ArLA 2024 Annual Conference: Full Schedule

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7:30am CDT

Yoga

Saturday October 5, 2024 7:30am - 8:00am CDT

E-RYT Yoga Instructor/Transformational Mentor/Healer/Retreat Leader will be offering Yoga sessions and relaxation techniques throughout the conference. Make sure that you leave time in your schedule for self-healing.

Saturday October 5, 2024 7:30am - 8:00am CDT
Hilton Embassy Suites

Self-Care, Yoga

8:00am CDT

Bibliotherapy: Using Literature to Support Mental Health

Saturday October 5, 2024 8:00am - 8:45am CDT

Hot Springs Convention Ctr. -Room 202

Bibliotherapy involves using books in a structured reading program to address life challenges and mental health, guided by a facilitator to help readers connect with characters, experience catharsis, and gain insights. While typically used in clinical settings, it can also be applied in libraries and schools for non-clinical populations. Libraries are ideal for offering mental health support for patrons with everyday stressors.

The session will cover the applications of bibliotherapy, its impact on different age groups, and how librarians can facilitate mental health improvement using bibliotherapeutic principles. Librarians will learn about suitable books for various stressors, enhancing patron mental health with their expertise, and recognizing when to refer patrons to professional mental health providers.

Speakers

Mara Whiteside

Saturday October 5, 2024 8:00am - 8:45am CDT
Hot Springs Convention Ctr. -Room 202

Breakout Session

8:00am CDT

Library Impact on City Cyber Crisis: Strengthening Community Resilience

Saturday October 5, 2024 8:00am - 8:45am CDT

Hot Springs Convention Ctr. -Room 205

On June 8th, 2023, our city experienced a severe malware attack that disabled critical systems for 18 days. The library, with its separate computer and network resources, provided essential computing support during this crisis. In response, we thoroughly examined our security systems and developed a stronger security posture.

Join us to learn from our experience, including:

How the library quickly mobilized to assist the city with computing and network needs during the attack.
The role of libraries as emergency response centers, providing crucial community resources during crises.
Enhancing our cybersecurity using the NIST framework to improve our defenses.
Practical tips, best practices, and insights for other libraries to strengthen their cybersecurity and community protection efforts.

Speakers

Chris Moody

Director IT AV & Innovation, Fayetteville Public Library

Chris has worked in public libraries for 15 years. Prior to his library experience he spent many years working in academia. Chris' background in audio video production and IT has led him to experience the crossover of AV into IT. From Dante audio networking to the rise of streaming... Read More →

Saturday October 5, 2024 8:00am - 8:45am CDT
Hot Springs Convention Ctr. -Room 205

Breakout Session

8:00am CDT

The Role of and Importance Library: From Higher Education to School Libraries

Saturday October 5, 2024 8:00am - 8:45am CDT

Hot Springs Convention Ctr. -Room 201

In this session, we emphasize the importance of keeping libraries at the forefront in education and government, highlighting their essential role in community success. Participants will learn to:

Identify similarities and differences among various libraries.
Recognize the roles libraries play in all communities.
Discover ways to continue making a difference and fostering collaboration.

The session will provide strategies for building connections within the library community and beyond. This program aligns with the conference theme by offering a sense of individual value, renewal, and growth for all library professionals, regardless of their library type or position.

Speakers

Lavoris Martin

Saturday October 5, 2024 8:00am - 8:45am CDT
Hot Springs Convention Ctr. -Room 201

Breakout Session

9:00am CDT

Speaker: Craig O'Neill

Saturday October 5, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am CDT

Hot Springs Convention Ctr. -Room 203-204

Randy Hankins was born in 1950, and grew up in Warren, AR. Going by his stage name, Craig O'Neill has spent 50 years in the broadcast business, with the last 24 of those being at Little Rock, Arkansas’s THV11. O’Neill officially signed off for the last time as the news anchor on December 29, 2023.
Before TV, Craig had a successful radio career on KKYK and then B98.5, where he was famous for his prank phone calls. Eventually, O'Neill transitioned from a fun-loving radio personality to a respected TV news anchor. Craig has since interviewed Presidents and music icon Dolly Parton alike. He has danced on the Ellen DeGeneres show, announced Razorback football games, and emceed more than 9,000 charity events helping raise over 40 million dollars in Arkansas.
His passion project, and probably his retirement career, is reading to grade school children through AR Kids Read. He hopes to ignite some lifetime readers using his acting skills, infectious personality, and unforgettable voice.

Saturday October 5, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am CDT
Hot Springs Convention Ctr. -Room 203-204

General Session

10:00am CDT

AI in Academics: Articiface or Ingeniousness

Saturday October 5, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am CDT

Hot Springs Convention Ctr. -Room 209

Artificial intelligence (AI) transforms how libraries operate and serve our communities. This session, led by Leo S. Lo, Dean of the University of New Mexico Libraries and President of the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), will explore the role of AI in academic libraries and the critical need for AI literacy among library professionals. Participants will gain insights from national surveys on AI literacy among library workers and learn about innovative upskilling programs like the GPT-4 Exploration Program.
The session will provide actionable strategies for integrating generative AI tools into library operations, enhancing staff competencies, and fostering ethical and responsible use of AI in the academic library setting. Attendees will leave equipped with knowledge and practical steps to become AI leaders in their institutions, unlocking the potential of AI to transform library services and contribute to workforce development initiatives.
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the current landscape of AI literacy among academic library professionals.
- Identify key areas for AI training and professional development within libraries.
- Explore practical applications of generative AI tools to enhance library services.
- Gain strategies for ethical AI implementation in libraries, with a focus on privacy, accuracy, and human oversight.

Saturday October 5, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Hot Springs Convention Ctr. -Room 209

Breakout Session

10:00am CDT

LGBTQ+ Arkansan History Makers

Saturday October 5, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am CDT

Hot Springs Convention Ctr. -Room 205

This program will address Arkansas LGBTQ+ history as featured on the CALS Encyclopedia of Arkansas, with a focus on LGBTQ+ individuals connected to Arkansas.
Learning outcomes for attendees include:

Increased confidence in navigating and utilizing the Encyclopedia of Arkansas.
Greater familiarity and comfort with Arkansas LGBTQ+ history.
Opportunity to ask questions and address individual concerns during a Q&A session.

The program fits the conference theme by highlighting the importance of understanding the struggles and successes of LGBTQ+ individuals, especially in the context of current book-banning debates. This relevance underscores the role of LGBTQ+ communities within library staff, patrons, and challenged authors.

Speakers

J. Jobe

Editorial Asst & Programmer, CALS

#library #CALS #EOA #encyclopediaofarkansas #writing #CALSwritingcircle #reading #scifi

Saturday October 5, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Hot Springs Convention Ctr. -Room 205

Breakout Session

10:00am CDT

Pads, Prom Dresses, and D&D: Building Community with Library Teens

Saturday October 5, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am CDT

Hot Springs Convention Ctr. -Room 201

This presentation uses stories of programming and service experiences to challenge librarians to consider the needs, interests, and place of teen patrons in library spaces.
Key points include:

Teens need and deserve a sense of community, which is difficult to quantify.
COVID-19 lockdowns, a lack of third places, and a trend towards virtual existence have created a void in the community fabric, especially affecting teens.
Libraries can fill this gap, providing a safe, inclusive space for teens to be themselves and build connections.
Libraries should rethink their services for teens, focusing on creating a welcoming environment with diverse, engaging activities, such as providing pads, prom dresses, and hosting D&D games.

Speakers

Bekah Smith

Teen Department Manager, North Little Rock Public Library System

Bekah (she/they) has been in libraries for ten years - everything from academic to private to school to (their favorite) public. Bekah's current role as manager of the Loft at Laman Library has been an absolute dream. Cultivating safe and affirming spaces for teens is exactly why... Read More →

Saturday October 5, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Hot Springs Convention Ctr. -Room 201

Breakout Session

11:00am CDT

Beyond Storytime: Creating Readers through Early Literacy Programming

Saturday October 5, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am CDT

Hot Springs Convention Ctr. -Room 205

This presentation addresses how libraries can foster lifelong readers amid declining literacy rates and increasing reading difficulties. It emphasizes libraries' unique position to support literacy through low-pressure programming. Key strategies include:

Kindergarten readiness opportunities.
Whole-family literacy involvement.
Enhanced storytime practices.
Ready-made at-home resources.

The presentation, led by an educator-turned-librarian, provides simple programming tips, applicable ideologies, and easily duplicable resources suitable for libraries of all sizes. It aims to enhance current programs and expand offerings to empower families and create enthusiastic readers.

Speakers

Jill Wheeler

Children's Services Manager, North Little Rock Public Library: Laman Branch

I'm a lifelong library kid! After 10 years in public education, I found myself coming back to where my love of learning and literacy began- the library. My passion lies in equipping all backgrounds of patrons with the resources they need to engaging in learning in a way that sparks... Read More →

Saturday October 5, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am CDT
Hot Springs Convention Ctr. -Room 205

Breakout Session

11:00am CDT

Design Basics with Canva

Saturday October 5, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am CDT

Hot Springs Convention Ctr. -Room 202

This session focuses on creating marketing materials for libraries. Attendees will:

Learn the four principles of design.
Evaluate mock poster and social media designs.
Create a social media post promoting a library program using Canva.

The session is interactive and led by Kacy Earnest Spears, who holds a B.A. in Mass Communications and serves as the ArLA Marketing Chair.

Speakers

Kacy Earnest Spears

Reference Librarian, Springdale Public Library

Saturday October 5, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am CDT
Hot Springs Convention Ctr. -Room 202

Breakout Session

11:00am CDT

The Intersection of AI and Academics: A Panel Discusssion

Saturday October 5, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am CDT

Hot Springs Convention Ctr. -Room 209

Following ACRL President Leo Lo's exploration of artificial intelligence in academic libraries, Arkansas librarians from diverse academic institutions will discuss how generative AI has influenced their institutions. They will share insights on its practical applications, impact on their work, and policies for ethical use.
By the end of the panel discussion, participants will:

Identify effective uses of generative AI tools in library work.
Explore various perspectives on AI adoption.
Discuss policies to ensure ethical AI use in higher education.

This panel aligns with the conference theme, "The Next Chapter," by highlighting AI as a significant advancement in library and educational technologies.

Speakers

Britt Anne Murphy

Saturday October 5, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am CDT
Hot Springs Convention Ctr. -Room 209

Breakout Session

12:00pm CDT

Author Luncheon

Saturday October 5, 2024 12:00pm - 1:30pm CDT

Hot Springs Convention Ctr. - Auditorium A

Speakers

Katie S. Duffield

Katy Duffield is the award-winning author of more than 40 books for children including her most recent picture books Crossings: Extraordinary Structures for Extraordinary Animals (illus. Mike Orodán, Simon & Schuster/Beach Lane) and House Finds a Home (illus. Jen Corace, Viking... Read More →

Sean Fitzgibbon

Artist/author Sean Fitzgibbon explores unusual, real places and events through his work. He has an MFA in art and a passion for making art and visual storytelling. He is a 2021 Artists 360 recipient and a 2022 recipient of the Arkansas Arts Council Individual Artist Fellowship Award... Read More →

Bitty Martin

Bitty Martin was indoctrinated into the spa city’s raucous illegal gambling and nightlife at a young age . . . the tiny newborn spent the first six weeks of her life in the St. Joseph’s Hospital nursery, only blocks from the Southern Club Casino and Nightclub. (Her identical twin... Read More →

Saturday October 5, 2024 12:00pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hot Springs Convention Ctr. - Auditorium A

General Session, Meal Provided

1:30pm CDT

Speaker: Cindy Hohl Virtually

Saturday October 5, 2024 1:30pm - 2:00pm CDT

Hot Springs Convention Ctr. -Room 209

Cindy Hohl, director of policy analysis and operational support at Kansas City (Mo.) Public Library, is the current 2024-2025 American Library Association (ALA) President. Her primary intention is to lobby against library defunding and book bans, which has. Hohl is the second Native American to be elected president of ALA, she is a member of the Santee Sioux Nation of Nebraska.
Hohl is past president of the American Indian Library Association and an active member of other ALA affiliates, including the Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association, Black Caucus of the ALA, Chinese American Librarians Association, and Reforma: the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking. As a member of the Public Library Association (PLA), a division of ALA, she currently cochairs the Membership Advisory Group and was a member of the PLA Strategic Plan Review Team. Hohl is a member of several round tables, including the Intellectual Freedom Round Table, Library Research Round Table, and Social Responsibilities Round Table.

Saturday October 5, 2024 1:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Hot Springs Convention Ctr. -Room 209

General Session

2:00pm CDT

Spice Up Your Life: Putting Play Back in Your Toolbox

Saturday October 5, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT

Hot Springs Convention Ctr. -Room 202

This session explores the 8 types of adult play personalities, emphasizes the significance and advantages of play for adults, and discusses practical ways to integrate play into personal and professional library environments. The session involves hands-on activities, encourages active participation, and includes opportunities for interactive play experiences. It aims to support library staff in promoting health and wellness through engaging and enjoyable activities.

In March 2024, a similar presentation was held at the Pump Up the Joy event at the Garland County Library.

Speakers

Mary Spears Polk

Youth Services Manager, Faulkner County Library

I love talking about all things library; especially intellectual freedom and youth services! I came to libraries after a decades in early childhood education and community non-profits. I am also an art advocate! I am passionate about the arts being accessible and valued in our communities... Read More →

Saturday October 5, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Hot Springs Convention Ctr. -Room 202

Breakout Session

2:00pm CDT

The Benefits of Animal Assisted Therapies

Saturday October 5, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT

Hot Springs Convention Ctr. -Room 205

Dr. Catherine Swift, an experienced educator and therapy animal handler, will present on animal-assisted activities, highlighting their historical use and benefits in enhancing human well-being. Participants will:

Learn the historical context of animals aiding human development.
Understand the scientific basis for the positive effects of therapy animals on diverse populations.
Differentiate between therapy animals, emotional support animals, and service animals.
Explore how schools and libraries can integrate animals into mental health and literacy programming.

This session aims to advocate for incorporating animal companionship into future library environments, emphasizing the benefits they bring to patrons' lives.

Speakers

Dr. Catherine Swift

Britt Anne Murphy

Saturday October 5, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Hot Springs Convention Ctr. -Room 205

Breakout Session

2:00pm CDT

Poster Session / Presenters Q & A

Saturday October 5, 2024 2:00pm - 4:00pm CDT

Hot Springs Convention Ctr. - Auditorium A

Auditorium A

Saturday October 5, 2024 2:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
Hot Springs Convention Ctr. - Auditorium A

General Session

2:00pm CDT

Performers Showcase

Saturday October 5, 2024 2:00pm - 4:00pm CDT

Hot Springs Convention Ctr. -Room 203-204

Moderators

Betsy Fisher

Speakers

Lacy Wolfe

Branch Operations Director, North Little Rock Public Library

Saturday October 5, 2024 2:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
Hot Springs Convention Ctr. -Room 203-204

Performers Showcase

3:00pm CDT

Repurposing Your Book Jackets

Saturday October 5, 2024 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT

Hot Springs Convention Ctr. -Room 202

This session challenges the misconception that libraries are solely for reading and borrowing books by showcasing their innovation and community outreach. It focuses on repurposing book jackets to engage patrons through a Book Jacket Program. Participants will learn how to prepare, host, and guide patrons through this interactive activity, which promotes creativity and mindfulness. The session highlights the versatility of these programs, suitable for all ages, and emphasizes their potential to foster connections with diverse reading options.

Speakers

Sherry Eskridge

Arkansas State University

Erika James

Student Assistant Specialist, Arkansas State University

Co-presenter /Co-worker is Sherry Eskridge

Saturday October 5, 2024 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Hot Springs Convention Ctr. -Room 202

Breakout Session

3:00pm CDT

Seed Library and Green Space Partnerships

Saturday October 5, 2024 3:00pm - 3:45pm CDT

Hot Springs Convention Ctr. -Room 205

The Seed Library program has experienced significant growth over the past 5 years, serving as a platform to educate our community on gardening, sustainable living, and environmental topics. Our outreach initiatives include partnering with other organizations to establish "green spaces" or park gardens featuring signage about the Seed Library and participation guidelines.

In this session, we will discuss:

The establishment and evolution of the Seed Library program.
How programs and events are tailored around the Seed Library.
Utilizing community feedback to develop new opportunities.
The creation and role of the Green Space Committee.
Partnerships that have led to the development of 4 Park Gardens and a straw bale community garden.

We aim to empower and educate our community on environmental stewardship through seeds, demonstrating the library's unique role in community engagement and sustainability efforts.

Speakers

Kari Lapp

Community Engagement Manager, Saline County Library

Kari Lapp is the Public Relations Manager for the Saline County Library in Benton, Arkansas. Her main focus is ensuring community partnerships and outreach efforts are pursued while spreading a positive view of the library. She has a Bachelor’s degree from Arkansas State University... Read More →