Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Session 1: Breakouts 9:20-10:10 AM

Mystic AD

Archival Beginnings: Establishing an Archival Presence in Your Institution and the Basic Benefits of a Summary Inventory

Presented by: Terrence Phillips, Connecticut State Community College (Gateway)

Drawing from recent archival work and investment at the CSCC Gateway Campus' College Archives, this presentation explores the benefits and challenges of creating and developing an institutional archive. Attendees will learn about the impact of a summary inventory and how to leverage archival workflows, content digitization, and preservation for institutional and administrative support.

Sponsored by: CLA Member

Mystic BE

There and Back Again: a Director's Tale

Presented by: Vicky Coffin, Mansfield Public Library; and Jessica Miller, ATI East Hartford Operations

Do you think being a Library Director is the end of the line in your career? Thought you would like management, but it's not for you? Wish you could go back to being "just a librarian"? Thinking about changing careers altogether? Learn from former library directors who have forged new career paths after leaving some of their directorship responsibilities behind.

Sponsored by: CLA Member

Mystic CF

Building a Base for Advocacy

Presenters: Libby Post, Communication Services

This workshop brings participants through advocacy basics, how to craft an advocacy campaign, how people are limited by their position with a public library, and how to build an effective case for support. The workshop will walk participants through the steps needed to build an effective advocacy campaign.

Sponsored by: CLA Conference Committee

Conference Room 1

The Power of Pen & Purpose: Exploring the Benefits of Journal Writing Workshops in Library Settings

Presented by: Jane Rossi, Journaling with Jane

Discover the transformative impact of journal writing workshops in libraries! Through evidence-based findings, engaging examples and hands-on activities, explore how journal writing workshops foster self-expression and personal growth. Cultivate a vibrant and supportive atmosphere among your teen, adult and senior patrons, fostering more mindfulness, intention and connection through the shared experience of putting thoughts to paper.

Sponsored by: CLA Conference Committee

Conference Room 2

CLA JEDI Section General Meeting

Presented by: Samantha Connell; Kristina Lareau; and Mary Richardson

Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion section of CLA promotes inclusive and diverse perspectives, practices, and policies within our library community. JEDIs organize efforts to embrace equity and diversity with meetings, support, educational workshops, collaborations, resource sharing, and sponsorship of programs. Please join us for a fun and casual general meeting to connect with colleagues and discuss future planning. New members welcome!

Sponsored by: CLA JEDI Section

Conference Room 3

LinkedIn: Your link to professional growth, networking and opportunities

Presented by: Amanda Stern, Connecticut Library Consortium

If you only use LinkedIn to store your resume or look for jobs, you’re missing out on a world of opportunities to learn, connect, and grow! Join CLC’s Amanda Stern to discover why and how to use LinkedIn to create a vibrant learning network, build and nurture relationships, and develop your personal brand.

Sponsored by: CLA Member

Conference Room 5

Gathering Staff Insights through Conversational AI: A Chatbot-Powered Technology Survey

Presented by: Thomas Kozak, Wilton Library Association

This presentation will detail a project that utilized conversational AI and natural language processing to gather qualitative data about staff technology usage and pain points. The presentation will cover project goals, chatbot design, technical implementation, lessons learned, and next steps for applying insights. Attendees will come away with an understanding of how conversational AI can enable more natural data collection.

Sponsored by: CLA Member

Conference Room 6

Collaborative Strategies for Librarians, Trustees, and Friends

Presented by: Maura Deedy , Local Librarian Consulting

Need a roadmap for navigating the nuanced terrain of librarian-board relationships? At this interactive session, we’ll explore how to handle challenges with confidence when interacting with trustee and friends boards. Discover strategies to turn potential hurdles into opportunities for growth and strengthen collaborative efforts. The journey towards effective partnerships is collaborative, strategic and joyful.

Sponsored by: CLA Conference Committee

Conference Room 7

Misinformation and Book Challenges - Legal Frameworks

Presenters: Sam Lee, Enfield Public Library

Don't be overwhelmed by misinformation about book bans! Get comfortable citing legal precedents to protect your collection. Addressing the biggest misinformation rhetoric with calm and competence.

Sponsored by: CLA Intellectual Freedom Committee