2024 Iowa Library Association Fall Conference

Intersections looks at 3 major areas where city governments and city libraries must meet in the middle of policy and practice when dealing with library buildings, budgets, and personnel.
The presenters will begin with a discussion of the library’s physical facility: library buildings are city property, covered under the city’s contents and liability insurance. Why then are so many library boards told that they are responsible for building maintenance and even capital improvements? The presenters will also touch on service hours and keys to the library.
(a) Through lecture and small group discussion, library staff and trustees will understand the need for compromise when representing the city library as a department within city government (b) Participants will be able to identify at least 3 areas of Iowa law that authorize cities to intervene in matters of library policy and practice (c) Participants will share their own experiences in maneuvering through these “intersections” in their own city-library environment

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.

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.

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.

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).

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

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.