Final Schedule
MONDAY:
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Registration: Opens at 8:00
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Breakfast in Exhibit Hall 8:00 – 9:00
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Kate Byroade CLA President: Welcome Address 9:00-9:15
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Session 1: 9:20-10:10
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#SquadGoals: Collaborative Programming
Want to host large scale programs that make a big impact on your community, but are feeling overwhelmed? Look outside your library walls and find your librarian squad! Hear how one squad came together to put on three kick-a** literacy based trivia events. Learn tips and tricks to make multi-town programming manageable and fun!
Presenters: Marisa Hicking, Teen Librarian, Avon Free Public Library; Sara Ray, Teen Services Librarian, Simsbury Public Library; Kari Karp, Teen Services Librarian, West Hartford Libraries; Anna Boisvert, Teen Services Assistant, Farmington Libraries
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Conference Room 1
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Track: YA
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All Things Streaming
This session will be a panel of librarians discussing streaming services from the point of acquisitions: choosing a vendor, negotiating pricing and licenses, and choosing content models; to cataloging: metadata in vendor records, and OCLC record issues; to marketing and patron help services. The panelists will share their successes and lessons learned along the way to providing optimal streaming services to their patrons.
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Presenters: Kari Swanson (Southern Connecticut State University), Kristina Edwards (Central Connecticut State University), Jacqueline Toce (Southern Connecticut State University), and Eric McCarthy (Greenwich Library).
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Conference Room 2
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Track: Academic
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Challenges, Censorship, and Lattes
How over-priced coffee can prepare you for challenges, censorship and first amendment attacks. A look at Starbucks customer service to empower front line staff to handle challenges, while empowering them to defend the freedom of speech.
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Presenter: Sam Lee, Enfield Public Library
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Conference Room 3
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Track: Adult Services
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Collaboration: It’s Not Just a Buzz Word
Whether you build a new library or transform an existing one, do not build the best library of the previous era. Create an environment that facilitates new patterns of interaction, learning, and accessing information. This presentation, based on Peter Gisolfi’s recently released book, Collaborative Library Design: From Planning to Impact, published by the ALA, shows how the collaborative process can lead the way to better libraries, ones that respond to the communities they serve.
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Presenters: Jane Marsh, former chair of the steering committee of the Byram Shubert Library, and a trustee of the Greenwich Library, Peter Gisolfi, AIA, ASLA, LEED AP, Alan Kirk Gray, Director of the Darien Library , and Caroline Mandler Lopez, Associate Director of Operations, Darien Library
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Conference Room 4
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Track: Administration
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Music at the Library
Shana Shea, the Head of Children's Services at the Windsor Public Library is excited to share the successes and stresses of incorporating a music makerspace into the library. We'll cover the pros and cons of circulating musical instruments and equipment, what to buy and from where, how to incorporate these supplies into your programming and even the packaging for circulation.
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Presenter: Shana Shea, the Head of Children's Services at the Windsor Public Library
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Conference Room 5
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Track: Children’s
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Work the Room: Schmoozing Tips for Shy People
Learn how to make a great first impression at a professional event! Networking is an essential skill that can help you build your career, connect with a mentor, or find professional support. In this workshop, which will include real networking tips as well as participatory exercises, attendees will learn how to work the room like an extrovert.
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Presenters: Erin Shea, Branch Supervisor, The Ferguson Library and Mallory Arents, Associate Director of Public Services, Darien Library
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Conference Room 6
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Track: Professional Development
Going to the Dogs: How Therapy Dogs Enhance Customer Service
Therapy dogs have a single purpose: to make people feel better. Your library may have a therapy dog for children's reading programs, but don't forget about the staff and your other patrons. Invite a dog to your next staff meeting and see how the tension dissipates. Have a dog calm an agitated customer. Jean Baur, "dog" author and experienced therapy dog handler, will explore creative ways you can incorporate therapy dogs into your library programs.
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Presenters: Jean Baur and her certified therapy dog, Rudy.
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Conference Room 7
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Track: Public Libraries
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Coffee Break 10:15 – 10:45 – visit the exhibits and grab some coffee and snacks
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Session 2: 10:45- 11:30
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Giving and Receiving Criticism: The Basics
Criticism is a necessary tool in the workplace. If done right, it enables us to improve professionally without feeling bad about ourselves or our work. Unfortunately, giving and receiving criticism is a difficult skill to master and one that is rarely taught. In this session we will reflect upon our own experiences with criticism and highlight tips to prepare you for your next critique, whether you will be giving or receiving the criticism.
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Presenters: Laura A. Horn, Assistant Director, The Farmington Libraries; Sarah Mias, Information Services Librarian, The Farmington Libraries
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Conference Room 1
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Track: Professional Development
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Think, Pair, Share--But Don't Stop There: Creative Teaching Techniques for Effective Instruction
As information literacy instruction is becoming so much a critical part of the work of librarians, the need for captivating teaching methods to engage our learners is vital. Join students from Simmons University West's User Instruction class as they demonstrate a variety of interactive creative learning techniques they developed throughout their coursework.
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Presenters: Eric Poulin and students
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Conference Room 2
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Track: Academic
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Makerspace Mayhem
Calling all makerspace librarians! Bring your stories of stumbling blocks you've overcome and problems you're working on right now. In this facilitated discussion, participants will have an opportunity to share their triumphs and get ideas for tackling their makerspace woes. Are you struggling to get the word out about your makerspace or convince people that it's not just for serious techies? Talk with other library makerspace staffers about what's working and what's not.
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Presenters: Chris Bacchiocchi and Beth Grimes
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Conference Room 3
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Track: Adult Services
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Ditching Dewey: How to Make Searching Your Collection Engaging, Not Enraging
Many librarians are looking to ditch Dewey for a more relevant 21st century system, but the undertaking seems overwhelming. A former bookseller turned librarian has taken years of experience watching how people shop and turned their collections into a reader's paradise -- for only the cost of new spine labels, ink, and time! Join this interactive session to learn how you can do the same for your patrons by changing your call number system.
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Presenter: Melissa Chiavaroli, MLIS
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Conference Room 4
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Track: Public Libraries
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Read & Bead: Summer Reading, Reinvented
Read & Bead: Summer Reading, Reinvented. Discover an innovative system for your library's Summer Reading Program that will encourage intrinsic motivation, increase participation, support both literacy and math skills and is fun and easy to learn for your patrons and staff. The 'Read and Bead' system is completely customizable and reaches and supports both struggling and advanced readers in your community. Find out what small pieces plastic with holes in them can do for your library!
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Presenters: Jennifer Needham, Head of Children's & Teen Services, Berlin-Peck Memorial Library; Brienne Tripp and Ellen Harzeski, Wethersfield Library.
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Conference Room 5
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Track: Children’s
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You Can't Spell Trustee without Trust
Join us for a round table talk on library board relationships. Meet other library directors, library admins, and trustees and share your experiences, tips, frustrations and wins with peers. How do directors foster good relationships with their trustees? Do you struggle with energizing your board? Learn how to build a diverse and knowledgeable board, and leverage them to advance the library’s strategic plans. Share a board success story or bring a challenge you are currently facing. Attendees will leave with an increased network of support and strategies to apply.
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Presenter: Maura Deedy
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Conference Room 6
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Track: Administration
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Children's & Teen Book Buzz
Find out about new and forthcoming titles for your library, and get advanced reader copies and marketing materials from some great publishers! Publishers will focus on books for children and teens.
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Presenter: Alyssa Skorski
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Conference Room 7
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Track: Youth Services
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Session 3: 11:40 - 12:30
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The Amazing Castle @ The Avon Library: An Unforgettable Amazing Journey
How did the Avon Library organize and install a 1500 square foot children’s museum exhibit on the floor of its children’s library? Last year, The Amazing Castle TM, came to New England for the first time. The Avon Library’s children’s staff hosted the castle for 4 months, transforming their children’s space into a medieval playground. Experience the magic and hear the behind the scene details of this extraordinary once in a lifetime library adventure.
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Presenter: Kari Ann St. Jean - Children's and Teen Services Manager
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Conference Room 1
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Track: Public Libraries
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Seeking Stellar Staff
Do you agonize each time you have to fill a position because you're just not receiving the right applications? Are you recruiting in the right places? Is asking for specific library experience getting in the way? Does your interview process reveal the right skills? This session, led by veteran public library director Maxine Bleiweis, will take a hard look at how we recruit, interview and orient new library staff at every position.
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Presenter: Maxine Bleiweis
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Conference Room 2
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Track: Administration
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Building Positive Relationships with Mutual Respect and Encouragement
Participants will be involved in experiential learning to develop a better understanding of how to be encouraging to themselves and others, and how to create a culture of mutual respect. Building a culture based on mutual respect and encouragement yields deep connection. With connection, everyone feels safe to problem solving solutions that are mutually beneficial for all. We will learn specific tools and strategies to help improve relationships, based on Adlerian psychology and Positive Discipline.
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Presenter: Carol Schilling Dores, Certified Positive Discipline Trainer
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Conference Room 3
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Track: Children’s
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Even More Connecticut Gems: Three Special Libraries in Connecticut
This is the third year of Connecticut Gems featuring three more special libraries. Come to this session to hear about the collections and services of the Reference Library and Archives at the Yale Center for British Art in New Haven, the Lyman Maynard Stowe Library at the UCONN Health Center in Farmington, and the Fairfield Museum & History Center.
Presenters: Kraig Binkowski, Chief Librarian, Reference Library and Archives, Yale Center for British Art; Janice Swiatek, Director, Lyman Maynard Stowe Library; and Elizabeth Rose, Library Director, Fairfield Museum & History Center.
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Conference Room 4
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Track: Academic
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When Patrons Cross the Line: Addressing Sexual Harassment in Public Libraries
A recent national survey revealed that 67% of library employees have experienced sexual harassment by patrons but most never report these incidents. This presentation will shed light on this difficult topic by defining sexual harassment, identifying barriers to recognizing/reporting, and encouraging a discussion on solutions to empower library employees at all levels to respond effectively. Get ideas on what to say in the moment, how to introduce this topic to your library, and how to help maintain the safe and supportive work environment we all deserve.
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Presenter: Jill Mercurio, Assistant Director, Newton Free Library
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Conference Room 5
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Track: Customer Service
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Helping Teens in Need
Sarah Camerota, Program Manager for Crisis Services at United Way 2-1-1, will present on teen depression and risk factors for suicide and social media concerns. Camerota will speak of the variety of services provided by 2-1-1 versus other agencies and what we, as librarians, can do to help teens in need. She will also discuss the Mobile Crisis Services from United Way, which provides immediate professional help to adolescents and children experiencing behavioral or mental health crisis.
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Presenter: Sarah Camerota, Program Manager for Crisis Services at United Way 2-1-1
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Conference Room 6
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Track: YA
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Escape Room Orientation: Help stop the mad librarian!
An escape room as a library orientation activity hours escape room in the library for students. At that time, Goodwin College was not a residential campus and student attendance at extra-curricular events was low. An escape room seemed like a great idea…until no one attended. Undaunted, library staff revamped and re purposed the escape room challenges into a successful library orientation activity for new students.
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Presenters: Danielle Berube & Susan Hansen from Hoffman Family Library at Goodwin College
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Conference Room 7
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Track: Academic
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Lunch: 12:30 – 1:15 Buffets set up in both Marriott Foyer AND Octagon Restaurant
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Keynote: 1:15 - 2:00 Romance is Not a Guilty Pleasure featuring authors Regina Kyle, Jenn McKinlay, Jamie Pope, and Sherry Thomas in the Mystic Ballroom
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Session 4: 2:10 – 3:20
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$nag a $tate Library Construction Grant: Advice and Tips on how to write a winning construction grant proposal
You build it, your community will come. Dawn La Valle and Tom Newman will provide advice, tips and best practice basics for submitting a winning construction grant proposal. The State Library will have $8million in construction grant funds and will be accepting applications this year from public libraries for library expansion, new buildings, major alterations, remodeling, accessibility, code compliance, emergency preparedness, and energy conservation. Get back to the basics of a good building project.
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Presenters: Dawn La Valle, Director, Division of Library Development; Tom Newman, Statewide Data Coordinator, Construction Grant Administrator
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Conference Room 1
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Track: Public Libraries
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Tell Me a Story: Library Advocacy Through Storytelling (Double Session)
What if you could learn a concise yet powerful way to tell your library’s stories so the stories secure funding, teach librarians and library advocates how to a have a voice in the community, and provide a consistent message that libraries transform and are smart investments? You will walk away from this workshop with the structure for powerful storytelling in place, hear several examples, and sketch out at least one story from your own library.
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Presenters: Amanda Stern, CLC Special Projects Manager, ALA Advocacy Bootcamp Trainer, Julie Yulo-Medeiros, CLC Member Relations Manager, ALA Advocacy Bootcamp Trainer
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Conference Room 2
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Track: Administration
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<title>Ready to Code: A Hands-On How-To</title> (Double Session)
Is your library Ready to Code? Not sure what that means or how to get there? Join the Hartford Public Library and Groton Public Library as they talk about their experiences implementing coding and computational thinking programs for youth. The presentation will cover activities for high tech, no tech, and every library in between. After the discussion, attendees will get hands on experience with the equipment our presenters used in their programs.
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Presenters: Jessica Franco (Groton Public Library), Tricia George (Hartford Public Library), Emily Sheehan (Groton Public Library), and Teens from the Hartford Public Library's Workforce Development Program
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Conference Room 3
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Track: YA
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Tool Kit for How Librarians Prepare People to Get Work
Christy Billings, Russell Library’s Job and Career Coordinator will give the top ten job prep tips to have in your library’s tool kit for helping people prepare to find work. She will cover how to network, best resumes, how to get on Linked-In, and how to stay organized in a job search. She will also teach how to provide help with Twitter and Facebook job searches, advise best ways to handle job interviews, ways to follow-up after interviews and more. Don’t let your patron be sucked into the black hole when looking for a job! Come learn how to help them stay focused, sane, and ultimately, employed!
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Presenter: Christy Billings, Russell Library’s Job and Career Coordinator
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Conference Room 4
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Track: Customer Service
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How to Have Difficult Conversations About Race (Double Session)
Get tongue-tied in conversations about race? Want to learn more about your blind spots? Curious about what the view is like from “the other side of the fence”? Author/Social Justice Consultant, Anika Nailah, will use activities from her Langston Hughes-inspired book, Every Day in the USA: 30 Black Moments to sharpen your acumen for cross-racial interactions. The insights this workshop offers are needed in our nation now more than ever.
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Presenter: Anika Nailah, author/speaker/educator
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Conference Room 5
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Track: Public Libraries
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Romance in the Stacks: Building a Modern Core Collection
Need help building a romance section for your library? Amanda and Jennifer are here to help. We'll discuss core authors and books for the collection from today's romance authors in a variety of genres.
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Presenters: Amanda Brouwer, Library Director at Action Library and Jennifer Rummel, Children’s and Young Adult Librarian at Cragin Memorial Library in Colchester, CT
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Conference Room 6
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Track: Adult Services
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Art for All: Approaches to Running a Successful Art Program for those with Special Needs (Double Session)
Please join art lover and enthusiast Sara Taussik for a fun and informative workshop on how to run an engaging and interactive art program for children with special needs. Focusing on the needs of children with ADD/ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder and other developmental disabilities, Sara will guide you on the path to creating an inclusive art program that meets the creative wants of special needs children.
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Presenter: Sara Taussik ATR-BC, LCAT
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Conference Room 7
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Track: Children’s
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Coffee Break: 3:20 – 3:45 – visit the exhibits and grab some coffee and snacks
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Session 5: 3:45 – 4:35
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Patrons, Privacy, and Policies to Protect It
Federal laws conflict over what can and should be disclosed to authorities. FERPA and the USA PATRIOT Act conflict over what can or should be disclosed based upon the requesting authority. The laws can also conflict with Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and state sunshine laws. Overall, there are specific actions and policies a library can take to ensure patron privacy. This session will discuss what libraries can do to ensure patron privacy.
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Presenter: Jamie Marie Aschenbach
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Conference Room 1
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Track: Academic
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Tell Me a Story: Library Advocacy Through Storytelling (Double Session)
Conference Room 2
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<title>Ready to Code: A Hands-On How-To</title> (Double Session)
Conference Room 3
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Libraries and the American Dream
The ALA Dollar General American Dream Literacy Initiative is a great opportunity for public libraries to fund English language learning courses, economic literacy programs, and employment enforcement projects. Of the 20 libraries selected this year, two were from Connecticut: Danbury Library and the Ferguson Library of Stamford. Program administrators from both libraries will present their projects successes and pitfalls as well as share information about the grant application and process.
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Presenters: Yelena Klompus, World Languages and Literacy Librarian, Ferguson Library Rodrigo Fuenzalida, Communications Specialist, Danbury Library Christina Davis, Innovation and Sustainability Librarian, Danbury Library
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Conference Room 4
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Track: Public Libraries
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How to Have Difficult Conversations about Race (Double Session)
Conference Room 5
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STEAM Powered: Using Science to Engage Children of All Ages at Your Library
Join Mad Scientists Nicole Dolat (Prosser Public Library) and Allison Murphy (Wallingford Public Library) in their school-age science lab and learn about how they create and implement STEAM-based programming in their libraries, and how they use it to create outreach opportunities in their communities. You'll learn about how to start an after school science club and hear about some of their favorite programs for all ages.
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Presenters: Allison Murphy (Wallingford Public Library) and Nicole Dolat (Prosser Public Library)
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Conference Room 6
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Track: Children’s
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Art for All: Approaches to Running a Successful Art Program for those with Special Needs (Double Session)
Conference Room 7
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Performer’s Showcase 4:45 – 5:30
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Cocktails and All in the Game of Love with Regina Kyle 5:30 – 6:15 in the Mystic Ballroom
TUESDAY:
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Registration: Opens at 8 am
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Breakfast in Exhibit Hall 8:00 – 9:00
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Session 1: 9:00 - 9:50
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Librarians and Comic Conventions
Have you ever wanted to attend a comic convention but were too scared to try? This panel will go over all the benefits of attending New York Comic Con, opportunities for professional development at cons, different aspects and fandoms of cons (anime, manga, graphic novels, gaming, etc) plus all the fun of attending!
Presenters: Jackie Bush (Wethersfield Public Library), Mary Richardson (Cragin Memorial Library), Jenn Bartlett (Manchester Public Library)
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Conference Room 1
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Track: YA
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Put Down Your Devices. Let’s talk face to face with a Human Library program
Everywhere you look everyone seems to be on some kind of mobile device. Doesn’t anyone talk face to face anymore? The Human Library™ is an event designed to build a positive framework for conversations that can challenge stereotypes and prejudices through dialogue. Librarians from CCSU Elihu Burritt Library discuss all aspects of the event planning, recruitment of volunteers, logistics, advertising, registration, etc. We will talk about what went well and what needed improvement to have a successful program.
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Presenters: Susan Slaga-Metivier, Head of Reference and Instruction at Central Connecticut State University Elihu Burritt Library and Renata Vickrey, Outreach and Special Collections Librarian and University Archivist.
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Conference Room 2
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Track: Academic
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The Library As Advocate for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Survivors
Domestic violence and sexual assault survivors are part of every library community, yet we often forget about their unique information needs, and fail to provide adequate services for them. Miranda Dube will speak during this session on the unique barriers faced by survivors and solutions to implement in your library to improve resources to this marginalized group.
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Presenter: Miranda Dube: Adjunct Faculty Librarian at UNH Manchester
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Conference Room 3
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Track: Adult Services
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Connecting From Your Comfort Zone: An introvert’s guide to working the room, ditching the small talk, and building meaningful relationships
Let’s be honest, networking can be draining and stressful even for the most outgoing professionals. We’ve all hid in the restroom during an awkward cocktail hour before! In this session, Career & Life Coach, Loraine Martinez Bellamy will help you identify your unique networking skills and play to your strengths no matter your personality type. You’ll learn how to: - Create a plan/strategy for networking events - Start an interesting conversation with almost anyone - Follow up with new acquaintances and build meaningful connections
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Presenter: Loraine Martinez
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Conference Room 4
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Track: Professional Development
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Repeat with Purpose
Anchor multi week storytime sessions using your favorite book or song. This process of planning and executing storytime engages the presenter and the participants, and it allows for rich discussions incorporating Reading Together and The Whole Book Approach techniques. Children are empowered when they can make prediction about what themes will be covered week to week and the opportunities for participation from children increase as they revisit the materials.
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Presenter: Denise Butwill, Woodbury Public Library
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Conference Room 5
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Track: Children’s
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From Contentious to Collaborative: Re-imagining the Employee Performance Review
Traditional performance reviews fill employees with anxiety and leave managers struggling to balance praising staff while delivering meaningful feedback. Writing reviews can be a time-consuming process that may cause managers to take short-cuts or forgo reviews altogether leaving employees unsure of their performance. Jane Fisher, Director of the Wallingford Public Library and Beth Crowley, Director of the Cheshire Public Library, will discuss new ways to approach performance reviews to ensure a collaborative and productive process.
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Presenters: Jane Fisher, Director of The Wallingford Public Library; Beth Crowley, Director of The Cheshire Public Library
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Conference Room 6
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Track: Administration
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Performance Passes @ Your Library
Two public librarians talk about creating a pass program for patrons that allows them to reserve discount passes to events and non-traditional venues. The West Hartford Arts Pass focuses on arts and performances. The Windsor Events Pass includes baseball game tickets and a town pool pass. Both of these programs are administered through an online management system alongside museum passes. Attendees can expect to learn how the program works, funding, outcomes, setbacks, marketing and more.
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Presenters: Andrea O'Shea, Windsor Public Library; Carol Waxman, West Hartford Public Library
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Conference Room 7
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Track: Customer Service
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Coffee Break: 9:50 – 10:20 – visit the exhibits and grab some coffee and snacks
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Session 2: 10:20-11:10
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Marketing Academic Library Usage: A Connecticut Case Study
Academic libraries contribute to education, research, learning, student retention, and community engagement which most often support a university’s strategic goals. This presentation will provide a case study of the Elihu Burritt Library at Central Connecticut State University. Based on current literature and extensive original survey research, the evolving nature of the academic library and how to best market services with students, faculty, and community patrons whose motivations are ever-changing will be discussed. The case will conclude with a description of how the Burritt Library is implementing changes to better meet patrons’ needs.
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Presenters: Carl Antonucci, Viviana Nicholas, Renata Vickrey, Cornelius Benjamin Tyson
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Conference Room 1
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Track: Academic
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Job Search Work Teams -- Assisting Job Seekers in a Changing Economy
Job Search Work Teams provide Job Seekers with a means to monitor their progress towards a new job by following established metrics which have proven to be hugely successful at The Westport Library. Following this proven method of accountability & tracking coupled with resume assistance and career counseling, over 75% of team members have found new jobs. This has allowed the library to take multiple steps beyond traditional networking groups in order to provide a proven response to job seeker’s needs in your communities. In this session, librarians will learn about the Job Search Work Team processes and why members have found it so successful, and how JSWT can be implemented in your library.
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Presenter: Ellen Janpol, Business Librarian, The Westport Library
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Conference Room 2
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Track: Customer Service
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YA Smackdown
A grassroots meet-up and idea generation tool for anyone providing library services to teens. Topics and questions are passed around to all attendees to gather a variety of answers and insights. Similar in style to Guerrilla Storytime.
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Presenter: Brittany Pearson
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Conference Room 3
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Track: YA
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You’ve Got a Friend: How Connecticut Library Consortium (CLC) saves you time and money
Are you seeking ways to reduce costs on critical library resources, find time and support for new programs and services and to connect with your peers? Look no further than CLC. Join us for a behind the scenes tour of how CLC operates for your benefit. You’ll learn more about current programs and important services you may not be taking advantage of yet. We’ll show you exciting new programs CLC is working on too!
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Presenters: Marian Amodeo- Miller Library, Hamden, CLC Board Member, Sarah Briggs- Jonathan Law HS Library, Milford, CLC Board Chair, Mary Hogan- Cora J. Belden Library, Rocky Hill, CLC Board Member, Jennifer Keohane – Connecticut Library Consortium, Executive Director, Ellen Paul- East Hampton Public Library, CLC Board Member, and Marie Shaw, Three Rivers Community College, CLC Board Member
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Conference Room 4
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Track: Administration
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Bullet Journaling for You and Your Patrons
Bullet journals with color coding and artwork are all over Pinterest these days, but the questions “Is a bullet journal worth it?" and "Can non-artists get something out of it?" hold many people back from exploring this productivity tool. Noel Figart will share her experience and techniques for bullet journaling and an overview on developing a program on the topic for patrons.
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Presenter: Noel Figart
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Conference Room 5
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Track: Adult Services
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The American Reading Crisis
Reading informs us, inspires us and literally transports us when we read deeply. It deepens our sense of connection and strengthens our empathy and we, and our children, need it navigate the trials and tribulations of life. But how does this uniquely human activity happen? How do we become readers? During this one hour talk, Caroline Wilcox Ugurlu, Ph.D., will begin to unpack the American Reading Crisis (2/3 of American children are not reaching literacy benchmarks by 4th grade) and the things that we all need to know about reading for ourselves and for our children.
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Presenter: Caroline Wilcox Ugurlu, Ph.D.
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Conference Room 6
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Track: Children’s
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Music and Movement: Tips, Tricks and Tunes
Have you been thinking about incorporating music and movement into your lineup of family programs? Got two left feet or are intimidated by the thought of ‘dancing’ in front of people? Come learn some helpful tips, handy tricks, and happy tunes to get you started. Participants will receive information on pairing instruments, the parachute and other manipulatives with music, a shortlist of great websites and resources for activities, and a song list of proven favorites.
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Presenter: Catherine Potter, Children's and Teen Librarian at East Hartford Public Library
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Conference Room 7
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Track: Children’s
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Annual Meeting: 11:15 to 11:30 in the Mystic Ballroom
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Awards: 11:30 – 12:00 in the Mystic Ballroom
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Lunch: 12:00 – 12:45 Buffets set up in both Marriott Foyer AND Octagon Restaurant
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Keynote: 12:45 – 1:30 featuring Author/Illustrator Vashti Harrison Dreaming of a Better World in the Mystic Ballroom (Co-Sponsored by Fairfield County Library Administrator’s Group – FLAG)
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Session 3: 1:30 – 2:20
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Got Game? Board Game Collection Development at the Library
Thinking about circulating board games at your library, but have no idea where to start? Join Bartlett, AKA the Board Game Librarian, as she shares her collection development tips and titles to help you get started.
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Presenter: Jenn Bartlett, Manchester Public Library
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Conference Room 1
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Track: Public Libraries
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Balanced Librarians: What does core have to do with it?
In our libraries today, we are asked to balance innovation with tradition. Both are important and it all comes down to our core. Just like our bodies, we must know and understand what the values and principles of librarianship are in order to be successful. This session will be an exercise in learning how to balance service with library principles.
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Presenter: Deb Hoadley, Sandown Public Library
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Conference Room 2
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Track: Customer Service
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From Talk to Tech—Strategies for Everyday Communication
Whether the library has a staff of a dozen or a hundred, we all struggle to communicate effectively and efficiently with everyone. Panelists from libraries large and small will share their successes and challenges with everything from plain old paper memos, “management by walking around”, email, and the most current team collaboration tools.
Presenters: Kate Byroade—Cragin Memorial Library, Colchester, Ramona Burkey—Russell Library, Middletown, Ellen Paul—East Hampton Public Library
Conference Room 3
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Track: Administration
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Designing Digital Humanities Curricula: A Collaborative Effort between Teaching Faculty and Librarians
Though it continues to grow in interest and popularity, digital humanities (DH) is so broad and interdisciplinary that providing useful instruction in the field can be daunting. In this session, we will explore the process of creating and implementing an undergraduate course of study in DH. We will discuss and use specific tools, resources, and concepts that could be included, how to sequence the materials, and the role of the library in DH instruction.
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Presenters: Brian Matzke and members of the CCSU faculty
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Conference Room 4
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Track: Academic
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Explore Space with NASA: Great STEAM programs for Summer Reading 2019 & Beyond! (Double Session)
Join us as we delve into two complementary NASA-funded programs producing STEAM learning resources specifically designed for library audiences: NASA’s Universe of Learning and NASA@MyLibrary.
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Have you ever wondered how NASA creates those amazing images of deep space? Library learners of all ages can become apprentice astro-photographers by controlling real ground-based telescopes over the Internet. In this session you’ll access the user-friendly MicroObservatory robotic telescopes, and then use STEM (and STEAM!) skills to create your own colorful cosmic image. Explore a variety of hands-on activities and programming ideas from NASA’s Universe of Learning to incorporate into your summer of Space!
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Then, Gail Hurley of the CT State Library will give an overview of their NASA @ My Library grant project, demonstrate the new NASA STEM kits that are available to circulate to public libraries for programs year-round, present STEM resources, and talk about local scientists and volunteers who are available to present at libraries.
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Participants are encouraged to bring their own devices to use during this program. The free software we'll be using is browser-based and will work on many different types of devices!
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Presenters: Mary Dussault, Instructional Systems Specialist | Program Manager, Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian & Erika Wright, Education Specialist, Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian. Gail Hurley | Library Development Consultant, Division of Library Development, Connecticut State Library.
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Conference Room 5
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Track: Youth Services
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Moving Through the Ranks
This lively panel discussion with library professionals in various stages of management aims to shed light on moving up, over, and onward after starting in youth services. Hear thoughts, experience, and advice about your career as aspiring managers and directors. This panel is sponsored by the Children's Section.
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Presenters: Andrea O'Shea, Head of Reference & Technical Services, Windsor Public Library; Sarah Morgan, Director, East Hartford Public Library; Beth Crowley, Director, Cheshire Public Library; Jessica Miller, Director, Somers Public Library
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Conference Room 6
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Track: Professional Development
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Can the library come out and play? Lending toys to your patrons
What does it take to loan toys out at your library? Find out at this panel! School psychologist Sheryl Shyloski and children's librarians Sara Bartelmo and Angelina Carnevale will take you through all the steps: getting funding, choosing toys, cataloging & packaging toys, lending policies, promoting your collection, dealing with missing & broken pieces, and defining success. Hear what worked and what didn’t work after a year and a half of toy circulation in Guilford.
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Presenters: Sheryl Shyloski, NCSP LBA BCBA, School Psychologist; Sara Bartelmo, Children's Librarian; Angelina Carnevale, Head of Children's Services
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Conference Room 7
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Track: Children’s
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Coffee Break 2:20 – 2:40 – visit the exhibits and grab some coffee and snacks
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Library Inclusion for Everyone (Double Session)
In this case study, Gretchen Knauff, Executive Director of Disability Rights Connecticut, will describe her visits to the Greenwich, Harry Bennett, and Groton libraries to assess the accessibility of their facilities, programs, and services, and she will relate her suggestions for improving accessibility for all patrons. Come learn from a pro about practical solutions to implement in your own library.
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Presenter: Gretchen Knauff, Executive Director of Disability Rights Connecticut
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Conference Room 1
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Track: Customer’s Service
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Best Practices in Marketing & Outreach to Amplify Discovery & Engagement
Take away best practices for marketing and outreach from our network of libraries to raise awareness and usage of your OverDrive service. We’ll touch on the importance of goal setting, leveraging the Resource Center, curation and much more.
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Presenter: Kristin Preyss, Overdrive
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Conference Room 2
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Track: Adult Services
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US Census 2020 Library Kickoff (Double Session)
Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz will kick off this overview and panel about next year’s Census, which will be conducted primarily online for the first time. Learn how your library can partner with the Census to ensure a complete count in Connecticut and best practices for assisting patrons, developing outreach events, partnering with community stakeholders, and how to use Census resources for understanding your community.
Presenters: Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz; Michelle Riordan-Nold, CT Data Collaborative; Jeff Behler, US Census Bureau, Regional Director; Ana Maria Garcia, Data Dissemination Specialist, US Census Bureau; Sue Gibbs, Providence Community Library
Conference Room 3
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Track: Administration
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Library Community Partnerships that Grow Themselves
Would you like a children’s garden at your library? Does your community have a garden club or community garden? If so, you may have a ready-made partnership opportunity. Learn how the Stafford Library partnered with the Stafford Garden Club and the North Central District Health Department to create a grant-funded robust, educational, and fun garden program for children. Learn about creative ways to integrate the garden into story times and other children’s programs.
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Presenters: Chris Frank and Deb Galotto, Stafford Library; Donna Wright, Stafford Garden Club; Joanna Keyes, North Central District Health Department; Eugene Nichols, Connecticut Department of Public Health
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Conference Room 4
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Track: Children’s
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Explore Space with NASA: Great STEAM programs for Summer Reading 2019 & Beyond! (Double Session)
Conference Room 5
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How to Create "Winning" Publicity: The CLA Publicity Awards
Winners of the 2019 CLA Publicity Awards will share their prize winning entries, how they made them happen, and how you too can create more effective and attractive publicity. Don't miss this chance to learn from the most talented and creative minds that Connecticut Libraries have to offer! PLEASE NOTE: Awards will be presented at the CLA Annual Meeting on Tuesday morning.
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Presenter: Leah Farrell, Farmington Public Libraries (+ award winners to be named).
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Conference Room 6
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Track: Public Libraries
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The Power of Youth Services (Double Session)
Youth librarians need to first know their worth, and then be able to communicate that worth to other librarians, community leaders, and the public. Stronger youth services mean stronger libraries, which in turn mean stronger communities. The job of a children's librarian is not to service children well, but to make sure children are well served. Come join us to learn how to better advocate for children's services. Speaker Michael Sullivan is a past children's librarian, current library director, author, and advocate for youth services.
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Presenter: Michael Sullivan
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Conference Room 7
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Track: Youth Services
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Session 5: 3:40 – 4:30
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Library Inclusion for Everyone (Double Session)
Conference Room 1
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Revitalizing Reference: Ways to Invigorate a Core Library Service
Reference is central to a library’s mission. This vital service can be energized by engaging in professional development, meeting with colleagues from other libraries to share best practices, and collaborating with other institutions. We’ll present ways to find and create these opportunities and discuss how they can have a positive impact on reference services, instruction, collection development, and staff morale. Come away with a fresh way of looking at reference!
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Presenters: Rachel Leff and Christie Mitchell, Ridgefield Library
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Conference Room 2
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Track: Adult Services
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US Census 2020 Library Kickoff (Double Session)
Conference Room 3
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Teen-Led Programming: It's Not That Scary
The Bill Memorial Library completely transforms each year during our Haunted Library fundraiser. This program is planned, prepared, and produced entirely by more than 30 teens from across SECT. Join the teen leaders from the BML Teen Advisory Board and library staff to hear about our Haunted Library and how important it is to empower the youth in your community.
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Presenters: Katherine Bengtson (Teen Program Coordinator & TAB Facilitator, BML), Wendy Connal (Library Director, Bill Memorial Library), Christy McElroy (Trustee & TAB Facilitator, BML), and teens TBD
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Conference Room 4
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Track: YA
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HarperCollins Book Buzz
The HarperCollins Library Marketing Team is coming to Connecticut to present upcoming can't-miss reads coming Summer and Fall 2019.
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Presenters; Chris Connolly, Virginia Stanley, and Lainey Mays
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Conference Room 5
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Track: Adult Services
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BCALA-CT Selects: Gina A. Ulysse
Author, Gina A. Ulysse is the CT Center for the Book 2018 Winner for her book of poetry " Because When God is Too Busy", Wesleyan University Press. Books will be available for purchase after the session, followed by a book signing.
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Presenter: Gina A. Ulysse
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Conference Room 6
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Track: Adult Services
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The Power of Youth Services (Double Session)
Conference Room 7