Thinking about the future is not about prediction. It is about seeing the changes and trends in our world – across society, technology, education, economics, politics, and the environment – and finding opportunities for learning and actions that can help us move forward. This overview will share a bit about future thinking before diving into some recent (and continuing) trends and their possible implications for libraries.

Plain language must be organized, clear, and concise for all audiences. Libraries can implement plain language to ensure communications are understood the first time the message is seen or heard. Investigate the guidelines for using plain language in library communications and initiate strategies to improve existing language in library documents.

An exciting aspect of librarianship is embracing technology and creating innovative services. With increasing demands on staff time and changes in the workplace, letting go of legacy services can play a vital role in the allocation of resources toward new projects. This session examines the role of planned abandonment - a strategy for organizational change intended to normalize the sunsetting of existing services to make room for new projects, programs, and services.

All libraries can provide a trans-inclusive respite for transgender community members and their own staff. Move toward a trans-inclusive environment for patrons and staff by learning to create and maintain safe and welcoming spaces, collections, and programs. Develop a feeling for helpful inclusive language and gain confidence with practical tips that can be applied to sometimes difficult real-world scenarios.

Understand sustainability as a set of practices and as a discipline. Explore how various library organizations have adapted practices, created programming, and developed information-literacy learning modules with sustainability learning outcomes. Attendees will articulate how sustainability is interconnected to the development of information literacy and life-long learning skills by drafting a sustainability project plan, which will be presented to the entire class.

Successful library meetings begin with reflection and intention. Beyond well-crafted agendas, libraries can utilize diversity and inclusion activities to strengthen empathy, communication, and expectations within library organizations. Applying these continuously to library meetings can open dialogue and empower greater voices. Discover ten diversity and inclusion activities to use in library meetings.

EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) organizational self-assessment tools provide ways for libraries to examine and assess EDI initiatives for adoption and improvement. These resource tools help staff identify and develop personal areas for EDI growth. This session focuses on 10 current organizational and individual EDI self-assessment tools for application in libraries.

Librarians encounter parliamentary procedures in a variety of places such as board meetings, the Faculty Senate, and association councils. This workshop provides a general overview of parliamentary procedure, introducing the concepts explained in Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised (In Brief), and a path to fully participate in meetings, identify effective functions, and formulate motions. Whether new to parliamentary procedures or needing a refresher, master the skills and confidence to navigate meetings effectively and contribute to impactful decision-making processes.

Partnerships can be the lifeblood of successful and sustainable programs and services. Engaged community partners help expand services and reach new audiences. Learn to to identify what partners bring to the table and cultivate and activate new and existing partnerships that deliver for everyone invested.