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Welcome to the 2025 Tennessee Library Association Conference #tnla25! We’re glad you’re here. Build your schedule below, and be sure to check the More Info page for additional conference details.
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Thursday, April 10
 

8:30am EDT

TNLA DEI Committee Business Meeting
Thursday April 10, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EDT
Business meeting of the TNLA DEI Committee
Thursday April 10, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EDT
Meeting Room 17

8:30am EDT

Forgot Your Why: Shedding the Superhero Cape and Gaslighting Phrases
Thursday April 10, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EDT
With dwindling budgets and rising anti-library sentiment, it is difficult to remain positive. We're all working harder because we believe in what we do, but burnout is also rising. We're asked to do more with less, and when we complain or raise our concerns, we're often told canned phrases, especially, "Remember your why." My presentation is both a love letter to our professions and a calling out of toxic behaviors and gaslighted thinking. We deserve to be treated as humans, not superheroes. So lets take off our capes and talk about what we need.
Speakers
avatar for Caroline Mickey

Caroline Mickey

TASL
Caroline Mickey has been an elementary school librarian for nine years. She has been on a personal mission to expand her horizons and learn about her privileges so that she can acknowledge and work to help others recognize theirs. Caroline was recently quoted in a Washington Post... Read More →
Thursday April 10, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EDT
Meeting Room 16

8:30am EDT

Interlibrary Loan: Basics and Etiquette
Thursday April 10, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EDT
I will be presenting on the inner workings of ILL and how to do just the most basic things in the systems for ILL and Expak. How to "be kind, rewind" as it pertains to the books you send and return to other libraries and how to work with Firefly. This should be light and fun presentation with hopefully some audience participation. I will hand out all resources available to me.
Speakers
avatar for Lily Woodside

Lily Woodside

Teen Service Librarian, Sparta
Thursday April 10, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EDT
Meeting Room 2

8:30am EDT

So What's a Library Doing in a Prison?
Thursday April 10, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EDT
Working in a prison library is more than just about books. Prison librarians uphold inmates' rights in access to court and provide a place for inmates to work on their legal cases. In this session, we learn how prison libraries prepare rehabilitating inmates for re-entry into society.
Speakers
WG

Willetta Grady

Trousdale Turner Correctional Center
WG

Wiletta Grady

Librarian, Trousdale Turner Correctional Center
Thursday April 10, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EDT
Meeting Room 11

8:30am EDT

Streamlining and Empowerment: A 7-Year Retrospective of How We Made Tech Services Better at ChattState
Thursday April 10, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EDT
During this presentation, hear a lively conversation from the Tech Services team about the importance of streamlining, empowerment, and teamwork in creating a fun, proactive, and dynamic environment that stands in stark contrast to the traditional reputation of Tech Services departments. We will discuss seven years of collaboration and transformational changes ranging from incremental to fundamental while reviewing successes and failures. Engage with us in a candid discussion on a variety of topics from mundane Tech Services tasks to fun team building. Hear how team-oriented leadership empowers everyone to "get stuff done” while also making time for bling, capes, cookies, and regular outings.
Speakers
avatar for Betsy Fronk

Betsy Fronk

Collection Development Librarian, Chattanooga State Community College
People can talk to me about: collection development, usability, web design, children and young adult literature, music, college basketball, Michigan
CN

Cassie Novak

Libary Assistant, Chattstate
avatar for Marie Cullis

Marie Cullis

Library Associate, ChattState
avatar for Anthony Prince

Anthony Prince

Interim Dean; Cataloging and Metadata Librarian, ChattState
Thursday April 10, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EDT
Meeting Room 9

8:30am EDT

Taking Control of Your Story: Telling your story to the most important person (you!)
Thursday April 10, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EDT
As library professionals, we often focus on the stories of others while overlooking our own. This program will help you rethink the stories you tell yourself, giving you the tools to reshape them in ways that support your success and well-being. Participants will enjoy a presentation, a self-storytelling activity, and the chance to share their newly reframed stories with peers.
Speakers
Thursday April 10, 2025 8:30am - 9:20am EDT
Meeting Room 10

9:00am EDT

Silent Auction
Thursday April 10, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am EDT
The Silent Auction will be open from 11am on Wednesday through 11am on Thursday, during normal Exhibit Hall hours!  Come check out the cool stuff your TNLA colleagues have donated and raise some money for the Gleaves Scholarship!
Speakers
avatar for Michael Hale

Michael Hale

Assistant Director, White County Public Library
Thursday April 10, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am EDT
Ballrooms E, F, & G

9:00am EDT

Exhibits Open
Thursday April 10, 2025 9:00am - 2:00pm EDT
The Exhibit Hall, located in Banquet Rooms E, F, and G, hosts space for this year’s exhibitors. A map and list of exhibitors is available online or at the registration desk.

The Exhibits Grand Opening will be held on Wednesday, April 9 immediately following the Opening General Session.

Exhibit Hours:
  • Wednesday, April 9, 11:00am – 4:30pm, Free Time 11:00 – 11:45am
  • Thursday, April 10, 9:00am – 2:00pm, Free Time 10:00 – 11:00am
Thursday April 10, 2025 9:00am - 2:00pm EDT
Ballrooms E, F, & G

9:30am EDT

Technical Services Roundtable Business Meeting
Thursday April 10, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
Business meeting of the TNLA Technical Services Roundtable
Speakers
TD

Tiffany Day

Metadata & Catalog Librarian, University Libraries, University of Memphis
Thursday April 10, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
Meeting Room 17

9:30am EDT

Fostering Autistic Inclusion in Middle Tennessee Libraries
Thursday April 10, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
AutismTN and four Middle Tennessee public libraries partnered to enhance Autistic inclusion by establishing sensory-friendly spaces, providing sensory kits, and updating collections with books and resources created by Autistic people with lived experience. This initiative, funded by the KFC Foundation, made the partnering libraries more welcoming, accessible, and neuro-affirming for Autistic patrons (children and adults) and neurodiverse families, as well as expanded community understanding of neurodiversity. Our presentation will cover an introduction to neurodiversity and neuro-affirming frameworks, insights from project implementation, and recommendations for inclusive programming, as well as the impact of sensory-friendly adjustments in libraries across Wilson, Putnam, and Williamson counties.
Moderators
avatar for Carolyn Runyon

Carolyn Runyon

Assistant Head of Collections and Director of Special Collections, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Carolyn administers digital repositories powered by ArchivesSpace, CONTENTdm, and Digital Commons, and coordinates implementation of new technologies, including leading testing for Archivematica and developing integrated workflows between systems.
Speakers
AB

Alesia Burnley

Wilson County Library
avatar for Casey Davis

Casey Davis

Adult Program Director, AutismTN
Casey Davis (she/they) is an Autistic advocate, archivist, educator, and memory worker. As the Adult Program Director at Autism Tennessee, Casey develops programs for the Autistic community in Middle Tennessee. They manage grants to enhance Autistic inclusion in public libraries and... Read More →
avatar for Jessica Jeffers

Jessica Jeffers

Director of Libraries, Williamson County Public Library
KW

Kathryn Wisinger

Putnam County Library
AC

Amy Correia

Communications Director, Autism Tennessee
Thursday April 10, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
Meeting Room 10

9:30am EDT

Information Literacy in the Time of AI
Thursday April 10, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
Many libraries have pioneered the use of AI in their work, but few presentations have approached how library patrons perceive AI generated information. This session will go over the basics of how Large Language Models work, how to spot an AI generated book (they exist!) in the wild, and how to educate others on judging the accuracy of the information provided by AI.
Speakers
avatar for Emory LaPrade

Emory LaPrade

Cataloging and Metadata Librarian, Johnson City Public Library
Jack of many trades -- passionate about metadata and cataloging, but also cats and fiber arts.
Thursday April 10, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
Meeting Room 11

9:30am EDT

Mushroom for All: Creating an Open-Access Guide to Campus Mushroom Hunting as an Academic Librarian
Thursday April 10, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
In the summer of 2024, I combined my work as an academic librarian, my commitment to open-access publishing, and my amateur mushroom hunting antics by creating Fungi of Lambuth: A Field Guide on our Digital Commons at the University of Memphis Lambuth. This guide features photographs of mushrooms I found entirely on our campus, along with information to help students, faculty, and staff learn about my finds and begin their own mushroom hunts. In this session, I'll share why I wanted to create this resource, what the process was like, and how you can use open-access publishing to create your own campus nature guides and get your colleagues and students out exploring nature!
Speakers
avatar for Kelly Maust

Kelly Maust

Campus Librarian, University of Memphis Lambuth
I'm the Campus Librarian at the University of Memphis Lambuth and I'll be presenting at this conference about how I turned my passion for mushroom hunting into a series of open-access resources and ideas for library programming. I am interested in all areas of academic librarianship... Read More →
Thursday April 10, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
Meeting Room 9

9:30am EDT

The ONEAL Project: negotiation education for library workers
Thursday April 10, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
Come and learn about a new open educational resource and community to support library workers as they develop their negotiation knowledge and skills. Designed to help all library workers learn negotiation best practices and strategies for both their personal and professional lives, this OER includes lectures, readings, assessments, and hand-on assignments.  In addition to learning about this resource, attendees will learn about the community being created to provide support for library professionals responsible for negotiations and about key issues and trends uncovered during an interview research study. While the content developed around licensing is geared toward an academic audience, the negotiation strategy and planning techniques in the OER are widely applicable across all types of libraries and library workers.
Speakers
avatar for Courtney F

Courtney F

Asset Management Librarian, Belmont University
As the Asset Management Librarian and subject liaison to the College of Education, I manage the library's physical and electronic collections (from purchasing to deselection) and work closely with the College of Education faculty to ensure that the library's services and collection... Read More →
Thursday April 10, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
Meeting Room 16

9:30am EDT

The ‘Little’ Hatch Act: Balancing Library Advocacy and Not Getting Fired
Thursday April 10, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
"Library professionals have long been advocates for intellectual freedom, equitable access to information, and policies that help support their patrons and communities. For Tennessee librarians and library workers who are employed by the state or by institutions receiving state funding, the Little Hatch Act imposes legal boundaries on political activities. Understanding these boundaries is vital to ensuring that library workers’ advocacy efforts remain both effective and compliant with applicable legislation.
In this session, presenters will provide a basic overview of the Little Hatch Act and other relevant laws and regulations that put restrictions on Tennessee library workers’ political expressions, including what activities are or are not allowed and in what contexts. Attendees will gain insight into how these laws impact activities on social media, in political campaigns, and for engaging in legislative advocacy. We will cover real-world scenarios to illustrate some of the subtler points of the regulations and highlight the fine line between professional advocacy and prohibited political activity, with the goal of helping library professionals navigate these distinctions with confidence.
Whether you are a library director, a staff member, or a library school student, we invite you to join us for the presentation with your concerns or questions, and we will endeavor to equip you with the knowledge to advocate for libraries and library patrons–without jeopardizing your position."


Speakers
avatar for Sharon Edwards

Sharon Edwards

Dean of Libraries, Motlow State Community College
Dean of Libraries at Motlow State Community College. Former President of TLA, and member of ALA's Policy Corps, Cohort II.
avatar for William Quinn

William Quinn

Chief Information Security Officer, Motlow State Community College
An information security officer, father of two boys, and a dedicated gamer. Highly experienced in everything information technology, but not afraid to learn more. Closely associated and affiliated with the libraries at Motlow State, and a friend of the libraries everywhere.
Thursday April 10, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
Meeting Room 2

10:20am EDT

Free Time in Exhibits
Thursday April 10, 2025 10:20am - 11:10am EDT
The Exhibit Hall, located in Banquet Rooms E, F, and G, hosts space for this year’s exhibitors. A map and list of exhibitors is available online or at the registration desk.

The Exhibits Grand Opening will be held on Wednesday, April 9 immediately following the Opening General Session.

Exhibit Hours:
  • Wednesday, April 9, 11:00am – 4:30pm, Free Time 11:00 – 11:45am
  • Thursday, April 10, 9:00am – 2:00pm, Free Time 10:00 – 11:00am
Thursday April 10, 2025 10:20am - 11:10am EDT
Ballrooms E, F, & G

11:10am EDT

Children's & YA Roundtable Business Meeting
Thursday April 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm EDT
Business meeting of the Children's & YA Roundtable
Speakers
avatar for Lily Woodside

Lily Woodside

Teen Service Librarian, Sparta
avatar for Lyn Hunter

Lyn Hunter

Youth Services Supervisor, Chattanooga Public Library
Children’s and YA books & programs, public & school library collaboration, serving the whole person/whole child, intellectual freedom, and library advocacy
Sponsors
Thursday April 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm EDT
Meeting Room 17

11:10am EDT

ADHD and the Library Profession
Thursday April 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm EDT
The library is full of organized, efficient professionals. What happens when your brain is wired differently than most of them? How does it affect our relationship with our coworkers and the way we accomplish tasks? This presentation is for everyone working in libraries who has ADHD or knows someone who does. It discusses the reality of what ADHD actually is--versus the persistent myths about it--and covers ways forward to make our workplaces the best they can be for all involved. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of how their ADHD coworkers' chaos can sometimes be a superpower that might bring new ideas to the table for everyone!
Speakers
Thursday April 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm EDT
Meeting Room 2

11:10am EDT

Back to Basics: Rebuilding Student Engagement and Outreach Post-COVID
Thursday April 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm EDT
In the aftermath of COVID-19, libraries faced the challenge of reengaging students and rebuilding disrupted outreach efforts. At East Tennessee State University’s Sherrod Library, librarians recognized the need to rebuild, innovate, and restructure our approach to student outreach. This presentation will explore how ETSU reference and instruction librarians revamped existing strategies to foster a welcoming, inclusive environment for students by redesigning our student orientation process, by developing several casual student-centered clubs, and by opening a new reference desk for drop-in research help. This presentation will provide insights and practical takeaways for libraries looking to revitalize their student outreach programs in a post-pandemic landscape.
Speakers
avatar for Lydia Gwyn

Lydia Gwyn

Instruction Librarian, Sherrod Library, East Tennessee State University
Writer & Instruction librarianDirector of the Library Ambassador Program at Sherrod Library
avatar for Jonathan Wilson

Jonathan Wilson

Online/Distance Education Librarian, East Tennessee State University
I am a native from East Tennessee. A first generation and transfer student, graduated ETSU with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Received my Master’s in Information Sciences (MLIS) degree from the University of Tennessee. Prior to being the Distance/Online Education Librarian... Read More →
Sponsors
Thursday April 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm EDT
Meeting Room 16

11:10am EDT

Beyond Books: Exploring the Possibilities of Non-Traditional Collections
Thursday April 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm EDT
Lending power tools, outdoor gear, rock instruments, and makerspace equipment? Of course we do that! Join the Chattanooga Public Library for this presentation on how to launch a beyond books collection that works for your library system and your community. During this presentation, we will highlight our experiences of creating, sustaining, and expanding our own unique collections. The story of the Beyond Books collections at the Chattanooga Public Library can help inspire your library to find natural partnerships to expand access to community assets and to create a new non-traditional collection of your own!
Speakers
RG

Richard Groves

Chattanooga Public Library
CV

Crissy Varnell

Chattanooga Public Library
Thursday April 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm EDT
Meeting Room 10

11:10am EDT

Nurturing Your Community Through Library Agriculture
Thursday April 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm EDT
Norris Community Library and Rocky Top Public Library discuss the planning and implementation of their seed library and community garden. Get tips and tricks on how to find community partners, manage the budgeting and deal with any unexpected issues along the way.
Speakers
avatar for Kimberlee Byrge

Kimberlee Byrge

Director, Norris Community Library
avatar for Kelly Harris

Kelly Harris

Director, Rocky Top Public Library
Thursday April 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm EDT
Meeting Room 9

11:10am EDT

Putting Some "Fun" in the Fundamentals of Locating Government Publications
Thursday April 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm EDT
Ready for a refresh on government publications that will help your users? Join us to learn how to locate the latest information on careers, publications of the three branches of government, rules by departments/agencies, and practical Federal services and resources (in English and Spanish). Bring a device for some engaging hands-on activities that will allow you to explore these resources.
Speakers
avatar for Perveen Rustomfram

Perveen Rustomfram

Head of Government Publications, The University of Memphis
Perveen Rustomfram is the Head of Government Publications at the University Libraries, University of Memphis.
BR

Bess Robinson

Head of Research and Instructional Services, University Libraries, University of Memphis
Bess Robinson is the Head of Research and Instructional Services at the University Libraries, University of Memphis.
Thursday April 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm EDT
Meeting Room 11

12:00pm EDT

Trustee /Friends of the Library Luncheon
Thursday April 10, 2025 12:00pm - 1:15pm EDT
Alison Goldstein Lebovitz is an Emmy-nominated television host, professional speaker, nonprofit executive, author, and podcaster who believes we each have the power and responsibility to make this world a better place. Since 2008, she has served as the host of The A List with Alison Lebovitz, a half-hour original series produced by WTCI-PBS, where she interviews a diverse array of popular and prominent personalities from around the globe. As a motivational speaker she combines her penchant for humor with her passion for storytelling to deliver inspiring messages about faith, philanthropy and the power of community, and has been honored to serve as a TedX speaker, coach and emcee. She is the author of Am I There Yet? a collection of her candid essays and life-inspired stories, and in her spare time she hosts a weekly podcast with her sister called Sis & Tell.
**Separate registration required.  Please register at the TNLA website.**
Speakers
avatar for Alison Lebovitz

Alison Lebovitz

Host, The A-List with Alison Lebovitz
Alison Goldstein Lebovitz is an Emmy-nominated television host, professional speaker, nonprofit executive, author, and podcaster who believes we each have the power and responsibility to make this world a better place. Since 2008, she has served as the host of The A List with Ali... Read More →
Sponsors
Thursday April 10, 2025 12:00pm - 1:15pm EDT
Ballroom H

1:30pm EDT

Public Library Roundtable Business Meeting
Thursday April 10, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
Business meeting of the Public Library Roundtable
Speakers
avatar for Dinah Harris

Dinah Harris

Jackson-Madison County Library
Sponsors
Thursday April 10, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
Meeting Room 17

1:30pm EDT

Constructed and Contextual: Exploring Concepts of Authority through the Creation of Student Zines
Thursday April 10, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
What happens when students take authority into their own hands—literally? This session blends critical pedagogy, alternative media, and the ACRL Framework to explore how zines can transform discussions about bias, authority, and representation. Featuring examples from psychology and literature classes, we’ll examine how creating zines empower students to challenge traditional notions of expertise and amplify diverse voices. Participants will leave not only with new strategies for the classroom but also with their very own mini zine, created during the session. Let’s reimagine who gets to be “in the room” and why their stories matter.
Speakers
avatar for Amanda Roper

Amanda Roper

Librarian, Chattanooga
Thursday April 10, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
Meeting Room 11

1:30pm EDT

Pushing Back Against Censorship in TN Libraries: One Group's Experience
Thursday April 10, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
Learn who last year’s TNLA Intellectual Freedom Award winner RCLA is, what they do, and how they can help you! Libraries have unfortunately turned political, with attempts to impose censorship here in Tennessee. We’ll dive into what the laws actually say, what the specific language used means, and how to resist censorship in your libraries.
Speakers
avatar for Frank Lambert

Frank Lambert

Middle Tennessee State University
Graduate Education in Librarianship
Thursday April 10, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
Meeting Room 16

1:30pm EDT

Read a Good Book Lately
Thursday April 10, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
Join this fun group of friends as they share what they are reading lately. You will learn absolutely nothing, but will have a full list for your TBR pile!
Speakers
avatar for Jamie Osborn

Jamie Osborn

Reference Services Manager, Knox County Public Library
I have worked for over twenty years for the Knox County Public Library System, in a variety of roles. I am currently the Manager of our Reference Services Department. ❤
avatar for Cathy Farley

Cathy Farley

Executive Director, Tennessee Library Association
By day, I am the Director of the White County Public Library in Sparta, Tennessee. Our staff of 14 serves a population of just over 27,000 community members.At night and on weekends, I am the Executive Director of the Tennessee Library Association. I collect your dues and pay our... Read More →
avatar for Michael Hale

Michael Hale

Assistant Director, White County Public Library
Thursday April 10, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
Meeting Room 2

1:30pm EDT

Read and Ride: A Pilot Partnership Between Chattanooga Public Library and the Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority
Thursday April 10, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
After almost four years of trying to figure out how the Chattanooga Public Library could help bring free rides to children in our community, Read & Ride was born! Read & Ride, the pilot partnership between CPL and CARTA, ran from June 1-July 31 in conjunction with the Summer Learning Program at CPL with the express intention of facilitating free bus rides for children 6-18. It has been so successful that CARTA is publicly speaking about the possibility of year-round free rides for minors. There are very few of the 19 urban and municipal transit systems (or the 9 rural public transportation systems) that currently provide free rides to children 18 and under, so opportunities to increase access to transportation for their young patrons are out there! Session attendees will hopefully learn from CPL’s failures and successes to leave with at least one strategy with which to approach a collaborative project with their own transit system.
Speakers
avatar for Lyn Hunter

Lyn Hunter

Youth Services Supervisor, Chattanooga Public Library
Children’s and YA books & programs, public & school library collaboration, serving the whole person/whole child, intellectual freedom, and library advocacy
Thursday April 10, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
Meeting Room 9

1:30pm EDT

They are called Comics for a Reason: Humorous Graphic Novels for Children and Tweens
Thursday April 10, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
Join Scot Smith as he explores humorous graphic novels and non-fiction for younger readers. He will discuss why humor is important in books for children and tweens and highlight some recently published Comics for kids. Scot will also share important resources about Comics and graphic novels and discuss ways to make the Comics collection more accessible for children.
Speakers
avatar for Scot Smith

Scot Smith

Member Presenter, School of Information Sciences
Scot Smith worked as a school librarian for almost 27 years before he changed careers and joined the faculty at UT's School of Information Sciences. Scot served in various capacities for the Volunteer State Book Award for many years and has read for numerous committees and juries... Read More →
Thursday April 10, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
Meeting Room 10

2:30pm EDT

Beyond Books: How Libraries Can Offer Even More Basic Skills to Our Youngest Children
Thursday April 10, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
As children’s librarians, we are trained in early literacy best practices. However, we know that it takes many more skills to prepare the whole child for kindergarten and beyond. While storytimes with books, flannels, and fingerplays are wonderful tools for developing early literacy skills, we can add so much more to our early childhood programming. Learn how the Chattanooga Public Library is exploring additional ways to introduce basic skills into programs. From early motor skills and potty training to STEAM and kitchen skills, it’s never too early to start the journey towards kindergarten.
Speakers
avatar for Erica deBin

Erica deBin

Library Services Specialist - Children's, Chattanooga Public Library
I received my MLIS from University of North Carolina at Greensboro and have worked for the Chattanooga Public Library for 10 years doing children's programs. Before that, I used my degree in American Sign Language while working as a sign language interpreter for Deaf students. I love... Read More →
Thursday April 10, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
Meeting Room 10

2:30pm EDT

Encouraging the Anxious: Free and Low Cost Events to Lift Spirits in the Academic Library
Thursday April 10, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
Like many other college campuses, Lipscomb University saw an increase in mental health and social problems as students returned to campus after the Covid-19 shutdown. Because of that, our library put a new emphasis on student events to encourage students and make them feel at home in the library. In the past two years, as federal Covid funding has ended, we have also faced budget cuts making it more difficult to fund these events. These dual problems have forced us to be more creative in our programming. We faced the question: How do we make the library an inviting and encouraging place for students without spending money? This presentation summarizes our attempts to leverage our current resources to provide some levity in the library. We found that seeing students smile raises our spirits too. We hope that our experience will inspire you to create some fun in your own library even when times are tough.
Speakers
Thursday April 10, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
Meeting Room 16

2:30pm EDT

Generative AI Sandbox: Hands-On Learning for Beginners
Thursday April 10, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
"Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the way we work, learn, and create—and libraries are no exception. But what exactly is generative AI, and how can library professionals explore its potential in a practical, hands-on way? This interactive session is designed for beginners who want to experiment with AI tools in a safe and supportive environment.
Attendees will get a guided introduction to ChatGPT and some other generative AI tools, with a focus on ethical considerations and practical applications for libraries. Through live demonstrations and hands-on exercises, participants will explore how AI can support tasks such as basic administrative tasks, reader advisory, programming ideas, and staff efficiency.
By the end of the session, attendees will leave with a foundational understanding of generative AI, ideas for integrating it into their library work, and the confidence to continue experimenting. No prior AI experience is required—just curiosity and a willingness to explore!"


Speakers
avatar for William Quinn

William Quinn

Chief Information Security Officer, Motlow State Community College
An information security officer, father of two boys, and a dedicated gamer. Highly experienced in everything information technology, but not afraid to learn more. Closely associated and affiliated with the libraries at Motlow State, and a friend of the libraries everywhere.
avatar for Sharon Edwards

Sharon Edwards

Dean of Libraries, Motlow State Community College
Dean of Libraries at Motlow State Community College. Former President of TLA, and member of ALA's Policy Corps, Cohort II.
Thursday April 10, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
Meeting Room 11

2:30pm EDT

Haunted History: Teaching Teens About Primary Sources
Thursday April 10, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
Learn about a teen program used in a public library to explore primary sources. Help teens explore local history and investigate a murder from days gone by. Have your teens ever wanted to solve crimes? Do they have what it takes to be a librarian or an archivist? Learn how to put their deductive skills to the test in this spooky historical investigation.
Speakers
avatar for Dottie Higgs

Dottie Higgs

Teen Librarian, John P. Holt Brentwood Library
BM

Brittany Mountford

Bunch Library at Belmont University
OS

Okland Scott

Reference Librarian, Special Collections, John P. Holt Brentwood Library
Thursday April 10, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
Meeting Room 9

2:30pm EDT

Library Storytelling: From Data to Narrative
Thursday April 10, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
Discover the benefits of library storytelling! This session explores diverse storytelling methods at the Chatt State Kolwyck Library. We'll also discuss data storytelling, a blend of marketing and data, and how libraries can effectively communicate their resources and staff expertise. Learn how we showcase the Kolwyck Library and its staff through compelling stories.
Speakers
avatar for Dwight Hunter

Dwight Hunter

Librarian, Chattanooga State Community College
Marketing & Assessment Librarian.Trained in non-profit & volunteer management.Personal website: http://orangejayhawk.com
avatar for Andrea Kincaid

Andrea Kincaid

Lead Public Services Librarian, Chattanooga State Community College
Thursday April 10, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
Meeting Room 17

2:30pm EDT

The Basics of Becoming a Good Leader in Your Workspace. How and Why?
Thursday April 10, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
I would like to share about the basics of being a good leader in your workspace. By answering the questions, What makes a good leader?, Why do you want to be a good leader?, How do you lead people that you don't have a connection with?, and How do you lead an inherited staff? During the discussion we will talk about the challenges that we have faced as leaders and how we have used setbacks to help us grow as leaders.
Speakers
RC

Rebeckah Coleman

E.G. Fisher Public Library
Thursday April 10, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
Meeting Room 2
 
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