Live Two Sides 2 the Story Podcast with Ronald Malfi | 1:30-2:30 | Room: Schooner

Join the 2024 William G. Wilson Maryland Author Award winner, Ronald Malfi, for a live recording of the Two Sides 2 the Story podcast. Podcast hosts, and Maryland library lovers, Ted and Lory will talk to Ronald Malfi about his books, writing process, and the state of libraries. This will be an interactive session, so bring your questions!

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Time Capsules: Preserving our Collective Memories | 1:30-2:30 | Room: Skipjack B

Time Capsules are created with the hope of sharing present experiences with future communities, and their interment and discovery are often of great community and local media interest. But whose responsibility is it to select, handle, or preserve the materials and how should this be done? Using the time capsules already discovered and processed as well as the one most recently created by Delaware State University and its archives, this presentation explores the role of time capsules in local history. Topics include:  the types of time capsules institutions may work with; the idea of “collective memory” and how time capsules can shape future perceptions of the present; and some of the best practices and current literature available for those planning to exhume, process, and preserve a recently found capsule.

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Abundance! Having So Many Identities at Work | 1:30-2:30 | Room: Chesapeake F

From book bans, and anti-trans and LGB legislation, to the dismantling of affirmative action and outlawing of CRT and DEI, living at the intersection of race, gender and sexual orientation isn’t easy. It can be difficult to serve the public while your core identities are fuel for the current culture wars. In this session we will create a shared space for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) staff to gather and talk about the reality of working in libraries while living at the intersection of race, gender and sexual orientation. We will explore several types of self-care for both home and the workplace. Speakers: Dr. Kelly Clark and Kinshasa Vargas-Pile

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Are Kids Reading Less Or Is It Just Me?  | 1:30-2:30 | Room: Clipper

Spoiler Alert: it's not just you. Maybe you've had a hunch that kids were reading less now, or at least reading fewer chapter books. Well, you're not wrong. Through charts, graphs, and a few laughs, we'll look at 10 years of circulation data to discover when students began reading less and why. We'll also look at several attempts to change this trend and what has been successful and what hasn't. This session is a must for anyone who worries about growing the next generation of readers and is ready to do something about it. Speaker: Marcus Zumwalt

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Poster Sessions | 1:30 – 2:30 | Room: Boardroom

The MLA/DLA Poster Session returns, offering a platform to explore innovative projects, services, and research conducted by libraries in Maryland and Delaware. Don't miss this unique opportunity to uncover the latest library advancements in our region.

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A Developing Community: Accessibility and Virtual Reality | 1:30-3:30 | Room: Chesapeake E

Virtual Reality (VR) has become a trending topic as talk about Web 3.0 and the metaverse became unavoidable in the last few years. However, despite the ambitions of technocrats to use this technology to change the way we socialize, shop, and live our lives, who does "we" include? Over the last 5 years, a steady community dedicated to examining and addressing VR's application to disabled users has grown. This session will start with a presentation that will introduce this community and its work and examine its applicability to libraries. The second hour will consist of a workshop that introduces auditing practices for these technologies. Speaker: Jasmine L. Clark

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Proactive, Not Reactive: Effective Intellectual Freedom Advocacy.  | 1:30-3:30 | Room: Cutter

Censorship is fueled by the desire of historically dominant social forces to reassert power over marginalized populations. As book challenges are on the upswing in the region — it is essential to understand both root causes and strategic responses to the growing reactionary movement attempting to seize control of our libraries and, ultimately, silence diverse voices. In this session, you will hear from an experienced public library CEO, a community-minded librarian, and an intellectual freedom scholar as they share the context for this culture war, emerging research, and practical strategies for protecting collections, library workers, and our communities. Speakers: Andrea Boothby-Rice

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Book Buzz | 1:30-3:30 | Room: Galleon

Catch the “buzz” on new, upcoming and recently published titles! The Reader’s Advisory Interest Group will be presenting a diverse and enticing selection of fresh reads for library staff to add to their reader’s advisory toolbox. Speakers: Meg Faller, Monica McAbee

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Building a Public Library Digital Equity Strategy from the Ground Up | 1:30-3:30 | Room: Windjammer

Faced with the familiar chicken-egg conundrum of tackling digital equity and teaching digital literacy to those who are least equipped for both, learn how BCPL combined old-fashioned outreach with emerging technology solutions to address the issues faced by branch customers. Also learn how we leveraged relationships with local and national like-minded NGOs and government partners to increase capacity without overburdening staff. Speakers: Alexandra Houff, Andrea Lowman

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Tending the Garden: Supporting Staff Who Live at the Intersection of Identities | 3-4 | Room: Chesapeake F

Books, and by extension, libraries, have become a flashpoint in the culture wars. The most banned books are from Black and LGBTQ+ authors. Laws now ban DEI and CRT. Library leaders, managers, and colleagues are invited to consider what it means for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) staff, living at the intersections of race, gender, and sexual orientation, to bring their whole selves to work. What does it mean to truly foster a library culture of inclusion and belonging for all staff? Speakers: Dr. Kelly Clark and Kinshasa Vargas-Pile

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It’s Thyme to Set Boundaries – For Managers  | 3-4 | Room: Chesapeake G

It can be challenging to transition from being a team member to a team leader. Especially when you are juggling the needs of your department and the needs of your system. Learn how to utilize your newfound position in leadership to plant seeds of growth and effective change. While it can be difficult meeting varying expectations, through effective communication and boundaries, you, too, can be a successful middle manager! Speakers: Bridget Bloomer, Frank Dibeneditto

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Concerts from the Library of Congress at 100: A Study in Sustainable Philanthropy and Engagement  | 3-4 | Room: Clipper A/B

Learn best practices for establishing or growing programming and engagement initiatives through the sustainable public-private funding model of the "Concerts from the Library of Congress" series, which celebrates 100 years in 2024/2025. A program of the Library of Congress Music Division, the series was founded in 1925 by an act of Congress through the leadership and philanthropic support of Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge (1864-1953). Over the past 100 years, the series has been an important avenue for the Library of Congress to engage with the American and global public through radio broadcasts, digital media, commissioning of new works, and live events in Washington, DC. This presentation features speakers from the Music Division's leadership and the Office of the Librarian who will provide an overview of the history of the series, how its major supporters have cultivated a legacy of philanthropy, how the series has enriched the Library's collections, and how the Music Division leverages private funding to advance its mission. Attendees will also learn tactics for developing strategic institutional partnerships that strengthen engagement with specific cultural communities. Speaker: Nicholas A. Brown-Càceras

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Freedom to Read - Legislation and First Amendment Discussion  | 3-4 | Room: Schooner

This will be an open forum, led by the three panel members, on the impact of Freedom to Read Legislation, the First amendment and where libraries find themselves with the current status of banned books and censorship. Speakers: Andrea Berstler, Thomas Vose, Michael Blackwell

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Destination or Hangout: Intentional Teen Programming  | 3-4 | Room: Skipjack

Teen programming can be really tough. It isn't uncommon for a program that took weeks of preparation to have few attendees or a program with limited space to be absolutely swamped. This program will guide participants in thinking about goals, target audiences, and library resources to create programs best suited for our teen communities by posing a simple question. Are your teens looking for a destination or a hangout? Speaker: Jake Ciarapica

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Collaborative Digital Discovery with DPLA | 4:15-5:15 | Room: Clipper C

In the age of ever-increasing importance of digital accessibility of collections, questions of digitization and aggregation remain as relevant as ever. The Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) provides a rich platform for discovering digital collections at thousands of organizations across the United States, including in Maryland and Delaware. Hear how two DPLA hubs – Digital Maryland and the NJ/DE Digital Collective – can help people find and access your historical treasures. This session is intended for any cultural heritage workers in Maryland or Delaware who are interested in hearing about the hubs or potentially getting involved. It is also an opportunity for representatives at existing partner institutions to ask questions and make comments. Speakers: Michael L. Stewart, Lynn Hoffman, Megan Kean

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Cultivating Lasting Connections Through An International Pen Pal Program | 4:15-5:15 | Room: Chesapeake E

In Spring 2022, Delaware embarked on a pen pal program with Wellington City Libraries. With over 530 patrons enrolled, and more are being added each month, patrons can explore a new culture, make friends, and revive the art of letter writing. We'll talk you through the process from the very beginning, and cover details such as matching pen pals, safety, patron feedback, and ways to incorporate other library programs. This session is great for any library staff member or volunteer who may be interested in setting up their own international pen pal program, regardless of experience level. Speakers: Robin Agar, Matthew Symes, Rachel Firestein-Noguera

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Journey Through and Beyond the Fence: Assisting Incarcerated Individuals in the Reentry and Workforce Development Process | 4:15-5:15 | Room: Cutter

Learn about current library programs that assist incarcerated individuals in overcoming barriers to parole, reentry and employment. This session will highlight library programs in the Maryland prison system that encourage, teach and cultivate the skills needed for successful transition to the community and the world of work. Correctional libraries plant the seeds of hope and success among this underserved population so that they can and will have a successful life outside the prison walls. We will also explore some ways that public libraries can partner with correctional libraries to assist the formerly incarcerated to succeed in the workforce and to reduce recidivism. Speakers: June Brittingham, Anne Bocchini Kirsch

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Farm to Patron: Talking about Food Insecurity in Rural Communities | 4:15-5:15 | Room: Schooner

This session will provide both traditional and non-traditional ideas on how libraries in rural communities can help patrons with food insecurity. It is intended for libraries in rural areas that see patrons facing issues securing food for themselves and their families. Speaker: Stacy Lane

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Emerging Adult Programs: Fostering Patrons for the Future  | 4:15-5:15 | Room:Galleon

Program design for emerging adults is a new and interesting area of librarianship that specifically targets a demographic of people who will ensure the future of libraries and their use. It is more pivotal than ever to discuss how our young folks are engaging with libraries via programming in order to build life long library users. Speaker: Emily Levine

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Engaging Deaf and Hard of Hearing students with Bookcreator  | 4:15-5:15 | Room: Chesapeake F

How do you engage DHH students in the media center when historically DHH students have a much lower reading comprehension level in English? This program will how to highlight how to encourage an authentic writing experience to compete in a Write-a-Book competition and allow students to interpret their original works in ASL. The lesson would also be applicable to ESOL teachers and for world language teachers. Speakers: Tammi Tatro, Dianna Yamada

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Banned Books Week: Why Now? | 4:15-5:15 | Room: Skipjack

Salisbury University Libraries, in collaboration with Wicomico Public Library, held their second Banned Books Week event. Beginning with the question "Why now?", the diverse panel progressed to an inspirational discussion that offered hope and excitement for the future. Topics ranged from different kinds of libraries supporting each other to the necessity of speaking to the legislators to bring awareness. The discussion was enhanced by the active participation of students from a local high school. This panel will be recreated for the conference to hear and share in this important experience of bringing many voices to the IF discussion table. Panelists: Ashley Teagle, Allison Jennings-Roche, Dr. Erin Stutelberg, Emma Cohn

Moderator: Aurelio Giannitti 

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Genrefying your Public Library  | 4:15-5:15 | Room: Clipper A/B

Increase patron browsing satisfaction and make use of difficult layouts by genrefying your library! This presentation is designed for Librarians who want to start organizing and classifying books by genre but are unsure how to start. Using real experiences from the Ocean City Library, we will go over the complexities of genrefying a collection that is actively being circulated. We will also go over how to include staff at all levels in this process. Speaker: Alec Staley

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Public Health Blossoms in Libraries  | 4:15-5:15 | Room: Chesapeake G

While many library systems worked closely with public health officials during the height of the pandemic, there is an abundant garden of other ways to build a stronger partnership with your local health department that in turn can grow healthier communities. Anne Arundel County Public Library staff will share how they’ve built a strong relationship with their local health officials and participated in efforts to reduce opioid overdoses, gun violence and save lives. Presenters will share ways you can grow your relationship with health officials and why you should! Speakers: Christine Feldmann, Rachel Myers

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Ignite Talks 2  | 4:15-5:15 | Room: Windjammer

Four mini-presentations on mentorship, serving incarcerated individuals, community partnerships, and research data services. 1) A Budding Partnership: How Two BIWOC Library Workers Flourish in Mentorship - Jasmine Shumaker and Joe Lee 2) Empowerment Library – Encouraging Growth for Incarcerated Individuals - Nanna Bailey 3) Lasting Community Connections - Kinshasa Vargas-Pile 4) Bite by Bit: Establishing and Building Impactful Research Data Services - Songyao Chen.