2026 Core Forum: Full Schedule

7:00am EST

Registration Open

Wednesday November 18, 2026 7:00am - 6:00pm EST

8:00am EST

PAID EVENT: Louisville Library Buildings Tour with BCUL and APL

Wednesday November 18, 2026 8:00am - 4:00pm EST

There is no substitute for experiencing a library in person. Visiting a library, walking through its spaces, and speaking directly with librarians about their design process, service models, and spatial strategies provides insights that cannot be gained through presentations alone. Seeing how ideas are translated into built environments allows participants to better understand what works—and...
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Wednesday November 18, 2026 8:00am - 4:00pm EST

Tour, Buildings & Operations

Session Type Preconference
Track Buildings & Operations

12:00pm EST

PAID EVENT: A Friendly Intro to Licensing: Clause for Celebration

Wednesday November 18, 2026 12:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Scared of licensing? Don't be! This preconference will be a straightforward introduction to some of the most common licensing terms and what to look out for. This is not just for electronic resource librarians but will help anyone in libraries who work with resources better understand how they and their patrons can use those resources. We'll work through a number of terms, review sample licenses...
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Wednesday November 18, 2026 12:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Preconference, Metadata & Collections

Session Type Preconference

12:00pm EST

PAID EVENT: Disaster Preparedness Workshop

Wednesday November 18, 2026 12:00pm - 4:00pm EST

This workshop will provide participants with an introduction to disaster planning specific to arts and culture organizations. They will also be provided insight into the coordination of disaster response networks via the experience of member institutions of the Kentucky Heritage Emergency Response Network. Activities will include an instructor led demonstration of salvage methods used in the...
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Wednesday November 18, 2026 12:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Preconference, Preservation

Session Type Preconference
Track Preservation

12:00pm EST

PAID EVENT: Informal Leadership in Action: Discovery, Practice, and Growth

Wednesday November 18, 2026 12:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Informal leadership (IL) can be a “heavy lift,” often accompanied by complex challenges and limited recognition. Yet in many organizations, it is one of the primary ways professionals gain new skills, expand their experience, and build meaningful relationships. How can you determine whether informal leadership is right for you? And if it is, how can you identify opportunities and prepare for...
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Wednesday November 18, 2026 12:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Preconference

Session Type Preconference
Track Leadership & Management

12:00pm EST

PAID EVENT: User Experience 101: A Masterclass for Non-UX Library Professionals

Wednesday November 18, 2026 12:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Libraries need user feedback for improvements on websites, catalogs, and physical aspects of the library, but budgets are tighter and tighter. User testing, surveys, and focus groups are just a handful of aspects of UX work that can be practiced by anyone - no UX experience required! - and would be easy to incorporate at any library. UX is a growing trend in librarianship, and we hope this...
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Wednesday November 18, 2026 12:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Preconference, Technology

Session Type Preconference
Track Technology

2:30pm EST

The Heart of the Turf: Racing’s Black Pioneers

Wednesday November 18, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

The Keeneland Library launched The Heart of the Turf: Racing’s Black Pioneers in the Library from February 23 to December 8, 2023, before traveling the exhibit. Since its launch, more than 225,000 youth and adults from every state and 35 countries have freely engaged with the exhibit and its educational programs.The groundbreaking exhibit that follows the lives and contributions of Black...
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Wednesday November 18, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

2:30pm EST

How to Publish with Core 101

Wednesday November 18, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

Are you interested in writing for publication and don’t know how to get started? Join editors, editorial board members, and experienced writers from ALA Core division journals and monographs to explore publication opportunities and learn how to position your work to be successful. Panelists will discuss the behind-the-scenes processes that bring book and journal publications to readers worldwide...
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Speakers

Kimberely Edwards

Paw Paw, WV, George Mason University

Wednesday November 18, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

Breakout, Access & Equity

3:30pm EST

America ByDesign/Gateway Library Video & Presentation

Wednesday November 18, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST

Breakout, Buildings & Operations

5:00pm EST

Opening Welcome Reception

Wednesday November 18, 2026 5:00pm - 6:30pm EST

Conference Activity

7:00am EST

Registation Open

Thursday November 19, 2026 7:00am - 5:00pm EST

Conference Activity

8:30am EST

Opening General Session - Nick Laucuente - Bourbon Archaeology: Unearthing Spirited Stories

Thursday November 19, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am EST

Kentucky’s signature industry permeates all aspects of the state’s economy, history, and identity. Over 2.7 million visitors toured Kentucky’s distilleries in 2025 and there are more barrels aging in Kentucky’s warehouses than both people and horses combined. Bourbon Tourists are drawn to Kentucky through the common thread of a high-quality Kentucky whiskey. But they stay longer, visit...
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Thursday November 19, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am EST

General Session, General Session

Track General Session

10:00am EST

Morning Break with Vendors

Thursday November 19, 2026 10:00am - 10:30am EST

Conference Activity

10:30am EST

Beyond the Desk: Implementing AI Chatbots to Transform Reference Services

Thursday November 19, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EST

This interactive session equips library professionals with practical strategies for implementing AI chatbots to extend reference services beyond traditional hours. Participants will explore the current landscape of chatbot solutions, from vendor-integrated platforms to custom implementations, and develop evaluation criteria based on institutional needs, technical capacity, and budget.The...
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Speakers

Amal Cavender

Thursday November 19, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EST

Breakout, Technology

10:30am EST

Designing for Discovery: Creating Interactive and Engaging Library Spaces for Kids and Teens

Thursday November 19, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EST

Libraries are increasingly expected to serve as dynamic, engaging environments that support learning, creativity, and social connection for children and teens. This session explores how intentional design choices can transform youth spaces from passive service areas into active, interactive environments that respond to evolving community needs.Examples will be shared from recently renovated and...
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Speakers

Wendy Tressler

Planning & Strategy Officer, Columbus Metropolitan Library

Wendy Tressler serves as Planning and Strategy Officer at Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) and is a member of its Executive Leadership Team. Since joining CML in 2001 as the library’s Training and Development Manager, Wendy has held a variety of leadership roles, overseeing a... Read More →

Julie Wheeler

Matt Brown

Deanna Jones

Thursday November 19, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EST

Breakout, Buildings & Operations

Session Type General Session
Track Buildings & Operations

10:30am EST

Distilling Our Priorities: Iterative and Inclusive Strategic Planning in Challenging Times

Thursday November 19, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EST

In an era of rapid technological change, shifting political winds, and financial uncertainty, a strategic plan serves as a guiding compass for institutional resilience and an opportunity to identify core priorities around a shared vision of the future. This proposal outlines the development and implementation of the University Libraries Strategic Plan 2026-2030 and how it corresponds to the...
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Speakers

Courtney Stine

Director of the Bridwell Art Library, University of Louisville

Hi, I'm Courtney! I'm an Associate Professor and Director of the Bridwell Art Library at the University of Louisville. Talk to me about information literacy, feminism, and leadership. Outside of librarianship, I am a toddler mom!

Rob Detmering

Head of Research Assistance and Instruction, University of Louisville

Anita Hall

Assessment & Analytics Librarian, University of Louisville

Thursday November 19, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EST

Breakout, Leadership & Management

10:30am EST

Tackling Problematic Subject Categories In the Stacks: Promoting Inclusivity Through Signage, Marketing Efforts, and Strategic Partnerships

Thursday November 19, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EST

The Classification and Contextualization Task Force at [NAME] Library was created to tackle the problematic classification patterns evident in Library of Congress Classification (LCC) and Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH). We believe that these categorizations are harmful and offensive to our diverse user base, and that using them without acknowledging their harm contradicts Auraria...
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Speakers

Yelena Gordiyenko

Denver, CO, University of Colorado-Denver Auraria Library

Thursday November 19, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EST

Breakout, Access & Equity

Session Type General Session
Track Access & Equity

10:30am EST

The ROI of Open: Communicating the Value of Transformative Agreements

Thursday November 19, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EST

How do libraries tell the story of Transformative Agreements (TA’s) on their campuses? At many academic libraries, a large share of journal package subscriptions are now coupled with free OA publishing via TA’s. Of course, not all TA’s are worthwhile. Some libraries have rejected TA’s as unsustainable or as reinforcing publisher market power. Furthermore, campus stakeholders do not always...
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Speakers

Mark Robison

Erika Hosselkus

Thursday November 19, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EST

Breakout, Metadata & Collections

10:30am EST

Yonder in the Graveyard Walk: Preservation and Connection in Louisville’s Historic Black Cemeteries

Thursday November 19, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EST

“Black Cemeteries of Louisville” was a local history program in February 2025 that sought to share the narrative of the city’s historically black and integrated final resting places, as well as to amplify the knowledge and experience of their living stakeholders. Learn how hosting such an event can forge new bonds of connection and preservation amongst information professionals, volunteers,...
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Speakers

Kaira Tucker

Thursday November 19, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EST

Breakout, Preservation

11:30am EST

Lunch On Your Own

Thursday November 19, 2026 11:30am - 1:00pm EST

Restaurants Around the Hotel

Thursday November 19, 2026 11:30am - 1:00pm EST

1:00pm EST

Accessibility in the Research Data Ecosystem: Emerging Practices and Persistent Gaps

Thursday November 19, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

In April 2024, the Department of Justice released new ADA requirements for public‑sector websites and mobile apps, with compliance deadlines beginning in April 2026. While academic libraries have long advanced digital accessibility, institutional data repositories (IDRs) remain an under-discussed area, particularly regarding accessibility of research data itself, not simply access to it. Now...
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Speakers

Kelly Denny

Research Data Management Specialist, Purdue University

Thursday November 19, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

Breakout, Access & Equity

1:00pm EST

Beyond the Books: Sustainable Outdoor Spaces supporting Academic Libraries OR Learning in the Landscape: Sustainable Outdoor Spaces to support Academic Libraries

Thursday November 19, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

This presentation explores the feasibility and value of outdoor spaces associated with academic campus libraries. We’ll introduce several libraries to show how thoughtfully designed outdoor environments have supported and extended library services. Examples include outdoor study spaces, areas for special events and community programming, intentional gardens, and site strategies that protect and...
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Speakers

Lisa Nickel

Associate Dean of Research & Public Services, College of William and Mary

Heidi Greenberg

Salt Lake City, UT, University of Utah, Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library

Michael Gutierrez

Director of Library Operations & Access Services, Minnesota State University Mankato

Thursday November 19, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

Breakout, Buildings & Operations

Track Technology

1:00pm EST

Building the Learning Hub: A Flexible Model for Equitably Supporting Library Learners

Thursday November 19, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

Library workers need professional learning that is flexible, relevant, and available across roles, library types, and locations. In practice, access is often uneven; shaped by staffing, schedules, geography, and local capacity. A statewide membership organization developed a Learning Management System (LMS) to address this, expanding access to high-quality learning and creating a more equitable...
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Speakers

Terry McQuown

Consulting & Training Services Director, Massachusetts Library System

Hillary Washburn

Thursday November 19, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

Breakout, Technology

1:00pm EST

From Assumptions to Insight: Attribution Theory in Library Leadership

Thursday November 19, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

Recognizing and understanding the drivers of employee behavior is a cornerstone of effective leadership and management in academic libraries. Attribution theory offers a powerful lens for distinguishing between personal and situational causes of behavior, enabling leaders to reduce bias, foster empathy, and improve communication. Too often, managers misinterpret staff actions by attributing them...
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Speakers

Jenny Meslener

Head, Social Sciences Team & MSL, George Mason University

Regan McClure

Thursday November 19, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

Breakout, Leadership & Management

1:00pm EST

Leveraging Librarian Expertise for Systematic Faculty-Acquired Subscriptions Review

Thursday November 19, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

This presentation will highlight a collaborative project between the Office of the Dean of the Faculty and the campus libraries to evaluate faculty purchasing card (p-card) subscriptions through a systematic, librarian‑led review process. Charged by the College Librarian, the Office of the Dean of the Faculty Subscriptions Working Group analyzed faculty‑acquired subscriptions to (1) identify...
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Speakers

Kayla Lenkner

Collections Librarian, Colorado College

Calida Barboza

Thursday November 19, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

Breakout, Metadata & Collections

1:00pm EST

OCLC Sponsored Session

Thursday November 19, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

TBA

Thursday November 19, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

Breakout, Sponsored Session

2:00pm EST

Afternoon Break with Vendors

Thursday November 19, 2026 2:00pm - 2:30pm EST

Conference Activity

2:30pm EST

Cataloging Non-Roman Scripts With Help From AI: A Case Study of Chinese Language Materials

Thursday November 19, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

Language expertise, or lack thereof, is not a new problem in cataloging departments. Libraries often collect in languages that no on-site cataloging staff can read or speak. Languages that require non-Roman scripts also require transliteration of characters as well as the ability to translate enough of the title and publication information to record an accurate description. LLMs absolutely have...
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Speakers

Adrienne Sanders

Thursday November 19, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

Breakout, Metadata & Collections

2:30pm EST

Chicago's 81 Club - Equity of Access to Library Resources for All Students

Thursday November 19, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Public Library entered into an intergovernmental agreement in 2022 to establish the 81 Club, a citywide partnership that provides universal access to library resources for Chicago's 319,000 students and 23,000 teachers. A reference to the 81 branches of the Chicago Public Library, the 81 Club makes equity of access more than a buzzword or a philosophy, and...
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Speakers

Kara Thorstenson

Director of Digital Learning and Libraries, Chicago Public Schools

Kara is the Director of Digital Learning and Libraries for Chicago Public Schools, working in the Department of Curriculum, Instruction and Digital Learning. She has been a school librarian, instructional technology coach and district leader serving grades PreK-12.

Thursday November 19, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

Breakout, Access & Equity

2:30pm EST

Digital Preservation for Librarians

Thursday November 19, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

This session will define and explain archival digital preservation practices, and how to apply them in an academic or public library setting. The session will be accessible and designed for beginner to intermediate practitioners, touching on basic archival ideas like creating an inventory, the arrangement of files, file and folder naming conventions, digital storage, security, and future proofing...
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Speakers

Derek Clark

Electronic Records Branch Manager, Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives

Thursday November 19, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

Breakout, Preservation

2:30pm EST

From Downtown Dreams to Funded Library: Aligning Civic Priorities and Community Needs

Thursday November 19, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

Aging library buildings. Stretched municipal budgets. Shifting population centers. Across the U.S., library directors face a perfect storm: greater-than-ever need for modern, accessible facilities during a time when funding is harder-than-ever to secure.One Minnesota library broke the stalemate by aligning its vision with city priorities. When a downtown struggled and its aging Center Mall left...
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Speakers

Rob Remark

Architect, JLG Architects

Debbie Joy

Thursday November 19, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

Breakout

2:30pm EST

Stuck in the Middle: Positionality and the Emotional Labor of Academic Library Leaders

Thursday November 19, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

Academic library leaders often occupy a “middle” position—caught between senior campus administrators and the employees they supervise. In this role, leaders may be perceived as having substantial authority, yet they frequently have limited decision-making power and must implement directives with which they may not agree. As part of their middle positionality, some library leaders describe...
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Speakers

Susan R. Franzen

Kate Tallman

Illinois State University

Thursday November 19, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

Breakout, Leadership & Management

2:30pm EST

The Plan, the Problem, and the Solution: Using Asana’s API and ChatGPT to Build a Web Interface for Liaison Statistics

Thursday November 19, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

Managing liaison statistics is a persistent challenge in academic libraries, especially as liaison models evolve toward team-based, collaborative structures. At the [UNIVERITY NAME] Libraries, a redesign of the liaison model exposed significant gaps in existing data collection methods. This presentation describes how [NAME] Libraries moved from that fragmented system to a streamlined custom web...
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Speakers

Ben Rawlins

Thursday November 19, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

Breakout, General Session

2:30pm EST

Why Retail Stores Learn Faster Than Libraries—and What Libraries Can Do About It

Thursday November 19, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

Retail environments rarely assume their first design is perfect. Instead, they continuously observe how customers behave in a space, test changes, and adjust layouts based on real-world feedback. Libraries, by contrast, often operate on long building cycles: a facility is designed, constructed, and then remains largely fixed for decades. Yet library spaces are behavioral environments where patron...
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Speakers

David Vinjamuri

Over 30 years of understanding consumer behavior in the private sector and with libraries. 20 years teaching students at NYU. Working with over 100 libraries in 26 states, New York University

Thursday November 19, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

Breakout, Access & Equity

3:30pm EST

Afternoon Break with Vendors

Thursday November 19, 2026 3:30pm - 3:45pm EST

Conference Activity

3:45pm EST

Built to Move: Designing Active Play Spaces in the Modern Public Library

Thursday November 19, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm EST

What happens when a public library stops asking “how do we fit play in?” and starts asking “how do we build for it?” At one library branch, that shift in thinking led to the creation of a dedicated active play space: a fully immersive, themed environment designed to support the kind of boisterous, physical, whole-body play that research shows is essential to early childhood development but...
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Speakers

Pamela Jankowski

Literacy and Learning Division Director, Cuyahoga County Public Library

As the Director of Literacy and Learning for Cuyahoga County Public Library, I am happy to speak about how public libraries can support adult education and workforce development.

Aaron Hill

Cleveland, OH, BIALOSKY CLEVELAND

Annie Vedder

Thursday November 19, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm EST

Breakout, Buildings & Operations

3:45pm EST

From Pilot to Program: Designing a Novice VR Creation Badge in an Academic Library

Thursday November 19, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm EST

Academic libraries increasingly provide access to immersive technologies, yet most initiatives emphasize consumption rather than creation. This session presents a library-led pilot integrating novice virtual-reality scene authoring into a Public Health course through faculty partnership using a scaffolded Unity workflow requiring only three core elements: interactive hotspot, narration, and linked...
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Speakers

Beryl White-Bing

Thursday November 19, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm EST

Breakout, Technology

3:45pm EST

Social Work Informed Library Services: They Do Teach That in Library School!

Thursday November 19, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm EST

Many library workers report feeling frustrated and underprepared for the behavioral and social service challenges that increasingly arise in their daily work with the public. In response to this growing need, the [name of graduate library science program] and [name of social work program] at [local university name] collaboratively launched a graduate certificate in Social Work–Informed Library...
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Speakers

Brian Real

University of Kentucky

Brian Real (he/him) is an assistant professor in the School of Information Science at the University of Kentucky. He holds a PhD in information studies and a master of library science from the University of Maryland. His primary research areas are the historical impact of federal... Read More →

Beth Wahler

Thursday November 19, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm EST

Breakout, Access & Equity

3:45pm EST

The Tech Services Librarian Behind the Curtain: Building Relationships for Behind the Scenes Positions

Thursday November 19, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm EST

We’ve all heard the saying “I’m doing my job right if no one knows I’m doing it.” What if, instead, we make sure everyone knows?This session will discuss the needs for soft skills and relationship building for metadata professionals, and other technical service positions. Metadata work is often thought to be very solitary and technical work, and while this is true, there are benefits to...
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Speakers

Emma Beck

University of Louisville

Challen Wright

Metadata Librarian, University of Nevada, Reno

Thursday November 19, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm EST

Breakout

3:45pm EST

When Things Fall Apart: Learning from Management Failures

Thursday November 19, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm EST

Failure is an inevitable—and deeply human—part of library leadership, yet it remains one of the most stigmatized topics in our profession. As libraries navigate rapid technological change, infrastructure transformation, staffing shifts, and financial constraints, management missteps have become more visible and more consequential. This session creates an honest, structured space to examine...
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Speakers

Dr. Janette Klein

University Librarian, University of Central Missouri

Thursday November 19, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm EST

Breakout, Leadership & Management

6:00pm EST

(Dine Around)

LIMITED

Thursday November 19, 2026 6:00pm - 8:00pm EST

Limited Capacity seats available

Thursday November 19, 2026 6:00pm - 8:00pm EST

6:00pm EST

(Dine Around)

LIMITED

Thursday November 19, 2026 6:00pm - 8:00pm EST

Limited Capacity seats available

Thursday November 19, 2026 6:00pm - 8:00pm EST

7:30am EST

Registation Open

Friday November 20, 2026 7:30am - 9:00am EST

Conference Activity

8:30am EST

Opening General Session - Frank X Walker - Curious George Goes to the Library(and Gives Birth to a Poet)

Friday November 20, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am EST

Dr. Walker will discuss the ways the local bookmobile and libraries multiplied his love of books and early literacy and how integral library archives and research have been to achieving the status as the most prolific poet of historical poetry writing today.

Friday November 20, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am EST

General Session, General Session

Track General Session

10:00am EST

Morning Break with Vendors and Poster Sessions

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Conference Activity

10:00am EST

“A Look into Louisville: Consumer Health & AI”

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an emerging technology that the public is using increasingly for menial tasks such as creating a grocery list or writing an email; but what happens when an individual seeks AI guidance about their physical health before seeking guidance from a human clinician? This poster presentation will highlight the progress and findings of a microstudy based in Louisville. The...
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Speakers

Martina Junod

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Poster, Technology

Session Type Workshop

10:00am EST

A Comparison Study on the Influence of Social Movements on Collection Building and Use of Print Monographs at a Large Research University Library

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

This study examines the selection of print monographs during several social movements, before and after the COVID-19 protocols in 2020 and 2021. Social movements, such as the Black Lives Matter Protests, the parental rights movement, and the anti-vaccination backlash during the height of COVID-19 in the United States, along with the subsequent changes in public opinion, appear to have increased...
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Speakers

Derek Wilmott

Acquisition & Collection Management Librarian, University of Toledo Libraries

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Poster, Metadata & Collections

10:00am EST

Advancing Equity Through Collection Development: Establishing a Spanish Language Collection in a Hispanic‑Serving Institution

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

This poster presents the development of a Spanish‑language collection at a community college designated as a Hispanic‑Serving Institution (HSI). The project advances culturally responsive librarianship and underscores the responsibility of academic libraries to cultivate collections that reflect and support the linguistic and cultural identities of their students.The college enrolls a...
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Speakers

Angelina Santana-Torres

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Poster, Access & Equity

Session Type Poster

10:00am EST

Automating MARC Holdings Generation with AI: Lessons from the Field

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

This poster chronicles an iterative, hands-on project to automate the generation of structured MARC holdings fields (853/863) from 866 textual holdings statements — and the challenges of making that process portable across institutions. Beginning with a colleague's existing automation script, the presenter adapted the tool to their own branch collection through self-directed learning, without a...
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Speakers

Matthew Codey

University of Southern California

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Poster, Technology

Session Type Poster

10:00am EST

Beginning in Transition: Navigating Library Leadership During a Major Renovation

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Starting a new leadership position often involves learning institutional culture, building relationships, and assessing departmental priorities. Beginning this role during a major facilities disruption, however, presents additional challenges. This presentation explores the experience of a new academic library director who assumed their position just as the library prepared for a significant...
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Speakers

Jennifer Donner

Marquette, MI, United States, Northern Michigan University Lydia M Olson Library

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Poster, Leadership & Management

Session Type Poster

10:00am EST

Building and Managing Book Displays With Creative LMS Use and a Streamlined Workflow

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Book displays as a tool to highlight collections and draw people into the library have re-emerged and become enthusiastically embraced by librarians in our academic library. They have become a dynamic way to acknowledge events, celebrate holidays, and to spotlight any number of academic or recreational topics. In addition to the work individuals do to design and produce displays, coordination...
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Speakers

William Schultz Jr.

Head of Cataloging, Eastern Illinois University

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Poster, Metadata & Collections

10:00am EST

Can They Find the eBook? Whether and How Metadata Quality Shapes Discoverability and Academic Library ROI

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Academic libraries invest heavily in ebook collections, yet the quality of metadata associated with those records varies significantly depending on whether records are vendor-supplied or professionally created. This mixed-methods research examines the relationship between ebook metadata quality and discoverability in academic libraries, comparing data by source and assessing their impact on...
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Speakers

Michele K. Hahn

Ohio University

I am the Metadata Librarian for Ohio University Libraries. I'm the Web Editor of the Music OCLC Users Group (MOUG). I am an appointed member of the Athens City Commission on Disabilities. I am a disabled Librarian.

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Poster, Metadata & Collections

Session Type Preconference

10:00am EST

Down with the "System": Taking Back Cataloging Statistics in Alma

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Ever try to pull cataloging stats in Alma only to have the nefarious “System” take credit for all your hard work? Alma knows how many records were imported, what happens upon import, and who imported them; it’s just not very good at telling you through Analytics. This poster shows how to use OpenRefine and the Alma Jobs API to gather statistics on records imported to Alma via an Import...
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Speakers

Alexa Torchynowycz

Metadata Librarian, UNC School of the Arts

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Poster, Metadata & Collections

Session Type Preconference

10:00am EST

Enhancing Records, Expanding Access

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Cataloging is a shared enterprise. A bibliographic record created by one cataloger in Connexion can be enriched by catalogers around the world. But if your library catalog is not synched to Connexion, many of these bibliographic enhancements – things like summary notes and tables of contents – won't ever appear in your records. We work in one such library, so we developed a process for adding...
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Speakers

William Blueher

Manager of Cataloging, Metropolitan Museum of Art

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Poster, Metadata & Collections

Session Type Preconference

10:00am EST

Every Voice in the Plan: A Collaborative Approach to Operational Planning in a Large Library Division

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Does the term “operational planning” make you feel confused, overwhelmed, or disengaged? Traditionally, operational plans are developed through a top-down approach, with management setting goals that support the strategic plan. Beginning the summer of 2024, a large library division turned this approach on its head. By reimagining operational planning as a more intentional, collaborative, and...
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Speakers

Amanda Zerangue

Associate Dean, Public Services, University of North Texas

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Poster, Leadership & Management

Session Type Poster

10:00am EST

Exploring Library Visitor Demographics

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

What categories of students use library spaces? To support university-wide student success efforts we paired library entry data with student demographics (major, academic level, campus location, financial aid status, etc.) to identify broad categories of students who are and are not using our spaces. This information will inform targeted outreach to library users and non-library users, and...
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Speakers

Cherie Turner

Houston, TX, University of Houston

Cherie Turner is the Assessment and Statistics Coordinator at the University of Houston Libraries.

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Poster, Leadership & Management

10:00am EST

From the Ground Up: One Academic Library's Quest to Implement Linked Data with Limited Resources

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Speakers

Yelena Gordiyenko

Denver, CO, University of Colorado-Denver Auraria Library

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Poster, Technology

Track Access & Equity

10:00am EST

Goals, Roadmaps, and Checkpoints: A Successful Project Management Framework for Library Teams

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Through annual goals libraries can pilot new initiatives, realign their community focus, and enhance their core work. Although most teams have some kind of mechanism for goal-setting each year, forward-momentum on these projects can be difficult to maintain. Lack of buy-in from team members, missing accountability structures, and poor prioritization can often lead to languishing goals, incomplete...
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Speakers

Mea Warren

Assistant Head of Teaching and Learning, University of Houston

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Poster, Leadership & Management

Session Type Poster

10:00am EST

Keeping Access Afloat : Analyzing Serials Cost Data in the Wake of Tariffs and Shipping Issues

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Over the past year, we have seen changes in shipping across our non-US print serials. We were dealing with added fees and shipments being held until vendors could figure out what new rules meant for them and their business interests. This led to late shipments and inconsistent costs. Late shipments means that claiming is harder and we may not be able to replace lost issues resulting in an...
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Speakers

Cara M. Calabrese

Bloomington, IN, Indiana University - Bloomington

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Poster, Metadata & Collections

Session Type Poster

10:00am EST

Leveling Up: Building a Circulating Video Game Collection at an Academic Library

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Video games are increasingly acknowledged as significant cultural artifacts and valuable sources for interdisciplinary research. As interest in gaming continues to rise across fields such as computer science, digital media, and human-computer interaction, libraries have a unique opportunity to enhance their collections to promote both academic scholarship and student engagement.This poster...
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Speakers

Presley Dyer

Metadata Librarian, Georgia Tech Library

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Poster, Metadata & Collections

Session Type Poster

10:00am EST

Libraries as Gateways to Digital Equity in Underserved Communities: Lessons from Indian Libraries in a Global Context

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

In an increasingly digital society, access to technology and digital skills is essential for education, employment, and civic participation. Yet many underserved communities worldwide continue to face barriers such as limited connectivity, affordability challenges, and lack of digital literacy.This poster explores how libraries are actively promoting digital equity through community-based,...
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Speakers

Tanish

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Poster, Access & Equity

Session Type Poster

10:00am EST

Living Lands and Memories: Indigenous Paths through Google Earth

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

This digital and interactive project invites users to explore Indigenous narratives through georeferenced points on Google Earth. Each location combines oral histories, photos, and contemporary landscapes from the Museu da Pessoa archive in Brazil, offering an immersive journey into memory and territory.The project promotes inclusive and democratic access to cultural heritage using free tools such...
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Speakers

Carla Maria Rodrigues de Souza

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Poster, Technology

10:00am EST

Looking Past Cost Per Use: Metrics to Evaluate Journals

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Shrinking library budgets are a constant reality. In recent years acquisitions and collection librarians have worked to find the compromise between staying within the budget and meeting the needs of their users. Each year that goal gets harder. Finding transparent and reproduceable methods to evaluate journals year to year are necessary to keep libraries relevant and in-touch with their users. My...
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Speakers

Melissa M Johnson

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Poster, Metadata & Collections

Session Type Poster

10:00am EST

Mapping Accessibility at the Kentucky Geological Survey

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

The Kentucky Geological Survey hosts dozens of websites and thousands of online materials for public view, including real-time monitoring data about water, seismic activity, and more. This poster will include an overview of [NAME]’s Accessibility Plan and how [NAME] websites, including interactive tools, have been redesigned, remediated, or archived to meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards to accommodate a...
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Speakers

Doug Curl

Director of Information Management, Kentucky Geological Survey

Doug Curl is the director of the Information Management Division at the Kentucky Geological Survey, University of Kentucky, where he has served for over 25 years leading IT operations, web development, and building systems for delivering geologic data to researchers and the public... Read More →

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Poster, Access & Equity

10:00am EST

Media Mentorship for Children and Families

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

For more than a decade, the Association for Library Service to Children has been encouraging children's and youth librarians to serve in media mentorship capacities to guide children and families in their use of technology and media. Yet little empirical research exists to validate the extent to which children's librarians are serving in this capacity nor the extent to which they feel prepared to...
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Speakers

Maria Cahill

Associate Professor, University of Kentucky

Maria Cahill is an associate professor in the School of Information Science and the Department of Educational Leadership Studies at the University of Kentucky. Cahill earned an MLIS at the University of South Carolina and a PhD in Literacy Education from the University of Tennessee... Read More →

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Poster, Technology

Session Type Preconference

10:00am EST

Mentoring Madness

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Mentoring can be a key to success in any field, but it is especially important to early career librarians who are navigating the promotion and tenure process. At our academic library, a mentoring program had been in existence for over a decade, but the process was mostly ad hoc, and there was very little guidance or oversight. Seeing the need for an updated approach, we formed a task force of...
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Speakers

Emily Thompson

Director, Studio, UTC Library

Emily Thompson is Director of the UTC Library Studio. Originally from Montana, Emily earned a bachelor’s (BA) degree in theatre from Drake University. She has taught English in South Korea and Taiwan. At the University of Michigan, she earned a master’s degree (MSI) in Library... Read More →

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Poster, Leadership & Management

Session Type General Session

10:00am EST

Mobile Libraries

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

This poster session covers a new initiative of setting up mobile satellite libraries in underserved communities through community partnerships. It will explain how to find a location, how they are set up, the cost, and the success.

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Poster, Buildings & Operations

10:00am EST

Open Rules for Cataloging

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

The Open Rules for Cataloging (ORC) is an open-source cataloging code currently under development by practicing catalogers to provide free, pragmatic, and ethically grounded guidelines for describing library resources. ORC responds to the growing need for accessible cataloging standards that are not locked behind paywalls and that reflect current library workflows. The project focuses on...
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Speakers

Bobby Bothmann

Catalog & Metadata Librarian, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Bobby Bothmann is catalog & metadata librarian in Library Services at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and holds the rank of professor. Bobby catalogs analog and digital resources of all kinds, including books, serials, moving images, objects, cartographic resources, musical and... Read More →

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Poster, Metadata & Collections

Session Type Poster

10:00am EST

Paws for Healing: Integrating Therapy Animals into Library Mental Health Support

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Therapy animals can be a low-barrier tool for promoting mental health in library spaces. Learn the process of developing and implementing therapy animal visits designed to support patron needs such a stress relief and reducing social isolation. Attendees will learn the science behind therapy animal visits and their mental health benefits, best practices for partnering with certified therapy animal...
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Speakers

Tara Jankowski

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Poster, Access & Equity

Session Type Poster

10:00am EST

Pivot, Buffer, Repeat: How Middle Managers Navigate Constant Change

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Library middle managers operate at the intersection of multiple, often competing expectations. They answer upward to senior leadership, support and guide frontline staff, respond to patron needs, and collaborate with campus or community partners. This constant shifting of focus and priorities and buffering of competing needs creates conditions ripe for cognitive exhaustion, where managers must...
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Speakers

Jenny Meslener

Head, Social Sciences Team & MSL, George Mason University

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Poster, Leadership & Management

Session Type Workshop

10:00am EST

Precision Wayfinding: Range-Level Collection Mapping at R1 Universities

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Large research universities have incredible library collections, fostering research across many disciplines and spanning decades of collection development. The library catalog returns a wealth of information, but how physically discoverable are those items on library shelves? This poster looks at the prevalence of collection mapping, particularly shelf or range-level collection mapping, at R1...
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Speakers

Amanda Gray Perry

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Poster, Technology

Session Type Poster

10:00am EST

Reclaiming Scope: Job Crafting as a Response to Role Creep and Role Displacement in E-Resources & Serials Librarianship

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

In lean academic library environments, role creep often produces overload, diluted authority, and blurred accountability—particularly in e-resources and serials work. This poster applies job crafting theory to Metadata & Collections practice, positioning it as a self-directed strategy for counteracting role displacement and restoring delegated authority. By comparing an original job description...
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Speakers

Calida Barboza

Electronic Resources & Serials Librarian, Colorado College

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Poster, Leadership & Management

Session Type Poster

10:00am EST

Recognizing OER Champions: Assessing a Library-Led Award Advancing Student Affordability

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

As textbook affordability remains a persistent challenge in higher education, libraries are uniquely positioned to advance adoption of Open Educational Resources (OER) as a strategy for reducing financial barriers and promoting educational access. This poster describes how librarians used the GOST Framework (Goals, Objectives, Strategies, Tactics) to design and launch an inaugural Library OER...
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Speakers

Paul C. Campbell

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Poster, Access & Equity

Session Type Poster
Track Access & Equity

10:00am EST

Reframing Leadership: Updating Core’s Leadership and Management Competencies

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

The Core Leadership and Management Competencies Working Group is conducting a comprehensive review and revision of the division’s leadership competencies framework. Since the last revision by LLAMA in 2016, the professional landscape has shifted significantly. Libraries are navigating increased organizational complexity, heightened attention to equity and inclusion initiatives, evolving...
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Speakers

Virginia Cairns

Instruction Librarian, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Instruction Librarian, interested in critical thinking, nontraditional assignments, partnering with teaching faculty.

Jonathan Shank

Associate University Librarian, University of Richmond

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Poster, Leadership & Management

Session Type Poster

10:00am EST

Scope, Costs and RFQ: Aligning your Request for Qualifications with your Building Project and Budget

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Learn how to frame the needs of a building project to achieve a successful outcome and how to write a Request for Qualifications/Proposals that encapsulates what is really needed by the community. When searching for a design team for your building project it is important to balance concrete requirements with opportunities for creativity in a way that submissions can be compared apples to apples....
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Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Poster, Buildings & Operations

10:00am EST

Second Acts in Academic Librarianship: Trends, Impacts, and Implications

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

How many of your team members are second-career librarians? Have you wondered how this might affect their approach to librarianship and the skills they bring from previous careers? After surveying more than 500 academic librarians across the United States, we found that nearly 70 percent did not begin their professional lives in the library field. These findings challenge the long-held perception...
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Speakers

Phill Johnson

Dean, Auburn University - Montgomery

Dr. Tiffany Davis Norris

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Poster, Leadership & Management

Session Type Poster

10:00am EST

Subject Heading Triage: Remediating With Limited Resources

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

How does a library with limited staffing address problems with legacy metadata? At [NAME] Library, the answer is to pinpoint the greatest need. In this case, we have started "Subject Heading Triage." This poster will show how we identified and remediated outdated, insensitive, and harmful subject headings in a large academic cataloging.The project focuses on a specific pain point: "CarP"...
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Speakers

Jenny Bodenhamer

Digital services librarian, Oklahoma State University

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Poster, Metadata & Collections

Session Type Poster

10:00am EST

The Open Access Trap? Navigating the Fair Use Paradox of AI in Academic Libraries

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

As academic institutions embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for efficiency, a critical equity gap has emerged: the commercial exploitation of Open Access (OA) scholarship. While courts increasingly view AI training as transformative fair use, this legal framing often benefits commercial entities more than the academic creators providing the material.This poster explores the dual-sided...
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Speakers

Treshani Perera

Coordinator for Community Engagement

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Poster, Access & Equity

10:00am EST

To Make Assessment Strategic - Identify the Gaps!

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

To be strategic, libraries commonly track numbers for an exhaustive list of services and systems. We track numbers for reference, teaching, hires, seats, square footage, loans made or received, resources catalogued, clicks on pages, downloads, money spent, etc. We use these numbers to evaluate if we’re meeting service needs, to anticipate future needs, and to follow changes over time. But when...
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Speakers

Susanna Cowan

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Poster, Leadership & Management

Session Type Poster

10:00am EST

Visualizing the Advancement of Open Access Through Radical Interdependence

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

In an increasingly complex and global open access publishing landscape, collaboration among stakeholder groups is more urgent than ever. Through storytelling and network visualizations, this poster will reveal how the transformation of scholarly communication requires bringing together individuals with expertise in publishing, licensing, information technology, metadata, digital preservation, and...
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Speakers

Melissa Seelye

Friday November 20, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am EST

Poster, Access & Equity

Session Type Poster

11:00am EST

After the Architects Leave: Lessons from 25 Years of Library Resiliency and Adaptive Use

Friday November 20, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EST

Join librarians and library experts for a reflective session on how decisions made 25 years ago continue to shape library buildings today. This panel explores resiliency principles through the lens of notable projects including the Phoenix Library—the winner of an AIA/ALA Resiliency Award—and the historic Live Oak (Savannah) Carnegie Library commissioning. Panelists will discuss best...
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Speakers

Pat Losinski

Senior Advisor - Library Services, Gresham Smith

Retired CEO of Columbus Metropolitan Library. 37 years of experience as a public library Executive Director and the completion of 29 new/expanded library buildings. Former Urban Library Council Board Chair, Governing Board member of IFLA headquarted in The Hague, member of Colorado... Read More →

Randy Gibson

Friday November 20, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EST

Breakout, Buildings & Operations

11:00am EST

Designing for Inclusion: Creating Sensory Spaces for Neurodiverse Library Users

Friday November 20, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EST

Designing inclusive, supportive library environments requires thoughtful attention to the needs of neurodiverse users and others with sensory-processing differences. This session explores how a private, four year institution’s academic library collaborated with campus partners and students with disabilities to create a dedicated sensory space—an intentionally calming environment that supports...
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Speakers

Lauren Kehoe

Head of Research Engagement, University of Central Florida

Friday November 20, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EST

Breakout, Access & Equity

11:00am EST

Navigating the Surge: Developing Policies for AI-Generated Books

Friday November 20, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EST

As generative AI floods the publishing market, libraries face a new frontier in collection management. This presentation explores the critical intersection of Artificial Intelligence and collection development, addressing the fundamental question: Should we include AI-written books in our stacks?We will dive into practical strategies for identifying AI-generated content using specialized...
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Speakers

Lora Ericson

Denton, TX, University of North Texas

I work as a Cataloging Librarian at the University of North Texas, a Research University in Denton, TX. I catalog various resources including: DVDs and Blu-rays, e-resources, and print monographs.

Stacey Wolf

Friday November 20, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EST

Breakout, Metadata & Collections

11:00am EST

Top Tech Trends

Friday November 20, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EST

Emerging technology trends are rapidly evolving and have the power to transform the way libraries operate. Stay ahead of these changes by joining our Top Tech Trends panel! Our expert panelists, representing a diverse range of libraries, will share their insights on the latest technological developments and their potential impact on library services and staff. This session will explore key trends...
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Speakers

Amanda Gray Perry

Friday November 20, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EST

Breakout, Technology

11:00am EST

Two Sides, Two Coins: Shared Print and Preservation

Friday November 20, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EST

Shared print and preservation are strategies in support of libraries’ mission to provide access to collections. Shared print programs enable libraries to coordinate information resource holdings across institutions in service of efficient, long-term access to the collective scholarly record. Library preservation programs focus on the protection of library materials and mitigation of...
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Speakers

Shari Laster

Head, Open Stack Collections, ASU Library

Hannah B. Tashjian

Head of Preservation, University of California, Berkeley

Friday November 20, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EST

Breakout, Preservation

11:00am EST

Understanding Career Advancement in Academic Libraries: Motivators, Barriers, and Pathways to Leadership

Friday November 20, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EST

Academic libraries increasingly recognize that cultivating effective senior leaders is essential for the profession and for the stability of our organizations, yet little is known about what motivates, prepares, or discourages librarians from pursuing these roles. At the same time, the profession faces impending retirements and growing uncertainty about whether the existing pipeline can meet...
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Speakers

Lauren Reiter

Head, Schreyer Business Library, Penn State University Libraries

Ash Faulkner

Friday November 20, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EST

Breakout, Leadership & Management

12:00pm EST

Lunch On Your Own

Friday November 20, 2026 12:00pm - 1:30pm EST

Restaurants Around the Hotel

Friday November 20, 2026 12:00pm - 1:30pm EST

1:30pm EST

Contributing Back: How Libraries Can Participate in Open-Source Communities Without a Developer on Staff

Friday November 20, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EST

Libraries have long embraced open-source software as a practical alternative to costly proprietary systems, but participation in these communities often stops at the download. Many library staff assume that contributing back requires programming skills they don’t have — leaving a significant gap between what libraries consume and what they give back to the tools they depend on.This session...
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Speakers

Christine Peterson

Friday November 20, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EST

Breakout, Technology

1:30pm EST

Modern Middle Leadership: Redefining How to Lead at the Most Crucial Level

Friday November 20, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EST

Middle‑management leaders serve as the crucial link between organizational strategy and day‑to‑day operations, translating broad vision into practical action while advocating for both staff and community needs. This session explores what happens when that translation is successful: When active listening, shared leadership, and the intentional elevation of staff and stakeholder expertise fuel...
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Speakers

JoLyn Reisdorf

Neighborhood Services Manager, Tacoma Public Library

JoLyn has worked for Tacoma Public Library since 2006. She started as an assistant and is now one of the Neighborhood Services Managers for the system. She is a lifetime Girl Scout member who regularly volunteers with her local council to include traveling with older Girl Scouts... Read More →

Tracy Cornelius

Friday November 20, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EST

Breakout, Leadership & Management

1:30pm EST

On Our Terms: Building a Community Subject Thesaurus for Radical Materials

Friday November 20, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EST

The Zine Subject Thesaurus (ZST) is a set of subject terms that can be used to catalog zines and other alternative publications or content. Developed in 2008 for the Anchor Archive Zine Library catalog and recently expanded, the ZST aims to better describe topics in radical materials and to address issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in standardized subject headings. The ZST...
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Speakers

Violet Fox

Cataloging & Metadata Librarian, Northwestern University

Violet Fox is a cataloging & metadata librarian whose research interests include the intricacies of zine cataloging and the ethics of classification.

Jesse Cole

Technical Services Coordinator, Greenfield Public Library

Friday November 20, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EST

Breakout, Metadata & Collections

Session Type General Session

1:30pm EST

Safe by Design: Moving Beyond Technology to Create Safer Libraries

Friday November 20, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EST

What makes a library safe? This question is at the forefront of every librarian’s mind. Too often, safety is addressed primarily through technology—security gates, cameras, and sensors. While these tools can be effective, they are not enough on their own.A truly safe library begins with intentional, well-designed spaces that naturally support visibility, accessibility, and positive...
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Speakers

Wendy Tressler

Planning & Strategy Officer, Columbus Metropolitan Library

Andrea Quillici

Friday November 20, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EST

Breakout, Buildings & Operations

1:30pm EST

Stewards in the Storm: Preservation, Preparedness, and Community Memory in Libraries

Friday November 20, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EST

This presentation will explore the vital role that librarians play in disaster preparedness, emphasizing how preserving communities’ experiences and ensuring the sustainability of information and knowledge are vital for disaster response. The presenters will incorporate the IDEA model — Integrity, Data, Evidence, and Action — in this session and highlight best practices for data-driven,...
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Speakers

Denise Lyons

State Librarian/Commissioner, Kentucky Dept for Libraries and Archives

Denise Lyons is the Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Libraries and Archives and State Librarian in Frankfort, Kentucky. Her background includes specialization in library administration and management, emergency preparedness, strategic planning, and family literacy. Denise... Read More →

Friday November 20, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EST

Breakout, Preservation

1:30pm EST

Unlocking the Library: Strategies for Creating an Open Access Library

Friday November 20, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EST

As communities demand greater flexibility, many public libraries face the challenge of expanding access while navigating stagnant budgets and staffing shortages. This session explores the emerging "open library" model, which leverages specialized facility design and integrated technology to support unstaffed hours for extended service to patrons.Through the lens of recent case studies across the...
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Speakers

Megan Stuart

Architect, Library Planner, SHP

Mom of a toddler, library board member, library architect and planner, library enthusiast!

Allison McKenzie

Friday November 20, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EST

Breakout, Access & Equity

2:30pm EST

Afternoon Break with Vendors

Friday November 20, 2026 2:30pm - 3:00pm EST

Conference Activity

3:00pm EST

ALA Core Best Furniture & Equipment: Trends, Innovation, and Smart Product Selection for Today’s Libraries

Friday November 20, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST

This session highlights standout furniture and equipment recognized in the ALA Core Best Furniture & Equipment 2026 Product Selection Showcase. Attendees will explore thoughtfully curated products across key library categories from furniture, to materials to shelving that have stood through the rough use and abusive of the library.The showcase emphasizes flexible, durable, sustainable, and...
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Friday November 20, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Breakout, Buildings & Operations

3:00pm EST

Digital Collections Made Better: Accessibility, Discoverability, Usability

Friday November 20, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Over the last two years, the repository ecosystem at our institution has implemented a suite of improvements, focused on three key areas. This presentation will outline the innovative improvements made so that digital collections will be more accessible, better described and findable, and with enhanced functionality. In the realm of accessibility, we will talk about efforts to bring our repository...
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Friday November 20, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Breakout, Metadata & Collections

3:00pm EST

How Public Libraries Are Advancing AI: A Panel on Strategy, Access, and Innovation

Friday November 20, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Public libraries are no longer just talking about AI; they are putting it to work! This panel will feature leaders from multiple library systems sharing how they are advancing AI through strategy, staff enablement, public engagement, and pilot projects. Panelists will discuss practical lessons from early implementation, including how they are selecting use cases, supporting internal adoption,...
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Speakers

Justin Bumbico

Director of IT, Columbus Metropolitan Library

BJ Colvin

Anthony White

Oli Sandias

Vicky Varga

Friday November 20, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Breakout, Technology

3:00pm EST

Sharing Your Expertise Through Consulting: Core Library Consulting Interest Group

Friday November 20, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Have you considered consulting after you retire? While working full time? Or even as your next career? This fast-paced panel of library consultants will share how they got started, offer practical advice and hard-won lessons, and show how they are using their expertise to support libraries across the field. Bring your questions.

Speakers

Michelle Frisque

Michelle Frisque Consulting Group LLC

Michelle Ornat

Friday November 20, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Breakout, Leadership & Management

3:00pm EST

The Overlooked Advantage: How Different Thinkers Strengthen Organizations

Friday November 20, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Organizations committed to equity often focus on representation, yet cognitive diversity is frequently overlooked in conversations about inclusion. Many professionals with ADHD and other neurodivergent traits bring creativity, pattern recognition, and innovative problem-solving to their roles, but traditional workplace structures may unintentionally discourage these strengths.This session explores...
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Speakers

Kaylee Yutzy

Friday November 20, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Breakout, Access & Equity

Session Type Poster

3:00pm EST

When the Big Project Won’t Come: Leading Library Renewal One Phase at a Time

Friday November 20, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Academic libraries are among the most heavily used buildings on campus, yet major capital projects are increasingly delayed, reduced, or broken into funding cycles tied to state appropriations, donors timelines, or campus priorities. When comprehensive renovation is not possible, library leaders must move forward incrementally without losing momentum or vision. This session brings together library...
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Speakers

Dianne Chia

Jared Hoppenfield

James Fulton

Friday November 20, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Breakout, Buildings & Operations

4:00pm EST

Afternoon Break with Vendors

Friday November 20, 2026 4:00pm - 4:15pm EST

Conference Activity

4:15pm EST

Access in Flux: What Librarians Need to Know About the Changing Scholarly Landscape

Friday November 20, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm EST

The last 24 months have been a rollercoaster for online resource access. Rapid changes in browser technologies and evolving regulatory frameworks have introduced new barriers and uncertainties, making it harder than ever to provide users with seamless, secure, and reliable access to the scholarly content they need. These challenges are reshaping how libraries, publishers, and service providers...
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Speakers

John Felts

AUL for Information Technology and Collections, Coastal Carolina University

John is the Associate University Librarian for Information Technology and Collections at Coastal Carolina University. He has worked in academic library technology for over 30 years and is a former patent holder and co-founder of Journal Finder, the first OpenURL Resolver and knowledge... Read More →

Friday November 20, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm EST

Breakout, Technology

4:15pm EST

AI Use by Library Technical Services Workers in the U.S. and Canada

Friday November 20, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm EST

This presentation will share findings from our 2026 survey on the current use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools by library technical services workers. A brief introduction to various AI tools will be provided for those who have not yet engaged with these tools. Our research data provides the first comprehensive view of AI adoption in technical services. We will share information from our...
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Speakers

Sean Kennedy

Collection Strategies Librarian, Kent State University

Arpi Anderson

Friday November 20, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm EST

Breakout, Metadata & Collections

4:15pm EST

Designing for Behavior: How Space Planning Shapes Student Conduct

Friday November 20, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm EST

Creating effective study environments is essential to supporting student success, especially as academic libraries face increased demand for quiet, focused spaces. At the Eugene McDermott Library at the University of Texas at Dallas, staff found that furniture selection, layout, and sightlines influenced noise and disruptive behavior more reliably than policy enforcement alone. This session...
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Speakers

Travis Goode

Assistant Library Director, University of Texas at Dallas

Travis is the Assistant Library Director for Public Services at the University of Texas at Dallas, where he oversees Access Services, Information Literacy, Interlibrary Loan, and Research Services. He is an active member of ALA and ACRL, committed to advancing the ethics, intellectual... Read More →

Friday November 20, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm EST

Breakout, Buildings & Operations

4:15pm EST

From Flat Files to Knowledge Graphs: Rescuing an Endangered Dataset with Wikidata

Friday November 20, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm EST

For years, librarians have been hearing promises about the potential of linked data and identity management to transform workflows and enhance discoverability, but most catalogers have had little opportunity to put these ideas into practice, particularly those working at institutions without extensive resources for development of emerging metadata technologies. This presentation, drawing on the...
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Speakers

Emily Baldoni

Normal, IL, Illinois State University

Friday November 20, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm EST

Breakout, Metadata & Collections

4:15pm EST

I Trust You: How Three Little Words Can Unleash Your Team

Friday November 20, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm EST

As library leaders, it is important for employees to hear that you trust them. Of course, you have already placed trust in your employees – you have hired them! But saying the words out loud is powerful. It is an agreement, an understanding, and it requires commitment from both parties. The first commitment is on the part of the library leader who is extending trust. She is saying, “I trust...
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Speakers

Marna Hosteller

Friday November 20, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm EST

Breakout, Leadership & Management

4:15pm EST

Librarian, Architect, and Community: A Cross-Stakeholder Conversation Assessing a Community-Engaged Public Library Project

Friday November 20, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm EST

A new County public library in a diverse neighborhood adjoining a mid-sized Mid-Atlantic city opened in 2019 following an ambitious, community-engaged design process. Workshops were held. Surveys were conducted. Voices were heard. But five years later, a critical question remains: Did the building deliver on its promise of access and equity?This session moves beyond design intent and into lived...
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Speakers

Alexandra (Alex) Hamby

Henrico County Public Library

Friday November 20, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm EST

Breakout, Access & Equity