MLA 2024 Conference

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.