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.

According to the US Department of Labor, in 2024 over 6 million individuals with disabilities were employed in the U.S., up from 4.7 million in 2020. The most significant increases in employment numbers for individuals with disabilities were in professional sectors like technology, education, community services, and healthcare.

Neurodiversity reflects the natural variation in how people think, learn, and process information, encompassing differences such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. Creating inclusive workplaces that recognize and support neurodiverse individuals is essential to building empathetic, innovative, and collaborative teams.

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.

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.

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.

Teaching and presenting are good opportunities to create a positive impression for the organization, but limited training and experience can make library staff feel unprepared to make the most of these situations. Having a basic understanding of how to approach library instruction or presenting at a conference is beneficial to both staff and their organizations. This session focuses on building a strong foundation of teaching and presentation skills for library workers new to the subject or those in need of a refresher.