Early career librarians often face challenges as they build connections, seek mentorship, and navigate new professional expectations. By focusing on the needs of this unique group, libraries can support greater confidence and a stronger foundation for long‑term success that benefits new librarians and the entire organization.
Stepping into library management comes with new responsibilities, shifting relationships, and the need for stronger communication and decision-making skills. Designed to build confidence and clarity, this session introduces practical tools to support the transition from peer to supervisor, promote effective communication, and address common challenges for new and aspiring library managers. Also helpful as a refresher for current managers.
What happens when small gestures spark big changes? At one library branch, a snack box on the staff room counter, a “joy log” for recording moments of library joy, and a question-of-the-day whiteboard became catalysts for a deeper culture shift—encouraging authenticity, boosting morale, and creating a sense of belonging.
The Open Rules for Cataloging (ORC) project originated as a response to the increasing complexity and inaccessibility of the Resource Description and Access (RDA). ORC seeks to provide an open-access, easily comprehensible set of practical cataloging rules that can be used equally by non-catalogers and catalogers. This introduction to ORC will preview the philosophy of the project, an overview of the rules structure, and some discussion of future directions.
Libraries play a vital role in rural communities, but sustaining a high level of meaningful engagement requires creativity and collaboration. Using budget-conscious strategies, West Plains Public Library in Missouri has fostered connections through programs, outreach, and partnerships that reach underserved populations, address community needs, and create sustainable impact. This information-filled session will share real-world success stories, ready-to-use templates, and actionable tools to help any library expand services, strengthen collaborations, and enhance community engagement.
Two library teams partnered to challenge the assumption that college students don’t read and to amplify underrepresented voices through community-driven collections. By examining what students want to read and how they engage with library materials, the project revealed that this perception and the push to elevate diverse voices are deeply connected. This collaboration between the Student Learning and Engagement team and the Acquisitions team combines expertise in outreach, instruction, and collection development, supported by faculty, staff, and student employees.
Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) enable libraries to streamline workflows, enhance discovery, and integrate systems in innovative ways—regardless of technical background. In this 60-minute Hive session, multiple speakers will share their best tips, tricks, and practical insights for unlocking the power of APIs in libraries.
Trauma-Informed Design (TID) provides a framework for creating spaces that foster comfort, trust, and a sense of belonging, especially for those who may be experiencing stress, anxiety, or other forms of trauma.
Learn the foundational principles of TID and how thoughtful architectural and interior choices can positively influence user experience and behavior. Whether planning a full redesign or seeking small, impactful changes, gain practical, low-cost ideas to enhance your library’s environment and better support your communities.
There’s more to government information than just the Government Publishing Office (GPO) and the Federal Depository Library Program. With more and more government information easily available from government websites, students, the public, and information professionals can easily find valuable resources if they just know where to look. Learn to find bills and statutes from GovInfo.gov, filings from the Supreme Court, great vacation ideas from the National Park Service, and even more.
Effective interlibrary loan (ILL) policies adhere to national guidelines, while communicating clear procedures for staff and patrons with some flexibility to accommodate diverse user needs. Whether authoring a first formal interlibrary loan policy or updating existing procedures, this informative session will survey common challenges, present strategies for balancing access with resource protection, and introduce best practices for regular policy review and updates.