As artificial intelligence reshapes how students access, evaluate, and create information, academic libraries stand at the heart of ensuring equitable AI literacy across higher education. This session explores how academic librarians can create safe, judgment-free spaces within information literacy and research instruction where students explore AI's complexities, experiment with emerging tools, and develop critical evaluation skills. Attendees will learn practical approaches to integrating AI literacy into existing library instruction programs, including a detailed outline of a newly developed for-credit AI literacy course based on the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education. Participants will leave with concrete strategies for teaching students to use AI to enhance rather than replace research processes while upholding academic integrity and information ethics.
Library Directors, especially in small and rural libraries find themselves dealing with situations and knowing things they never could have imagined when they started working in libraries. This panel will share stories of lessons learned, advice on dealing with the unexpected, and answer questions. What is something you have had to deal with or wondered how others would address? Questions can be submitted prior to the session or asked during the discussion.
The rapid arrival and development of AI is having a profound effect on libraries, librarianship, and education. As libraries and librarians work to account for this new, disruptive, and powerful information technology, they need to take into their patrons, stakeholders, and organizational cultures. Join a diverse panel of librarians for a discussion of how guidance, policies, and the conversations surrounding AI are playing out in community college, public, and university libraries.
This presentation focuses on sharing documentation from a website archiving project while highlighting the fragility of the internet and reliable data. For this America 250 themed conference special attention will be given to highlighting projects like the End of Term Web Archive and Citizen Historians for the Smithsonian which work to preserve information related the U.S. government. These efforts document changes to materials which can face intentional malice alteration with the goal of rewriting history.
Reading Dragons and Friends is a fun reading incentive program. It uses the popularity of trading card games to encourage students to read. They earn collectable, playable trading cards. Reading Dragons was created by the Dover Public Library and has grown into a nationwide cooperative of libraries sharing resources. We will share information on our program at the Brookings Public Library. Learn how we started, tips we learned and things we are adding year two!
Across the United States, trust in public institutions has declined steadily over recent decades. Confidence in schools, media, and politics has eroded since the late 20th century, with national institutions often ranking lowest in public trust.
While organizations such as Gallup and Pew have long tracked these trends, libraries have rarely been included in national surveys of institutional confidence. In 2025, the Nebraska Rural Poll - the longest-running survey of rural life in the United States - addressed this gap by adding public libraries to its instrument. In its 2025 iteration, 943 respondents reported the highest levels of confidence in public libraries among all institutions measured. At the same time, demographic variation in responses offers important insights for librarians planning for the future.
This presentation, featuring members of the Nebraska Rural Poll team and researchers from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, will highlight key findings from the 2025 data alongside longitudinal insights drawn from nearly three decades of survey work. Attendees will gain an understanding of the Poll’s history, methodological approach, and ways to contribute to the design of future surveys, and consider strategies for how librarians and community stakeholders can use findings to improve connections with their communities.
Discover how the Hastings Public Library fosters a lifelong love of reading through a diverse range of reading programs designed for children, teens, and adults. This presentation provides an overview of our year-round literacy initiatives, including seasonal reading challenges, early literacy programs, teen engagement, and adult reading incentives.
Participants will learn how we structure our programs and will hopefully leave with ideas and adaptable approaches that can be customized to fit libraries of varying sizes, budgets, and community needs.
Many libraries are making strides toward building inclusive and representative collections. Achieving true inclusion, however, often involves more than simply adding a few titles by Native authors. This session explores strategies for meaningfully incorporating Native materials into library collections, guided by principles of respect, reciprocity, and representation. Participants will learn practical frameworks for evaluating, acquiring, and promoting Native content while navigating challenges such as respectful cataloging, relationship-building with Native communities, and cultural sensitivity. The session will provide a toolkit of strategies to support a shift from inclusion toward equity in collection development.
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 →
Thursday October 15, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am CDT Fedora 112520 Westport Parkway, La Vista, Nebraska
Library workers routinely use and analyze data related to their collection, patrons, and institutions. Using code for data management, analysis, and visualization can be extremely useful to them. This talk will cover the basics of the R programming language and how it can be used to analyze data and to create visualizations and interactive dashboards. Attendees will leave with a foundational understanding of R's capabilities and ideas for applying these skills in their libraries.
Roots of Justice: A History of Race and Racism in Nebraska is a pathbreaking, multidisciplinary edited volume that confronts the history of racism experienced by minority populations in Nebraska. The book contains chapters on Native American, African American, Latino, Asian, and Refugee populations. Each chapter is written by an expert in the field, who is also a member of that particular community. The authors capture the lived experience of these groups, and point the way forward for racial understanding and reconciliation.
The presenter, Gabriel Bruguier, authored the chapter, “A History of Native People in Nebraska, Part I”. He is an enrolled member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe, Assistant Professor and Teaching and Learning Librarian at University of Nebraska Libraries, and the City of Lincoln Commissioner on the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs. He will contextualize his contribution through his family history, discuss some of the challenges experienced while writing the chapter, and explain the significance of the Native American rallying cry, “We are Still Here!"
This presentation will also give an overview of other chapters in the book, focusing on the multidisciplinary approach taken by the authors; discuss accompanying resources to the book; discuss the open accessibility of the book and individual chapters; and discuss ways in which librarians and educators might integrate the work into community programs and educational curriculum.
Discover how recognizing and leveraging your natural strengths can boost your confidence, improve teamwork, and make your daily work more energizing. In this session, we’ll explore simple strategies for identifying what you do best, aligning tasks with strengths, and building a workplace where everyone shines. Come ready to reflect, share, and leave with practical tools to help you do more of the work that lights you up.
Mary has 30 years experience as a professional librarian. She has served as the State Librarian of ND since 2014. She believes that libraries serve as community centers, connecting all the parts of the community that they serve. When she's not traveling for work, she loves to read... Read More →
Thursday October 15, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am CDT Dapper 312520 Westport Parkway, La Vista, Nebraska
As libraries remain at the heart of their communities, they face growing challenges involving materials, policies, governance, and public trust. In this interactive MPLA Advocacy Committee session, participants will work through case studies based on current library controversies and trends. Small-group discussions will help attendees evaluate policies, procedures, and communication strategies, identify potential gaps, and explore practical tools that can be adapted for staff training, board development, and advocacy preparedness.
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 →
Conrrado Saldivar is Tech Services Manager at the Natrona County Library in Wyoming, Guest Faculty at the University of Washington iSchool, and an ALA Councilor-at-Large. He is active in the Wyoming Library Association and is deeply committed to library advocacy and community eng... Read More →
The role of libraries in today’s communities extends far beyond new construction. It includes the creative adaptation, renovation, and expansion of existing buildings to meet evolving user needs. Through adaptive reuse, strategic additions, and new facilities, libraries are embracing flexibility and innovation to remain vital civic anchors. This panel will examine multiple approaches to library design—transforming existing structures, expanding current spaces, and building new—highlighting how each can produce dynamic, sustainable, and inclusive environments.
Mark is a Design Principal at BVH Architecture, where he leads civic and cultural projects with a focus on museums, libraries, and community anchors. His work—including the Museum of Nebraska Art expansion, the Columbus Library, City Hall & Children’s Museum, and the Nature Conservancy... Read More →
Explore innovative and low-cost youth services programming designed to inspire curiosity and creativity, support early literacy, connect with the community, and build lifelong readers. Participants will learn practical and cost saving strategies for implementing engaging programs for children, teens and families, including ideas on reusing materials, promoting through free marketing, engaging activities, and community partnerships.
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 →
Thursday October 15, 2026 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT Fedora 212520 Westport Parkway, La Vista, Nebraska
Woodrow Wilson said that he used his brains and all that he could borrow. Following his insight on the power of collaborating, please help us discover solutions to library-life challenges. There will be mentoring as we help each other. Got a conundrum to share in advance so it can be anonymized? Please provide as much information as you can to help us better understand it. You can send it to Elena Rosenfeld ([email protected]).
Community Engagement & Strategies Manager, High Plains Library District
My focus is to help us keep us discovering new ways the Library can help our community members grow and thrive. This means looking to partner with organizations that might be ones that we never considered before as well as supporting new ways of making services and programs available... Read More →
Academic librarian with more than 20 years of experience working in academia. Active researcher in assessment, belongingness, and space utilization., University of Northern Colorado's University Libraries
This presentation describes the results of UNL Libraries’ project to implement reparative metadata practices by replacing or supplementing pejorative or outdated subject headings in our bibliographic metadata. Using examples drawn from local subject heading review and remediation workflows, it explores how librarians at UNL evaluate replacement and supplemental subject headings, determine when to replace, supplement, or retain existing headings, and document the rationale for those decisions. The presentation also addresses practical implementation methods in Ex Libris Alma, such as local authority records, normalization rules, and tools for altering how subject headings are displayed, as well as the importance of community consultation, transparency, and internal documentation in creating sustainable metadata remediation. It provides strategies for navigating the technical challenges of handling subject headings that have variant forms and for balancing local language decisions within shared bibliographic environments with numerous stakeholders. The presentation offers a practical model for institutions beginning similar reparative metadata initiatives.
Want to add readers services into your adult programs? This session will spark ideas for building engaging, reading-based programs that fit your capacity and inspire your community.
We’ll highlight two successful adult programs, sharing practical tools, lessons learned, and creative strategies for designing, scaling, and sustaining programs that deepen community connection through reading.
You’ll leave this session with new ways to think about program design and actionable steps to turn resources into powerful, people-centered programs.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how library work gets done, raising urgent questions about staff roles, ethics, and institutional responsibility. This session by the author of the recent ALA Special Report on AI Policy, Robin Hastings, argues that thoughtfully designed AI policies can elevate the human workforce—freeing staff from routine tasks while protecting privacy, accuracy, and professional judgment—and will present practical frameworks, policy examples, and real-world use cases from libraries actively implementing AI.
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 →
Thursday October 15, 2026 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT Dapper 212520 Westport Parkway, La Vista, Nebraska
This presentation is about what you can achieve without formal training and the imposter syndrome that comes with it. As a person with a drive to excel and a creative mind, I have led initiatives at the Minot Public Library, in my local community, and state-wide that have made a difference.
The goal of this presentation is to encourage library staff to step out of their comfort zone and do the uncomfortable things because you know who you are doing those things for- your community, your patrons, and all the people who come after you.
At Fort Hays State University’s Tebo Library, the outreach department frequently partners with campus and community organizations to host events and outreach initiatives. This strategy helps reach underserved student populations and strengthens town and gown relationships. In this session, you will learn about examples of successful partnerships (as well as cautionary tales) and brainstorm collaborative opportunities within your own community.
Instruction & Outreach Librarian, Fort Hays State University - Tebo Library
I am a marketer turned librarian with experience doing instruction, programming, and reference in a variety of settings.
As the Instruction and Outreach Librarian at Fort Hays State University, I lead communications and events, manage the library website and wayfinding, and teach... Read More →
Thursday October 15, 2026 1:15pm - 2:00pm CDT Dapper 212520 Westport Parkway, La Vista, Nebraska
We know libraries are becoming more: not just places for check-outs, computers, programming, or study groups, but spaces for our community members to find, connect, and fulfill needs. How do we bring in more unique resources to our customers without burning out our staff? This presentation uses the example of a rural library that focuses on partnerships to bring food programs to their community and highlights partnerships as a way to respond to local needs.
This session takes a fresh, engaging look at ADHD and AuDHD (Autistic + ADHD) in the workplace—moving beyond challenges to spotlight the powerful strengths neurodivergent employees bring. Discover practical, real-world strategies to navigate time blindness, task paralysis, and burnout, while unlocking the potential of hyperfocus, creativity, and innovation. Whether you’re an employee or an employer, you’ll walk away energized and equipped with tools to create a more inclusive, supportive, and thriving workplace.
What obligation, if any, do libraries have to preserve local history records? We will explore the functions of public history, comparing how citizens engage with local history resources in academic and public library settings (as opposed to archival). These collections enable scholars and curious laypeople alike to contextualize personal, regional histories in a national context. Using public history, libraries can engage patrons through outreach, genealogy resources, social media, and more.
In many rural libraries, staff are hired directly from the community and may not have prior library experience or formal training. If that sounds like you, have you ever wondered where to go from here? Whether you’re interested in pursuing a library degree or are simply looking for ways to strengthen your resume and expand your opportunities, this session is designed with you in mind. We’ll explore practical ways to build knowledge and skills in the field, outline steps for getting started on a degree path, and highlight funding opportunities available to support whichever direction you choose.
Assistant Director, Sublette County Library - Pinedale, Wyoming
Judi is presenting from experience in this session. She began her library career as a part-time circulation staff member, was hired full-time a year later as the adult programmer, and worked very deliberately to put herself in a position to be hired as Assistant Director, including... Read More →
Thursday October 15, 2026 1:15pm - 2:00pm CDT Fedora 212520 Westport Parkway, La Vista, Nebraska
Many library professionals carry expertise that extends far beyond their institutional walls — and their communities often need exactly what they have to offer. This session explores how technical services librarians can apply professional collection skills in volunteer, consulting, and community settings, drawing on real experience working with public libraries, faith communities, and civic organizations across the region. Presenters will share practical frameworks for approaching community collection work, including collection analysis and catalog assessment, layout and space consultation, development policy creation, and cataloging and processing for under-resourced collections. The session uses a congregational library project as an anchor case study — walking through building an online (and free) catalog, through collection analysis and withdrawal recommendations, to a formal collection development policy — while situating that work within a broader pattern of pro bono and consulting practice. Attendees will leave with transferable tools and strategies for bringing their own expertise to the communities they serve, and with a clearer sense of the professional value that flows both ways. Learning Outcomes — Attendees will be able to: • Understand the steps in building an online and free catalog •Apply collection assessment and development methodologies in small or under-resourced community library settings •Develop or adapt collection development policy frameworks for non-institutional contexts •Identify opportunities for pro bono and volunteer collection work within their own communities
Metadata Quality Librarian, University of Nebraska Lincoln
Meg Mering is the Metadata Quality Librarian for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Institutional Repository. She previously served as the Principal Catalog Librarian at UNL.
Thursday October 15, 2026 1:15pm - 2:00pm CDT Dapper 112520 Westport Parkway, La Vista, Nebraska
What’s happening in technical services right now? In this fast-paced session, four librarians each spotlight a project, initiative, or area of expertise from their technical services work. Topics will range from collaborating in a consortium to cataloging and metadata remediation to a discovery catalog to and an ILS evaluation. Attendees will discover practical strategies and new ideas they can apply in their own institutions.
Assistant Director, Metadata & Cataloging, University of Central Oklahoma
Shay Beezley (she/her), Assistant Director of Metadata and Cataloging at University of Central Oklahoma's Chambers Library, leads a team of six catalogers and up to four student employees in providing accurate, effective and timely access to library resources. As someone that the... Read More →
Are you feeling lost in your never-ending journey of collection development? You may need to take a closer look at your ordering process and priorities for your collection. In this session we will lay out a basic guideline for selecting and purchasing your materials. We will also discuss how to compile useful data and involve your community in cultivating your catalog. Additional tools and resources will be provided for your reference.
The partnership between the Great Plains Black History Museum and UNO Criss Library is preserving and more widely sharing the museum’s archival collections. This session will explore how partnerships can transform technical services like archival processing into opportunities for community engagement. By combining archival description with active outreach, libraries can play a vital role not only in preserving community memory, but also in ensuring those stories remain visible, meaningful, and part of the community’s identity.
Director of Archives and Special Collections, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Amy Schindler (she, her) is an archivist and has been the Director of Archives and Special Collections at the University of Nebraska at Omaha Libraries since 2014. Previously, Amy held appointments in academic archives in the Mid-Atlantic region as well as holding contract positions... Read More →
Thursday October 15, 2026 3:15pm - 4:00pm CDT Gatsby12520 Westport Parkway, La Vista, Nebraska
To drive more participation in our annual Summer Reading Smackdown competition, we added a fun gamifying element to our adult reading program, McDonald's Style Monopoly! This collect-and-win game reignited community engagement and led to record participation.
Pat Leach, host of Nebraska Public Media's All About Books program and retired director of Lincoln City Libraries, will present a readers' advisory-focused presentation on the 2026 ALA Notable Books list for adults, as well as additional titles that deserve your interest, and the interest of your reading community.
When the Tyson Foods plant announced its closure in Lexington, NE, the Lexington Public Library was one of the first responders. By assessing Tyson workers' needs, the Library became a space not only for information, but a place to be heard and seen. Learn how the Library stepped up to the community's needs when a third of its population lost their jobs.
Libraries have become an increasingly contentious battleground in the political landscape. More than ever, we need to be able to speak up for critical thinking, empathy, and the freedom to read. This discussion begins with a review of the library bills brought before the 2026 Utah Legislative Session and the story behind how the ULA’s Advocacy Committee collaborations helped to defeat multiple anti-library and book-banning bills. Then we will teach you and your advocacy team how to navigate the legislative process and provide state-specific resources to help you prepare for 2027!
You’re Not Falling Behind. When truly useful tools emerge, they’ll be more user-friendly. You will be able to jump in immediately. Learning about AI is important, but much like cigarettes, you can learn about AI without using it. This presentation covers the current AI landscape, helpful terminology, and motivations behind AI hype, with accurate citations and a word order that doesn’t match the statistical probability of words on the Internet.
Join regular Hosts Jake and Mary in an IN PERSON version of our popular monthly web chat. The topic for this meeting will be a ‘potpourri’ which means we’ll be taking your questions about anything that’s impacting your library life. Bring your questions, thoughts and whimsies for an enjoyable hour of conversation and sharing.
Chew & Chat is a monthly web meeting where librarians from the MPLA region gather over lunch to discuss a topic. Topics are selected by attendees at the January meeting and listed in the MPLA newsletter. You can join us by visiting the MPLA website and clicking on the Calendar of Events. We’d love to see you.
Mary has 30 years experience as a professional librarian. She has served as the State Librarian of ND since 2014. She believes that libraries serve as community centers, connecting all the parts of the community that they serve. When she's not traveling for work, she loves to read... Read More →
This session highlights the implementation of the Paul Scholar Program at Link Library, Concordia University Nebraska, where a student scholar works 15 hours per week on meaningful library projects. Attendees will learn how the program supports student professional development while enhancing library services, outreach, and user experience initiatives. The presentation will share practical strategies for structuring the position, mentoring student scholars, and aligning their contributions with institutional goals to foster innovation and experiential learning.
Libraries are for everyone, yet many neurodivergent individuals—particularly those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)—can face barriers that make library visits challenging. This session explores practical, realistic ways libraries can create more welcoming and supportive experiences for neurodivergent guests and their families.
Participants will gain a foundational understanding of autism, how sensory, communication, and predictability needs may impact a library visit, and how small, thoughtful adjustments can make a meaningful difference. Through real-world examples and actionable strategies, attendees will learn how to foster inclusive environments, support positive interactions, and build confidence in serving neurodivergent community members.
Whether you work in public, school, or academic libraries, this session will provide tools you can immediately implement to make your library a place where all guests feel welcomed, supported, and included.
Join Ethan and Richard from the Western Library System as they share real-world examples of how they use artificial intelligence in libraries. From cautiously dipping their toes into the AI waters to experimenting with current projects, they bring equal parts skepticism, curiosity, and “what did we just ask ChatGPT to do?” energy. This session invites participants to explore AI with curiosity, while being grounded in the ethics of the information science profession.
Join us for a conference favorite - One Book Many Librarians - book discussion group. We'll be joined by Nebraska author Alex Kava in disucssing the first in the Ryder Creed series - Breaking Creed. It's a great chance to join your colleagues and the author, and the program includes beverage and snacks for a relaxed and fun environment. Get started now in reading - Breaking Creed by Alex Kava.
Alex Kava is a New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon bestselling author of twenty-three novels, including the internationally bestselling Maggie O’Dell series and the award-winning Ryder Creed K-9 mystery thrillers. Known for blending real crimes and facts into her fiction, Kava... Read More →
The programmable Reachy-Mini robot from Hugging Face is an open-source robotics platform designed to support the embodied deployment of large language models (LLMs). Because it can operate without cloud-based computing, it also offers a reduced-impact approach to deploying artificial intelligence (AI) systems. Equipped with auditory and visual sensors, the platform can interact with patrons and respond to prompts in real time. A team in our student-driven Makerspace has programmed our Reachy-Mini, named Robin, as a Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) system that is responsive to queries within limited bounds while maintaining sensitivity to patron privacy. Robin is being deployed as a greeter to provide a unique and engaging way for patrons to discover our services. Rather than automating librarianship, Robin serves as a novel service interface that expands patron engagement while giving Makerspace staff an opportunity to explore and develop practices aligned with the AI Competencies for Academic Library Workers issued by the Association of College & Research Libraries.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 112520 Westport Parkway, La Vista, Nebraska
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.
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 Sugarloaf12520 Westport Parkway, La Vista, Nebraska
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.
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 →
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 212520 Westport Parkway, La Vista, Nebraska
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Sugarloaf12520 Westport Parkway, La Vista, Nebraska
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.
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 →
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.
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 →
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 →
Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 3:15pm CDT Dapper 112520 Westport Parkway, La Vista, Nebraska
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?
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.
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.
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 Sugarloaf12520 Westport Parkway, La Vista, Nebraska
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.
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!
