barriers. In fall 2023, the University of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Integration (ICI) entered into an agreement with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) to establish a technical assistance center (TA Center) to create self-sustaining education options across the state for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities who want to earn postsecondary credentials. OHE in collaboration with the TA Center will host a competitive request for application in spring of 2024 for institutions who will be launching these programs.
The State of Minnesota is specifically addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education by establishing the TA Center. The focus of the TA Center will be to expand higher education enrollment to include individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who historically have not had options to pursue higher education. The establishment of CTP programs will allow these students to access federal financial aid, Minnesota state aid, and other funding sources for students with disabilities (example: Vocational Rehabilitation and waiver funding).
During this session, attendees will learn about how libraries can support postsecondary institutions in building their capacity to support students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Attendees will also learn about how libraries can help students with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families access postsecondary programs and student financial aid.
Speakers
MH

Mary Hauff

Director, Minnesota Inclusive Higher Education Technical Assistance Center
Mary Hauff is the director of the Minnesota Inclusive Higher Education Technical Assistance Center at the Institute on Community Integration. The TA Center is a resource on inclusive higher education and students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Hauff is collaborating... Read More →
KP

Katie Parry

Minnesota Inclusive Higher Education Technical Assistance Center
Katie Parry, M.A., is the Community Outreach Coordinator at the Minnesota Institute of Higher Education Technical Assistance Center. She began her career as a special education teacher, dedicating five years to this role before transitioning to the Disability Resource Center at the... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 1:20pm - 2:10pm CDT
Meeting Room 107
  Session

1:20pm CDT

Keys to the Library: Extending Library Hours with Self Service Technology
Friday October 25, 2024 1:20pm - 2:10pm CDT
Meeting Room 103
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 library systems in the Twin Cities Metro 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.
Speakers
SF

Shawn Foster-Huot

Library Technology Manager, Dakota County Library System
BS
AW
KK
SD

Scott Duimstra

Library Director, Hennepin County Library
Director
Friday October 25, 2024 1:20pm - 2:10pm CDT
Meeting Room 103
  Session

1:20pm CDT

MN Indie Author Award Panel
Friday October 25, 2024 1:20pm - 2:10pm CDT
112
Join us in celebrating the winners of the 2024 Minnesota Author Project! The contest offers 3 category winners: Adult Fiction and Young Adult Fiction and Communities Create. Learn about these winners, their works, and what the Minnesota Author Project and support of Minnesota libraries means to them.
Speakers
NS
Friday October 25, 2024 1:20pm - 2:10pm CDT
112
  Session

1:20pm CDT

Small and Rural Libraries Round Table (SRLRT) Meeting
Friday October 25, 2024 1:20pm - 2:10pm CDT
111
Come learn about MLA's Small and Rural Libraries Round Table (SRLRT), whose purpose is to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas, concerns and information; to plan and present programs or workshops at conferences and within the state which will benefit staff of small, rural libraries. 
Friday October 25, 2024 1:20pm - 2:10pm CDT
111
  Session

1:20pm CDT

Storytime Toolkit: A Sneak Preview
Friday October 25, 2024 1:20pm - 2:10pm CDT
Meeting Room 109
Recognizing the need for Storytime training in libraries of all sizes throughout the state, youth services librarians and managers established an Early Literacy Task Force to discuss strategies for building Storytime training modules. The result is a Minnesota-created platform – with contributions from Task Force members in urban, suburban, and rural libraries – that covers a wide range of topics, from early literacy research to child development to best practices. The toolkit will benefit library staff new to Storytime, as well as veterans who are looking to refine their craft. This session will provide insight on the work of the Task Force and introduce toolkit components.
Speakers
avatar for Gail Nordstrom

Gail Nordstrom

Public Library Consultant, Viking Library System
Gail Nordstrom has called west central Minnesota home since 2010 when she began working for Viking Library System as the Public Library Consultant. She provides assistance and support to eleven member libraries in the region and also serves as Legacy Coordinator, facilitating arts... Read More →
avatar for Ashley Bieber

Ashley Bieber

Library Development and Early Literacy Specialist, Minnesota Department of Education, State Library Services
In her capacity of Library Development and Early Literacy Services Specialist, Ashley Bieber focuses on supporting early literacy and youth services staff in libraries across Minnesota. She also administers Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund grants to Minnesota’s 12 regional library... Read More →
KJ

Kelsey Johnson-Kaiser

Youth & Family Services Manager, Saint Paul Public Library
Kelsey Johnson-Kaiser has 11 years of experience working on behalf of youth and families in small, medium, and large libraries. She currently engages in coordinating programs, building and supporting community partnerships, and thinking strategically about how to keep strengthening... Read More →
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Dawn LaBrosse

Youth Services Coordinator, Washington County Library
Dawn LaBrosse started her library career in 2007, receiving her MLIS in 2008 from St Catherine University. After a short stint in law and academic libraries, she knew instantly that her passion was with youth and early literacy. LaBrosse found her dream position coordinating youth... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 1:20pm - 2:10pm CDT
Meeting Room 109
  Session

2:10pm CDT

Break: Exhibits and Silent Auction
Friday October 25, 2024 2:10pm - 2:20pm CDT
Ballroom 2
Friday October 25, 2024 2:10pm - 2:20pm CDT
Ballroom 2
  Exhibits

2:20pm CDT

Advocacy 101: Raise Your Voice for Minnesota Libraries
Friday October 25, 2024 2:20pm - 3:10pm CDT
Meeting Room 101
The Minnesota legislative season moves quickly, and it can be hard to know when opportunities to speak up will arise before they’re right in front of you. Attending Library Legislative Day sounds good in theory, but what do you do when you get to (or before going to) the capitol? Legislators are people too, contacting them isn’t as hard as it seems. Learn how to prepare to raise your voice on behalf of libraries so you’re ready with anecdotes and data that can make an impact on legislative decisions. Topics to be covered will include Library Legislative Day, testifying at committee hearings, contacting legislators, local advocacy, and more!
Speakers
RH

Rachel Haider

Library Media Specialist, Eagan High School
Rachel Haider is the Library Media Specialist for Eagan High School. She is also serving as the President of ITEM for the 2024-2025 school year. She is working on her 6th year as a media specialist and was a classroom English and Communications teacher for 7 years before that. Rachel... Read More →
SH

Sarah Hawkins

Assistant Director, Anoka County Library
Sarah Hawkins is the Assistant Director of Centralized Services for Anoka County Library. She is currently the Co-Chair of MLA's Legislative Committee.
avatar for Liz Lynch

Liz Lynch

Executive Director, Lake Agassiz Regional Library
Liz Lynch is the Executive Director of Lake Agassiz Regional Library. She is currently the MLA Legislative Co-Chair.
Friday October 25, 2024 2:20pm - 3:10pm CDT
Meeting Room 101
  Session

2:20pm CDT

Author Panel 4: Poetry
Friday October 25, 2024 2:20pm - 3:10pm CDT
Meeting Room 110
Speakers
GG

Gene Gazelka

G. Gazelka is a poet based in Minnesota. With an MFA in Creative Writing and a BA in English, their work has appeared in publications like Paddock Review, swifts & slows, and Rockvale Review. They have received multiple literary honors, including mentions in the John Rezmerski Memorial... Read More →
SF

Sherrie Fernandez-Williams

Sherrie Fernandez-Williams is a Black, Queer writer who earned her MFA in Writing from Hamline University. She was a Jerome Hill Artist Fellow and received a Black Voices in Children’s Literature award. She received additional grants and awards from the Minnesota State Arts Board... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 2:20pm - 3:10pm CDT
Meeting Room 110
  Session

2:20pm CDT

CARE for yourself! Prioritizing Well-Being for Library Staff
Friday October 25, 2024 2:20pm - 3:10pm CDT
Meeting Room 102
Library staff all have different work environments and dynamics. Since a library is the place where much of the day is spent, it is important for library workers to address their own well-being as a priority. Making well-being a foundational priority takes a commitment from each person. Everyone can Identify changes to make at the individual level to improve health and well-being in professional and personal lives.

Well-Being is the active state of pursuing our full human potential and thriving personally and professionally. It is a lifelong process that involves positive decision-making and finding balance between many priorities. Well-being is tied to awareness and to making choices that lead to being happier, healthier, and more fulfilled.

Well-being is more than just physical health. It also encompasses mental health, financial health, intellectual health, spiritual health, occupational health, social health, and environmental health. Focusing on the overall well-being for all library workers can enhance work-life integration and help to find meaning, fulfillment, and a sense of impact.

Prioritizing Well-Being in Libraries will provide an exploration of the elements of well-being, along with activities and resources to enhance work-life integration. All library staff should experience personal and professional fulfillment, and making well-being a foundational priority can lead to thriving and living your best library life.
Speakers
avatar for Julie Taylor

Julie Taylor

Outreach Librarian, Mayo Clinic Libraries and Archives
Julie Taylor is an Outreach Librarian for the Mayo Clinic Libraries and Archives. She provides training, support, consultations, and training for Mayo Clinic clinicians, researchers, and learners. Julie is chair of the Marketing and Promotions Materials team that creates new library... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 2:20pm - 3:10pm CDT
Meeting Room 102
  Session

2:20pm CDT

Creating Community Connections
Friday October 25, 2024 2:20pm - 3:10pm CDT
Meeting Room 103
How do you connect to your community when you have limited time and limited resources? (And don't we all!) If you're in greater Minnesota in a smaller community, it can be even more challenging to find those powerful partners. Our panel of library directors from the SELCO (Southeastern Minnesota) region are here to provide their insights into how they have partnered with community organizations, government entities, and local businesses to create connections that benefit their libraries financially and programmatically. What challenges have they faced, what successes are they the most proud of? The goal of this session is to help library staff find new ways to establish, refresh and sustain the community partners who can be powerful library advocates and partners. The panel discussion will be followed by a Q&A session.
Speakers
avatar for Karen Lemke

Karen Lemke

Library Director, Rochester Public Library
Karen Lemke is the Library Director at Rochester Public Library (Winner, 2018 National Medal for Museum and Library Service). Located in Rochester, Minnesota, RPL includes a single branch location and bookmobile. Karen and the RPL team use data to tell the library’s story and demonstrate... Read More →
avatar for Pam O'Hara

Pam O'Hara

Director of Outreach & Instruction, SELCO
Pam O'Hara is currently the Director of Administration at SELCO. Pam has an MLIS from UW-Madison and a BA in Latin and Education from St. Olaf College. She has a wide variety of experience in the library field, including in academic (Carleton, RCTC), special (Astronomy, Transportation... Read More →
avatar for Rachel Gray

Rachel Gray

Director, Van Horn Public Library
Rachel Gray is the director at the Van Horn Public Library in Pine Island. She is a traditional librarian, in that she loves to read and loves cats, but she is untraditional in that she doesn't believe that libraries should be quiet places. In her time off, she enjoys geocaching and... Read More →
avatar for Julie Clinefelter

Julie Clinefelter

Director, Austin Public Library
Julie is the director at the Austin Public Library and has called Minnesota home for 25 years. She enjoys travel and spending time in nature, as long as there are not too many frogs about.
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Stephanie Eggert

Library Director, Caledonia Public Library
Stephanie Eggert is the Library Director at Caledonia Public Library. Stephanie has a B.S in Communications with a Concentration in Technology and holds a Masters in Business Administration. She lives on a 200 acre farm and loves all animals, especially dogs. You never know coming... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 2:20pm - 3:10pm CDT
Meeting Room 103
  Session

2:20pm CDT

eLibrary Minnesota: Is it meeting your patrons and users needs?
Friday October 25, 2024 2:20pm - 3:10pm CDT
Meeting Room 104
This session, aimed at all types of library employees and staff, will focus on discussion around eLibrary Minnesota and prioritize gathering feedback from you. The databases in ELM were recommended by the Minitex Shared E-Resources (SER) Task Force. We are always thinking about the collection and what could be updated for Minnesota schools and libraries. This can include discussion around DEIA, Ebooks Minnesota cotnent, training & instruction, or anything relating to the collection of ELM databases. We would love to hear how well the collection is, or is not, meeting your needs and where any gaps may be.
Speakers
avatar for Matt Lee

Matt Lee

Associate Director, Minitex
Matt is an Associate Director with Minitex. He oversees eLibrary Minnesota and Ebooks Minnesota, Cooperative Purchasing & Electronic Resources, the Minnesota Library Acccess Center, and the Outreach & Instruction units. Matt has been with Minitex for over 15 years.
Friday October 25, 2024 2:20pm - 3:10pm CDT
Meeting Room 104
  Session

2:20pm CDT

How Naughty Do You Want to Get: The Six Levels of Romance Novels & the Stigma Behind Them
Friday October 25, 2024 2:20pm - 3:10pm CDT
Meeting Room 105
Learn the six levels of romance from Christian Fiction to Erotica, otherwise known as from nice to naughty. Plus, learn how to better serve readers and help reduce the stigma behind the romance novel.
Speakers
ST

Samantha TerBeest Berhow

Adult Services Librarian, Winona Public Library
Samantha TerBeest Berhow has been the Adult Services Librarian at the Winona Public Library for the past 10 years. She has worked in a variety of Minnesota libraries since the age of 13 - public, K-12 schools, academic, and multitype. While she is an avid lover of all books from mystery... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 2:20pm - 3:10pm CDT
Meeting Room 105
  Session

2:20pm CDT

How to Improve Teaching and Reference with UX
Friday October 25, 2024 2:20pm - 3:10pm CDT
Meeting Room 106
Most of our users now start their library experience with an online visit. How do your users experience that initial contact?
UX is frequently used as a phrase for discussing the design of interfaces and is often linked to the computer science world. But what the UX process exposes about your users can radically change your approach to how you explain your services. What UX information is useful for teachers, managers, and front-line staff to consider when teaching or helping with reference? We will have an Academic Librarian and a County Public Library Systems Analyst to describe ways to use UX to make the library seem more human.
Come away from this session with some takeaway ideas for identifying user information that will inform the services offered to your patrons or improve your teaching practice. Better understanding how your users interact with your online interfaces doesn’t require you to be a systems expert, it just requires you to listen with empathy.
Speakers
avatar for Aurora Jacobsen

Aurora Jacobsen

Reference and Liaison Librarian, Winona State University Darrell W. Krueger Library
Aurora Jacobsen is currently a Reference and Liaison Librarian at Winona State University. Before WSU, Aurora was the Information Services Librarian at Stillwater Public Library, overseeing all public services. Aurora Jacobsen has a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Saint... Read More →
TL

tracey lee

Library Information Systems Analyst, Washington County Library System
tracey lee is a Library Information Systems Analyst at Washington County Library. Prior to that, she worked as a Reference Librarian at the Minnesota Reference Library. She has a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies at St. Catherine University, before also earning her MLIS... Read More →
Friday October 25, 2024 2:20pm - 3:10pm CDT
Meeting Room 106
  Session

2:20pm CDT

Readers' Advisory Roundtable (RART) Meeting
Friday October 25, 2024 2:20pm - 3:10pm CDT
111
RART is the Readers' Advisory Round Table, and is a subunit of the Minnesota Library Association. RART’s goal is to provide a forum for discussion about adult and young adult books, both fiction and non-fiction. Members share information about books and authors from the point of view of reader’s advisory services most frequently in public libraries. There are opportunities to share techniques and expertise in book talking and "on the spot" reader’s advisory.
Every year, RART hosts a retreat, bringing together members of the profession who are interested in improving their reader’s advisory skills, learning more about the world of books, and sharing their experiences. RART also sponsors related sessions at the annual MLA conference. Come learn more!

Friday October 25, 2024 2:20pm - 3:10pm CDT
111
  Session

2:20pm CDT

Technical Services in a medical library: connecting staff and resources
Friday October 25, 2024 2:20pm - 3:10pm CDT
Meeting Room 108
Intended audience: special libraries, general library staff. Our goal is to educate and share what we do in technical services in a medical library setting. In the session we will discuss our diverse patron types and how the Technical Services work unit supports the 16 branches of the Mayo Clinic libraries in serving the staff and patients of the Mayo Clinic. We will highlight our Mayo Authors database and what that involves, our subject-, clinical-, and nursing- guides tailored to our unique users, medical students, history of the clinic, etc. Our tech services team works to share various types of resources available at the library.
Speakers
avatar for Kate Eidem

Kate Eidem

Technical Services, Mayo Clinic Libraries
Kate Eidem works in technical services at the Mayo Clinic and is a member of the Neurodiversity Subcommittee at Mayo Clinic. She served as a past chair of the Intellectual Freedom Committee and serves on the MLA legislative committee. She holds a master's degree in history and archival... Read More →
KB

Kathryn Balek

Technical Services Librarian, Mayo Clinic
Kathryn Balek has a decade of experience as a cataloging librarian, working in public, college, and medical libraries. She has spent the last five years as a Cataloging Librarian with the Mayo Clinic Libraries.
JZ

Jasmine Zacate

Mayo Clinic Libraries
Jasmine Zacate works for Mayo Clinic Libraries in technical services. She has worked in school, public, academic, and medical libraries and is an MSI student at Florida State University.
Friday October 25, 2024 2:20pm - 3:10pm CDT
Meeting Room 108
  Session

2:20pm CDT

Vendor Session: New Capstone Connect and PebbleGo Create
Friday October 25, 2024 2:20pm - 3:10pm CDT
Meeting Room 107
We will explore the New Capstone Connect and go into our eBookroom as well as our Activities, Makerspace and Lesson plan section. We will explore an activity and a maker project together. We will also explore our National/State Standards and topic search feature and show how this will help librarians save time and integrate into their ed-tech tools. We will then experience PebbleGo Create. PebbleGo Create is an intuitive digital workspace for students and all learners to demonstrate what they are learning from our research database PebbleGo. Students can choose to text, draw, use audio or video and create unique backgrounds to show what they have learned. When students are free to choose their own methods of expression and take an active and creative role in their learning they gain confidence and the learning stays with them. Come join us while we have fun exploring Capstone Connect and PebbleGo Create. This is for K-6 Librarians, Instructional Tech Coordinators, Teachers, Technology Specialists, Principals and anyone who would like to learn more about the new parts of PebbleGo.
Speakers
avatar for Amy Kellogg

Amy Kellogg

Supporting Sponsor, Capstone
Amy has had 25 years serving the K-12 Education and Libraries. She has been working with Textbook adoptions, supporting libraries with their selections, and providing the best in technology solutions. Her passions are to write a book one day and to grow her knowledge in herbalism... Read More →
HD
Friday October 25, 2024 2:20pm - 3:10pm CDT
Meeting Room 107
  Session

3:10pm CDT

Break: Exhibits, Silent Auction & Dessert
Friday October 25, 2024 3:10pm - 3:40pm CDT
Ballroom 2
Friday October 25, 2024 3:10pm - 3:40pm CDT
Ballroom 2
  Exhibits
 
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