Programming

Virtual Conference Programming Schedule*

*Please note: The course schedule is posted in Central Time.

Thursday, March 27

9:50am	Welcome to the Virtual Conference
10-11am	Session 1: Weeders Attract More Readers
11:15am-12:15pm	Session 2: What Does it Take to be Good at Reference
12:30-1:30pm	Session 3: A Conversation with Nancy Pearl
1:40-2:10pm	Inside the Author's Studio
2:15-3:15pm	Session 4: Why Do We Dewey?
3:30-4:30pm	Session 5: Gamers in the Stacks
4:45-5:15pm	Virtual Happy Hour

Friday, March 28

9:50am	Welcome to Day 2 of the Virtual Conference
10-11am	Session 1: Creating Environments: From Tots to Teens
11:15am-12:15pm	Session 2: Off Your Seat and On Your Feet! Proactive Reference Customer Service
12:30-1:30pm	Session 3: Dangerous Ideas: What if Libraries...?
1:40-2:10pm	Inside the Author's Studio
2:15-3:15pm	Session 4: Handling Upset Patrons: From the Irate to the Insane
3:30 - 4:30pm	Session 5: Technozoo
4:45 - 5:15pm	Virtual Happy Hour

Program Descriptions

Weeders Attract More Readers
Libraries are weeded to provide room for the growing collection of materials that patron use. This program will help in the process of removing books and other materials that are dilapidated, outdated, not being used or just don't fit the scope of the librariy's collection.
Organizer: Belinda Boon, Assistant Professor, Kent State Univ. School of Library & Information Science, Columbus, OH

What Does it Take to Be Good at Reference
Google has forever changed how we do reference, whether we like it or not. What do we, as reference professionals, need to know to maximize our effectiveness in this new enviroment?
Speaker: Joseph Janes, Associate Professor/ Information School, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Organizer: Deborah Grodinsky, Head of Adult Services, Skokie Public Library, Skokie, IL

Why Do We Dewey: Redesigning for a Customer-centered Experience
Are your stacks sterile? Learn how to create subject-based neighborhoods and displays that bring together related Dewey areas. Increase book and magazine browsing with visually merchandized sections such as travel, health/fitness, home/garden, or sports. Eliminate frustrating library jargon and appeal to your customers’ needs using their everyday language.
Speakers: Thad Hartman, Technical Services Supervisor, Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, Topeka, KS; Renee Patzer, Cataloging Professional, Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, Topeka, KS; Marie Pyko, Public Services Manager, Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, Topeka, KS
Organizer: Lissa Staley, Adult Services Librarian, Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, Topeka, KS

Creating Environments: From Tots to Teens
Architects and administrators will discuss spaces and environments created for tots to teens in public libraries. Guiding principles, basic design elements, integrated activity areas, and successful strategies for implementation will be highlighted in connection with specific projects. A lessons learned approach. Photos and graphics will accompany the presentation.
Speakers: James Keller, AIA, Architect/Design Principal, Vitetta, Philadelphia, PA; Denelle Wrightson, AIA, Director of Library Architecture, PSA-Dewberry Inc., Dallas, TX; Kathleen Imhoff, Executive Director, Lexington Public Library, Lexington, KY; C. David Warren, Executive Director, Richland County Public Library, Columbia, SC; Sharon Breen, Assistant Director, Middle Country Public Library, Centereach, NY
Organizer: Sandra Feinberg, Director, Middle Country Public Library, Centereach, NY

Off Your Seat and On Your Feet! Proactive Reference Customer Service
Get rid of reference desks? Approach customers before they approach us? Abandon our chairs? You have to be joking! No, we aren’t joking! To improve the everyday quality of service to customers at the Columbus Metropolitan Library, we made all of the above changes and many more!
Speaker: Jodi Lee, Manager, Columbus Metropolitan Library, Columbus, OH
Organizer: Christopher Korenowsky, Manager, Columbus Metropolitan Library, New Albany, OH

Dangerous Ideas: What if Libraries...?
What if library catalogs were like a computer game; If libraries practiced the idea of abundance, not scarcity; If libraries delighted their customers by connecting them with what they didn't even know they wanted; If there were no libraries? We will explore these and other ideas, and implementation in libraries.
Speaker: Jodi Lee, Manager, Columbus Metropolitan Library, Columbus, OH
Organizer: Christopher Korenowsky, Manager, Columbus Metropolitan Library, New Albany, OH

Handling Upset Patrons: From the Irate to the Insane
Dealing with irate and problem patrons is a fact of life in public service, but one that isn't taught in library school. Learn to recognize the levels of emotion that a patron may be in and strategies on how to safely and effectively respond.
Speaker: Warren Graham, Owner, Warren Graham Training & Consulting, Lake Park, NC
Organizer: Larry Neal, Library Director, Clinton-Macomb Public Library, Clinton Township, MI

Gamers in the Stacks
The average age of the gamer is 33 and rising, and an estimated 80% of the population under age 34 has played a video game! Learn why video games matter to your library in terms of entertainment, culture, learning, literacy, and youth development.
Organizer: Beth Gallaway, Information Goddess Consultant, Information Goddess Consulting, Hampton, NH

Technozoo 
Calling all librarians… from the technology-challenged to the techno-wizards! Get hands-on knowledge of new gadgets, gizmos and games in this show-and-tell presentation. Learn how current technological trends are impacting libraries and providing a unique opportunity to rethink the way traditional services are delivered.
Speaker: Leonard Souza, President, Acidblue Ltd., Henderson, NV
Organizer: Jennifer Schember, Adult Services Coordinator, Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, Las Vegas, NV

Programs are subject to change.