Welcome to the Libraratory! 2024 VLA/VLACRL Annual Conference: Full Schedule

1:00pm EDT

Empower Staff, Enhance Services: AI in Libraries

Thursday October 17, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT

Explore how generative AI can help you write code, illustrate a storytime mascot, or craft formulas for your spreadsheets, making complex tasks accessible. Librarians excel at asking the right questions - the perfect skill for utilizing AI. Learn how AI empowers you and showcases your dynamic library skillset!

Speakers

Natalie Hutchinson

Prince William Public Libraries

Thursday October 17, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
TBA

VLA

1:00pm EDT

Libratories of Democracy: Resources from the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO)

Thursday October 17, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT

TBA

The U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) administers the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) which provides free Government documents to member libraries. Come check out the free resources available from GPO and learn how to collaborate with this Federal agency.

Speakers

Lorelei Sensabaugh

User Support Librarian, U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO)

Thursday October 17, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
TBA

VLA

1:00pm EDT

More with Less: Experiments in Merchandising to Increase Circulation

Thursday October 17, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT

TBA

How can you increase circulation without renovating space? This session describes analysis and experiments with merchandising and analysis drawn from retail stores to increase circulation. Examples drawn from large, small, urban and rural libraries.

Speakers

David Vinjamuri

New York University

Thursday October 17, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
TBA

VLA

1:00pm EDT

Moving Beyond DEI 101: From Intentions into Actions

Thursday October 17, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT

TBA

What comes after Diversity 101? With so many buzzwords floating around, it can be challenging to create sustainable action in our communities. Learn how to begin and normalize conversations with staff about diversity themes & topics, share knowledge, and put action items behind the theory of Diversity 101.

Speakers

Elyssa Garner

Fairfax County Public Library

Lauren Pistole

Fairfax County Public Library

Thursday October 17, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
TBA

VLA

1:00pm EDT

Revitalizing Community Spaces: Adapting Library Design for Changing Needs

Thursday October 17, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT

TBA

Embark on a transformative journey as they revisit a library space thriving two decades ago, now requiring a fresh outlook post-COVID. Explore collaborative processes, community engagement, and strategic modifications taken, a holistic approach, adapting library design to meet evolving needs, ensuring the library remains a cornerstone of the community.

Speakers

Samantha Mendiola

HGA

Erica Frederiksen

HGA

Emily Jelinek

HGA

Thursday October 17, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
TBA

VLA

1:00pm EDT

Teen Volunteer Programs: Encourage Meaningful Volunteer Experiences at Your Library

Thursday October 17, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT

TBA

Curious about how to encourage meaningful teen volunteering opportunities? Join this session with Teen Services Staff from Roanoke County Public Library, a library system with an emerging volunteer program and Virginia Beach Public Library, a larger library with an established volunteer program, as they share tips and tricks to introduce teen-led volunteer opportunities that empower teens and help grow them as leaders.

Speakers

Jessie S. West

Virginia Beach Public Library

Ekaterina Hutchison

Virginia Beach Public Library

Lindy Manuel

Roanoke County Public Library

Ryan Williams

Roanoke County Public Library

Thursday October 17, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
TBA

VLA

1:00pm EDT

The “library of [awesome] things”: A Library’s Journey toward a Sustainable Collection of Unconventional Library Materials

Thursday October 17, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT

TBA

Libraries can provide their community with a sustainable collection of unconventional items: recreational gear, kitchen equipment, musical instruments, and more. The effort requires personnel working together to select, acquire, promote, and maintain those resources. This session offers insight into the development and partnerships that make a “library of things” sustainable.

Speakers

Michael Macasa

Acquisitions Librarian, Liberty University

Early career librarian

Heather Higgins

Jerry Falwell Library

Thursday October 17, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
TBA

VLA

1:00pm EDT

We Outchea!: A Conversation For Us By Us

Thursday October 17, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT

TBA

Looking for kinship as a Black library professional? Sit with us as we hold space for Black voices in the library profession. Build your own network in real time, gather resources, and find camraderie with other Black library professionals.

Speakers

Kelvin Ellis

Suffolk Public Library

Keirstin Winslow

Library Experience Manager, Suffolk Public Library

Diamond Chavis-Waller

Community Learning Librarian, Suffolk Public Library

Kyle Binaxas

Suffolk Public Library

Thursday October 17, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
TBA

VLA

1:00pm EDT

Welcome to the Table: How to Succeed as a New Manager

Thursday October 17, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT

TBA

You got the promotion! Now what? Learn some best practices to build connections with your staff, handle tasks with efficiency, recover from mistakes, and feel confident and capable as a new manager.

Speakers

Annie Brulatour

Central Rappahannock Regional Library

Erin Creighton

Assistant Branch Manager/Adult Services Dept. Head, Central Rappahannock Regional Library

Thursday October 17, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
TBA

VLA

1:00pm EDT

What Do Public Librarians Need to Know About Virginia Public Schools?

Thursday October 17, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT

TBA

Public libraries and schools are logical partners who can best serve their communities by working together. Collaboration is easier when public librarians have a better understanding of current topics in education. Get up to speed on what you need to know to more effectively partner with your local public schools.

Speakers

Barry Trott

Adult Services Consultant, The Library of Virginia

Barry Trott is Adult Services Consultant at the Library of Virginia, where he helps public libraries across the Commonwealth plan and develop services for adult library users. He earned his MSLS from The Catholic University of America School of Library and Information Science in 1997... Read More →

Sue La Paro

Youth Services Consultant, The Library of Virginia

I provide comprehensive consulting services, training, and support to Virginia’s public libraries in the areas of school readiness and summer and out of school learning for children, youth, and families.

Calypso Gilstrap

Associate Director of the Office of Educational Technology and Classroom Innovation, Virginia Department of Education

Thursday October 17, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
TBA

VLA

2:00pm EDT

Ambitious for the Commonwealth: The Library of Virginia new directions

Thursday October 17, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

TBA

Dennis Clark will discuss the Library of Virginia’s new strategic framework, its challenges, and opportunities.

Speakers

Dennis Clark

Librarian of Virginia, Library of Virginia

Thursday October 17, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
TBA

VLA

2:00pm EDT

Building a Collaborative Translation Framework in Libraries

Thursday October 17, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

TBA

Learn how one library established a translation workgroup, engaging staff at all levels to develop Spanish language marketing materials. Discover how the first attempt at learning evolved into a structured workflow, resulting in more consistent and sustainable services. Gain invaluable insights to implement a successful translation process in your library.

Speakers

Mirna Turcios

Prince William Public Library System

Leticia Zelaya

HR Analyst, Prince William Public Library System

Rachel Johnson

Prince William Public Library System

Thursday October 17, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
TBA

VLA

2:00pm EDT

Creating a Community Chain Reaction through Targeted Focus

Thursday October 17, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

TBA

CCPL is changing behaviors through a targeted audience, moms and caregivers of our smallest customers, making the library a central player in that change. Significantly increasing children’s programming is the key to one branch’s success this past year and the message in the community about what the library has to offer everyone.

Speakers

Dana Bomba

Chesterfield County Public Library

Virginia Phelps

Chesterfield County

Thursday October 17, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
TBA

VLA

2:00pm EDT

Eradicating Human Trafficking Training

Thursday October 17, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

TBA

Hundreds of thousands of children are trafficked every year in the United States, but only 1% are ever identified. This survivor-written training will empower you to spot, report, and prevent trafficking where you live, work, and play. Through true survivor experiences, industry experts explain the key indicators of trafficking, as well as how you can support a survivor’s path to freedom.

Speakers

Brittany Dunn

Safe House Project

Thursday October 17, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
TBA

VLA

2:00pm EDT

From idea to impact: Publishing with the Virginia Libraries Journal

Thursday October 17, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

TBA

Join the editorial board
for a brief overview of the Virginia Libraries publication process,
followed by an interactive workshop to meet potential collaborators, share
thoughts and perspectives, and turn your article idea into a published piece.

Speakers

Bettina Peacemaker

Head, Academic Outreach, Virginia Commonwealth University / Virginia Libraries Journal

David Black

James Madison University

Stephen Leist

Research & Instruction Librarian/ILL Coordinator, Virginia Wesleyan University

Stephen Leist is a Research & Instruction Librarian and ILL Coordinator at the Hofheimer Library of Virginia Wesleyan University in Virginia Beach. He holds degrees from Furman University, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the University of Kentucky. An ongoing research interest... Read More →

Kristen Shuyler

Director, Communications and Outreach, James Madison University Libraries

Kristen Shuyler is the Director of Communications and Outreach at James Madison University Libraries in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Thursday October 17, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
TBA

VLA

2:00pm EDT

Libraratory Inspection: Best Practices for Supporting Experimentation, Innovation, Creative Problem Solving, and FAILs

Thursday October 17, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

TBA

Before each experiment, you must complete a lab inspection. Are conditions safe? Is the right equipment available, maintained, and calibrated? Are emergency procedures in place if something goes wrong? Supporting creativity in libraries is no different. This presentation provides best practices for supporting creativity in libraries, including examples and challenges.

Speakers

Nancy Falciani-White

Library Director, McGraw-Page Library

Thursday October 17, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
TBA

VLA

2:00pm EDT

That All May Read: Talking Books and You!

Thursday October 17, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

TBA

4% of all Virginians have a vision impairment, and an estimated 5-20% of the U.S. Population have dyslexia. As these numbers grow, libraries will have to find ways of helping their members read. Come learn how the National Library Service- casually called "Talking Books"- can help you do just that!

Speakers

Babak Zarin

Access Services Librarian, Central Rappahannock Regional Library

Babak Zarin is the Central Rappahannock Regional Library Access Services Librarian, where he helps to offer accessible programming and administers the Fredericksburg Talking Books library. A member of the 2018-2019 ALA Spectrum Scholar cohort, and 2022 winner of the Virginia Library... Read More →

Thursday October 17, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
TBA

VLA

2:00pm EDT

The Freedom to Read

Thursday October 17, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

TBA

Virginia has seen a significant rise in book challenges and classroom censorship efforts targeting LGBTQ and BIPOC stories. This panel will discuss the legal landscape of censorship campaigns, lessons learned from local save our library efforts, and what we can do to advocate for our freedom to read.

Speakers

Breanna Diaz

ACLU of Virginia

Narissa Rahaman

Equality Virginia

Ranger Balleisen

Pride Liberation Project

Kelsey Lawrence

Community advocate

Thursday October 17, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
TBA

VLA

2:00pm EDT

Traveling through the Wilderness: Blazing New Trails in Children’s Outreach to Rural Service Populations

Thursday October 17, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

TBA

Carrying out library outreach to children in rural areas can sometimes make you feel lost in the wilderness! In this session, Stephani will share practical advice and lessons learned from over seven years of experience as an outreach youth services librarian in Page County, Virginia.

Speakers

Stephani Tusing

Youth Services Librarian, Massanutten Regional Library

Thursday October 17, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
TBA

VLA

2:00pm EDT

“Think Global, Cook Local”: A Recipe for Bringing Culinary Literacy Programming to Rural Libraries

Thursday October 17, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

TBA

Franklin County’s library added its first-ever culinary literacy program to its standard menu of program offerings. Come learn about a soup-to-nuts process for using cooking as a context for learning and hear why starting with the basics can set up a new program for a long shelf life.

Speakers

Christine Arena

Franklin County Public Library

Rebecca Ventola

Franklin County Public Library

Thursday October 17, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
TBA

VLA

4:00pm EDT

Asking the Right Questions And Getting to Yes!: Transforming the Virginia Library Leadership Academy (VALLA)

Thursday October 17, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT

TBA

Learn how the Virginia Library Leadership Academy (VALLA) Task Force challenged the status quo and built a foundation for reimagining VALLA. Hear about the leadership and planning required to determine library community needs, incorporate the values of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging, and provide a framework for evaluation and sustainability.

Speakers

Clint Rudy

Director of Libraries, Suffolk Public Library

Tina Rollins

Library Director, William R. and Norma B. Harvey Library (Hampton University)

Jennifer Brown

Director, Augusta County Library

Thursday October 17, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
TBA

VLA

4:00pm EDT

Floating Collections: Evolution and Process Assessment

Thursday October 17, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT

TBA

Virginia Beach Public Library’s experience, lessons learned, process, and continued assessment and use of floating collections. A timeline from start to present state will address how collections, services, and process has changed along the way, up to and including the work of a 2024 process assessment team.

Speakers

Clara Hudson

Support Services Administrator, Virginia Beach Public Library

Thursday October 17, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
TBA

VLA

4:00pm EDT

Offboarding Onboarding: the Cohort Model and Building Institutional Culture

Thursday October 17, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT

TBA

Traditional employee onboarding is boring. But what if it became a first step towards building a more inclusive institutional culture? This session analyzes UVA Library’s initial You Belong Here immersive onboarding program, using employee entrance surveys, library climate surveys, and session feedback forms, to assess UVA’s successes and FAILS in fostering employee belonging, retention, and familiarity with IDEA principles.

Speakers

Scott Ackerman

University of Virginia

Thursday October 17, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
TBA

VLA

4:00pm EDT

Outward In: Developing Community-Led Programming

Thursday October 17, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT

TBA

Have you ever said “why don’t people come to our library programs?” Often events grow from ideas someone at the library has for what they think will be a great program, but what if we instead look outward asking our communities to help develop programming that will be of interest to them?

Speakers

Barry Trott

Adult Services Consultant, The Library of Virginia

Sue La Paro

Youth Services Consultant, The Library of Virginia

Thursday October 17, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
TBA

VLA

4:00pm EDT

Science Sleuths: Designing and Playing a Source Evaluation Escape Room Challenge

Thursday October 17, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT

TBA

Two JMU librarians experimented with designing a game-based information literacy workshop by creating an escape room for middle school students. Learn from their first attempt, learn how you can use games as a creative solution for teaching source evaluation to any grade level, and come play the game.

Speakers

Kathryn E. Shenk

Science & Math Librarian, James Madison University

Thursday October 17, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
TBA

VLA

4:00pm EDT

Supporting Your Autistic & ADHD Coworkers

Thursday October 17, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT

TBA

Join two neurodivergent librarians as we discuss life with autism and ADHD. We will address the strengths and challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in the library profession and how they influence our work, highlighting how to harness the talents that neurodivergent people can offer, and how to provide support through workplace challenges.

Speakers

Kelly Gilbert

Librarian, Fairfax County Public Library

Kelly (she/her) has been a librarian with Fairfax County Public Library for over ten years. Most of her time was spent playing ukulele and creating weird teen displays for the Youth Services Department at Chantilly Library, however, two years ago she accepted a position with Adult... Read More →

Kerri Zuiker

Youth Services Information Assistant, Fairfax County Public Library

Kerri (they/them) has worked for Fairfax County Public Libraries for close to 20 years in a variety of settings, from starting as a high school volunteer to their current position as a Youth Services Information Assistant. Kerri loves teen programming (especially nerdy, fandom-related... Read More →

Thursday October 17, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
TBA

VLA

4:00pm EDT

The Best of Both Worlds? Joint-Use Public & Community College Libraries in Virginia

Thursday October 17, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT

TBA

Many localities see joint-use libraries as cost-saving measures: one location to serve the needs of the college and local communities. See how three localities/institutions have made it work (or not), the challenges they have faced, and how their services continue to evolve.

Speakers

Sean O'Connell

Virginia Beach Public Library

Elizabeth Hadley

Rappahannock Community College/Richmond County Public Library

I'm a new coordinator/director in a joint use academic/public library. The bulk of my experience has been split between information architecture/digital libraries and public reference.I'd like to learn more about:leadership/managing people collection development in academic librarieslibrary... Read More →

Mary Buck

Branch Manager, Central Rappahannock Regional Library

I love playing board games (went to GenCon for the first time this year!), reading mysteries and science fiction, and have worked in libraries since the 1980's.

Brittany Horn

Tidewater Community College

Carrie Dos Santos (moderator, POC)

Executive Director, Middlesex Public Library

After serving in the United States Coast Guard and the Reserves as a commissioned officer, I obtained my Master’s degree in Information Science from the University of Tennessee. As I earned my Master’s degree, I began my work in public libraries, first as a volunteer at the Chesapeake... Read More →

Tamara Remhof

Germanna Community College Libraries

Thursday October 17, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
TBA

VLA

4:00pm EDT

The Future Is Now: Building an AI Community of Practice to Educate and Prepare Library Staff for AI’s Challenges and Possibilities

Thursday October 17, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT

TBA

Join us to discover how the
staff at Mason Libraries have embraced AI tools, such as ChatGPT and Gemini, to
gain new knowledge and enhance their professional development in Generative AI.
Participants will learn how Communities of Practice can be utilized as a
training method to help staff upskill and stay abreast of AI advancements.

Speakers

Trevor Watkins

Teaching and Outreach Librarian, George Mason University

Trevor Watkins is the Teaching and Outreach Librarian at George Mason University. He leads a mini-team of two staff on the Teaching and Learning Team that engages in teaching, special projects, outreach, and library programming for George Mason University Libraries. His research interests... Read More →

Christopher Magee

George Mason University

Heidi Blackburn

Computing Librarian, George Mason University

Pronouns: She/Her/HersDr. Heidi Blackburn is the Computing Librarian for George Mason University Libraries. Her subject areas are artificial intelligence, computer science, IT, game design, and statistics. Her current research focuses on supporting women in STEM (particularly in academic... Read More →

Thursday October 17, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
TBA

VLA

4:00pm EDT

Things Are (Maybe?) About to Get VERY Weird -- Possible AI Futures, the Information Landscape, and Libraries

Thursday October 17, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT

TBA

With some experts comparing AI to other paradigm-shifting technologies like the harnessing of fire, the use of electricity, or the rise of the Internet, this talk looks beyond current AI systems and examines expert predictions. The internet changed librarianship and our understanding of information forever. Will AI do the same?

Speakers

Collin Fitzsimmons

Chesterfield County Public Library

Carolyn Jensen

Chesterfield County Public Library

Thursday October 17, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
TBA

VLA

4:00pm EDT

What is a Digital Navigator: Providing a Gateway to Digital Literacy Skills

Thursday October 17, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT

TBA

Libraries will have a unique opportunity in the next few years to access resources to help patrons learn to take advantage of internet access and technology. Digital navigators will be the key to success. Learn about a pilot project in a small rural library system that proved the feasibility of the concept in Virginia and made it into the state Digital Opportunity strategy.

Speakers

Cindy Church

Library of Virginia

Opportunities to partner with public libraries, anything training related, continuing education, E Rate coordinator

Rose Likins

Director, Smyth County Public Library

Books, Latin America, rural libraries

Thursday October 17, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
TBA

VLA

4:00pm EDT

Where Did This Come From?: Provenance Research for Any Library

Thursday October 17, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT

TBA

Have you had a patron come in wanting to learn more about a family heirloom or a painting found at a sale? Not sure what questions to ask or where to look? Not sure what provenance is? Come learn about the basics of provenance research and how you can best help your patrons!

Speakers

Elizabeth Weir

Dickson Librarian, Chrysler Museum of Art

Thursday October 17, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
TBA

VLA

9:00am EDT

Challenging the Challengers: ALA's Policy Corps and Unite Against Book Bans

Friday October 18, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

TBA

ALA’s Policy Corp is actively advocating for Unite Against Book Bans in the book challenge crisis that libraries have experienced over the last few years. There are lessons to be learned as Policy Corps members working in the field share their insight and tips to successfully challenge the challengers.

Speakers

Kent Oliver

American Library Association - PPA

The American Library Association (ALA) has tapped Kent Oliver as senior policy fellow for the Public Policy and Advocacy office to strengthen the association’s involvement in policy discussions related to First Amendment freedoms and intellectual property.Kent Oliver mentors, coordinates... Read More →

Sonya Durney

Scholarly Communication Research and Teaching Librarian University of New England, ALA - Policy Corps

www.linkedin.com/in/sonya-durney-50167212/

Mary Pellicano

ALA Policy Corps

Friday October 18, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
TBA

VLA

9:00am EDT

Disinformation, Book-Bans, Tribalism: How Did We Get Out of This Morass Before? (Hint: Librarians & some clever teens)

Friday October 18, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

TBA

Historical fiction can help readers understand and fight these recurring dangers. Author L. M. Elliott—winner of the Scott O’Dell and VLA’s Cardinal Cup for historical fiction--discusses the battle for intellectual freedom during McCarthyism and Cold War Berlin, sharing history from her award-winning “docudrama” novels SUSPECT RED and WALLS.

Speakers

Laura Elliott

YA/MG historical fiction author, self

L. M. Elliott was a Washington, D.C. magazine journalist for 20 years before becoming a New York Times bestselling author of over a dozen historical and biographical fictions. Her YA/MG novels have won the Scott O'Dell, VLA Cardinal Cup, and Grateful American Book Prize for historical... Read More →

Friday October 18, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
TBA

VLA

9:00am EDT

Innovating with Intergenerational Programming

Friday October 18, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

TBA

Whether starting from scratch or expanding an existing program to accommodate different age groups, intergenerational programming can help bridge the gap between individuals of different generations who might not have much experience interacting. Receive an overview and learn from a panel of library staff who have successfully implemented intergenerational programming.

Speakers

Abby Davis

Jefferson Madison Regional Library (tentative)

Karen Tripp

Arlington Public Library

Sue La Paro

Youth Services Consultant, The Library of Virginia

Friday October 18, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
TBA

VLA

9:00am EDT

Laying Out the Welcome Mat (Or Not) ~ Designing an Inclusive & Engaging Orientation Program

Friday October 18, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

TBA

A library’s orientation process speaks volumes about its approach to IDEA. In this lab-tested, fun approved presentation, learn the five hallmarks of inclusion and how to create a welcoming and supportive environment from a staff member’s first encounter with the organization.

Speakers

Clenise Platt

Virginia Beach Public Libraries

Clenise is the Strategic Talent Development & Training Coordinator for the 300 plus staff members of the Virginia Beach Public Library. She is a graduate of the College of William & Mary and ODU and earned a certificate in the Foundation of Management Excellence, an endorsed ATD Manager... Read More →

Friday October 18, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
TBA

VLA

9:00am EDT

Let's Get Inclusive Using the Power of Data

Friday October 18, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

TBA

This session will teach attendees how to use Census data to advocate, fundraise and plan strategically for their libraries. Explore one library's journey with making informed decisions based on Census, American Community Survey, and local data sources.

Speakers

Katarina Spears

Library Director, Hamner Public Library, Amelia County

Stacie Cochran McNeal

U.S. Census Bureau

Friday October 18, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
TBA

VLA

9:00am EDT

Pohick Regional Library's POD: An antidote to loneliness

Friday October 18, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

TBA

The US Surgeon General’s advisory on the loneliness epidemic includes “strengthening social infrastructure” and “cultivating connection” among steps we can take to address it. Come learn how The Maker Lab @ Pohick Library (aka the POD) provides a creative learning center while fostering community and ameliorating loneliness.

Speakers

Shari Henry

Fairfax County Public Library

Jennifer Dickinson

Adult Services Manager, Fairfax County Public Library

Friday October 18, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
TBA

VLA

9:00am EDT

The Power of Partnerships in Meeting Community Needs

Friday October 18, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

TBA

Using a simple four-step process, learn how Central Rappahannock Regional Library identified community needs and leveraged partnerships to meet them, forging greater engagement and access to information in two underserved populations: rural communities and individuals experiencing homelessness. Learn to apply the four steps to positively impact your community through collaboration.

Speakers

Tracy McPeck

Adult Services Coordinator, Central Rappahannock Regional Library

Aimée Dillon

Central Rappahannock Regional Library

Erin Creighton

Assistant Branch Manager/Adult Services Dept. Head, Central Rappahannock Regional Library

Friday October 18, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
TBA

VLA

9:00am EDT

Where the Hell is That File?: Tactics to Organize Your Library’s Knowledge

Friday October 18, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

TBA

Libraries are great about organizing information for everyone but themselves. Different work styles, employee departures, info hoarding, trashing old things, etc., can lead to gaps in the organization’s knowledge bank. Learn new tactics to help capture your library’s knowledge so you can stop wondering, “Where the hell is that file?”

Speakers

Reagen Thalacker

Public Library Consultant, The Library of Virginia

Friday October 18, 2024 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
TBA

VLA

10:00am EDT

A Low Code Solution to Scheduling Staff

Friday October 18, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

TBA

Learn how the Fairfax County Public Library went from scheduling in multiple excel spreadsheets and paper calendars to a creative solution using an in-house low code application built in Microsoft Power Platform that has centralized scheduling and saved staff time.

Speakers

Gary Goodson

Library Internet Architect, Fairfax County Public Library

Friday October 18, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
TBA

VLA

10:00am EDT

Be Prepared for Plot Twists: Hosting a Human Library

Friday October 18, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

TBA

Hosting a Human
Library event includes steep learning curves and a lot of unknowns. Arlington Public Library
and Fairfax County Public librarians will share effective strategies and insights for hosting a
Human Library event including tips for remaining flexible, expecting the
unexpected, and avoiding common missteps.

Speakers

Jennifer Odlum

Arlington Public Library

Deborah Smith-Cohen

Fairfax County Public Library

Friday October 18, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
TBA

VLA

10:00am EDT

Book Résumés: An Innovative Tool and Collaborative Solution for Supporting Intellectual Freedom

Friday October 18, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

TBA

Book resumes are documents which contain synopsis, reviews, awards, accolades, and links to resources/media for a specific book. The primary purpose is to support access to books. This presentation will showcase the evolution of this document to a collection in a national database hosted on Unite Against Book Bans.

Speakers

Easter M. DiGangi

Auto-Graphics

Friday October 18, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
TBA

VLA

10:00am EDT

Cardinal Cup Overfloweth and Book Giveaway

Friday October 18, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

TBA

Reserving time slot for Cardinal Cup committee to present overflow selections

Friday October 18, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
TBA

VLA

10:00am EDT

Connecting Experiences, Year One: Rebuilding a VLA Mentorship Program

Friday October 18, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

TBA

How do mentorship programs get off the ground? The New Member Roundtable Committee built and deployed the refreshed VLA Mentorship program this year and are coming to share insight into how the program was developed, lessons that were learned along the way, and provide opportunity to ask questions of current mentor pairs.

Speakers

Joy Doukas

Chesterfield County Public Library

Reynor Jones

Hampton Public Library

Jeanine Hines

Prince William County Public Libraries

Lisa Thompson

Assistant Branch Manager, Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library

Hello! I am a firm believer in the saying, "it takes a village", and you know what, it does! As a manager at our small, rural library, we have been able create multiple partnerships within our community. I love meeting people involved with businesses, non-profits, and individuals... Read More →

Rebecca Schneider

Senior Reference Librarian, Library of Virginia

Friday October 18, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
TBA

VLA

10:00am EDT

Cultivating Tomorrow's Leaders: Building an Internal Leadership Development Journey

Friday October 18, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

TBA

Have you been thinking about developing leaders at your organization, succession planning, or staff empowerment? Come hear from the organizers and a participant of Loudoun County Public Library's inaugural Internal Leadership Development Program: what we will do again and what we'll change next time.

Speakers

Sydney McCoy

Loudoun County Public Library

Jennifer DesRoberts

Loudoun County Public Library

Joshua DeGroat

Loudoun County Public Library

Friday October 18, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
TBA

VLA

10:00am EDT

Help! I'm in a Crisis! Public Relations 101 for Libraries

Friday October 18, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

TBA

Good news! People are talking more about libraries. Bad news is that the spotlight can bring unwanted attention. How do you handle angry patrons, social media comments, and political issues with grace? Learn some practical steps to help you create your own crisis management strategy like a marketing pro.

Speakers

Tobi Laukaitis

Public Engagement Coordinator, Lynchburg Public Library

Tobi Laukaitis (she/her) has worked in Marketing and Communications for nearly 10 years. She began her career as a crime/public safety reporter before transitioning to public relations. Tobi specializes in social media strategy and crisis management and has worked with clients in... Read More →

Friday October 18, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
TBA

VLA

10:00am EDT

Howdy Partner! Working Across Agencies to Better Serve Communities Affected by Dementia

Friday October 18, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

TBA

The Memory Café at Central
Library provides a practical and sustainable program model through a new and
innovative strategic partnership between Arlington Public Library and the
Arlington County Agency on Aging - Adult Day Program. The presentation will discuss
the decision to partner, best practices, benefits to the community, and lessons
learned.

Speakers

Bridgette Wisdom

Arlington Public Library

Robin Cooper

Arlington Agency on Aging - Adult Day Program

Friday October 18, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
TBA

VLA

10:00am EDT

Reader’s Advisory: Ask Us Anything

Friday October 18, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

TBA

A panel of five adult reader’s advisory experts and enthusiasts share trends and topics and answer audience questions. Discover new ideas for expanding your community of readers, get a better understanding of how to practice reader’s advisory in your library, hear about what works (and what doesn’t) when sharing resources with adults, and bring your most puzzling reader’s advisory questions.

Speakers

Barry Trott

Adult Services Consultant, The Library of Virginia

Neil Hollands

Williamsburg Regional Library

Alicia Ahlvers

Public Services Administrator, Henrico County Public Library

Jennifer Rothschild

Collection Engagement Librarian, Arlington Public Library

Jennifer Rothschild is the Collection Engagement Librarian for Arlington Public Library in Arlington, VA, where she coordinates reader's advisory services and collection promotion, and is in charge of print acquisitions for early and emergent readers. She's served on several award... Read More →

Jill Minor

Electronic Resources Librarian, Washington County Public Library

Friday October 18, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
TBA

VLA

10:00am EDT

Tackling Climate Change Together via the Libraratory

Friday October 18, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

TBA

Libraries are leaders in climate action work and educate communities on local impacts of climate change. Learn why climate action work needs to take place across all job levels in libraries, and how to get libraries invited to the tables of other community organizations.

Speakers

Lisa Kropp

Lindenhurst Memorial Library

Jen Ferriss

Saratoga Springs Public Library and Sustainable Libraries Initiative

Friday October 18, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
TBA

VLA

10:00am EDT

This is Not a StoryWalk®

Friday October 18, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

TBA

An outdoor space can build literacy, imagination, and community. We created a story telling trail and the story changes with each visitor.

Speakers

Chandra McPherson

Powhatan County Public Library

Brooke Rabas

Powhatan County Public Library

Friday October 18, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
TBA

VLA

11:00am EDT

Be a Citizen Scientist and Bring Real-world Science Programs to Your Library

Friday October 18, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

TBA

Communities working together make bigger impacts on problems related to health, society, environment, and more. Learn how you can bring citizen science programs to your library. Engage in citizen science activities, receive resources, and new program ideas to plan your own citizen science programs for youth, teens, and adults!

Speakers

Rebekah Kreitner

Library Program Specialist, Virginia Beach Public Library

Hello! Come over and introduce yourself!I love meeting new people and discovering new things. I've worked for VBPL for over 12 years, most of that time in outreach. Meeting our patrons where they are is the most exciting, transformative action we take, and I love it! Talk to me about... Read More →

Friday October 18, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
TBA

VLA

11:00am EDT

Connecting with Social Services

Friday October 18, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

TBA

Increasing accessibility to another government service entity in the library reduces barriers and stigmas associated with seeking help from Social Services. Find out why two Chesterfield County library locations sought a partnership with the local Social Services agency and how it affected both the library and the surrounding communities.

Speakers

Jackie Downs

Branch Manager, Chesterfield County Public Library

Danielle Tarullo

Richmond Public Library

Friday October 18, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
TBA

VLA

11:00am EDT

From Virginia to Guinea: School Libraries Transform

Friday October 18, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

TBA

In 2023, Alexandria Library expanded its partnership with a literacy NGO in Conakry, Guinea. Working together, 4 school libraries were installed in French/English bilingual schools and trainings and events were hosted onsite to foster kids love of reading and facilitate a cross-cultural virtual club with Alexandria City students.

Speakers

Michelle Biwer

Alexandria Library

Mabéty Soumah

Françoise Hélène Petty

Friday October 18, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
TBA

VLA

11:00am EDT

Hosting In-Person FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Assistance @ Your Library

Friday October 18, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

TBA

Each year, Virginia's college-bound teens face the challenge of submitting the FAFSA, which can be stressful and confusing. Learn how a library has collaborated with a local community college's financial aid office for the past two years to ease this process by helping students submit their FAFSA.

Speakers

Clea Overstreet

Youth Services Librarian, Prince William Public Libraries

Hello! My name is Clea Overstreet and I am a Youth Services Librarian with the Prince William Public Libraries. In my role, I am continually focusing on advancing early literacy programs and engaging young patrons through innovative strategies. My work is driven by a commitment to... Read More →

Friday October 18, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
TBA

VLA

11:00am EDT

Naloxone Distribution in Public Libraries

Friday October 18, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Building off the success of the statewide Covid test distribution through public libraries in Virginia, Virginia Department of Health is considering similar distribution of Naloxone, the medicine that reverses opioid overdoses. Learn more about Naloxone and the opioid crisis in Virginia and hear from a public library already distributing Naloxone to the public and share your thoughts about Naloxone distribution.

Speakers

Carolyn Lamere

Strategic Program Manager, Naloxone Distribution and Harm Reduction, Virginia Department of Health

Gretchen Dunne

Partnerships Coordinator, Naloxone Distribution, Division of Pharmacy Services, Virginia Department of Health

Jen Shepley

Community Services Manager, Chesterfield County Public Library

Friday October 18, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

VLA

11:00am EDT

Protecting the Right to Read in Virginia’s Public Schools and Public Libraries

Friday October 18, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

TBA

VLA welcomes local and state legislators to a discussion of the Right to Read in School and Local Public Libraries in 2025, followed by a Q&A from the audience.

Friday October 18, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
TBA

VLA

11:00am EDT

Reimagining Library Services and Library Leadership

Friday October 18, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

TBA

Still doing things like you've always done them? Learn how to use strategic thinking to reimagine library services. Working with their leadership team, Cheaspeake Public Library rebuilt their libraries from scratch and created a leadership pathway for all staff.

Speakers

Amanda Jackson

Chesapeake Public Library

Jes Chatham

Chesapeake Public Library

Isaac Accosta

Chesapeake Public Library

Friday October 18, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
TBA

VLA

11:00am EDT

Solidarity in Advocacy and Policy Work

Friday October 18, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

TBA

More than ever in recent history, we’ve seen the importance of solidarity among
librarians as we push back on censorship efforts. Two authors will describe how
VLA’s practice of rotating executive committee roles between academic and
public librarians has strengthened understanding and collaboration between
libraries, providing a lifeline for research and access to materials to preserve intellectual
freedom in Virginia.

Speakers

Shari Henry

Fairfax County Public Library

Keith Weimer

University of Virginia

Friday October 18, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
TBA

VLA

11:00am EDT

Transcribing the Past: Two Libraries Experiment with Digital Preservation

Friday October 18, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

TBA

The Seth Woodroof Account Book is a Top 10 Virginia Endangered Artifact that names 200 enslaved people in Lynchburg. Hear how the manuscript was found, learn about the partnership to transcribe and publish the data, and discover how two institutions attended the CIC Legacies of American Slavery Public History Institute.

Speakers

Deborah Smith

Executive DIrector, Jones Memorial Library

Lisa Broughman

Director of the Library, Randolph College

Friday October 18, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
TBA

VLA

1:15pm EDT

Connect with the Youth and Family Services Forum

Friday October 18, 2024 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT

The Youth and Family Services Forum promotes quality services for children and young adults throughout Virginia. Come meet the YFS Forum Officers, learn how to be more involved in VLA, and find out about helpful resources, like regular meetups, podcasts, and ListServe, that connect you to other Youth Services Librarians.

Speakers

April Watkins

Gregory Fahey

Information Services Supervisor, Prince William Public Libraries

Taylor Foreman

Librarian II - Branch Programming Coordinator, Virginia Beach Public Library

Friday October 18, 2024 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT

VLA

1:15pm EDT

DEI in Resource Description for Small Libraries

Friday October 18, 2024 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT

TBA

Small libraries with limited resources can find creative solutions to outdated and/or offensive terminology in records. In this presentation, we will discuss how both an academic library and a public library approached inclusivity in their collections. Topics covered: cataloging, soliciting buy-in, collaborating with other libraries, and collection maintenance.

Speakers

Megan Wade

Emily Correa

Deputy Director, Campbell County Public Library System

Friday October 18, 2024 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT
TBA

VLA

1:15pm EDT

DIY Lists in Libby and hoopla

Friday October 18, 2024 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT

TBA

Topical lists and titles appear in the Libby and hoopla apps, but what do they have to do with your library? Tailor custom lists of e-content to programming, themes, and events that are relevant to you and your patrons, cross-promote to your heart's content, and share effectively on social media..

Speakers

Jill Minor

Electronic Resources Librarian, Washington County Public Library

Friday October 18, 2024 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT
TBA

VLA

1:15pm EDT

Innovating Across City Lines: How Three Distinct City Library Systems Work Together for Staff Development

Friday October 18, 2024 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT

TBA

Step into the Libraratory for a look at how the training facilitators from three library systems came together to experiment with how to leverage individual resources, experiences, and needs to create collective professional development experiences for their staff, including planning and implementing a Regional Library Leadership Summit training experience.

Speakers

Jane Gagne

Learning and Staff Development Supervisor, Suffolk Public Library

Isaac Acosta Jr.

Training Specialist, Chesapeake Public Library

I'm glad that you are with us at the Chesapeake Public Library! As your resident Department Training Specialist, I help welcome and introduce all new hires, volunteers, and MLIS college/NextGen interns to the library. I serve as the administrator of our Department's Communications... Read More →

Clenise Platt

Virginia Beach Public Libraries

Jennifer Luck

Chesapeake Public Libraries

Friday October 18, 2024 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT
TBA

VLA

1:15pm EDT

Let It Grow: Cultivating a Seed Library Within Your Budget

Friday October 18, 2024 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT

TBA

Thinking of starting a seed library, but not sure how to begin? In this session, discover how to create a seed library that’s just right for your community’s needs (and your library’s budget), and how to navigate potential challenges to ensure program success.

Speakers

Laurel Jackson

Fairfax County Public Library

Pat Henley

Circ Aide, Fairfax County Public Library

Gardening

NANCY KLEIN

Fairfax County Public Library

Friday October 18, 2024 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT
TBA

VLA

1:15pm EDT

So They Put You In Charge of Summer Reading - Now What?

Friday October 18, 2024 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT

TBA

Speakers

Kristen Burnham

Programming and Events Coordinator, Prince William Public Libraries

As the Programming and Events Coordinator for twelve libraries, Kristen has the fun challenge of creating innovative programming for a diverse population with varying needs while at the same time providing support to more than 40 public service programming colleagues. Summer Reading... Read More →

Friday October 18, 2024 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT
TBA

VLA

1:15pm EDT

Staff Appreciation & Boosting Staff Morale in the Workplace

Friday October 18, 2024 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT

TBA

Help your staff and co-workers avoid the workplace burnout by showing your appreciation and boosting staff morale. This session will introduce fun and low-cost ways to show your co-workers that you care, improve teamwork, and increase morale in the workplace.

Speakers

Jessica Erman

Youth & Family Services Librarian II, Chesapeake Public Library

Erin Latham

Library Specialist II, Chesapeake Public Library

Friday October 18, 2024 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT
TBA

VLA

1:15pm EDT

The ABC’s of Babysitting 101 at Your Library: How a Community Observation Gave Birth to a Multi-Problem Solution

Friday October 18, 2024 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT

TBA

Adults and their children need safe, affordable childcare. Teens need money and work experience. Learn how DC Public Library created programming around these needs for a mutually satisfying solution from idea conception through evaluation and looking ahead. Plus, play some classic babysitter trivia along the way!

Speakers

Abby Hargreaves

DC Public Library

Lukisha King

DC Public Library

Friday October 18, 2024 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT
TBA

VLA

1:15pm EDT

The Writer's Perspective

Friday October 18, 2024 1:15pm - 2:00pm EDT

TBA

Virginia-based members of the Sisters in Crime writing organization discuss how writers balance the issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion in their writing with the prevailing tide of censorship.

Speakers

Leah Price

President, Sisters in Crime - Central Virginia

I write mystery/suspense fiction as Leah St. James. For the past two years, I've had the privilege of serving as the president of the Central Virginia Chapter of Sisters in Crime. Together with members of other Virginia chapters, I'm excited to share the efforts our members make to... Read More →

VLA