Opening Keynote - Transforming Libraries: Embracing Change for the Future
Julie Mosbo Ballestro is the University Librarian and Assistant Provost at Texas A&M University. She previously served as the interim dean of the University Libraries. The University Librarian is responsible to direct programs and personnel and lead a wide range of library services to include special collections, student and academic engagement, organizational effectiveness and development, assessment and planning, information discovery, and research support.
Member Business Meeting
Member Business Meeting and an update from Amigos President and CEO, Miguel Figueroa
Lunch Break
Navigating Library Hosting in the Information Age
Libraries increasingly serve as digital repositories for diverse content, from academic research to local history. Explore the challenges and best practices for librarians managing file hosting requests from a variety of stakeholders. Using the open-source Hyku software, we'll discuss strategies for organizing and providing access to digital collections while addressing copyright concerns, storage limitations, and metadata standards.
Open-Source Engagement Coordinator, Amigos Library Services
AI Instruction in the Library and Beyond: Pedagogical Approaches for Students and Faculty
In this presentation, we will share the strategies our librarians and library staff have developed to introduce students to artificial intelligence (AI) in both accessible and meaningful ways. Our primary modes of instruction include a series of digital tutorials, and in-person workshops designed to demystify AI by explaining core concepts in layman’s terms, demonstrating practical applications, and addressing the ethical and social considerations surrounding its use. We believe that all students, regardless of discipline, should have a foundational understanding of AI, so they can make informed decisions in their coursework, research, future, and daily lives. In addition to student-focused initiatives, we will highlight broader campus-wide efforts to support faculty engagement with AI in the classroom. These efforts include creating and sharing sample syllabus policies, hosting live tool demonstrations, organizing AI-themed book clubs, and promoting academic databases that feature up-to-date research on the evolving AI landscape.
Dawndrea Casey obtained her bachelor's degree in history at The University of Maryland. She is pursuing a master's degree in information science with a major in Library Science at the University of North Texas. She is a military veteran who pivoted from aircraft maintenance to the world of libraries. She is currently a library and technology specialist III at Texas A&M University-Central Texas.
Kelly Williams has a Master of Science in Educational Psychology from Texas A&M University-Central Texas and a Master of Science in Library Science from the University of North Texas. She’s spent most of her library career working in the technical services departments of academic libraries but recently made a change to reference and instruction. She is currently a Reference and Instruction librarian at Texas A&M University-Central Texas. She enjoys presenting on student-centered services, library instruction, and community connections.
Michelle Shea, MLS, M.Ed., is an Education Librarian and Co-Head of Public Services at Texas A&M University - Central Texas. She assists with academic research, coordinates K-12 outreach programming, and collaborates as a library liaison. She also enjoys presenting on student-centered services, library instruction, and community connections.
Experiences with SpringShare
Join us for an insightful presentation where librarians discuss their experiences using Springshare's suite of tools. These tools help libraries manage resources, engage users, and streamline operations. Hear firsthand accounts from librarians who have successfully integrated Springshare into their workflows and learn tips and strategies for using these tools to support library users' needs.
Erin Owens is a Professor in the Newton Gresham Library at Sam Houston State University, where she serves as Associate Director of Library Public Services and Scholarly Communications Librarian. She assists researchers from novice to expert with a wide array of topics pertaining to data management, scholarly publishing, impact metrics, copyright, artificial intelligence, and more. She also oversees the work of the Access Services department, including staff focused on circulation, reserves, stacks, and interlibrary loan.
Lisa Louis is Director of User and Research Services at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s Bell Library. She has an MLS and a Masters in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of North Texas. During her 30+ years as a professional librarian she has worked in a variety of roles in academic, public, and law libraries. In her current position, she manages Access Services, reference, instruction, student success, and scholarly communication services, and serves on the library’s OER Working Group. For fun, she knits and crochets, plays video games, and hangs out with her husband Jason and dogs Thea and Valentine.
Sarah Timm is the Head of Public Services at the University Library of Texas A&M University–San Antonio, a role she has held for over eleven years. In this position, she oversees information desk operations, circulation, and interlibrary loan services. Sarah also plays an active role in the library’s marketing and outreach team, where she enjoys planning and hosting engaging events for the campus community. She earned her Master of Library and Information Studies from the University of Oklahoma. Outside of work, Sarah cherishes time with her husband and two daughters.
Rachel Pecotte graduated from Texas Woman's University in 2021 with a master's degree in library science. Today, she is the Business Librarian at Texas A&M University-San Antonio, liaising with the departments of Finance, Accounting, Management, Marketing, and the MBA program. Through student and faculty appointments, course instruction, and campus outreach, she seeks to learn how students interact with and use the host of Springshare tools on the library website.
Break
Turning space into place: Building community through creative engagement
At many academic institutions, libraries are often seen as a quiet place to study, rest, or recharge between classes. At our small community college library, we have intentionally created a space that invites interaction, creativity, and a sense of community where students, staff, and faculty all feel welcome. This session will highlight a variety of activities and programs we have implemented to engage the campus community beyond traditional library use. Examples include seasonal displays like "Animals of Celina Campus" paired with binoculars to observe local wildlife, interactive poetry stations for National Poetry Month, whiteboards with rotating word puzzles and community prompts, and a student photography showcase for National Photography Month. These efforts have allowed us to promote collections, support creativity, and build stronger relationships across campus.
Attendees will walk away with practical ideas and inspiration for transforming their own library spaces into inclusive, community-centered spaces.
Angela Whitfield is a reference librarian at Collin College where she provides research support and instruction with a passion for teaching new library users. She regularly works with dual credit high school students and college students, helping them develop foundational research skills and confidence using library resources. She enjoys creating engaging, approachable experiences that make the library feel accessible and welcome to all.
Kimberly Richardson is a veteran teacher, seasoned school librarian, and thriving reference librarian at Collin College. She enjoys building innovative programming that connects students, no matter their age, to learning something new and reading something fun. Kimberly's work emphasizes accessibility, creativity, and building connections between students and the resources that can support their academic and personal growth.
Better Together. Collaboration, Facilitation, and the Power of Strategic Partnerships on Project MUSE
Global strategic partnerships provide opportunities to expand and strengthen scholarly publishing into new markets, audiences, and formats; pursuing mutually beneficial partnerships intentionally can provide impacts including increased equity, enable publication from university press and nonprofit publishers worldwide, and meet libraries' nuanced needs.
Senior Manager, Sales & Library Relations - Project MUSE, John Hopkins University Press
Teach with Amigos
Share your knowledge through teaching with Amigos. Amigos’ Continuing Education Services (CES) coordinates a full schedule of online workshops, free Know & Go sessions for member libraries, popular Online Conferences, and customized by-request trainings for libraries and organizations. Amigos' instructors bring subject knowledge and practical experience to our extensive catalog of offerings. We provide technical support, instructor honorariums, and assistance with course development. Prior teaching experience is not required. We're looking for instructors who prioritize learner experience and are comfortable with online learning environments.
Christina Pryor is the Continuing Education Services Manager at Amigos. She has over 15 years of experience spanning across academic, health sciences, public, and specialized libraries. Most recently she served as the Associate University Librarian for the Specialized Libraries and the Director of the Health Sciences Library at the University of Missouri University Libraries. Her professional interests encompass library management and administration especially in the areas of personnel recruitment and retention as well as strategic planning. In her personal life, Chris enjoys spending time with her family, running, spending time outdoors, and playing the piano.
Naomi Gonzales is the Library Services Trainer & MOLIB2GO Coordinator at Amigos. She has over ten years of library experience in academic and medical libraries, and most recently served as a federal contractor in support of The National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus consumer health website. Her professional interests include web accessibility, usability, and community outreach. In her personal life, Naomi enjoys befriending stray cats, volunteering at her local farmer’s market, and playing cozy video games.
Break
Closing Keynote: Interview with an Innovator
Lisa Wells serves as the Executive Director for the Pioneer Library System in central Oklahoma, where her leadership and strategic vision have significantly impacted the library community. Holding an MLIS in Library and Information Studies from the University of Oklahoma, Lisa's expertise and dedication to library services are well-recognized. Her achievements include being named a 2024 Oklahoma Woman of the Year Honoree and a 2022 Most Admired CEO by the Journal Record. She is also a proud graduate of the Urban Libraries Council Executive Leadership Institute, and was awarded the ULC Joey Rogers Leadership Award, highlighting her commitment to innovation and community service. Further demonstrating her influence and contribution to the field, Lisa was recognized as a Library Journal Mover and Shaker in 2008 and is a graduate of Class XXII of Leadership Oklahoma. Her distinguished career and contributions underscore her commitment to enhancing library services and her role as a formidable leader in the community.