Know & Go

For all the promise and potential of AI tools, getting clunky or confusing responses can be an all-too-common problem. Small, well-considered tweaks in prompt phrasing can lead to better, sharper results. Learn how to write clear, targeted prompts, refine less-than-perfect responses, and troubleshoot common challenges. Attendees will engage in guided practices and implement flexible strategies for putting generative AI to work across a wide range of library tasks.

From global pandemics to natural disasters, navigating the ever-changing landscape of unexpected situations is expected of many librarians and staff. Learn how libraries can step up during emergencies to support and connect their communities — not just with services, but with clear, trusted communication.  With real public library examples, discover effective ways libraries can work alongside local agencies during an emergency and practical uses for everyday tools, like signage and social media, that can make a big difference when people need it most.

Book displays are a prime example of the creative – practical mindset that guides many areas of library work. In keeping with that dual mindset, this session explores both the creative evolution (getting to that bodacious display) and the practical considerations (we’re professionals, after all) that occur in the book display process. With creativity and curiosity at the forefront, uncover methods for finding theme ideas, curating the book list, and assembling the display, as well as some strategies to offset practical challenges like limited resources, burnout, and other roadblocks.

Learn the basics of Agile methodologies, with a focus on Scrum and Kanban, in this introduction session designed for librarians new to the topic. Agile methodologies emphasize iterative and incremental approaches to project management, encouraging flexibility, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Discover how to apply these principles to library team projects and individual workflows to increase collaboration and improve organization. Explore ways to break down work into manageable pieces, prioritize tasks, and adapt to changing library needs.

Strategic planning helped libraries navigate the past. Strategic foresight will help them shape the future. Strategic foresight builds on the strategic planning foundation to identify what is coming next, prepare for uncertainty, and lead with purpose. The foresight journey begins by learning the tools, mindsets, and practical steps to help libraries embrace uncertainty, anticipate disruption, and equip them to lead change in their institutions and communities.

Library employees often go the extra mile for patrons and colleagues, providing professional, courteous service in every interaction. Unfortunately, staff sometimes find themselves in situations where the interaction has crossed the line and they may not recognize that it has happened or know what to do when it does. Learn how to identify when an interaction is no longer within the acceptable code of conduct, ideas of how to handle the habitual issue, and explore safety procedures and protocols that can be enacted to keep everyone safe.

Designing an attractive presentation is easier than ever thanks to tools like Canva and features like PowerPoint’s Designer. But with all the bells and whistles, is the message getting lost among the visuals? Focus your presentation’s message with design tips for organizing content and choosing complementary images, while keeping slides easy-to-understand and impactful. Learn to customize existing templates in Canva, PowerPoint, and Google Slides to create a deck tailored for any meeting or presentation.

Whether a long-time member, someone new to a member library, or just curious about our consortium, this one-hour session will introduce Amigos’ programs and services. From benefits for staff, like workshops, and conferences, to institutional benefits, including discounts on services and products, and events, this overview will help ensure libraries maximize the value of membership.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn how Amigos Library Services can support and elevate your library's mission.

Writing effective alternative (alt) text is a key component of creating accessible documents and websites. For beginners or those with limited experience, knowing exactly what to write can be difficult. Explore best practices for writing alt text for different types of images, both information and decorative, and learn some common mistakes to avoid. Active participation in hands-on practice examples will be strongly encouraged.

Creating any new collection in an academic library can be exciting and challenging for library staff. The challenge is amplified if the items in the collection have not typically been borrowed from libraries and the catalog records are not discoverable in a bibliographic utility. The idea of libraries circulating items that are not informational media is growing. This presentation will discuss the idea of a library of things in an academic library, from conception to its current state of circulation.