Monday, April 27, 2026
Session 7: Breakouts
4:00-4:50 PM
Monday, April 27, 2026
Session 7: Breakouts
4:00-4:50 PM
Embedded Files
Thank you for attending the 2026 CLA Conference. A Post Conference Email will be sent out after May 4th.
Session 7: Breakouts
4:00-4:50 PM
Mystic Ballroom AD
Mystic Ballroom AD
Neurodiversity 101 for Professionals: Terminology, Accessibility, and Work Strategies
Neurodiversity 101 for Professionals: Terminology, Accessibility, and Work Strategies
Presenter: Jeremy K. Farrell, Autism Advocate
This presentation focuses on developing tools for healthy understandings of, and interactions with, neurodivergent individuals. It covers language and terminology, accessibility efforts, strategies for specific situations, and many personal and professional stories. It’s for anyone who wants to make their spaces more accessible and welcoming to neurodivergent employees and patrons.
Sponsor: CLA ADA Committee
Mystic Ballroom BE
Mystic Ballroom BE
AI Bullshit
AI Bullshit
Presenter: Jamie McCusker, Genpact
Separate fact from hype on AI with Jamie McCusker. McCusker is an AI researcher with years of experience. Analyze the limitations, reliability, practical and critical uses of AI. What does responsible use of AI look like? Where does information literacy fit in?
Sponsor: CLA Intellectual Freedom Committee
Mystic Ballroom CF
Mystic Ballroom CF
Grant Writing 101
Grant Writing 101
Presenter: Maria Bernier, Avery Point Campus Library Director, UConn
Learn the basics of developing a project idea, the importance of talking with your target audience, where to look for grant opportunities, and how to write a compelling application that includes data and anecdotes.
Sponsor: CLA Development Committee
Conference Room 1
Conference Room 1
Creating a Local Author Series at Your Library
Creating a Local Author Series at Your Library
Presenter: Noel Sander, Ferguson Library
Discover how the Ferguson Library Harry Bennett Branch’s Local Author Series elevates writers and builds community connections through author talks. Learn how this initiative offers local writers a platform to share their work, engage with others, and create inclusive spaces beyond traditional publishing.
Sponsor: CLA Member
Conference Room 2
Conference Room 2
FindIT, RequestIT, and FulfILLment 12: an introduction to
new interfaces
FindIT, RequestIT, and FulfILLment 12: an introduction to
new interfaces
Presenter: Andrea Buntz Neiman, Equinox Open Library Initiative
If you work with FindIT and RequestIT, you may have noticed a new look to your ILL software! Jessica Woolford of Bibliomation and Andrea Buntz Neiman of Equinox Open Library Initiative will be on hand to give a quick overview of the new interfaces and answer any questions you may have.
Sponsor: CLA Conference Committee
Conference Room 3
Conference Room 3
From Vision to Vitality: Launching a Library Development Program
From Vision to Vitality: Launching a Library Development Program
Presenters: Erin Dummeyer, Mark Twain Library and Allison Murphy, E.C. Scranton Memorial Library
Learn how three association libraries not fully funded by their town governments created a collaborative development program with their board and volunteers to ensure the future of their organizations for decades to come.
Sponsor: CLA Member
Conference Room 5
Conference Room 5
A Trauma-Informed Approach to Student Employment: Teaching Emotional Intelligence Skills to Build Community and Create an Inclusive Workplace Culture
A Trauma-Informed Approach to Student Employment: Teaching Emotional Intelligence Skills to Build Community and Create an Inclusive Workplace Culture
Presenter: Ariela McCaffrey, CT State Community College Three Rivers
Using a trauma-informed framework, we will discuss ways to help student workers develop empathy and self-awareness and build a workplace culture of collaboration and inclusion. In this workshop, participants will use case studies, sample documents and discussion to develop a student employment program that teaches emotional intelligence skills for professional and personal growth.
Sponsor: CLA Member
Conference Room 6
Conference Room 6
Romance Reader’s Advisory: A Sweet Treat
Romance Reader’s Advisory: A Sweet Treat
Presenters: Caitlin Augusta, Stratford Library; Crystal Patenaude; and Jennifer Rummel, Cragin Memorial Library
Whether you read romance or just want to recommend it, there are so many authors and subgenres to keep track of! This presentation will suggest appealing romance favorites and author readalikes to match every reader’s taste in a casual style with lots of time to talk books. There will be a sweet treat prize drawing at the end.
Sponsor: CLA Member
Conference Room 7
Conference Room 7
Inside-Outreach: Reviving and Revitalizing Modern
Library Outreach
Inside-Outreach: Reviving and Revitalizing Modern
Library Outreach
Presenter: Aubrey Bond, Booth & Dimock Memorial Library; Rachel E. Hora, Booth & Dimock Memorial Library; and Margaret Khan, Booth & Dimock Memorial Library
Learn how the Booth & Dimock Library refreshed their outreach by implementing a library rewards program, doubled participation in Library Card Sign-Up Month through creative community engagement, and utilized low-cost/high-excitement initiatives and strong rapport building to boost visibility, strengthen partnerships, and turn every outreach opportunity into a meaningful connection.
Sponsor: CLA Member
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