Join me in exploring practical strategies to cultivate inclusivity within your library! In this presentation, we will delve into effective ways to support patrons with different abilities. From understanding challenges of various disabilities to implementing inclusive programming, we'll cover it all. Discover the importance of staff training and awareness, and gain valuable insights into fostering community engagement. With an extra focus on the Youth Services Department, this presentation will help you find space for every patron, regardless of age or ability level. Be inspired by success stories and join hands in creating a truly welcoming environment for everyone!

Learning Objectives:

• Understanding different abilities, staff training and awareness
• Program inclusion and accessibility
• Community Engagement

Danielle Ave', Youth Services Supervisor at Cottonwood Public Library, is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment and inclusion. Armed with a degree in Early Childhood Education, Danielle began her journey as a Head Start teacher, nurturing young minds and ensuring equal opportunities. Transitioning to specialized roles, Danielle became a respite and habilitation worker, dedicated to providing essential support to children with different abilities. She championed inclusivity and advocated for the individual needs of every child under her care. Further expanding her expertise as an intervenor for deaf/blind students, Danielle developed strong communication skills and gained a deep understanding of the unique challenges these children face. Now leading the youth services team at Cottonwood Public Library, Danielle continues her mission to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all children. Through innovative programs and initiatives, she fosters a love for learning and exploration, ensuring every child, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive. 

Does your library have limited tech support and resources? Are you interested in building your knowledge of your library’s current broadband and IT resources? Attend this session to learn how to use the free, IMLS-funded Toward Gigabit Libraries toolkit to understand your library’s broadband and IT infrastructure and leverage funding and community support to improve them. The toolkit walks you through cataloging current library computer equipment, evaluating your broadband connection speed, advocacy and building community support, and creating a funding strategy to get better IT equipment and connectivity. Attendees will receive a free bound, printed version of the Toward Gigabit Libraries Toolkit, which is also available for free at https://internet2.edu/tgl.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand your library's IT and broadband infrastructure, even if you aren't a "techie"
• Leverage community support and funding resources to improve your broadband quality, devices, and IT infrastructure
• Bridge the gap between non-techie library workers and IT staff to improve communication and address IT issues

Carson Block has led, managed, and supported library technology efforts for more than 25 years. He brings a user-centered technological perspective, with an emphasis on solutions that are both transparent and powerful, with some “gee whiz” thrown into the mix. Carson’s passions include leading technology visioning and planning, creating highly-functional work groups, technical design (including infrastructure, RFID, points of self-service, and more), and project management with a focus on technology solutions that powerfully serve the impacts each library has in the community it serves.

Stephanie Stenberg is Director of the Internet2 Community Anchor Program, where she works with regional networking partners, community anchor institutions, and Internet2 membership organizations to support mutually beneficial goals of bringing networking, trust and identity services, and advanced applications to community anchor institutions nationwide. Stephanie has participated in three Institute of Museum and Library Services-funded grant projects focused on libraries and connectivity: the Toward Gigabit Libraries toolkit project, the Measuring Library Broadband Networks project with Simmons University and Measurement Lab, and the Gigabit Libraries and Beyond project, for which she served as Principal Investigator and Project Co-Manager.

Malavika Muralidharan is the E-rate Administrator at the Arizona State Library. Mala also works on Broadband related issues at the State and National Level, assessing needs, working on Master Contracts. Mala also assists libraries apply for and obtain E-rate and other broadband funding, helping applicant understand and interpret rules and guideline. Mala has been with the State Library for the last 23 years and in the profession for over 45 years.

Build community by connecting teens and adults at the library! Learn how Apache Junction Public Library attracts and engages ages 13-99 together in programs. From open mic nights to music bingo, trivia at local coffee shops, to craft nights, book clubs, escape rooms, cooking classes, Cricut demos and more! Join members of Apache Junction Public Library’s teen, adult, and outreach departments to explore building an intergenerational atmosphere at your library!

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the characteristics of successful and unsuccessful intergenerational programs
• Create intergenerational programs by conceptualizing an idea, implementing effective marketing strategies, garnering support, and cultivating an environment that embraces people of all ages
• Develop a unique intergenerational program by collaborating with fellow participants to generate ideas through engaging activities

Megan Carbiener, Outreach Supervisory Librarian at Apache Junction Public Library. Megan started as a part-time page, progressed to a librarian, and is now a supervisory librarian, for a total of 3.5 years at AJPL. She is passionate about providing equal access to the Apache Junction community, and this shines through her efforts to spearhead AJPL’s bookmobile and expand outreach services and staffing. In 2022 Megan received AZLA’s Emerging Leader Award and in 2023 the Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services’ Rising Stars Award.

Stephanie Oplinger, Senior Library Assistant at the Apache Junction Public Library. She has held several positions over her last 28 years at AJPL, finally landing in Youth & Teen Services. She loves teen services and recently redesigned the teen areas, giving teens two spaces. When not at the library, she, and her husband love to travel and attend Arizona Rattler football games.

Megan Sparks is a Senior Library Assistant in Adult Services at Apache Junction Public Library. She has been with the library for 18 years and loves the fact that no day is ever the same as the previous one! Megan enjoys working on marketing projects, keeping the library’s website up-to-date, and coming up with program ideas to educate and inspire Apache Junction’s adult population.

Learn how your library can directly address Arizona’s literacy crisis with Read Better Be Better. In 2021 and 2022 the Pinetop-Lakeside and Buckeye libraries partnered with Read Better Be Better to work directly with struggling young readers in their communities. Learn about the background, structure, and methodology behind Read Better Be Better, an evidence-based program, and how it can be implemented in your community. Hear how the libraries of Pinetop-Lakeside and Buckeye discovered and implemented the Read Better Be Better program in their communities to work directly with young readers as well as provide a meaningful and transformative opportunity for teen volunteers.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the Read Better Be Better program’s structure and methodology.
• Learn how Pinetop-Lakeside and Buckeye Public Libraries successfully implemented the Read Better Be Better program to directly serve struggling readers.
• Recognize the crucial impact that Read Better Be Better and programs like it have when offered through libraries.

Jordan Walkey is an Arizona State University graduate with a B.S. in Public Policy and Public Service. She works as a Program Manager at Read Better Be Better, focusing on boosting literacy and education. A love for teaching relocated her to Madrid, Spain where she spent six years living abroad. During that time, she gained a unique perspective on life. Jordan is an avid reader, who is always looking for new knowledge. She also enjoys a challenge and keeps her mind active through board games and trivia nights.

Betsy Peck is a retired early childhood educator. Since 2020, she has been at the Pinetop Lakeside Library serving as Programs Librarian and Library Manager. Betsy is a lifelong booklover, and children’s literacy advocate. She has served on the First Things First Regional Council and currently serves on the board for the White Mountain Nature Center. Since 2021, the library has successfully partnered with Read Better Be Better to promote learning and leadership for the community.

Janelle Anderson graduated from Union College with a B.S. in Elementary Education. For 12 years, she taught Preschool – 3rd grade students. She is currently a Senior Library Assistant at the Downtown Branch of the Buckeye Public Library. She spends much of her time planning the BPL’s Summer Reading Program, running Read Better Be Better at Downtown, teaching Bookbinding and helping patrons. Outside of the Library, she enjoys reading, spending time with her dog Riley, watching movies, knitting, and spending time at the pool.

Peter Grant is the Downtown Library Supervisor for the City of Buckeye, where he oversees system-wide programming. He is Chair of the Maricopa County Library Council’s Continuing Education Committee and serves on the Arizona Library Association’s Professional Development Committee.

The Maricopa Native Seed Library was founded to inspire and equip the community to create wildlife habitat at home, conserve water, and increase enjoyment and appreciation of nature. The seed library has made many plant species available to the public, many for the first time, through our efforts to collect wild native seed and distribute it through 6 community college libraries. The seed library also offers a range of workshops, educational materials, and a pollinator certification program to make it easy to engage in native plant gardening. With over 18,000 packets given out since Fall 2020, this program is extremely well utilized by the community. How might a similar program be offered at your library, even if you don’t know much about native plants? Come find out!

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the concept of habitat at home and how it fits into conservation and urban restoration efforts
• Explain each of the elements of a native seed library including seed procurement, seed distribution and education/outreach
• Brainstorm how their library might implement a native seed library or incorporate native seeds into an existing seed library, even if there isn’t a native plant enthusiast on staff

Danielle Carlock is the founder of the Maricopa Native Seed Library and the Maricopa Pollinator Pathway at the Maricopa Community Colleges, where she is library faculty. Based at South Mountain Community College, she specializes in science librarianship, and is a former biology teacher. Danielle has been avidly gardening with Sonoran desert plants for about 13 years and is active with the Arizona Native Plant Society.

Forging Futures: University-Library Collaborations for Community-Led Dialogues

In this talk, we will present how universities can do collaborative research with libraries, by presenting our case. CCEIL-AZ is a two-year project that seeks to build a participatory engagement framework to potentially inform a consent-based siting process for an interim facility for high-level nuclear waste. However, this model seeks to show how collaborating with libraries can lead to fruitful community dialogue that involves processes to make decisions about the future. This project has several partners, but libraries have been at the center.

Learning Objectives:

• To highlight how universities and libraries can work together to hold community-driven conversations.
• To share what we learned from our dialogues about issues important to communities across the state.

Dr. Nicholas Weller is an assistant research professor in the School for the Future of Innovation in Society (SFIS) at Arizona State University (ASU). Through his work, he promotes engagement among scientists, public audiences, policy makers, and cultural organizations. He conducts this work in service of creating a just, free, and sustainable future. He studies the use of deliberative public forums to capture public values and shape science and policy on uncertain, contested, and technical topics. He’s affiliated with ASU’s Center for Innovation in Informal STEM Learning (CIISL) and the Consortium for Science, Policy and Outcomes (CSPO). Nicholas completed his PhD in the School of Sustainability. During his graduate studies, Nicholas helped lead and develop public forums on climate change adaptation with CSPO. He also worked with the School of Sustainability’s Sustainability Science for Sustainable Schools program to develop and implement sustainability programs for local K-12 schools and served in ASU’s Graduate and Professional Student Association.

Somaly Jaramillo Hurtado is a fourth-year Ph.D. student in Sustainability in the School of Sustainability and a Graduate Research Assistant in the Consortium for Science, Policy, and Outcome (CSPO) at ASU. Her role in this project is to collaborate in 1) community dialogue facilitation, 2) project evaluation by interviewing community and project partners, and 3) data analysis. She holds a Master’s in Community and Regional Planning focused on community participation. She believes community engagement is essential to solving environmental issues. She has worked before on diverse community engagement projects. She believes in community service and giving back to communities, so she has volunteered in different environmental non-profit organizations. Her research interest is environmental humanities including environmental discourse, ecocriticism, visual culture, and the human-nature relationship.

Unlocking Opportunities: The Benefits of MPLA membership for Arizona Librarians

This session will provide public librarians in Arizona with a comprehensive overview of the Mountain Plains Library Association (MPLA) and the benefits available to its members. The presentation will highlight how MPLA supports professional development, fosters community among librarians, and provides access to valuable resources and networking opportunities.

Learning Objectives:

• Explore Professional Development Opportunities: Highlight the various professional development programs, including webinars, conferences, and grants, that MPLA offers to its members.
• Discover Networking Opportunities: Demonstrate how MPLA facilitates networking among librarians across the Mountain Plains region, fostering collaboration and idea sharing.
• Membership Benefits: Detail the specific benefits of MPLA membership and how Arizona librarians can use them to enhance their professional growth.

Amber Kent is the Manager of the Casa Grande Public Library and serves as the Arizona Representative for the Mountain Plains Library Association (MPLA) on the AzLA Board. With a deep commitment to community engagement and professional development, Amber brings extensive experience in library management and advocacy, striving to enhance library services and support fellow librarians across the state.

In October 2023, the Mesa Public Library opened the first purpose-built self-service library in the country. Surrounded by ball fields, pickleball courts, playgrounds, and a school, the Mesa Express Library at Monterey Park has been a hit from day one. The library was conceived as a technology-forward space where new technologies (AR, book lockers, video chat kiosks, and more) could be implemented. In this presentation, Megan Guderian and Jesse Simms from Mesa Public Library will discuss the background and planning of the project as well as the unique challenges that come with operating a fully self-service library. They will also discuss the outcomes to date as well as future ideas for integrating self-service libraries into the traditional library system.

Learning Objectives:

• How to plan for a self-service library
• What makes self-service successful
• Ideas for integrating self-service with traditional library services

Jesse Simms is the Assistant Library Director with the Mesa Public Library. He began his career with the Phoenix Public Library as a Page and a Library Assistant before moving on to the Buckeye Public Library System as a Library Technology Specialist and Digital Librarian. In 2019, he received the AzLA Emerging Leader Award.

Megan Guderian is a Supervisory Librarian with Mesa Public Library. She began her library career after teaching in the classroom and earning her MLS from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has been a Teacher Librarian at an elementary school in Denver, a High School Librarian with Gilbert Public Schools, and a Youth Services Librarian with Scottsdale Public Library.

Explore how academic libraries can create supportive spaces by implementing sensory study rooms. I’ll discuss the sensory rooms introduced at MCC Libraries, which provide students with a calming environment during their busy days. These rooms are equipped with various tools, such as soothing lighting and noise-canceling headphones, to help students manage stress and regulate their emotions. This session will cover why these spaces are important, the key elements required, and effective ways to gather and use student feedback to improve these rooms.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the importance of creating supportive environments in academic libraries.
• Learn about the essential elements and strategies for implementing sensory study rooms.
• Explore effective methods for soliciting and incorporating student feedback to improve library spaces.

Alexia King is the First Year Experience Faculty Librarian at MCC Libraries. She has served as an adjunct librarian at MCC and Rio Salado and taught various information courses. Alexia is dedicated to library outreach, teaching, and collaborating with other departments to support diverse learners. She is committed to creating a welcoming environment for all types of learners, fostering a vibrant and inclusive learning community. Recently, she has been focused on creating sensory rooms for neurodiverse students at MCC. Recognizing the need for safe and accommodating spaces, she collaborated with various departments on campus to design and implement sensory rooms in the library, providing a supportive environment tailored to students with sensory sensitivities.

Our youngest patrons, babies and toddlers, have unique needs that need to be considered when crafting programming. They need programs that are highly interactive, play-based, and foster a sense of autonomy and attachment. It is crucial to engage them and their caregivers. But planning and delivering programming for babies and toddlers is often overwhelming. Programs for “all ages” often neglect this audience. This workshop will help address those obstacles by: providing a play-based template for a program that emphasizes attachment, discovery, and development; sharing ideas for activities and add-ons for kids 0-2 in all-ages programming; reviewing basic early literacy tips that are most relevant to this audience. Exploring different delivery models and sharing our ideas and knowledge will deepen our confidence and strengthen our practice!

Learning Objectives:

• How to use developmental needs to craft play-based programming for children 0-2
• Creating opportunities to engage babies and toddlers in library programs designed for all ages
• How to emphasize early literacy tips in programming for babies and toddlers

Lila Garza is the Library Coordinator for Tolleson Public Library where she coordinates all of the programs. She directly leads the Baby Time program and all early childhood initiatives. She also plays a strong role in leading and shaping STEM programs and all-ages and family programs. She was the 2021 First Things First Champion for Young Children for the Southwest Maricopa region. She is passionate about life-long learning for the smallest to the tallest!

For over three years, ASU Library has partnered with the International Student Scholar Center to create a community within the library for international students. This collaboration focuses on developing programming that not only fosters a sense of community but also strengthens connections between international students and library resources. Attendees will learn about various successful programs, all aimed at making international students feel at home. We will share best practices, challenges faced, and the positive outcomes observed in student engagement and satisfaction. This session is ideal for library professionals seeking to enhance their support for diverse student populations and to create inclusive spaces that promote academic success and personal well-being. Discover how your library can be a pivotal resource in the international student experience.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the unique challenges facing international populations.
• Ideas on programing they can implement in their library spaces to better support international and diverse populations.
• Learn more about how they can build a successful collaboration to better serve a diverse population.

Christina Peck is the Communications and Outreach Program Coordinator with Arizona State University Library. She work focuses on the student population at ASU as well as building partnerships with other units in an effort to integrate the library into the lives of the student population and connect them to library resources.

Halie Cousineau is the Associate Director of International Graduate Student Initiatives at Arizona State University. Halie leads the planning and implementation of academically, culturally, and socially robust international student programs.

Arizona has been one of the pioneer states in starting Telehealth programs in libraries around the state. Come and learn about embedding telehealth within libraries, and becoming a trusted community hub where individuals can access quality healthcare, especially in aging and marginalized communities, whose geographical location, lack of transportation, or Internet access, are barriers to staying healthy and preventive healthcare. Learn about how you can partner with the stakeholders to mitigate barriers and become a TAP – Telehealth Access Point.

Learning Objectives:

• What are Telehealth Access Points? What do I need to do to become one.
• Lessons learned from the telehealth pilot programs - challenges and overcoming them.
• Partnerships and collaborations that work.

Malavika Muralidharan is the E-rate Administrator at the Arizona State Library. Mala also works on Broadband related issues at the State and National Level, assessing needs, working on Master Contracts. Mala also assists libraries apply for and obtain E-rate and other broadband funding, helping applicant understand and interpret rules and guideline. Mala has also been working on Telehealth in Libraries and is keenly interested in bridging the healthcare divide. Mala has been with the State Library for the last 23 years and in the profession for over 45 years.

Arizona Research Topics on the Arizona Memory Project

This session will demonstrate how researching on the Arizona Memory Project (AMP) has been enhanced with Arizona Research Topics. Arizona Research Topics (ARTs) are information hubs that consolidate related content across AMP in one place. ARTs are categorized by Event, Person, Place, and Topic, all populated with content that tell the stories of Arizona’s history. ARTs were originally accessible on a separate webpage of the State of Arizona Research Library, populated only with links to AMP. This meant researchers had to find this webpage, then toggle between two different interfaces to do research. ARTs became unified in a single interface when AMP re-launched on a new platform in September 2022. Since then, AMP staff have been enhancing ARTs with new content, new links, and new ARTs added regularly as AMP continues to grow. ARTs are designed to help researchers of all kinds, from students to scholars.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn about Arizona Research Topics on the Arizona Memory Project
• Learn how to navigate Arizona Research Topics and how they relate to each other
• Learn how to use Arizona Research Topics for research and reference

Ryan Ehrfurth joined the State of Arizona Research Library in 2016 as the administrator of the Arizona Memory Project. He also manages the Library’s map collection, and provides Research Support for the Arizona State Board on Geographic and Historic Names. He earned his Master’s Degree in Public History from Arizona State University.

Amy Stave is the Digital Asset Specialist for the Arizona Memory Project (AMP). Amy assists with managing the AMP platform and digitizing in-house materials for inclusion on AMP. Amy began her work with the State of Arizona Research Library (STARL) as the Project Coordinator for the National Digital Newspaper Program (NDNP) grant project where STARL, in collaboration with the Library of Congress (LC), and funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities, digitized 100,000 pages of historic newspapers for public access via Chronicling America and AMP.

Digital Inclusion and Arizona Libraries

Libraries today play a pivotal role in bridging the digital divide and connecting the unconnected. In this session, Digital Inclusion Library Consultant Anthony Costantini will discuss how the Arizona State Library is supporting digital equity through its Connect Arizona program. Also hear from the AZ Digital Equity Program Manager, Erin Lorandos, for an update on the Digital Equity Planning and Implementation activities!

Learning Objectives:

• Learn about State Library initiatives addressing digital equity and inclusion.
• Learn about Arizona's Digital Equity Plan and how libraries fit in.
• Discover resources for supporting your own library's digital inclusion projects.

Erin Lorandos holds a BA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Master’s of Library and Information Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She has worked in public and academic libraries for nearly 20 years where she was proud to create informal educational opportunities for people of all ages. In recent years, the focus of her work has shifted to digital literacy, equity, and inclusion activities. She joined the Arizona State Broadband Office in November 2023, and helped create the recently approved State Digital Equity Plan.

Anthony Costantini is a lifelong Arizona resident with years of experience in public and academic libraries. In his previous roles he has led community engagement programs and events including a film series, book discussions, guest lectures and educational workshops. Currently he supports digital equity and inclusion across Arizona as the Arizona State Library’s Digital Inclusion Library Consultant. He has a BA from Arizona State University and a Master’s of Library and Information Science from San Jose State University.

When thinking about outreach at a massive community like ASU, one may feel lost on where to start. This feeling of being lost often leads to feelings of exclusion, a phenomenon that is even more exacerbated for students or communities with people of marginalized identities. This session will examine outreach strategies to help patrons feel like they belong in library spaces. To support this work, we critically assessed which groups and identities we served, and these findings informed our strategic plan moving forward. First, we will discuss the community-driven featured collection program. Next, we will outline outreach approaches through tabling and wellness activities. Participants will learn how to identify and serve specific communities and student groups so they can foster a sense of belonging in their own libraries. Most of all, this presentation underlines our mission to represent people’s stories and experiences authentically, positing an ethics of care.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will identify target groups for outreach and emphasize the impact of the ethics of care.
• Participants will explore various types of outreach and develop ideas to establish their libraries as welcoming places.
• Participants will brainstorm and create potential partnerships for outreach across their library spaces and communities.

Sierra Schuman (she/her) is an Instruction and Outreach Librarian at ASU Library, part of the E-Learning and Instruction Division. In May 2023, she received her Master of Library Science degree from the University of North Texas. She got introduced to the realm of academic librarianship while working at Southern Methodist University Libraries, focusing on online learning content, library instruction, virtual reference chat, and Finals Week outreach. Her interests lie in student-centered learning practices, reference interactions, wellness, and book recommendations. She currently holds memberships to the American Library Association and the Arizona Library Association.

Leela Denver (she/they) is an Instruction and Outreach Librarian in the E-Learning and Instruction Division at ASU Library. Leela has a background in creative writing, poetry, and English literature and is passionate about service to queer and neurodiverse populations. Her current professional focus is on library instruction to first year college students, high schoolers, and international students, as well as student and community outreach, both virtually and in-person. Leela’s current projects include developing a library bridge program for local high schoolers, growing outreach initiatives geared toward online students, and co-authoring a chapter for a book on MLIS keywords.

Allinston Saulsberry, MLIS (she/her) is an Instruction and Outreach Librarian in the E-Learning and Instruction Division at ASU Library. Allinston’s focus areas are on existing and prospective student instruction, programs, and projects dedicated to connecting different users/user communities to Library resources and engaging new and diverse audiences. Her current projects include developing digital learning objects for course curriculum with an emphasis on library research methods for foundational courses as well as developing support services and resources for First-Generation Students.

Corie Cisco (she/her) is a Project Coordinator for the Curation and Research Services team at the ASU Library. She manages the featured collection program and other projects related to collection development, data analysis, and outreach strategies related to open stacks. Her undergraduate and graduate degrees are in English literature, creative writing, gender studies, and religious studies. In May 2023, she completed the Master of Library and Information Science program at the University of Arizona. She's had various roles at ASU since 2017, including student affairs, outreach and recruitment, event planning, and project management.

How does a tentacle door engage the community? We’ll show you! Escape rooms are a fun and educational way to captivate the public that can be easily tailored to a wide range of abilities. Come learn our ups and downs on designing library escape rooms for teens and adults. We will show you what’s involved with creating and implementing an escape room from start to finish and how it promotes community learning and collaboration in the process.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn tools to build an escape room and how to adapt the concept to your library’s budget, time availability, programming, and community needs.
• Learn the logistics behind planning and implementing an escape room that is accessible to a wide range of abilities such as limited mobility, education level, and varying levels of hints.
• Recognize how escape rooms can promote problem solving and cooperation skills for your community.

Laurel Plapp is an adult services librarian at Tempe Public Library. After receiving her B.S. in Psychology, she worked in community behavioral health until getting her M.L.I.S. from City, University of London in 2018. She is always looking for fun and creative programs to engage the public and researching ways to make collections more equitable. She loves her 3 black cats and sharing all the resources libraries have with anyone who will listen.

Siana Berg is a librarian-in-training who working in cataloging, but somehow keeps ending up making large projects out of paper mache and duct tape with no idea how she got there, but hey—4ft potoo am I right?

Over the past four years, libraries and librarians have been the target of a strategic campaign intended to smear their reputation and dismantle their effectiveness. Librarians fought back. They argued First Amendment protections, and worked to protect their institutions and communities from attacks. Throughout this harrowing time, we’ve seen the most effective resistance from communities that come together to support their libraries. In this session, learn how community partnerships at national, state, and local levels establish broader platforms for library advocacy. We’ll examine the effectiveness of campaigns like Unite Against Book Bans, look at how partnerships with other Associations help to elevate AzLA’s voice at the Capitol, and discuss communication strategies for building grassroots support in your community.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the benefit of using a partner platform to amplify a library advocacy message.
• Analyze how working with partners at the state Capital builds AzLA’s capacity for library advocacy with legislators
• Leave with three actionable insights for building grassroots support in their communities.

Erin MacFarlane has worked in public libraries for more than 18 years. She is currently Library Services Director for Phoenix Public Library, where she works with a team of talented staff to provide high quality library service to communities in Phoenix. Since 2017, Erin has been the Chair of the Legislative Committee for AzLA. In this role she works closely with a lobbyist to monitor legislation that could affect library services in the state. Erin is a member of ALA’s Policy Corps, which aims to expand ALA’s ability to advocate on key policy issues on behalf of the library community. Since 2023, Erin has been a member of Policy Corps’ Unite Against Book Bans Cadre, working to oppose censorship efforts across the country.

The Federal Communications Commission has two important programs that will impact libraries. a. Hot Spots for the Community an initiative that aims to address the digital divide and provide home internet access to students and library patrons. Learn how to apply for funding to cover the costs of Wi-Fi hotspots and wireless internet access services that can be used off-premises; new program rules on purchasing, lending and tracking Hot Spots. Is that the best technology to get Internet access to your community? What are the challenges? b. Cybersecurity Pilot Program: This $200 million pilot program aimed at enhancing cybersecurity for schools and libraries. How do our Libraries stay safe from Cyber attacks? What technologies are eligible to be funded? Learn how your library can participate in the Pilot Cybersecurity Program. This three-year initiative seeks to protect your library from cyberattacks and gather data on effective cybersecurity and advanced firewall services.

Learning Objectives:

• Library staff will learn about the two new programs Hot Spot Lending and Cybersecurity Pilot Program.
• The rules and regulations to apply for funding these projects.
• Learning how to bridge the digital divide while keeping the digital users safe.

Malavika Muralidharan is the E-rate Administrator at the Arizona State Library. Mala also works on Broadband related issues at the State and National Level, assessing needs, working on Master Contracts. Mala also assists libraries apply for and obtain E-rate and other broadband funding, helping applicant understand and interpret rules and guideline. Mala has been with the State Library for the last 23 years and in the profession for over 45 years.

Rise to the challenge of creating timely and creative content for your library without additional financial expense and also increase efforts towards access and equity. In this presentation, we will navigate Creative Commons Licenses and explore Open Resources for you to use in your library and educational programs. Participants will be introduced to the Creative Commons community and where they can find resources to support their outreach needs. We will walk participants through the process of adapting and then openly sharing materials.

Learning Objectives:

• -Explore the basics of Creative Commons Licenses.
• Learn how to find open content to incorporate into their library outreach work.
• Connect to the communities that support the open movement.

Karalyn Ostler is a STEM Librarian for the physical sciences at Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ. She provides reference, research, and instructional support to students, faculty, and researchers in the physical sciences. Karalyn earned a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) and a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Astronomy from the University of Washington. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5487-4788

Olivia Sparks is a STEM Librarian for Life Sciences and Chemistry at Arizona State University. She is passionate about connecting researchers (at every level) to the information they seek.

The Alliance for Response (AFR) Forum: Fostering dialogue and collaboration to safeguard cultural heritage during disasters

The National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Institute for Conservation provided funding for Arizona to hold a one day AFR Forum. The goals of the event are twofold; to initiate an ongoing dialogue between cultural institutions and emergency managers and first responders and to raise awareness of the need to protect cultural and historic resources within communities. The program will introduce the history of the effort nationwide and solicit feedback from the Arizona Library Community.

Learning Objectives:

• The program will introduce the foundations, the network, and the objectives of the AFR program.
• The program will outline the efforts of the core planning committee.
• The program will introduce a short disaster scenario impacting a library to garner feedback and define the role that the libraries have in this effort.

Jo Anne Martinez-Kilgore is the Conservator at the Arizona State Library, Archives, and Public Records. She oversees preservation strategies that safeguard the collections. Before coming to the ASLAPR she had a private practice in conservation based in Albuquerque. She spent the first decade of her career as a Collections Conservator in large research libraries - The Library of Congress and the New York Public Library.

Empowering Future Librarians: A Holistic Approach to Training, Mentorship, and Professional Development

This session aims to provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted approach required to effectively cultivate future librarians among graduate assistants. By emphasizing structured training programs, mentorship, and practical experience, this session will equip participants with the knowledge and strategies necessary to foster the development of proficient and confident librarians.

Learning Objectives:

• Explore the Holistic Approach: Attendees will gain insight into the interconnected facets of structured training programs, mentorship, and hands-on experience, illuminating the nuanced process of nurturing graduate assistants into proficient librarians.
• Promote Continuous Professional Development: Attendees will discover strategies for advocating the active participation of students in conferences and networking events, highlighting the importance of staying updated on industry trends to foster continuous learning and growth.
• Recognize the Role of Mentorship and Practical Experience: Attendees will develop an understanding and appreciation for the transformative impact of mentorship and practical experience in enhancing the skills and confidence of graduate assistants, preparing them for future roles as competent librarians.

Shelley Peper (pronounced PEH-pr) (she/her/hers) is dedicated to empowering students by helping them find the resources they need to excel in their research endeavors. With a passion for supporting learners at every stage of their educational journey, Shelley is a knowledgeable and approachable resource for students seeking guidance. Outside of her professional life, Shelley finds joy in the company of her beloved pets—a harmonious household of two bunnies, a cat, and a dog. She also enjoys indulging in video games, building miniature house kits, and cultivating her green thumb.

The "Dealing with Difficult People" program is designed to equip participants with practical strategies and effective communication techniques to handle challenging individuals in the workplace and beyond. This interactive and engaging program provides participants with:

• Understanding Behavior: Insights into the different types of difficult behavior and the underlying reasons behind them.
• Communication Strategies: Techniques for effective communication, active listening, and assertiveness to manage difficult situations.
• Conflict Resolution: Strategies for resolving conflicts and managing emotions during challenging interactions.
• Practical Scenarios: Real-life scenarios and role-playing exercises to practice newly acquired skills in a safe environment.
• Self-Reflection: Opportunities for self-reflection to identify personal triggers and develop strategies for self-regulation.
• Creating Positive Relationships: Tips for building and maintaining positive relationships, even in challenging circumstances.

Learning Objectives:

• The skills and confidence to navigate difficult interactions with professionalism and composure
• Fostering a more positive and productive work environment
• Apply concepts to real-life scenarios

Tina Packard, MBA, of Packard Consulting LLC, is a seasoned professional with over a decade of demonstrated leadership experience and over 18 years of library experience. With an extensive background in conflict management and leadership, coupled with a Master's in Information Science and Learning Technologies, and an MBA with an emphasis on Human Resource Management, they bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to the table. Their expertise lies in successful change management, leadership strategies, and problem-solving with a creative and innovative approach. Their ability to engage with stakeholders, manage staff, and manage volunteers has been honed through various roles. With a strong background in Human Resource Management and many years of experience as a Library Director, they possess the skills necessary to lead, innovate, and drive positive change.

Although in this session you'll learn about how one library used state grant funding to build a robust Tween summer program, tween services doesn't have to involve expensive grants, dozens of prep hours, or elaborate programming. Whether you're new to starting services aimed at tweens or you've already been providing amazing opportunities, in this discussion you'll learn about resources and tips for designing an active and thriving learning space and programming schedule for your local tweens.

Learning Objectives:

• Attendees will be able to identify unique aspects of needs of their tween community
• Attendees will be able to identify funding sources for starting or continuing their tween services
• Attendees will leave with at least 2 new applicable ideas for tween programs or services

Michelle Ashley Gohr is a Youth Services librarian with a focus on tweens at Prescott Valley Public Library and formerly a First Year Experience Librarian with Arizona State University where she taught information literacy to first year students and provided research assistance to students and faculty.

Come learn a bit about Trans people, their history, the history of pronouns, and what you can do to make the library more inclusive for all.

Learning Objectives:

• Introduce people to the trans experience, explain common terms, pronouns, the history of English pronouns and introduce some of the first recorded Trans people.
• Debunk common myths that is being heavily pushed in media.
• Give specific ways to help make the library a safer environment for everybody, especially trans employees and trans patrons.

Mason McGonegle - I’m an Adult Services Librarian Assistant for the Phoenix Public Library. I’m also Neurodivergent, queer, and a huge nerd. I’m obsessed with graphic novels, Dimension20, cats, sweaters, games(any kind) and notebooks, just to name a few. I’m happily trying to make the library an inclusive and safe place for everyone.

India How - I'm a Youth Services library assistant at Phoenix Public Library. I love cozy video games, birding, papercrafts, my cats, and travel.

Join this presentation to learn more about the featured collection program and how the open stacks team uses community driven strategies for collection development at the ASU Library! Discover how this team approaches outreach for these projects and outlines successful collaborations that uniquely serve the needs of our community. Additionally, gain insights into leveraging social media as a tool for collaborative opportunities that highlight library programming and other community partners.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn about the featured collection program at ASU Library and their role in collection development and community engagement.
• Learn strategies for diversifying library collections through direct input from community members and relevant collection data.
• Gain insights into leveraging social media as a tool for collaborative opportunities in library programming and outreach initiatives.

Corie Cisco is a Project Coordinator for the Curation and Research Services team at the ASU Library. She manages the featured collection program and other projects related to collection development, data analysis, and outreach strategies related to open stacks. Her undergraduate and graduate degrees are in English literature, creative writing, gender studies and religious studies. In May 2023, she completed the Master of Library and Information Science program at the University of Arizona. She's had various roles at ASU since 2017, including student affairs, outreach and recruitment, event planning and project management.

The Buxton Library at Paradise Valley Community College has been a leader in the development of open educational resources at Maricopa County Community College District. Previously, OER specialists were trained student workers hired to work in our Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL). Pandemic and structural changes disrupted the CTL, so the library assumed the supervision of these highly skilled employees. We pushed back against the focus on strictly using openly licensed materials. Instead, we encouraged our faculty to use a combination of openly licensed and library subscription materials to increase the college’s ability to build zero textbook cost (ZTC) pathways. We will launch our first fully ZTC Bachelor of Secondary Education and Special Education in the fall of 2024. Come learn about our momentum-building next steps and how to increase stewardship of your existing human and digital resources.

Learning Objectives:

• Explore the transition of OER stewardship from student workers to library professionals amidst the challenges presented by the pandemic.
• Analyze the strategic decision to blend openly licensed and library subscription materials to enhance the accessibility and richness of educational resources and to reduce the labor of solely building OER in an institution that relies heavily on adjunct faculty.
• Highlight best practices for fostering collaboration between librarians and faculty to curate OER-aligned and library subscription content that promotes academic excellence and affordability.

Paula Crossman: Library Faculty Paula Crossman has worked in academic and public libraries since 1996. She has been a full-time library faculty at Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) since 2014 and has been actively involved in OER advocacy and development. She served as the Division Chair for the Library and Information Science Division from 2017 to 2024 and is now the college’s Open Education Librarian. She has a Creative Commons certification (2024) and oversees collection development and maintenance at PVCC.

Jessica Parsons: Open Education Instructional Services Specialist Jessica Parsons has worked at Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) since 2019. She began as a student OER specialist but now works as a full-time open education instructional services specialist. She collaborates with faculty to curate, create, and remix courses and materials to provide no and low-cost options to students. Her advocacy for open education initiatives has made her a leader at colleges nationwide. She earned an AAS in Web Design and is passionate about providing technology training at the college. As an adjunct faculty member, she teaches Adobe Photoshop and foundational computing skills. Jessica has served in the Civil Air Patrol for over a decade, developing curricula for national training initiatives and teaching organizational leadership concepts. As a PVCC's Theatre Program graduate, Jessica has performed in productions around Phoenix and earned the prestigious title of Advanced Actor Combatant with the Society of American Fight Directors. She graduated with a Bachelor's in Career and Technical Education in May of 2024 and will graduate with a Master of Education specializing in Educational Technology at NAU in May 2025.

This program will present our process for the creation and documentation of our disaster and emergency preparations. Including descriptions of our monthly meetings; phone, email, and SMS messaging approach; creating an emergency kit; Stop the Bleed kits; AED; and how it all fits into the larger creation of a climate of safety.

Learning Objectives:

• The process we used to prepare for a potential disaster or emergency.
• What information we included in our documentation and why.
• Updates and preparedness's role in greater safety for the whole community.

Joseph Adam Anaya holds a Master of Library & Information Studies with a concentration in Archival Studies from The University of Alabama and a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in Arts, Media, and Entertainment from The University of Arizona. Additionally, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from Arizona State University. With extensive experience in library services, Joseph currently serves as a Library Services Associate III at the Health Sciences Library at the University of Arizona, providing customer service, technical support, and managing equipment lending. He is actively involved as Chair of the University of Arizona Library Diversity, Social Justice, and Equity Council. Joseph is a dedicated member of the American Library Association, Society of American Archivists, and The Association of Moving Image Archivists, showcasing his commitment to advancing the fields of library and archival studies.

Jerry Flanary is a dual master’s degreed library professional with over twenty one years of library experience. With the exception of prison libraries, he's worked in every library setting. For the last ten years he has been with the University of Arizona Library and currently has an operational/ administrative role with additional network administrative responsibilities.

Signs of Success: Strategies for Impactful Library Messaging

Library staff eager to share information often overwhelm their patrons with too many signs, reminders, and notices. Come learn how GateWay Community College Library leveraged a signage audit to improve the effectiveness of their visual communication. This session will raise your awareness of the impact that consistency, placement, and quantity of signage has on the message conveyed to your patrons.

Learning Objectives:

• Walk away with a Signage Audit template that you can customize for your own library.
• See the positive impact of library messaging that considers clarity, accuracy, and strategic communication.
• Be inspired to strive for user-friendly visual communication.

Betty Murphy, MLIS, has enjoyed being a member of the GateWay Community College Library team for more than three years now, supervising staff, overseeing access services, and coordinating the efforts of community service volunteers. She continues to be energized by serving a diverse patron base of students, faculty, staff, and community members in an academic environment.