Northeast Ohio Regional Library System

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Library Programming AI: Using AI to Help Create Impactful and Memorable Library Programs
3/3/2026

Planning and executing engaging library programs takes creativity, strategy, and time. AI can significantly help to streamline and enhance the process, and can do so without losing the heart of your events.

This webinar will explore how AI tools can assist with every stage of library event planning, from gathering community input and brainstorming ideas to managing logistics, writing promotional materials, and crafting welcoming remarks. Discover practical ways to integrate AI into your workflow while maintaining the personal touch that makes library programming memorable. By the end of the session, you’ll have actionable strategies to save time, enhance accessibility, and ensure your programs remain community-focused and impactful.

Learning Objectives:

  • AI as Your Programming Partner-Explore how AI can assist with idea generation, logistics, and outreach.
  • Understanding Community Needs-Learn how AI-powered surveys and analysis can help align events with patron interests.
  • Streamlining Event Logistics-Discover AI tools for scheduling, accessibility considerations, and planning details.
  • Crafting Effective Promotion-Use AI to write compelling event descriptions and generate engaging visuals.
  • Maintaining the Magic-Learn how to balance AI efficiency with the creativity and connection that make library programs special.
Presenter:

Crystal TriceCSM, CSM@Scale, Library Consultant, Scissors & Glue, LLC
Crystal Trice, founder of Scissors & Glue, LLC, has over 20 years of experience in education and local government, with a focus on improving collaboration and handling challenging situations with patrons and coworkers. She is passionate about creating environments where people work together more effectively.

With certifications as a Scrum Master and in Scrum at Scale for Government, Crystal holds a Master’s in Library & Information Science and a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and Psychology. Her dedication to community enrichment fuels her work in supporting organizations to achieve their goals.

Crystal lives near Portland, Oregon, and enjoys organizing her thoughts (and tasks) with Sharpies, Flair pens, and sticky notes. She shares her home with her husband and a quirky mix of animals.

 


Location: Online via Zoom






Training / Staff Development Active Learning Community Meeting
3/3/2026

Join your peers to exchange ideas, celebrate successes, and discover new solutions to common challenges. 

This meeting will be held through Zoom which is user friendly to all devices.  You will receive a link in your confirmation email a reminder 2 hours before the meeting. We hope you will join us. Please send agenda items/questions to Melissa Lattanzi.


Location: Online via Zoom






Creating More Joy & Resilience in the Library
3/4/2026

Considerable research shows that those with more joy, laughter, and well-being in their life are more resilient, productive, and effective at work, and they live more fulfilling lives. This session is designed to increase fun, creativity, and joy. It also distinguishes between long-term well-being and toxic positivity. Through stories, activities, and experimentation, participants will learn the research and strategies to increase happiness and well-being within themselves, within the library culture, and with others. You'll walk away with practical ideas to well-being in the workplace and in your own life.
 
Learning Objectives:
• an increased knowledge of the research on positive psychology
• experiences with techniques proven to increase joy
• a plan to use the techniques increase joy & well-being in themselves
• Ideas for spreading these techniques in the library and the community

Presenter:

Sharon Morris has worked in library development for over 20 years and conducts workshops, courses, and leadership institutes throughout the country. Her interests are leadership, research, management, supervision, communications, wellness & libraries, play, values, improv comedy, and insight. Sharon takes an asset-based approach to learning and invites all to engage. She has earned an MLIS and PhD in Managerial Leadership in Libraries. Her workshops and webinars are designed based on adult learning theory and include experiential learning, content informed by research, "fun" aspects, and time for reflection and planning to apply concepts in the workplace.

 
Location: Online via Zoom






Middle Management Active Learning Community Meeting
3/5/2026

Join your peers to exchange ideas, celebrate successes, and discover new solutions to common challenges. 

This meeting will be held through Zoom which is user friendly to all devices.  You will receive a link in your confirmation email a reminder 2 hours before the meeting. We hope you will join us. Please send agenda items/questions to Ragan Snead.


Location: Online
Via Zoom






AI & Information Literacy: Building Critical Evaluation Skills for Generative AI
3/10/2026

This webinar explores the crucial intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and information literacy, addressing the transformative impact of AI on how information is accessed, evaluated, and utilized. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of how Generative AI (GenAI) tools function, including their capabilities and limitations in the context of information seeking and research. The session will delve into the integration of web search functionalities within AI tools and the implications of platforms like SearchGPT and advanced research tools on traditional information literacy practices.
A key focus will be on developing critical thinking skills to assess AI outputs effectively. Attendees will learn practical strategies, including the SIFT (Stop, Investigate the source, Find trusted coverage, Trace claims to the original context) method, to combat misinformation and evaluate the credibility of AI-generated content. The webinar will address the challenges posed by AI-driven misinformation and disinformation, equipping participants with the tools to navigate the evolving information landscape responsibly.
The session will also explore the broader implications of AI on information literacy, including ethical considerations, bias detection, and the responsible use of AI in research and education. Through interactive discussions and real-world examples, participants will learn how to adapt their information literacy instruction and practices to meet the demands of the AI era. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies for fostering critical engagement with AI tools and promoting informed decision-making in an increasingly complex information environment.

Learning Objectives:
  • Understand how GenAI tools work and their impact on information literacy.
  • Apply critical thinking skills to evaluate AI outputs and identify misinformation.
  • Utilize the SIFT method for assessing the credibility of sources in the age of AI.
  • Assess the implications of SearchGPT and deep research tools on information literacy practices.
  • Adapt information literacy instruction to promote responsible AI usage.
Presenter:

Reed Hepler is a digital initiatives librarian, instructional designer, copyright agent, artificial intelligence practitioner and consultant, and PhD student at Idaho State University. He earned a Master's Degree in Instructional Design and Educational Technology from Idaho State University in 2025. In 2022, he obtained a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science, with emphases in Archives Management and Digital Curation from Indiana University. He has worked at nonprofits, corporations, and educational institutions encouraging information literacy and effective education. Combining all of these degrees and experiences, Reed strives to promote ethical librarianship and educational initiatives.

Currently, Reed works as a Digital Initiatives Librarian at a college in Idaho and also has his own consulting firm, heplerconsulting.com. His views and projects can be seen on his LinkedIn page or his blog, CollaborAItion, on Substack. Contact him at reed.hepler@gmail.com for more information.
 
Location: Online via Zoom






Book Discussion Active Learning Community Meeting
3/11/2026

Join your peers to exchange ideas, celebrate successes, and discover new solutions to common challenges. 

This meeting will be held through Zoom which is user friendly to all devices. You will receive a link in your confirmation email a reminder 2 hours before the meeting. We hope you will join us. Please send Carrie Kibby any items you would like to discuss.


Location: Online
Via Zoom






Circulation Active Learning Community Meeting
3/12/2026

Join your peers to exchange ideas, celebrate successes, and discover new solutions to common challenges. 

This meeting will be held through Zoom which is user friendly to all devices. You will receive a link in your confirmation email a reminder 2 hours before the meeting. We hope you will join us. Please send agenda items/questions to Melissa Lattanzi.


 
Location: Online via Zoom






Intellectual Freedom in Crisis: Moral Panics, Censorship, and the Cost to Library Workers
3/19/2026

This webinar examines the current landscape of attacks on intellectual freedom and the impacts of coordinated censorship campaigns. We'll analyze the role of moral entrepreneurs, including organized advocacy groups and bad faith social media influencers.

We'll explore the historical context of how moral panics operate to limit access to reading materials and confine intellectual freedom. Understanding this history helps us respond more effectively in today’s environment.

The webinar covers legal threats facing libraries, including new state laws in Idaho, Missouri, Louisiana, and other states. Finally, we'll address the human cost of this crisis: the occupational trauma and burnout facing library workers, including anticipatory anxiety and the disproportionate impact on marginalized staff.

Learning Objectives:
  • Understand the current landscape of challenges to intellectual freedom.
  • Analyze the mechanisms of coordinated censorship campaigns.
  • Compare how moral panics have operated to censor materials across four historical periods.
  • Recognize the symptoms of occupational burnout and trauma faced by library staff.
Presenter:

Carrie Rogers-Whitehead worked in libraries for nearly a decade and now consults and trains librarians. She regularly researches and writes for librarians, educators and parents. Carrie is the author of four books: Teen Fandom and Geek Programming (2018), Digital Citizenship: Teaching and Practice from the Field (2019), Serving Teens and Adults on the Autism Spectrum: A Guide for Libraries (2020), and Becoming a Digital Parent: A Practical Guide to Help Families Navigate Technology (2021). She is the founder of Digital Respons-Ability, a mission-based company that has educated tens of thousands of students, parents and educators in digital citizenship. Carrie is a sought after trainer, former TEDx speaker, adjunct instructor and loves to teach others. 
Location: Online via Zoom






Utilizing Tutor.com for Live Online Tutoring & More
3/19/2026

This session will provide a comprehensive overview of Tutor.com and how libraries can maximize its full range of services. Attendees will participate in a live demonstration highlighting key features and benefits, followed by an interactive Q&A session.
Tutor.com supports learners across K–12, higher education, continuing education, and job-seeking pursuits by providing access to expert academic and career support, including:
  • Individualized online tutoring with fully vetted expert tutors and career coaches in more than 200 subjects, including bilingual offerings
  • Live and drop-off writing review services for essays, r?sum?s, and cover letters
  • Test preparation resources from The Princeton Review?, along with practice quizzes, worksheets, and additional learning tools
This session will be led by David Wills, Senior Director of Library Partnerships at Tutor.com, who will share insights on how libraries can effectively leverage Tutor.com to support their communities.
 
Presenter:

David Wills is the Senior Director of Library Partnerships at Tutor.com. He has been part of the Tutor.com organization since 2017 and holds a BS in Finance and Global Economics. In his role, David oversees the Library Institutional market nationwide, leading new business initiatives and managing the Customer Support team that partners closely with libraries across the country.

 
Location: Online via Zoom






Construction and Facilities Active Learning Community Meeting
4/8/2026

Join your peers to exchange ideas, celebrate successes, and discover new solutions to common challenges. 

This meeting will be held through Zoom which is user friendly to all devices. You will receive a link in your confirmation email a reminder 2 hours before the meeting. We hope you will join us. Please send agenda items/questions to Melissa Lattanzi.


 
Location: Online via Zoom






From Insight to Impact: Using Data to Grow Library Cardholders
4/9/2026

Practical, real-world strategies for turning library data into measurable growth and community impact. Discover how the Growing Libraries platform can analyze your community, identify non-cardholding households and drive new memberships through targeted direct mail and email campaigns.



Presenter:

Brendan' Pearce's career in the public library industry spans over 17 years, working for companies such as collectionHQ (acquired by Baker and Taylor) and Patron Point (acquired by Springshare). In January 2026, he joined the Growing Libraries team as VP, Business Development.

"I have worked with a number of businesses in the past, but this is by far the most exciting! Based on feedback I have received from libraries that I have previously partnered with, the challenge was always how they could reach non-cardholding households in the community to promote library services - now libraries have a strategic and powerful way to do this"
Location: Online via Zoom






Podcasts as Programming: Reaching Busy Parents on Their Time
4/14/2026

The Patchogue-Medford Library in New York has transformed traditional parent education programming into an accessible podcast format, expanding their reach from an average of 5 in-person attendees to an average of 26 listeners per episode. The PML "Adventures in Parenting" podcast delivers expert content and resource guides to busy parents while maximizing staff time and programming budgets.

The model is surprisingly simple: pair librarian hosts with local experts, focus on evergreen parenting topics, and create accompanying online resource guides. Librarian-parents bring authenticity to conversations, while expert guests provide authoritative content. This format eliminates common barriers with in-person parenting programming like scheduling conflicts and childcare needs while extending the Library's reach beyond service hours and physical boundaries.

The impact has been remarkable. Beyond the 400% increase in engagement, the Patchogue-Medford Library is reaching patrons who never attended in-person workshops. Download metrics show listening peaks during commute times and late nights - exactly when our physical spaces are least accessible.
Ready to reach your busiest patrons? Podcasts as programming might be the answer you've been looking for!

Learning Objectives:
  • Demonstrate how podcasts can be used as an innovative programming format to reach busy parents and other hard-to-reach demographics with on-demand, expert-led content.
  • Identify the key steps in creating a library programming podcast, including choosing topics, finding experts, recording episodes, and developing accompanying resource guides.
  • List the benefits of podcast programming, such as increased engagement, budget efficiency, community responsiveness, and flexible access to library resources.
Presenter:

Jessi Bouchelle, Carnegie Branch & Youth Services Manager, Patchogue-Medford Library, New York
 
Location: Online via Zoom






Technical Services and Collection Development Active Learning Community Meeting
4/15/2026

Join your peers to exchange ideas, celebrate successes, and discover new solutions to common challenges. 

This meeting will be held through Zoom which is user friendly to all devices. You will receive a link in your confirmation email a reminder 2 hours before the meeting. We hope you will join us. Please send agenda items/questions to Hilllary Brown.


Location: Online
Via Zoom






Customer Service Conference: Communication and Credibility
4/23/2026

We are excited to welcome you to our second annual Customer Service Conference: Communication and Credibility. In an era where the library serves as a vital sanctuary for information and connection, our success thrives on the trust we build through every interaction.

Today, we invite you to explore the multifaceted nature of modern service. We will begin by mastering Professional Intelligence (PQ) to anchor our daily work in empathy and reliability. We’ll dive into strategies for bridging generational divides, ensuring inclusive access for all abilities, and maintaining safety and security within our shared spaces. We will also look at the science of the 'Mentor Mindset' to ensure our teens are welcomed. Finally, we will conclude with Resilience in Action, focusing on the boundaries and self-care habits that allow us to serve our communities without pouring from an empty cup. Together, we are here to sharpen the skills that turn everyday service into a mission of excellence and professional pride.
 
Morning Session:  Professional Intelligence (PQ): What Everyone Should Know
Professionalism in today’s library goes beyond appearance or etiquette—it shows up in how staff listen, respond, and engage with patrons and one another every day. It shapes the culture of service, influences public trust, and reinforces the library’s role as a welcoming, respectful, and reliable community resource. This program introduces the core elements of professionalism and how they support a positive, service-oriented library environment across all roles and responsibilities.
 
Participants will explore practical ways to create positive interactions, navigate difficult situations, and communicate with clarity and respect—whether working with patrons, coworkers, or community partners. Emphasis is placed on active listening, empathy, and thoughtful communication as essential tools for maintaining professionalism, strengthening relationships, and fostering teamwork. Attendees will leave with a shared understanding of how everyday behaviors contribute to a professional culture that reflects both personal pride and the library’s mission of service.
 
Participant Performance Objectives:
  • Explore the five keys to professionalism and how they apply to a library’s culture of service.
  • Identify ways to create positive interactions and resolve difficult situations with patrons and coworkers.
  • Recognize the importance of active listening and empathy in maintaining professionalism and strong relationships.
     
Presenter:

Amy B. Shannon, President, Pinnacle Leadership Solutions, LLC, and a Partner in Your Partner in HR has specialized in Organizational Development, Human Resources and Training for over 25 years. For the past 13 years, Amy has been an Organizational Development consultant working with clients in manufacturing, service, financial and healthcare industries. Most recently, Amy served as the Executive Director II/Vice President of Corporate College where she built robust leadership training curriculum to serve her clients.  Amy also holds certifications with numerous nationally known training vendors. She is a regular speaker at national conferences such as The Corporate University Week at the Disney Institute. She is a seasoned speaker for the HR Star Conference Cleveland. As a result of her high ratings, she has also been a key speaker at the HR Star Atlanta and received the Gold Medal Award three years in a row for best session speaker. Amy was a recipient of the 2015 HR Awards presented by ERC & CSHRM.


Breakout Sessions after lunch

Breakout Session 1

Strengthening Staff Communication Across Generations and Departments
Today’s workplaces bring together multiple generations, diverse communication styles, and departmental perspectives. While this diversity can be a powerful asset, it can also lead to misunderstandings, silos, and missed opportunities for collaboration. This interactive session explores how generational preferences and organizational structures influence communication, and offers participants practical strategies for building clearer, more collaborative connections across teams. 
 
Objectives:
  • Understand key generational differences in communication styles and expectations.
  • Identify common communication barriers between departments.
  • Explore practical strategies for breaking down silos and strengthening cross-team collaboration.
  • Leave with at least one actionable communication strategy to use immediately.
 
Presenter:
Ragan Snead serves as Executive Director of the Northeast Ohio Regional Library System, where she has led the organization since 2022. With 15 years of experience in public and academic libraries, she has worked in circulation, reference, youth services, and management. Ragan is passionate about
staff development and supporting library professionals as they grow their skills and confidence. She holds an MLIS from Kent State University and an MBA from Lake Erie College.



Safety and Security in Libraries    ​
This breakout session will discuss safety and security issues that we are currently dealing with in today's libraries, whether it's unruly patrons, teenagers, threats that we are facing in our communities or mental health. The session will cover what resources we have available and how to make connections with our community partners who can assist us with some of our issues.

Presenter:
Bossie Loggins III is the Security Coordinator for the Cuyahoga County Public Library system and have been with the system for the past 14 years.  Before taking that position, he was the Security Supervisor for the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Library system.  In his 24 years of work in public libraries, he has been involved in almost any security and/or safety situation you can imagine. He has presented security topics for NEO-RLS, OLC conferences and several library systems throughout the state of Ohio on security issues, teen behavior and staying safe in libraries. 
 

Breakout Session 2
Access Is Customer Service: Communicating Belonging in Public Libraries

At North Canton Public Library, customer service is rooted in intentional communication, before a patron ever approaches a desk. This session explores how NCPL has strengthened access and inclusion by making services clearer, more visible, and more responsive to diverse needs. Attendees will learn how sensory-inclusive practices, accessible design choices, assistive tools, and thoughtfully designed services help reduce barriers and create a sense of belonging for patrons with sensory, mobility, hearing, vision, and cognitive needs. Through practical examples and lessons learned, this presentation offers scalable strategies libraries can use to make access a visible, integrated part of everyday customer service.

Presenter:
 Andrea Legg is the Director of the North Canton Public Library, where she has led with a focus on access, inclusion, and community-centered service since 2020 (yes, she started right at the beginning of the pandemic and lived to tell the tale). She has worked in public libraries since 2008 and currently serves on the Tuscarawas County Board of Developmental Disabilities and the Akron Children's Hospital NICU Parent Mentor Program. Andrea is very serious about libraries, not serious about herself, and lives under the benevolent but firm rule of two corgis who supervise all of her leadership and life decisions. 



Respect + Resilience: Applying the Mentor Mindset to Improve Teen Engagement
Adapted from the latest work by Dr. David Yeager (10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People), this training equips public-facing library staff with practical tools and strategies to cultivate an environment of respect that improves communication and strengthens relationships with teens. Participants will learn strategies rooted in current psychology and neuroscience to create a more positive, engaging environment for teens that extends to all patrons.
 
Learning Objectives:
  • Attendees will understand how teen brain development affects teens' perception of the world around them and how they interact with it.
  • Attendees will understand how to set and enforce boundaries appropriately with teens to elicit desired behaviors and avoid undesirable ones.
  • Attendees will learn to employ respect, transparency, and appropriate expectations to foster positive interactions and relationships with teens in the library.
 Presenters: 
Carolyn Bagley is the intermediate/teen librarian at Firestone Park Library, part of the Akron–Summit County Public Library system. Drawing on 15 years of experience as an educator, she is a vocal advocate for middle and high school students, dedicated to helping adults shift their mindset about teenagers toward seeing them as capable, thoughtful, and worthy of trust. Carolyn is excited to support fellow public service workers with practical professional development rooted in teen-centered practice.



 
Kelly Chaplin has been working with youth for a decade and is currently the Assistant Youth Services Coordinator at Akron-Summit County Public Library. Kelly helps connect youth librarians with community representatives. She has experience with organizing large-scale programs such as the Library's mini-comicon Geekfest and system-wide services like the free book box subscription Lit Loot. Collaboration is key in all these efforts, and she deeply values what the Library staff can create when working together. She enjoys it when teens teach her new things and encourages youth to participate at their library and in the community.

 

Abigail Krukemeyer is an Intermediate and Teen Librarian with Akron-Summit County Public Library. She is passionate about adolescent development and is dedicated to providing services and opportunities that equip young people to succeed in today's multimodal world. 




 
Emily Smith has worked for Akron Summit County Public Library for 8 years, currently serving as one of their Collection Development Librarians, and previously worked as an Intermediate/Teen Librarian. Emily holds a BA in Sociology from the University of Mount Union and an MLIS from Kent State University. Her educational and career background has afforded her the opportunity to work alongside youth and learn and understand their behavior, particularly inside a public library setting. 
 
Safety and Security in Libraries - Repeated

Final Session:  Resilience in Action

This session offers practical, easy‑to‑use strategies for building resilience, establishing healthy boundaries, and managing stress in a way that supports your well‑being both on and off the desk. Together, we’ll explore tools for staying grounded, communicating confidently, and creating habits that protect your energy.

Presenter:
Katie Jenkins, Executive Director, NAMI Greater Cleveland
Katie Jenkins is a passionate mental health advocate, experienced public servant, lifelong student, and mother. Her extensive professional background includes roles spanning every area of the mental health sector. Katie's guiding principle is rooted in empathy, compassion, and the belief that everyone deserves a high-level quality of life. She is dedicated to breaking down barriers and ensuring that no one faces their challenges alone.

Katie currently serves as a Vice-Chair of NAMI National's Executive Director Council's Executive Committee and is Chair of the NE Ohio Hub Steering Committee of the Mental Health and Addiction Advocacy Coalition. Katie is also a proud board member of R.A.K.E.

In May 2024, Katie graduated from Youngstown State University with a Master of Social Work and is a licensed social worker through the State of Ohio. She currently holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies, Master of Public Administration, and a Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant license.

Location: Hilton Garden Inn
8971 Wilcox Dr
Twinsburg, OH 44087

There are currently 79 spots remaining out of 100





From Maker to Market: supporting next steps for entrepreneurial makers
4/29/2026

Makerspaces and Maker programs are enhanced services offered in many library settings. See a way to take makerspace offerings to the next level like Pflugerville Public Library.  Maker Markets provide an avenue where libraries can expand support to non-traditional small businesses and encourage next steps for entrepreneurial makers. For makers this provides the experience of bringing their creations to market with a low barrier for entry. As simply as providing time and space for local makers to have the opportunity to sell their wares and share their creativity with the public. To broader community partnerships that provide further business skill building. Whether you already have an active makerspace or just want to support local makers, this webinar will provide an example of a successful library program.

Learning Objectives:
  • Identify local makers or makerspace users who are positioned to sell their products or are already on that path and key strategies for expanding makerspace offerings.
  • Create and promote events like Maker Markets to foster community involvement and support local artisans, encouraging collaboration between the library and entrepreneurial makers.
  • Analyze and address barriers that prevent community members from accessing technology and resources in makerspaces, ensuring inclusivity in offerings.
Margaret Miller is an Adult Services Librarian at Pflugerville Public Library, Pflugerville, TX, has worked in public libraries since 2005. Currently overseeing maker trainings, lab hours and other library programming including pet-friendly offerings, author events and maker markets.  As a member of the Texas Library Association, she presented topics from tech to programming while filling officer positions on the Programming for Adults Round Table and Innovation and Technology Round Table. With the American Library Association, as a member of the Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table, has served the Libcomix Online committee and the Best Graphic Novels for Adults list committee.

 
Location: Online via Zoom






Youth Services (Children & Teen) Active Learning Community Meeting
4/29/2026

Join your peers to exchange ideas, celebrate successes, and discover new solutions to common challenges. 

This meeting will be held through Zoom which is user friendly to all devices. You will receive a link in your confirmation email a reminder 2 hours before the meeting. We hope you will join us. Please send agenda items/questions to Hillary Brown.


Location: Online
Via Zoom






2026 Directors’ Retreat: Navigating the AI Horizon: A Leadership Roadmap for Library and Staff Readiness
4/30/2026 - 5/1/2026

How do you lead a library when the technological ground is shifting? The 2026 Directors' Retreat: Navigating the AI Horizon-A Leadership Roadmap for Library and Staff Readiness will prepare you for just that.  Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept—it is a present reality already shaping library workflows, vendor tools, and patron expectations. For library leaders, the primary challenge isn’t just understanding the technology, but leading people through the uncertainty it creates.

We will be returning to the Punderson Manor Lodge & Conference Center this year. The retreat will kick off with a light breakfast on Thursday,April 30th at 9:00 a.m. - the perfect time to catch up with your peers. The workshop will begin at 10 a.m. starting with AI Readiness for Library Leaders: Leading Staff, Assessing Readiness, and Understanding Your AI Landscape The afternoon will focus on Coexisting, Not Competing: Librarianship in the Era of AI .  We will conclude the first day at 4:00 p.m. Dinner will be at 6:00 p.m. with the tradition of rich conversations to follow. The second day will start with breakfast at 8:00 a.m. followed by Building an AI Governance Framework. We will conclude at noon with a quick lunch.

Thursday Morning, April 30th: AI Readiness for Library Leaders: Leading Staff, Assessing Readiness, and Understanding Your AI Landscape
Artificial intelligence is already influencing library work through vendor tools, staff experimentation, and patron expectations. For library leaders, the challenge is knowing how to lead people through the questions and uncertainty it brings. This three-hour workshop is designed for library directors, managers, and senior staff who want to build clarity and confidence before making decisions about AI. Participants will develop a practical, leader-focused understanding of AI, explore how staff typically respond to AI-driven change using the SCARF model, and begin examining their organization’s current AI landscape, stakeholders, and areas that may need greater attention. The session balances shared learning with guided reflection, using realistic scenarios and structured mapping activities that can be started during the workshop and continued afterward. Participants will also receive a leadership-oriented checklist outlining common next steps libraries consider as they move from AI readiness toward more intentional exploration or implementation.

Participants will leave with:
  • A clear, non-technical understanding of what AI is and is not, and why it matters for library leadership
  • Insight into common staff reactions to AI through the SCARF framework (Status, Certainty, Autonomy, Relatedness, Fairness), with strategies for leading change in ways that reduce threat and build trust
  • Practical language and approaches for talking with staff about AI expectations, boundaries, and evolving practices
  • A draft Stakeholder Map identifying who is affected by AI-related conversations and decisions across departments, administration, governance, IT, vendors, and external partners
  • A draft Current State Map capturing where AI is already showing up in workflows, decisions, or vendor tools, including what appears to be working well and where questions and risks are emerging
  • A leadership-oriented Next Steps Checklist to help assess readiness and consider thoughtful options for future exploration or implementation
  • Increased confidence in assessing organizational readiness and identifying appropriate next steps related to AI
Presenter will be virtual:
Crystal TriceCSM, CSM@Scale, Library Consultant, Scissors & Glue, LLC
Crystal Trice, founder of Scissors & Glue, LLC, has over 20 years of experience in education and local government, with a focus on improving collaboration and handling challenging situations with patrons and coworkers. She is passionate about creating environments where people work together more effectively.

With certifications as a Scrum Master and in Scrum at Scale for Government, Crystal holds a Master’s in Library & Information Science and a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and Psychology. Her dedication to community enrichment fuels her work in supporting organizations to achieve their goals.

Afternoon Session:  Coexisting, Not Competing: Librarianship in the Era of AI
While artificial intelligence is not new technology, the ways it can interact with people and information has changed rapidly in the past 5 years. AI chat systems are everywhere - AI in phones, on social media, and as independent services. But what about information professionals and libraries? How does AI affect librarianship and how can we respond? In this presentation, you’ll learn how AI and libraries can coexist through awareness, education, and thoughtful engagement. Librarians don’t need to embrace AI or become experts, but growing their own understanding is a key part of coexisting with AI and serving their users.

Presenters:

Lynn Warner is a Research and Health Sciences Librarian at the University of Cincinnati. Lynn supports students and faculty in the College of Nursing and College of Allied Health Sciences. She has a passion for information literacy instruction and enjoys teaching people how to find and evaluate the information they are seeking. Lynn has taken an interest in learning about AI tools and how they can (and can’t) be utilized in the research process, and has been involved in AI Literacy initiatives at UC.


Madeleine Gaiser is an Online Learning and Instruction Librarian at University of Cincinnati’s College of Education, Criminal Justice and Human Services (CECH) Library. Joining UC Libraries in 2020, Madeleine supports academic research, maintains and creates online resources, and purchases library materials. Madeleine has participated in multiple AI initiatives at UC and regularly seeks professional development opportunities on the subject. In her free time, Madeleine collects cookbooks and enjoys longs walks through the Aldi Finds aisle.

Friday, May 1st:  Building an AI Governance Framework
Successfully integrating AI into your organization requires a roadmap to take your AI strategy from theoretical to functional.  In this interactive session, Glen Horton will guide participants through the critical components of developing an AI governance framework that ensures your AI initiatives are aligned with your organization's mission, needs, and ethics.

Presenter:
Glen Horton is the AI Architect at Sinclair College where he leads and implements the College's AI strategy and initiatives. He has over 30 years of experience developing and supporting technologies in higher education and libraries. Before joining Sinclair in 2025, he supported AI and software development initiatives at the University of Cincinnati Libraries.  Glen is passionate about developing human-centered AI solutions that responsibly and safely benefit people and organizations.
 

Location: Punderson Manor Lodge & Conference Center
11755 Kinsman Road
Newbury, OH 44065

There are currently 24 spots remaining out of 30





Outreach Active Learning Community Meeting
4/30/2026

Join your peers to exchange ideas, celebrate successes, and discover new solutions to common challenges. 

This meeting will be held through Zoom which is user friendly to all devices. You will receive a link in your confirmation email a reminder 2 hours before the meeting. We hope you will join us. Please send agenda items/questions to Melissa Lattanzi.


Location: Online
Via Zoom






IT Active Learning Community Meeting
5/5/2026

Join your peers to exchange ideas, celebrate successes, and discover new solutions to common challenges. 

This meeting will be held through Zoom which is user friendly to all devices. You will receive a link in your confirmation email a reminder 2 hours before the meeting. We hope you will join us. Please send agenda items/questions to Hillary Brown.


Location: Online via Zoom






Adult Services Active Learning Community Meeting
5/13/2026

Join your peers to exchange ideas, celebrate successes, and discover new solutions to common challenges.

This meeting will be held through Zoom which is user friendly to all devices. You will receive a link in your confirmation email a reminder 2 hours before the meeting. We hope you will join us. Please send agenda items/questions to Melissa Lattanzi.


Location: Online via Zoom






Special Libraries Active Learning Community Meeting
6/3/2026

Join your peers to exchange ideas, celebrate successes, and discover new solutions to common challenges. 

This meeting will be held through Zoom which is user friendly to all devices. You will receive a link in your confirmation email a reminder 2 hours before the meeting. We hope you will join us. Please send agenda items/questions to Hillary Brown.


Location: Online via Zoom