2024 Iowa Library Association Fall Conference: Full Schedule

arrow_back View All Dates

7:00am CDT

Breakfast

Thursday October 10, 2024 7:00am - 8:20am CDT

Exhibit Hall

Sponsors

Biblionics

Thursday October 10, 2024 7:00am - 8:20am CDT
Exhibit Hall

8:30am CDT

Opening and Legislative Panel Discussion

Thursday October 10, 2024 8:30am - 9:55am CDT

Exhibit Hall

Delve into critical issues impacting libraries, community services, and support for communities. This is your chance to hear directly from the policymakers shaping our future and gain invaluable insights that will empower and inspire you. Don’t miss this pivotal conversation!

Thursday October 10, 2024 8:30am - 9:55am CDT
Exhibit Hall

General Session/Keynote

10:00am CDT

Exhibit Hall Break and Lightning Talks

Thursday October 10, 2024 10:00am - 10:55am CDT

Exhibit Hall

LIghtning talks:
Piecing together a Puzzle Exchange by Becca Draus and Jackie Tracey
Puzzling Fundraisers by Megan Harding
Cultivating a Community of Creative Writers by Jennifer Burek Pierce and Micah Bateman
Lure Reluctant Authors to Your Library by Ben Wolf

Speakers

Becca Draus

Children and Family Services Library Assistant, Marion Public Library

Becca Draus is a Children and Family Services Librarian at the Marion Public Library in Marion, Iowa. Before working at the library,Becca was an elementary school teacher for four years, before moving to Glasgow, Scotland to get her Masters of Information andLibrary Science at the... Read More →

Jackie Tracey

Marion Public Library

Jackie Tracey has worked at the Marion Public Library in Marion, Iowa since 2016. During her time at MPL, she has had the opportunity to do a little of everything, but currently she does Children and Family Service Programming, along with some Adult Programming. When not working... Read More →

Megan Harding

Director, Griswold Public Library

Megan Has worked at her hometown library for just over two years. After deciding it was time to move back to the Midwest in 2022, the director of the public library position became available. This was an exciting opportunity to move closer to family and take a job Megan had dreamed... Read More →

Jennifer B Pierce

University of Iowa

Micah Bateman

University of Iowa

Ben Wolf

Co-founder; Author, The Independent Literacy Foundation

Ben Wolf is an award-winning author of fantasy, sci-fi, horror, children's books, and more. When not writing, he plays video games and chokes his friends in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He is also the co-founder of the Independent Literacy Foundation, a nonprofit whose mission is to promote... Read More →

Thursday October 10, 2024 10:00am - 10:55am CDT
Exhibit Hall

11:00am CDT

A Fireside Chat with Julie Finch

Thursday October 10, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

Salon D

Settle in for a fireside chat featuring ILA President Julie Finch to hear about continuous efforts to promote community resilience that is led by libraries in an effort to create a sustainable environment for future generations.

Speakers

Alex Blend

Sustainability Coordinator, Sustainable Libraries Initiative

Alex Blend is the Sustainability Coordinator for the Sustainable Libraries Initiative and the Suffolk Cooperative Library System. Alex has been fortunate enough to be tasked to lead and develop the Sustainable Libraries Initiative (SLI) program. He is a motivated and dedicated professional... Read More →

Julie Finch

Thursday October 10, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Salon D

Concurrent Session 1

11:00am CDT

All Together Now: Scalable Programming for All Ages & Schedules

Thursday October 10, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

Salon E

Learn how adult and youth services staff can work together to create scalable and engaging
intergenerational programming based on the feedback and schedules of library patrons.

Predicted learning outcomes:
➢ How to use patron feedback to design programs patrons actually want to participate in.
➢ How to capitalize on program ideas for multiple audiences.
➢ How to build program attendance and boost community connection through consistency and
continuity.

Speakers

Becky Maher-Jacobsen

Carnegie-Stout Public Library

Becky Maher-Jacobson (she/her) works in the Adult Services department with an emphasis onReaders’ Advisory at Carnegie-Stout Public Library in Dubuque, Iowa. She holds her Master’s inLibrary and Information Science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and is a member ofthe... Read More →

Bailey Keimig-Gehrke

Carnegie-Stout Public Library

Bailey Keimig-Gehrke (she/her) is part of the youth services team at Carnegie-Stout PublicLibrary in Dubuque, Iowa where she enjoys leading toddler and baby storytimes, writing bookreviews for the local newspaper, and finding new ways to accidentally get paint on the library’scarpets... Read More →

Thursday October 10, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Salon E

Concurrent Session 1

11:00am CDT

Become Interwoven By Doing What You Do Best

Thursday October 10, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

Salon GH

Identify your library strengths, both inside and outside the library box, and use them to build strong partnerships and open doors to new ones!

Speakers

Matt Proctor

Director of Public Works, City of DeWitt

Matt was born to teacher parents in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. He is the oldest and only adopted of three kids. He joined the Iowa Army National Guard in high school for the experience, and so he could attend college. Matt graduated with a Construction Engineering degree from Iowa State... Read More →

Janette McMahon

Director, DeWitt Community Library

Janette has been a director in Iowa and Wyoming libraries for 30 years and is currently the director at the DeWitt Community Library. She is serving currently as the Clinton County Public Library Association and is a member of the Intellectual Freedom Committee. Janette is an avid... Read More →

Thursday October 10, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Salon GH

Concurrent Session 1

11:00am CDT

FIRST Lego League Robotics Minicamp

Thursday October 10, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

Salon C

This session will provide instruction and materials to create
a robotics camp based on FIRST LEGO League, targeting kids a a
ages 10-14, with the overall goal of spreading robotics and
STEM education across Iowa.
Attendees will end the session with enough information and
resources to be able to host robotics classes at their library.

Speakers

Abigail Good

Johnson Robotics Association

I am a high school senior at Johnston High school. This year will be my 6th year on the Disco Duckbots FTC( FIRST Tech Challenge)robotics team. The Disco Duckbots as a whole are entering their 7th year of competitions. Our team consists of 10 members grades 9-12.We strive to make... Read More →

Thursday October 10, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Salon C

Concurrent Session 1

11:00am CDT

The Big Move

Thursday October 10, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

Salon AB

We will share practical knowledge and advice when updating your library spaces. Learn tips on planning, preparing, and using your existing budget and staff creativity to move and change 3 different spaces in 3 months merging our Lyons Library Branch with our 1904 Carnegie Library. Clinton Public Library staff designed and moved the Youth Space, Local History & Genealogy, and Friends Bookstore, creating 2+ meeting spaces, joining all of our staff and services into the Main Library.

Speakers

Susan Mesecher

Director, Clinton Public Library

Kendra Evers

Thursday October 10, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Salon AB

Concurrent Session 1

12:00pm CDT

Lunch, Business Meeting, and Awards Ceremony

Thursday October 10, 2024 12:00pm - 1:20pm CDT

Exhibit Hall

Thursday October 10, 2024 12:00pm - 1:20pm CDT
Exhibit Hall

1:30pm CDT

Does it Have Spice: How Adult Readers are Changing Young Adult Literature

Thursday October 10, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT

Salon D

This session is intended as a discussion of the rise of New Adult Fiction and the impact of its emergence on existing Young Adult and Adult literature and leadership.

Speakers

Emma Stoffer

Reference & Technical Services Librarian, Musser Public Library

Emma Stoffer grew up in Waterloo and now lives in Muscatine, Iowa. Emma works at the Musser Public Library as a Reference and Technical Services Librarian, and has been there since February 2023. Prior to that, they worked in the Evansdale Public Library as an intern and later LIbrary... Read More →

Thursday October 10, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
Salon D

Concurrent Session 2

1:30pm CDT

Practical Solutions for Combating Burnout in Library Staff

Thursday October 10, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT

Salon C

This presentation explores practical strategies to prevent burnout in libraries by addressing workload management, autonomy, reward systems, community support, fairness, and value alignment based on Christina Maslach's six identified causes of burnout.

Speakers

Bobbi Newman

Community Engagement and Outreach Specialist,, University of Iowa

Bobbi Newman is a librarian, author, consultant, and international speaker. She is the author of Fostering Wellness in the Workplace: A Guide for Libraries, editor of the forthcoming A Manager’s Guide to Creating a Flourishing Workplace: Strategies for Fostering Wellness in ... Read More →

Thursday October 10, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
Salon C

Concurrent Session 2

1:30pm CDT

Read to GO! Going Places with Public and School Library Collaboration

Thursday October 10, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT

Salon AB

This session will chronicle a highly successful collaboration between Waverly's public and
school libraries and provide nuanced guidance on how to create a successful public/school
library collaboration by detailing the perspectives of both the public librarians and school
librarian involved.
Attendees of this session will feel equipped to make a strong connection with collaborators in
either a public or school library. Further, attendees will be able to learn from the lived
experiences of the librarians who coordinated this collaboration, including dealing with
administrative hurdles and complicated logistics. Attendees will also learn ways to measure
success in collaboration, including what were unintended positive outcomes of this
collaboration.

Speakers

Emily McClimon

Youth Services Librarian, Waverly Public Library

Emily McClimon has been at the Waverly Public Library for 13 years, previously as the TeenLibrarian for 9 years before her current position of Youth Services Librarian. She lovesinnovating on early literacy services and outreach services, and especially where they intersect.

Trevor Krug

Waverly Public Library

Trevor Krug has been at Waverly Public Library for three years, first as a clerk and then in hiscurrent position of Teen Services Librarian since the summer of 2023. He is passionate aboutthe library's unique position as a community hub and loves actively pursuing collaborations withcommunity... Read More →

Lyndsi Luck

Media Specialist, Waverly-Shell Rock Schools

Lyndsi Luck is the 5-12th grade Media Specialists at Waverly Shell Rock School District, a momto 3 daughters, and just celebrated her 19th wedding anniversary. When she isn't helping kidsfall in love with reading, she is spending time with her family, most likely being creative inwhatever... Read More →

Thursday October 10, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
Salon AB

Concurrent Session 2

1:30pm CDT

Social Media is a Telephone, Not a Megaphone

Thursday October 10, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT

Salon F

Think of social media like a digital branch; open 24/7/365. It can be the basis for the reputation you build in your community — good or bad. This session will share how to build stronger community connections, how to plan for social media, and 4 tips for growing your social media presence.

Speakers

Liz Deets

Founder, Get Back Here Dog

Thursday October 10, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
Salon F

Concurrent Session 2

1:30pm CDT

STEM? Yes, you can!

Thursday October 10, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT

Salon GH

Provide STEM Programming for any size library, no matter how small; and learn about the Governor’s STEM Council/Scale Up Awards
Attendees will identify how to use a full Scale Up kit in partnership with another organization. Attendees will identify how to incorporate pieces of a Scale Up kit for regular library programs. Attendees will understand the purpose and benefits of the Governor’s STEM Council and Scale Up Awards.

Speakers

Sue Petersen

Atlantic Public Library

Dawn Miller

Casey Wenstrand

Southwest Regional STEM Manager, Southwestern Community College

Casey Wenstrand is the Southwest Regional STEM Manager for the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council and located at Southwestern Community College Red Oak Center. Casey earned a Liberal Arts degree from Iowa State University and a Master’s Degree in Education Curriculum and Instruction... Read More →

Thursday October 10, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
Salon GH

Concurrent Session 2

1:30pm CDT

You are Not Alone: Leveraging Community Advocates for Children to Unite Against Book Bans

Thursday October 10, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT

Salon E

Participants will gain insights into the importance of opposing book bans, learn strategies for advocating against censorship, and explore successful case studies of communities defending intellectual freedom.

Speakers

Kenton Oliver

Tyler Hahn

Director, Cherokee Public Library

Tyler Hahn is the Library Director in Northwestern Iowa. He serves as the Midwest representative for the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) board and is a member of the Iowa Governor's STEM Council, also being recognized as a "STEM Gem." Tyler was recently named one of... Read More →

Thursday October 10, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm CDT
Salon E

Concurrent Session 2

2:30pm CDT

Exhibit Hall Break and Lightning Talks

Thursday October 10, 2024 2:30pm - 3:50pm CDT

Exhibit Hall

Lightning talks:
A Rebellion in Motion: Tech Connection & Multimedia Creation by Andrew Gehlsen
Connecting & Engaging 1st-Gen Students to the Library by Jenay Dougherty
AI Tools Smörgåsbord by Kate Garretson
Expand Your Indie Offerings by Ben Wolf
Books That Will Change Your Life by Dennis Cooper and Elizabeth Hoover de Galvez

Speakers

Ben Wolf

Co-founder; Author, The Independent Literacy Foundation

Jenay Dougherty

Undergraduate Engagement Librarian, University of Iowa

Kate Garretson

Instruction Librarian, Iowa State University

Kate has over ten years of experience in higher education and holds a master's degreein Information Science & Learning Technologies from the University of Missouri, as wellas a master’s degree in Linguistics from the University of Colorado. As an InstructionLibrarian at Iowa State... Read More →

Andrew Gehlsen

Media Librarian, DeWitt Community Library

Andrew worked at the University of Iowa Main Library as a circulation assistant while attending school. He held a fair amount of service jobs and other positions over years- those of which bored him, thrilled him, humbled his ego and emaciated his spirit. He returned to library work... Read More →

Dennis Cooper

Adult Services Librarian, Des Moines Public Library

Dennis is an adult services librarian at the Des Moines Public Library

Elizabeth Hoover de Galvez

Thursday October 10, 2024 2:30pm - 3:50pm CDT
Exhibit Hall

4:00pm CDT

Private Sector Gems for Public Libraries

Thursday October 10, 2024 4:00pm - 4:50pm CDT

Salon F

This session will explore how to use business strategies to secure partnerships that benefit the library and the community it serves. Attendees will learn the three core lessons of successful outreach in libraries, how to use the resources they possess to assist local business owners and budding entrepreneurs, and the benefits of forging connections within the community.

Speakers

Kellee Forkenbrock

Thursday October 10, 2024 4:00pm - 4:50pm CDT
Salon F

Concurrent Session 3

4:00pm CDT

Promoting Community Ties Through Library Events and Services

Thursday October 10, 2024 4:00pm - 4:50pm CDT

Salon GH

Learn how to develop library events and services that not only provide entertainment and education, but help foster connection among members of your community.

Speakers

Nick Shimmin

Adult Services Librarian, North Liberty Library

Nick has been an Iowa librarian since 2007, serving as the director of the West Branch Public Library for over 15 years and adult services librarian at the North Liberty Library for a year and a half. Nick's focus throughout his career has been in libraries as a center for community... Read More →

Thursday October 10, 2024 4:00pm - 4:50pm CDT
Salon GH

Concurrent Session 3

4:00pm CDT

Reducing Barriers: A Roadmap to Making Your Library Accessible

Thursday October 10, 2024 4:00pm - 4:50pm CDT

Salon E

Participants will learn how to self-assess the current physical and mental accessibility of their library, solicit feedback from community partners, and implement solutions to reduce barriers on a budget.

Speakers

Kate Thompson

Reference Librarian, West Des Moines Public Library

Kate Thompson is a reference librarian at the West Des Moines (IA) Public Library and disability advocate interested in expanding perspectives around neurological difference. She is a graduate of the Iowa Family Leadership Training Institute and a former member of the Olmstead Task... Read More →

Susan Greenwood

Executive Assistant to the Director, West Des Moines Public Library

Thursday October 10, 2024 4:00pm - 4:50pm CDT
Salon E

Concurrent Session 3

4:00pm CDT

Setting Up a Seed Library

Thursday October 10, 2024 4:00pm - 4:50pm CDT

Salon C

Marion Public Library and Carnegie-Stout Public Library will share about their different seed library set ups and give ideas and pointers on how to personalize and differentiate seed libraries according to a library's needs.

Speakers

Becca Draus

Children and Family Services Library Assistant, Marion Public Library

Maggie Turza

Library Aide, Carnegie-Stout Public Library

Maggie Turza is a part-time Library Aide at the Carnegie-Stout Public Library in Dubuque, Iowa. After attending an ILA session about Seed Libraries,she re-opened C-SPL's "Carnegie-Sprout" to overwhelming success.

Thursday October 10, 2024 4:00pm - 4:50pm CDT
Salon C

Concurrent Session 3

4:00pm CDT

The Robots Are Coming! Intellectual Freedom in the Age of AI

Thursday October 10, 2024 4:00pm - 4:50pm CDT

Salon D

Learn about the current state of AI in libraries and how it has an impact on intellectual freedom. Attendees will understand the basic terminology and function of various AI tools, be introduced to how AI is already being used in libraries and its impact on intellectual freedom, learn the benefits and drawbacks of implementing AI tools in respect to patron privacy and learn how to create a framework of how to approach the use of AI at your institution.

Speakers

Corissa Thompson

Teacher Librarian, Ankeny Schools

Corissa Thompson has a Masters in Education and certifications in Pre-K - 5 Classroom, K-8 Reading, and K-12 School Librarian. She has been a school librarian for 15 years and is currently working on her second Masters at the University of Iowa in Library and Information Science... Read More →

Janette McMahon

Director, DeWitt Community Library

Becky Maher-Jacobsen

Carnegie-Stout Public Library

Amanda Sand

Library Director, Dubuque County Library District

Amanda is the Library Director at the Dubuque County Library District with over a decade of experience working in all areas of public libraries. She has first-hand experience with intellectual freedom challenges and now offers direct support to library workers experiencing challenges... Read More →

Sponsors

ILA Intellectual Freedom Committee

Thursday October 10, 2024 4:00pm - 4:50pm CDT
Salon D

Concurrent Session 3

4:00pm CDT

Unconference: Incorporating Alternative Formats in Your Library

Thursday October 10, 2024 4:00pm - 4:50pm CDT

Salon AB

An unconference featuring brainstorming plus question and answer on how the Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled can help libraries incorporate alternative formats into programming and services.
* Participants will gain an understanding of what alternative formats are and why they are important in a library setting. * Participants will learn about accessibility principles and guidelines related to alternative formats, including considerations for users with visual impairments, learning disabilities, and other accessibility needs. * Participants will learn about current programming and services offered at the Iowa Library for the Blind with alternative formats in mind.

Speakers

5:00pm CDT

Dine-Arounds

Thursday October 10, 2024 5:00pm - 7:00pm CDT

TBA

Thursday October 10, 2024 5:00pm - 7:00pm CDT
TBA