MLA 2024 Conference

Since the launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT, there has been an explosion of energy and activity around what it means to our work. Like many other library staff, Minitex staff are following developments and started an internal community of interest to discuss ideas, ethics, standards, and to explore applications of tools in our current work. Minitex staff have access to ChatGPT Enterprise and will demonstrate how we used this technology to explore custom GPTs (AI chatbots). We will introduce you to AI chatbots in the library and talk about ethical concerns, practical applications, and data input and output. Presenters will also share examples of other custom GPTs we find valuable. We aim to inspire attendees to play with this new technology, share what they learn, and find creative applications to their everyday work. We are inviting audience participation, so bring your questions, ideas, and examples of what libraries are doing with AI.

In a few years, public libraries’ websites must be compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Is your library’s website ready? Learn about common accessibility barriers, accessible content creation, and resources to check for WCAG compliance.

One Book, One Community programs aren’t just for the state level or large library systems - they can be successful in small communities too! Hastings Reads has successfully planned an all-ages community reading program for the past 18 years. Unique in that we offer not one but three books to encompass all ages in our community, programming lasts the entire month of February with upwards of 15 events for all ages. With a picture book, middle grade, and YA/Adult book selected around a common theme, there is something for everyone. A variety of community partners join together to plan, promote, and host events to encourage the love of reading across the community. Come hear about our planning process, funding sources, and how we leverage community partnerships to make our program a success.

“We’re a small library; we can’t plan for every disaster. Besides, a flood will never happen to our library; it’s not even near a river.” On one of the coldest weekends of the year, a sprinkler head burst in our library breakroom and flooded the entire library. Overnight our world was turned upside-down. And, unfortunately, we did not have a flood disaster plan.

In this presentation, we will detail our response to the flood, discuss what went well and what did not at each stage of recovery, and highlight how we ultimately turned a disaster into opportunity. We will share our experience and the lessons learned along the way in each aspect of the process, including coordinating with multiple insurance companies, providing services when operating out of a limited space, maintaining clear communications with the public, fostering patron engagement with the library through social media, and using this opportunity to re-envision the library space and furniture needs. Attendees will leave with clear strategies on how to plan for disaster before it happens, how to cope when it does, and how to turn your worst experience into something positive.

This presentation is geared towards library directors, staff members, and anyone interested in how one small library thrived after a disaster.

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.

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.

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/

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.

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.