2024 Iowa Library Association Fall Conference

Few libraries offer the wealth of historical information offered by Iowa’s largest university libraries - yet very few Iowa citizens will travel to these often distant and imposing campuses. Fortunately, there are many, many freely available online historical primary sources that could be used locally by Iowa residents and the librarians who serve them - IF - they can find them. Jaycie and Chris have plenty of ideas and plenty of experience on where to look and how to look, and they are eager to share.

Participating librarians will gain a deeper understanding of evolving digital archives and the treasures they offer. Participating librarians will learn why so many free resources are “hidden” from researchers using Google. Participating librarians will learn how to use specialized Google search strategies to help locate relevant digital archives. Participating librarians will be able to identify and search digital archives that offer freely available historical newspapers, magazines, and other sources. Participating librarians will learn strategies and skills for searching and browsing archival finding aids and sources.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.