2024 Iowa Library Association Fall Conference: Full Schedule

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7:00am CDT

Breakfast and Subdivision Meetings

Friday October 11, 2024 7:00am - 8:20am CDT

Exhibit Hall

Friday October 11, 2024 7:00am - 8:20am CDT
Exhibit Hall

8:30am CDT

Effective Governance and Leadership in Public Libraries: Roles and Responsibilities of Library Boards and Directors

Friday October 11, 2024 8:30am - 9:20am CDT

Salon C

Explore perspectives on building and maintaining a unified, productive approach to library governance, policies, human resources management, and leadership- even in times of great challenge. Examples from small, midsized, and large libraries will be shared.
At the end of this session, participants will be able to :
1. Identify key components of effective library governance, including policy development, human resources management, and leadership strategies
2. Analyze and compare governance practices across libraries of different sizes
3. Articulate the importance of collaboration and communication between library directors and trustees in achieving shared goals.

Speakers

Elsworth Carman

Director, Iowa City Public Library

Elsworth Carman has served as the Director of the Iowa City Public Library since January 2019. He previously served in libraries in Washington, D.C., Oak Park, IL, Ocean County, NJ, and Marion, IA. Carman has a career-long passion for reducing barriers to access in public libraries... Read More →

Robin Paetzold

Trustee, Iowa City Public Library

Robin Paetzold has been an Iowa City Public Library trustee since 2010 and is currently the co-chair of the ILA Trustees Subdivision.

Friday October 11, 2024 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
Salon C

Concurrent Session 4

8:30am CDT

Reducing Bias in the Library Catalog: Moving the "Othered" Histories to the 900s

Friday October 11, 2024 8:30am - 9:20am CDT

Salon D

This session will explain bias in cataloging and outline how we at Des Moines Public Library reclassified “othered” histories (from the 300s) to the 900s.

Speakers

Abbi Jensen

Cataloging Librarian, Des Moines Public Library

Abbi Jensen is the Cataloging Librarian at Des Moines Public Library. She started her library career in 2013, working as head page at West Des Moines Public Library. In 2017, she graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee with her MLIS, concentrating in cataloging and... Read More →

Friday October 11, 2024 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
Salon D

Concurrent Session 4

8:30am CDT

Starting Off on the Right Foot = Long Term Success

Friday October 11, 2024 8:30am - 9:20am CDT

Salon GH

This session will help new directors with simple first steps that will lead to success when starting a new director position.

Speakers

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 →

Friday October 11, 2024 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
Salon GH

Concurrent Session 4

8:30am CDT

The Complete Project Management Caboodle (*Not* a Toolbox)

Friday October 11, 2024 8:30am - 9:20am CDT

Salon E

This session will cover the basics of project management (you’re probably already doing a lot of them), some practical tools for GTD® (that’s "getting things done" for the David Allen-uninitiated), and why Caboodles are infinitely better than toolboxes (sparkles, duh).

Speakers

Samantha Bouwers

Consultant for Continuing Education, State Library of Iowa

Samantha Bouwers is the consultant for Continuing Education at the State Library. Contact her with all your questions about CE, the Endorsement Program, IA Learns, or with other professional development questions. She got her Master's in Library and Information Science from the University... Read More →

Friday October 11, 2024 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
Salon E

Concurrent Session 4

8:30am CDT

The Sleuths of Silence: Libraries' Contributions to Resolving Historic Cold Cases

Friday October 11, 2024 8:30am - 9:20am CDT

Salon AB

Participants will learn to how to effectively utilize library resources and archival materials to investigate historic cases in their communities, while understanding the associated ethical challenges and exploring successful case studies.

Speakers

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 →

Sarah Enright

Friday October 11, 2024 8:30am - 9:20am CDT
Salon AB

Concurrent Session 4

9:30am CDT

Become a Dementia Friend

Friday October 11, 2024 9:30am - 10:20am CDT

Salon GH

Learn about dementia and identify ways to be a support to those living with dementia. Participants will learn how to describe dementia and the most common type, understand 5 key messages about dementia, and learn how to effectively communicate with a person living with dementia.

Speakers

Michell Klinker-Feld

Assistant Library Director, Bondurant Community Library

Michell has been involved in the Bondurant Community Library for over 25 years. She began by serving as a member of the Library Board of Trustees for almost 20 years. She then began working at the library as the Adult Services Librarian. Soon, she also took on the role of the Youth... Read More →

Friday October 11, 2024 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
Salon GH

Concurrent Session 5

9:30am CDT

Empowering Staff to Turn Your Conduct Policy into Reality

Friday October 11, 2024 9:30am - 10:20am CDT

Salon F

Conduct policies do not always come with instructions; learn how our small library created a behavioral assessment scale and expanded it into helpful training for staff of all perspectives. Session attendees will receive an editable training outline, understand how to adapt the document to fit their library, and be able to create a plan to implement staff training on patron behavioral assessment and conduct policy interpretation.

Speakers

Jacy West

Adult Services Librarian, Indianola Public Library

Jacy has been the Adult Services Librarian at the Indianola Public Library for 1 year and has worked in libraries for 5 years.

Jody Ross

Technical services librarian, Indianola Public Library

Friday October 11, 2024 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
Salon F

Concurrent Session 5

9:30am CDT

Frozen in Place: The Context and Consequences of Anti-DEI Board of Regents and Senate Filings in State Academic Libraries

Friday October 11, 2024 9:30am - 10:20am CDT

Salon AB

This presentation will review the Board of Regents recommendations and Senate File 2435 which limit DEI spending; examine the impact this has in State-funded academic libraries; and explore how this will shape librarian work going forward, including discussion of recent state legislation impacting Board of Regents institutions in Iowa, the Chilling effect, and means of navigating anti-DEI legislation.

Speakers

Madde Hoberg

Library Annex Assistant, University of Iowa Libraries

Madde Hoberg (she/they) is the Library Annex Assistant at the University of Iowa. She received her MLIS from the University of Wisconsin-Madison iSchool in 2021. She is invested in social justice in libraries and commits her time to several groups and councils at the University of... Read More →

Friday October 11, 2024 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
Salon AB

Concurrent Session 5

9:30am CDT

Music + Literacy in Your Library

Friday October 11, 2024 9:30am - 10:20am CDT

Salon E

Explore resources, techniques, and the important relationships between literacy development and musical concepts. No music reading ability required!
Session participants will:
1. Define the pedagogical relationship between music learning and literacy development, providing concrete examples.
2. Identify the criteria necessary for selection of age appropriate musical materials for ages PK-10 years
3. Describe foundational practices for vocal health in children
4. Apply seven ways to teach a song in library programming for children

Speakers

Dr. Lucy Santos-Green

Director, The University of Iowa

Dr. Lucy Santos Green is Director of the School of Library and Information Science at the University of Iowa. A former school librarian and classroom teacher, her research and work is centered on inclusive librarianship and instructional partnerships between librarians and classroom... Read More →

Dr. Brad Green

Johnson STEAM Academy Magnet School

Friday October 11, 2024 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
Salon E

Concurrent Session 5

9:30am CDT

Public Libraries: Catalysts for Civic Renewal

Friday October 11, 2024 9:30am - 10:20am CDT

Salon C

Cities and libraries have opportunities to raise the level of community engagement for the people they serve. By collaborating across departments, we build cohesion and foster belonging for everyone. From city hall to fire to police, come learn with us about how working together creates a resilient and stronger community.

Speakers

Bill Carroll

Director, Marion Public Library

Bill Carroll is the library director for the Marion Public Library and has worked in public libraries for 12 years. Prior to Marion, he served at the Carnegie-Stout Public Library in Dubuque. Carroll holds a Master of Public Administration from Upper Iowa University, Fayette, IA... Read More →

Jennie Garner

Director, North Liberty Library

Sam Helmick

Community and Access Services Coordinator, Iowa City Public Library

Sam Helmick is the Community and Access Services Coordinator for the Iowa City Public Library in Iowa, an Executive Board Member for the American Library Association, and the Iowa President-Elect to the Iowa Library Association. Their work in public services focuses on the intersections... Read More →

Friday October 11, 2024 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
Salon C

Concurrent Session 5

9:30am CDT

The Book(is)Mobile on Channel 5

Friday October 11, 2024 9:30am - 10:20am CDT

Salon D

How we built our own Library TV Channel from the ground up! This is a novel way of expanding outreach and programming potential.

Speakers

Robert Fiedler

Director, Musser Public Library

Chad Yocom

Channel 5

Chad Yocom is a seasoned media professional with a rich background in broadcasting and community engagement. Graduating from Western Illinois University's School of Broadcasting in 1996, Chad has dedicated his career to the world of media and communications.Since the inception of... Read More →

Friday October 11, 2024 9:30am - 10:20am CDT
Salon D

Concurrent Session 5

10:30am CDT

Best Practices for Hiring

Friday October 11, 2024 10:30am - 11:20am CDT

Salon E

In this session learn from two seasoned library directors on how to establish an equitable hiring process to ensure you are getting the best possible candidates for your open positions.
Learn the elements of an equitable hiring process, develop an understanding of the common biases associated with hiring employees, and be able to identify common pitfalls when interviewing and establishing practices to avoid them.

Speakers

David Eckert

Director, Waterloo Public Library

David Eckert has been working in the field of librarianship for more than twenty-five years including serving as an academic reference librarian, bilingual school librarian, and as a youth services librarian. In the last fifteen years, he has held more administrative roles including... Read More →

Antonia Krupicka-Smith

Director, Council Bluffs Public Library

Antonia is the director at the Council Bluffs Public Library. She has over 15 years experience working in libraries with a background in psychology and serving the community through the trauma-informed lens. She loves to cook and be outside. Antonia is currently reading whatever book... Read More →

Friday October 11, 2024 10:30am - 11:20am CDT
Salon E

Concurrent Session 6

10:30am CDT

Business Librarian: It's Not as Scary as You Think

Friday October 11, 2024 10:30am - 11:20am CDT

Salon F

Most library professionals do not have a background in business and we dread being asked questions about it. But business does not have to be scary! In this session, you will learn what the Davenport Public Library has done to reach out to the business community. You will also walk away with a better understanding of how you can help people in your community with their business questions.
Topics that will be covered are business databases, reaching out to members of the business community, starting a website and/or a libguide, and selecting business books.

Speakers

Rachel Rugg

Community Engagement and Learning Librarian, Davenport Public Library

Rachel Rugg has worked for the Davenport Public Library in the Information Services Department since 2014. Previously, she worked at Mid-Continent Public Library, Kirkwood Community College in Iowa City and the State Historical Society of Iowa.

Friday October 11, 2024 10:30am - 11:20am CDT
Salon F

Concurrent Session 6

10:30am CDT

Community Connections for Mental Health: A Toolkit for Mental Health Information and Programming Partnerships

Friday October 11, 2024 10:30am - 11:20am CDT

Salon D

This presentation introduces a toolkit designed to foster community partnerships in providing mental health information and programming. It will cover the toolkit's potential benefits, key components, and practical application.
Presenters will describe the toolkit's key concepts, principles, and components and demonstrate how to apply them effectively in community settings. Evaluate the significance of community partnerships in managing mental health information and programming and utilize the toolkit to plan and implement these partnerships.

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 →

Gina Schlesselman-Tarango

Science Librarian & Associate Professor, Kistle Science Library, Grinnell College

Friday October 11, 2024 10:30am - 11:20am CDT
Salon D

Concurrent Session 6

10:30am CDT

How Can We Better Display Historical Photos Online?

Friday October 11, 2024 10:30am - 11:20am CDT

Salon GH

Our small team of academics and software engineers at the University of Northern Iowa have been asking how to better display historical photos online for the past decade. We have emerged with a new public platform--Fortepan US, located at https://fortpean.us--that beautifully displays historical photos according to place, time, and theme. We now have an instance for every state, and we developed the prototype featuring family collections and historical photos from Iowa (Fortepan IA--fortepan.us/ia).

Our panel presentation will bring together three library and archive professionals to discuss our experiences with Fortpepan IA. We invite you to discover this gorgeous (free) public portal with timeline, grid, and map view capabilities, crowd-sourced tagging, powerful search, a new digital exhibit tool options, and a sneak preview of the 360ºTour software (coming soon). Join us to learn how you can be part of this quiet but powerful public photo portal movement.

Speakers

Lindsay Nieland

University of Northern Iowa

Dr. Bettina Fabos

Director, Fortepan IA

Bettina Fabos is co-founder and Director of the Fortepan US [fortepan.us] cooperative photo history portal and its first prototype, Fortepan IA, a public photo archive of everyday Iowa life. She is also creative director of the award-winning interactive timeline project, Proud and... Read More →

Olivia Waller

Library Assistant, University of Northern Iowa

Lindsey Kuhlman

Paige Hibbs

University of Northern Iowa

Friday October 11, 2024 10:30am - 11:20am CDT
Salon GH

Concurrent Session 6

10:30am CDT

Reshaping Libraries: The Power of Branding and Voice Strengthening Your Libraries Position by Breaking Convention

Friday October 11, 2024 10:30am - 11:20am CDT

Salon C

More than ever, the traditional roles of libraries are being challenged. To navigate these attacks it’s critical for libraries to build preference and reestablish alliances within their communities.
This presentation will include: what does it mean to 'stand for something'?; the first steps to building a stronger internal culture; and how to strengthen community relationships.

Speakers

Liz Deets

Founder, Get Back Here Dog

Friday October 11, 2024 10:30am - 11:20am CDT
Salon C

Concurrent Session 6

10:30am CDT

Sensory Storytime: How Community Partnerships can build a successful Program

Friday October 11, 2024 10:30am - 11:20am CDT

Salon AB

Learn how to start a sensory storytime by utilizing the resources and professionals in your community to engage a diverse population of youth and their families!
At the end of this session you will be able to identify potential community partners for your library’s sensory storytime. Recognize that many diverse families are hesitant to attend library storytimes. Replicate a framework and structure for your storytime. Determine the level of support needed for your sensory activities.

Speakers

Emerson Taylor

Children's Librarian & Youth Services Supervisor, Musser Public Library

Friday October 11, 2024 10:30am - 11:20am CDT
Salon AB

Concurrent Session 6

11:30am CDT

Lunch and Closing Keynote: "The Power of Persuasion: Marketing Your Library in a Changing World"

Friday October 11, 2024 11:30am - 1:00pm CDT

Exhibit Hall

In today's dynamic library landscape, change is constant. Budget constraints, book challenges, and even potential closures pose real threats. However, thriving libraries share a common thread: a robust marketing and advocacy strategy.
Many librarians, however, struggle with the idea of "selling" or "promoting" their services. Perhaps you envision aggressive sales tactics, or maybe you simply long for stakeholders to intuitively grasp the library's value. Here's the truth: relying solely on data or expertise isn't enough to win hearts and minds. We need to go beyond our core responsibilities and harness the power of influence and persuasion.
This presentation will delve into the fascinating science behind personal influence, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to effectively promote your library without feeling like a salesperson. Learn how to overcome discomfort with marketing and advocacy, and discover data-driven strategies to secure funding, resources, and dedicated advocates who will consistently fight for your library's success.

Speakers

Elaina Norlin

Professional Development DEI Coordinator, Association of Southeastern Research Libraries

Elaina Norlin is the Professional Development Coordinator for the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries. She is an accomplished teacher, technology and leadership development trainer, and writer with extensive leadership experience and a flair for public relations, organizational... Read More →

Friday October 11, 2024 11:30am - 1:00pm CDT
Exhibit Hall

General Session/Keynote

1:00pm CDT

Subdivision Meetings

Friday October 11, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

TBA

Friday October 11, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
TBA