NLA/MPLA Joint Conference: Full Schedule

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8:30am CDT

Critical Thinking in the Digital Age: Helping Students Navigate Online Resources

Friday October 16, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT

This session will explore practical strategies for teaching students how to evaluate online information in a world of constant digital content. Participants will examine common challenges such as misinformation, bias, and unreliable sources, and learn classroom-ready techniques to build students’ critical thinking and digital literacy skills. The session will highlight best practices for guiding students through searching for information, vertical and lateral reading, and fact-checking processes. Educators will leave with practical strategies and resources they can immediately implement to strengthen student learning and research skills.

Speakers

Courtney Pentland

ITL/School Library Programs Coordinator, University of Nebraska Omaha

Friday October 16, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT
Dapper 2 12520 Westport Parkway, La Vista, Nebraska

Breakout

8:30am CDT

Discovering Stories and Developing Community via Archives

Friday October 16, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT

Dapper 3

Learn how to nurture curiosity, community, and identity by telling stories with library archives.

Speakers

Jean Turman

Bellevue University

Friday October 16, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT
Dapper 3 12520 Westport Parkway, La Vista, Nebraska

Breakout

8:30am CDT

Museum Exhibitions for the Public Library: Bring the experience local!

Friday October 16, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT

Fedora 2

Library and museum partnerships are a great way to engage and educate patrons in a new and exciting way. Hosting temporary traveling exhibitions provides an experiential visit to the library that patrons will not forget. This collaborative presentation will share how to enhance your partnerships with local national institutions in a variety of ways. Join Jenna Wells, Deputy Director at the Rio Rancho Public Library to learn how the suburban community of Rio Rancho, NM has created a niche in their library and community.

Speakers

Jenna Wells

adult services supervisor, Rio Rancho Public Library

Adult services, librarian, facilitator of local history room, archives and digital preservation

Friday October 16, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT
Fedora 2 12520 Westport Parkway, La Vista, Nebraska

Breakout

8:30am CDT

Opening Up the American Dream: Advocating for Affordable Textbooks for All Students

Friday October 16, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT

Dapper 1

Did you know that Nebraska has an OER action team? We do! Come to our panel discussion to learn about what we do, what plans we have, and how you can get involved! We will introduce the Midwest Higher Education Compact (MHEC) and how our partnership with them benefits Higher Education in Nebraska. In addition, we will discuss how we have implemented OER at our institutions (from just barely to quite a bit) and what is in store for the future.

Speakers

Billie Cotterman

Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Access Services, University of Nebraska at Kearney

Stephen Craig Finlay

OER Librarian, Criss Library, University of Nebraska at Omaha

Rachel Menzel

STEM Research & Instruction Librarian, Creighton University

Rochelle Reeves

Curriculum Librarian/Associate Professor, University of Nebraska at Kearney

Friday October 16, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT
Dapper 1 12520 Westport Parkway, La Vista, Nebraska

Breakout

8:30am CDT

Pages from the Past: Bringing Local History to Life Through Community Partnership

Friday October 16, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT

Gatsby

Local history programming is one of the most powerful tools for successful adult programming. This presentation explores how a public library and a local historical society can build a rich, sustained partnership that brings community history to life and deepens patron engagement.

Co-presented by a public librarian and the Vice President of a local historical society, this session draws on real examples from a thriving collaboration: a monthly book club exploring community history through curated reading selections, an annual poster exhibit celebrating influential women from the county's past, special programming tied to city milestones, and programs highlighting the library's own history.

We will share replicable program models that work across a range of library sizes and budgets, as well as tips for sustaining momentum and keeping the partnership mutually beneficial over time.

Whether you serve a small rural community or a mid-sized city, local history is a programming goldmine waiting to be tapped. Come learn how to make your library the heart of your community's story.

Speakers

Shaun Klee

Adult & Technical Services Librarian, Grand Island Public Library

Michelle Setlik

Hall Co. Historical Society

Friday October 16, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT
Gatsby 12520 Westport Parkway, La Vista, Nebraska

Breakout

8:30am CDT

Respectful Representation: Honoring Indigenous Art and Culture in Libraries

Friday October 16, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT

Fedora 1

Libraries often serve as cultural bridges, yet efforts to highlight Indigenous art and history can unintentionally misrepresent or appropriate the communities they aim to honor. This presentation will explore practical, relationship-based approaches to acquiring, displaying, and creating programming around Native American cultural materials.

This session will outline key principles for ethical engagement, including consultation with Tribal Nations, respect for sovereignty, and adherence to cultural protocols. Through examples such as co-curated exhibits with tribal artists, participants will see how collaboration can ensure authenticity and cultural accuracy. The presentation will also address common pitfalls—such as tokenism, lack of consent, and misuse of sacred materials—and offer strategies to avoid harm.

Attendees will leave with actionable approaches for building meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities, incorporating Indigenous perspectives into collections, and developing programming that reflects living cultures. Resources for continued learning will be provided.

By centering Indigenous voices and fostering respectful relationships, libraries can move beyond surface-level representation toward more meaningful and responsible engagement.

Speakers

Cassandra Osterloh

Tribal Libraries Program Coordinator, New Mexico State Library

I am a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. I have over 25 years of experience in library services across academic, school, and special libraries. Currently, I serve as the Tribal Libraries Program Coordinator at the New Mexico State Library, where I act as a key liaison between the state... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT
Fedora 1 12520 Westport Parkway, La Vista, Nebraska

Breakout

8:30am CDT

Strong Boards, Strong Libraries: Governance Skills That Matter

Friday October 16, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT

Sugarloaf

Library boards and committees make decisions that shape the direction, funding, and public trust of their organizations—but many members receive little training in how meetings actually work. This practical, plain-language session demystifies the essentials of meeting management, parliamentary procedure, bylaws, and minute-taking for library contexts.

Participants will learn how governing documents guide decisions, how to run efficient and inclusive meetings, when (and when not) to use formal parliamentary process, and how minutes can document accountability without creating unnecessary risk. Real-world library examples and ready-to-use templates will help attendees strengthen governance practices immediately.

Ideal for trustees, Friends groups, foundation boards, advisory committees, and library staff who support board work.

Speakers

Robin Hastings

Library Services Consultant, Northeast Kansas Library System

Robin Hastings is the Library Services Consultant for the Northeast Kansas Library System in Lawrence, KS. She has 20 years of experience in library technology and has written 4 books on various tech subjects, as well as several articles. She manages the Recollections:KS digital repository... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT
Sugarloaf 12520 Westport Parkway, La Vista, Nebraska

Breakout

9:30am CDT

AI Perspectives; or, A Luddite And A Tech Bro Walk Into A Bar

Friday October 16, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am CDT

Dapper 1

AI use in libraries is pretty polarizing. What better way to consider an issue more fully than to hear from someone who loves it and someone who hates it?

Andy Hamilton, Head of Public Services (Luddite) and Shanachie Carroll, Regional Branch Manager (Tech Bro, but nice), both with the Mesa County Libraries in western Colorado, will discuss how and why they use (or don't use) AI tools in their workflow.

They'll ask and discuss thought-provoking and challenging questions about the pros, cons, successes, failures, pitfalls, and ethical quandaries they've experienced around AI usage. This session will be interactive, with participants asking and answering questions and sharing their own feelings as well.

After this session, participants will have a more balanced understanding of where AI may be appropriate or may not be appropriate, concerns to address in writing policies around AI, and in thoughtfully exploring the nuanced territory around the use of AI in libraries.

Speakers

Andy Hamilton

Head of Public Services for Mesa County Libraries., Mesa County Libraries

Shanachie Carroll

Regional Branch Manager - Fruita, Gateway, Orchard Mesa, Mesa County Public Libraries

I am the Regional Branch Manager at Mesa County Libraries. I oversee the operations of our locations in Fruita, Gateway, and Orchard Mesa. I am a collaborative leader and community builder who is invested in being part of the communities that we serve by sparking joy for our patrons... Read More →

AI Perspectives pdf

Friday October 16, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am CDT
Dapper 1 12520 Westport Parkway, La Vista, Nebraska

Breakout

9:30am CDT

Best Children's Books of 2026

Friday October 16, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am CDT

Fedora 2

Brief book talks of titles that could be good additions to your library's collection. Titles for preschool through elementary school will be included.

Speakers

Sally Snyder

Coordinator of Children & Young Adult Services, Nebraska Library Commission

Sally Snyder is Coordinator of Children and Young Adult Library Services at the Nebraska Library Commission, and has worked at there in various capacities since 1984. She holds a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a Master of Arts in... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am CDT
Fedora 2 12520 Westport Parkway, La Vista, Nebraska

Breakout

9:30am CDT

Controlled Chaos: The Beautiful Mess of Teen Programming

Friday October 16, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am CDT

Dapper 3

Teen programming isn’t always neat and tidy—and that’s exactly what makes it fun. Join us as we explore creative, meaningful, and wildly engaging programs that embrace the unpredictable nature of working with teens. From year-round ideas to seasonal themes, we’ll share adaptable strategies for every budget and staffing level. Whether you’re new to teen services or a seasoned youth services wrangler, come ready to swap ideas and celebrate the beautiful mess of teen programming.

Speakers

Jennifer McCulley

McPherson Public Library

Friday October 16, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am CDT
Dapper 3 12520 Westport Parkway, La Vista, Nebraska

Breakout

9:30am CDT

LEGOs in your Library

Friday October 16, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am CDT

Fedora 1

Everything is awesome when you use LEGOs in the library!
Hear from Shannon about how she has developed LEGO resources and programs at Lincoln City Libraries. Attendees will learn about different ways they can use LEGOs in library programs including free play, games, and digital building; how to offer in-building checkout of full LEGO sets; as well as best practices and pitfalls she has learned along the way.

Speakers

Shannon Koch

Lincoln City Libraries - Walt Branch

Friday October 16, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am CDT
Fedora 1 12520 Westport Parkway, La Vista, Nebraska

Breakout

9:30am CDT

Podcasting: How to Develop, Facilitate, and Host a Podcast in an Academic Library

Friday October 16, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am CDT

Dapper 2

This presentation will break down the process for a library to develop its own podcast, including coming up with an idea, creating a hook and tagline, and choosing the technology to use. While also looking at what formatting works best for your library, what topics and themes you can use, and how to develop your ideas. It will then go into how to facilitate your podcast in connection to platforms, schedules, and marketing. Finally, I will discuss how a library can use its podcast to promote its collections, programs, resources, and values.

Speakers

Jessica Omer

Bellevue University Library

Friday October 16, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am CDT
Dapper 2 12520 Westport Parkway, La Vista, Nebraska

Breakout

9:30am CDT

Securing Public Computers

Friday October 16, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am CDT

Sugarloaf

Providing computers for use by the public is a key service unique to libraries. It is crucial that these "public" computers be properly secured and the privacy of the patrons who use them is protected. This program will cover the necessary steps that need to be be taken to accomplish this.

Speakers

Andrew Sherman

Nebraska Library Commission

Friday October 16, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am CDT
Sugarloaf 12520 Westport Parkway, La Vista, Nebraska

Breakout

9:30am CDT

Staff Innovation Grants - watch staff, services, and programs thrive!

Friday October 16, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am CDT

Gatsby

In 2024 Lincoln City Libraries launched a staff innovation grant program funding by our Library Foundation. A committee representing all levels of staffing was put together and created an application, rubric and reporting mechanism. It was so successful, we did it again! Come hear how staff have learned to write grants, track expenses, work with partners, create amazing programs, and even learn something when their application wasn't selected.

Speakers

Jodene Glaesemann

Lincoln City Libraries

Wyatt Packard

Lincoln City Libraries

Friday October 16, 2026 9:30am - 10:15am CDT
Gatsby 12520 Westport Parkway, La Vista, Nebraska

Breakout

1:30pm CDT

Books, Blocks and Bubbles: Hosting a Young Child Fair for Your Community

Friday October 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:15pm CDT

Sugarloaf

In this engaging presentation, we'll provide a roadmap for you to follow to host your own young child fair that includes community resources and organizations benefiting families with young children, ages 0-6. Our Library started its annual event 13 years ago to connect families with local resources, while also including fun activities like Storytime, block play, bubbles, and games. Our event now involves many community organizations, including Parents as Teachers, local preschools, health departments, mental health resources, fire and police departments, pediatricians and pediatric dentists, food pantries, and hearing and vision screenings. The young child fair has truly become a community event as much as a Library event, impacting families of all ages from our service area and beyond.

Speakers

Lesley Lard

Youth Services Librarian, Bonner Springs City Library

I am the Youth Services Librarian at the Bonner Springs City Library. I am in charge of collection development, outreach, programming, resources and more for students grades K-12. I am always available to help with classroom needs, provide Library tours, or be of assistance for... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:15pm CDT
Sugarloaf 12520 Westport Parkway, La Vista, Nebraska

Breakout

1:30pm CDT

Collaboration Station!: How School Libraries and Public Libraries Work Together!

Friday October 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:15pm CDT

Dapper 1

Public libraries and School libraries have the same goal: be an open and welcoming place for people to work, study, and just be. We are going to tell the story of a Public Youth Services Librarian (Justine Ridder) and a School Librarian (Dana Fontaine) came together to collaborate and make both spaces feel connected across the city.

Speakers

Dana Fontaine

Librarian Media Specialist, Fremont High School

Dana is a 9-12 Librarian in Fremont, NE. She hosts many clubs in the Library, which includes a developing Makerspace. She loves to read. Dana does not believe her job is truly a job because she feels it is much too fun to be a job. She lives with her daughter Luna and a houseful of... Read More →

Justine Ridder

Friday October 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:15pm CDT
Dapper 1 12520 Westport Parkway, La Vista, Nebraska

Breakout

1:30pm CDT

Don’t Panic!: Common Interlibrary Loan Errors and How to Resolve Them

Friday October 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:15pm CDT

Fedora 1

Unfortunately, many Interlibrary Loan errors can be made with one click—but cannot be corrected with one click. And when a mistake is made, one can quickly think of the worst possible outcomes—disappointing patrons and librarians you wanted to help, lost items, wasted postage fees, billing issues, and more.

But don’t panic, because most Interlibrary Loan errors can be corrected with a few simple approaches, good communication skills, and the spirit of cooperation that underpins all Interlibrary Loan activities.

Amy Heberling, the University of Nebraska—Lincoln Libraries Interlibrary Loan Borrowing Associate and Lynda Clause, until recently the ILL Coordinator at Nebraska Library Commission (NLC), will share tested problem-solving methods developed during their combined 25 + 13 years of experience as Interlibrary Loan professionals. They will also highlight the differences in problems and approaches that occur in their very different working environments—a Research 1 University Library and the state agency providing ILL services for school and public libraries throughout the state.

Speakers

Amy Heberling

Borrowing Research & Lending Assistant, University of Nebraska Lincoln Libraries

Amy Heberling is Borrowing Research and Lending Assistant at University of Nebraska—Lincoln Libraries. She has worked in Interlibrary Loan for 18 years and has experience various Interlibrary Loan activities including Borrowing, Lending, the Purchase on Demand program, and patron... Read More →

Lynda Clause

ILL Coordinator, Nebraska Library Commission

Friday October 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:15pm CDT
Fedora 1 12520 Westport Parkway, La Vista, Nebraska

Breakout

1:30pm CDT

From ‘Meh’ to ‘Heck Yeah!’—Book Talks That Work

Friday October 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:15pm CDT

Dapper 2

If your book talks are getting more yawns than cheers, it’s time for a makeover! Learn how to turn “meh” moments into “heck yeah!” reactions by finding the juicy bits of any book, using your voice (no opera singing required), and adding just the right amount of flair to keep listeners hooked. Whether you’re talking to kids, teens, or adults, you’ll leave with practical tips to deliver book talks that spark curiosity and get books into readers’ hands.

Speakers

Jennifer McCulley

McPherson Public Library

Friday October 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:15pm CDT
Dapper 2 12520 Westport Parkway, La Vista, Nebraska

Breakout

1:30pm CDT

Low Cost/No Tech Makerspaces

Friday October 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:15pm CDT

Dapper 3

Learn how to create low-cost, no-tech maker activities for students and patrons—some take-and-make kits and others for onsite completion. The 40 plus ideas fit a variety of age and skill levels, are budget-friendly and include craft supplies or upcycled materials—plus they pair well with books, storytime, or other events. Make an upcycled craft during the session.

Speakers

Courtney Pentland

ITL/School Library Programs Coordinator, University of Nebraska Omaha

Friday October 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:15pm CDT
Dapper 3 12520 Westport Parkway, La Vista, Nebraska

Breakout

1:30pm CDT

When I Disagree Becomes I Can’t: Balancing Personal and Professional Ethics

Friday October 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:15pm CDT

Gatsby

What happens when your personal beliefs collide with your professional duty to provide access to information? Join the Central Kansas Library System ladies for a lively and practical session on balancing professional and personal ethics. We will share some of the ethical situations we have found ourselves in, how to recognize when personal discomfort makes work responsibilities a challenge, and how to find the balance between personal beliefs and providing access to information.

Speakers

Elizabeth Dukelow

Central Kansas Library System

Patty Collins

Central Kansas Library System

Friday October 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:15pm CDT
Gatsby 12520 Westport Parkway, La Vista, Nebraska

Breakout

2:30pm CDT

$$$ Show me the (Library) Money! $$$

Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 3:15pm CDT

Dapper 1

Libraries are not run on thoughts and prayers. We also cannot buy materials with kindness and hugs. We are also so busy. I am going to speak about many types of fundraisers and put them into three categories: no effort, low effort, and all hands on deck. I have done many types of fundraisers and will showcase what I did, what was successful, what worked, what didn't and what kind of buy in you need with your community and your patrons.

Speakers

Dana Fontaine

Librarian Media Specialist, Fremont High School

Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 3:15pm CDT
Dapper 1 12520 Westport Parkway, La Vista, Nebraska

Breakout

2:30pm CDT

How spicy is too spicy?: Readers Advisory in the ever changing world of romance

Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 3:15pm CDT

Dapper 2

The past few years have seen everything from the rise in romance set in fantasy worlds, to serial killers falling in love, and even mothmen as heroes. How is a librarian to decide what is worth buying and recommending to readers especially when many romance readers can consume upwards of 30 books a month.

You will learn how to maximize your romance budget, purchase the very latest trends in the genre, seek out the hot new titles, and also satisfy your more traditional readers. Also, discover tips and tricks for helping library patrons find just the right romance for them and to answer that age old question, is it a romance or is it erotica?

Speakers

Alicia Ahlvers

Central Kansas Library System

Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 3:15pm CDT
Dapper 2 12520 Westport Parkway, La Vista, Nebraska

Breakout

2:30pm CDT

NLA Advocacy Committee Updates

Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 3:15pm CDT

Gatsby

Join us for updates and news from members of the NLA Advocacy Committee. Members will share information on advocacy activities and plans for the coming 2027 Legislative Session. The association lobbyist, the Nebraska ALA Liaison, director of the Nebraska Library Commission, and other advocacy leaders will be on this panel.

Speakers

Wyatt Packard

Lincoln City Libraries

Courtney Pentland

ITL/School Library Programs Coordinator, University of Nebraska Omaha

Deb Robertson

Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 3:15pm CDT
Gatsby 12520 Westport Parkway, La Vista, Nebraska

Breakout

2:30pm CDT

Strategic Planning: A Roadmap for Libraries

Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 3:15pm CDT

Sugarloaf

A library’s strategic plan is a roadmap that aligns staff, board, and community with shared goals. Cheyenne Chontos (Harrisburg Community Library Director, SD) will share real-world examples and guide participants through hands-on planning activities—from surveys and SWOT analysis to stakeholder engagement and writing a clear, actionable plan—helping attendees build confidence in creating strategic plans tailored to their libraries.

Speakers

Cheyenne Chontos

Director, Harrisburg Community Library

Cheyenne Chontos is the Director of the Harrisburg Community Library in Harrisburg, SD. They have previously worked as the Library Technology Coordinator and as the Continuing Education Coordinator for the South Dakota State Library. Cheyenne lives in Sioux Falls with their husband... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 3:15pm CDT
Sugarloaf 12520 Westport Parkway, La Vista, Nebraska

Breakout

2:30pm CDT

Unlocking Nebraska’s Stories: Introducing the Nebraska Literary & History Escape Room Kits

Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 3:15pm CDT

Fedora 1

This presentation introduces librarians to a new suite of four free, ready to use escape room kits developed by the Nebraska Center for the Book and the Nebraska Library Commission through a Working with Primary Sources Grant from the Library of Congress. Inspired by the One Book One Nebraska selections, each kit immerses participants in a different facet of Nebraska’s past—Willa Cather’s History, Voices of the Plains, Wartime in Nebraska, and Cold War Espionage—using puzzles grounded in authentic primary sources.

The session highlights what each kit contains, how the themes connect to Nebraska history and literature, and the ways libraries of all sizes can incorporate them into programming for youth, adults, families, and intergenerational groups. Attendees will hear directly from the three creators about setup, facilitation tips, accessibility considerations, and strategies for adapting the kits for local audiences. Participants will leave with practical ideas for hosting their own escape room programs and engaging their communities through hands on historical exploration.

Speakers

Miranda Shreves

Nebraska Library Commission

Tessa Timperley

Nebraska Library Commission

Bailee Juroshek

Nebraska Library Commission

Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 3:15pm CDT
Fedora 1 12520 Westport Parkway, La Vista, Nebraska

Breakout

2:30pm CDT

Visual Excel-lence: Using Spreadsheets for Their Graphical Potential

Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 3:15pm CDT

Dapper 3

Spreadsheets are a powerful tool for organizations to crunch numbers and present data, but they can also be used as easily modifiable visual displays! In this presentation, Joseph from Hastings Public Library will cover ways to use Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets to make graphical tools for your library such as desk schedules, locker charts, and more!

Speakers

Joseph Chapman

Hastings Public Library

Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 3:15pm CDT
Dapper 3 12520 Westport Parkway, La Vista, Nebraska

Breakout

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