MLA Conference 2007 Helena
Red Lion Colonial Hotel
April 25-28, 2007

This year, the theme of the annual Montana Library Association Conference is "The Tipping Point: Moving Montana Libraries from Good to Great." We already know we’re doing good things in our library, but with a little help from some excellent speakers and presenters, we can quickly move to great! Speaking of excellent speakers, we are very pleased to announce two national speakers and writers that will be joining us for the MLA Conference this year. Nancy Pearl, of Booklust fame (and the shushing librarian action figure model) will be our keynote speaker. On Saturday, April 28, we are pleased to have renowned author Neil Gaiman join us for a special program, author’s lunch, and public event.

And there’s lots of other great stuff including tours, receptions, a myriad of excellent programs, great food, and even better companionship. Come get a little "tipsy" in Helena as we work on moving our libraries from good to great!

     Registration Information     Exhibitors     Room Reservations     Meals     Conference Committees     Weblog     Wiki

     Nancy Pearl     Neil Gaiman

     Preconferences     Thursday     Friday     Saturday

Registration Information

Fill out the registration and interest form (PDF) or (Word) and return to Raelen Williard, Office of Public Instruction, P.O. Box 202501, Helena, MT 59620-2501 (Fax: 406-444-3924).

Register by March 9th and save up to $15 off your registration rate! See the form for cost information.

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Information for Exhibitors

Exhibitors are Welcome!

• Booth Registration
• Exhibitor Letter
• Non-Profit Form

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Room Reservations

You can make your room reservation at the Red Lion under "Montana Library Association" either at the Red Lion central reservations office, 1-800-RED-LION, or by calling the hotel directly at 406-443-2100. They kindly request that guests identify themselves as part of the group when making reservations. After the cut-off date of April 1, the hotel may continue to accept reservations at the prevailing room rate, subject to availability.

The Red Lion has 25 rooms available for the state/federal rate of $67 single occupancy or $89 double occupancy and you will be asked to provide state/federal ID at check-in to receive the rate. There are 65 standard queen rooms for all three days at the rate of $74 for single or double occupancy, 10 king rooms at $79 single or double occupancy, and five king rooms at $89 single or double occupancy.

You will be asked for a credit card when making reservations. If there is no credit card on file at the time of check-in you will again be asked for one or a $150 cash deposit that will be refunded by check through the mail.

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MLA Meals 2007

Thursday New Members Breakfast (FREE for new members; $9.00 others)
The Colonial continental breakfast: Bagels with assorted cream cheese, bakery breads, fresh fruit, juice, coffee, and tea.

Thursday Exhibitor Lunch $6.00
Deli Sandwich Buffet: assorted sliced meats, cheeses, and breads along with three salads and soup, coffee, and tea.

Friday Division Breakfast $11.00
The American breakfast: Scrambled eggs, ham, hash browns, muffin, fruitcup, coffee, and tea.

Friday Awards Lunch (Choice of Teriyaki Beef or Vegetable Wellington) $14.00
Teriyaki Beef Supreme: marinated slices of beef in teriyaki sauce and topped with sautéed mushrooms, black olives, onions, diced tomatoes, and diced pepper. Served with duchess potatoes. Includes tossed green salad, roll, coffee, tea, and water.
Vegetable Wellington: served with rice, potato, and a side of vegetables. Includes tossed green salad, roll, coffee, and tea..

Friday Membership Dinner (Choice of Chicken Cordon Bleu, Pork Medallions, or Vegetable Skewers) $27.00
All dinners include cascade green salad, mixed vegetable, dinner roll, dessert of strawberry englace, coffee, tea, red or white wine.
Chicken Cordon Bleu: boneless breast of chicken stuffed with smoked ham and swiss cheese, served with rich hollandaise sauce and red bliss potatoes.
Pork Medallions: boneless pork loin rubbed with rosemary, served with sage dressing and horseradish mashed potatoes. Topped with mandarin orange sauce and served with applesauce.
Vegetable Skewers served on noodles.

Saturday Author Lunch (Choice of meat or vegetarian lasagna) $14.00
Choice of meat or vegetarian lasagna served with garlic toast, tossed green salad, coffee, and tea.

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Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Registration Table/Hospitality Hours
7:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Preconference Workshops and Activities

Reference and Beyond: All You Want to Know About Reference But Never Asked

Presented by Christy Donaldon, Jan Zauha, and Connie Strittmatter, Reference Librarians, Montana State University
April 25, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon / 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Learn everything you want to know about library reference and more! This preconference will address all the basics of reference service and more. Half of the day will be devoted to what reference is, how to improve the reference interview, and what new technological options to consider. The second half will be devoted to reference resources for various subjects including both print and online.

Jan Zauha has been a reference librarian at Montana State University in Bozeman since 1995, serving as Team Leader for Reference from 2000-2006. Prior to her life in Montana, she worked in documents reference at the University of Michigan, and taught English Composition at Boise State University and Clark University (Worcester, MA). She has also been a teamster, a fry cook, and a temp worker, all great fodder for her work in reference. Her main areas of reference expertise are history, literature, and film, but she is also a generalist, like all MSU reference librarians. She holds an MA in Library and Information Science from the University of Iowa and an MA in Literature from Clark University.

Christy Donaldson is the Library Instruction Coordinator and Business Information Specialist at Montana State University. Christy has been a Reference Librarian at MSU since July 2003. Prior to moving to Montana, Christy interned at the Lippincott Library at Wharton (School of Business) at the University of Pennsylvania. Christy received an MS in Library and Information Science from Drexel University in 2003 and an MBA from Philadelphia University in 2000. Christy was recently sponsored by MLA to attend ALA’s Emerging Leaders program.

Connie Strittmatter has been a reference librarian at Montana State University since January 2007. Prior to joining MSU, she had worked for five years at Arizona State University as a reference librarian at Ross-Blakley Law Library and a year and a half as the director of a nonprofit public library. Connie received an MLS from Kent State University in 2000 and an MBA in 2004 from the W. P. Carey School of Business. Her public and academic librarianship experience coupled with her focus in law has given her a wide perspective on reference services.

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Nancy Pearl, librarian and best-selling author The Pleasures and Perils of a Life of Reading April 26, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00: Keynote Speaker and General Session Conference welcome: Jim Smith, Mayor, City of Helena (and lobbyist for MLA) The New York Times calls her "the talk of librarian circles." Readers can’t get enough of her recommendations while bookstores and libraries offer standing room only whenever she visits. Since the release of the best-selling Book Lust in 2003 and the Librarian Action Figure modeled in her likeness, Nancy Pearl has become a rock star among readers and the tastemaker people turn to when deciding what to read next. Having worked as a librarian and bookseller in Detroit, Tulsa, and Seattle, Pearl's knowledge of and love for books is unmatched. In 1998, she developed the program "If All of Seattle Read the Same Book," which spread across the country. The former Executive Director of the Washington Center for the Book, Pearl celebrates the written word by speaking at bookstores and libraries across the country and on her monthly television program Book Lust with Nancy Pearl on the Seattle Channel. She is a regular commentator about books on National Public Radio's "Morning Edition" and NPR affiliate stations KUOW in Seattle and KWGS in Tulsa. In 2004, Pearl became the 50th winner of the Women’s National Book Association Award for her extraordinary contribution to the world of books. Her newest book, Book Crush: For Kids and Teens-Recommended Reading for Every Mood, Moment and Interest will be released this spring.

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Neil Gaiman, award-winning author of Sandman, American Gods, and Anansi Boys. Saturday, April 28, 2007 Schedule of Appearances:   Time Audience Event   12:30 p.m. Conference Attendees Author's Luncheon   2:30 p.m. Public Appearance Author Talk and Book Signing   Purchase Tickets Now for the Public Appearance: Quantity:      Mail-In Purchase Forms: [Word] or [PDF] During the course of 20 years as a writer, Neil Gaiman has been one of the top writers in modern comics. He is also a movie and television screenwriter, a journalist, and now a best-selling novelist. He was the creator and writer of the monthly cult DC Comics horror-weird series, Sandman, which won 12 Eisner Comic Industry Awards and a World Fantasy Award for best short story, making it the first comic ever to receive a literary award. He has a huge Web presence, and his personal website, neilgaiman.com, was singled out by CNN for reinventing the marketing of a novel. Forbes magazine described him as "the best-selling author you never heard of." Gaiman’s Anansi Boys, hit #1 on The New York Times best-seller list. It tells the story of “Fat Charlie,” who finds out his dad wasn’t just any dad. He was Anansi, a trickster god, the spider-god. Anansi is the spirit of rebellion, able to overturn the social order, create wealth out of thin air, and baffle the devil. Gaiman was born in Portchester, England and now lives in the U.S. An avid reader at an early age, he has always loved comics. Gaiman serves on the Board of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, an organization that works to protect the First Amendment rights of comic book creators, publishers, and retailers. Gaiman has gained a reputation as a performer and public speaker. Free Neil Gaiman Posters & Bookmarks! Posters (regular)     Bookmarks Posters (large)

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Thursday, April 26, 2007
Registration Table Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Exhibit Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

7:00 Yoga

7:00 – 8:00 a.m.

New Members/First-time Attendees Breakfast (others welcome)
A big hit in 2006! The MLA Membership Committee invites new members and members attending the conference for the first time to a welcome orientation and breakfast reception. Please take this opportunity to meet fellow members before the conference gets into full swing. All conference attendees are invited to attend the New Members’ Breakfast. New members dine free, $9 for all others. Meet the MLA Board, learn more about your membership benefits, and make some new friends.

8:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Montana’s Changing Economy: What Montana Librarians Should Know
Jerry O’Donnell, Public Information Officer, U.S. Census Bureau
Montana’s economy is growing and changing. Find out how to access/analyze data and what impact this growth could have on your library. This hands-on computer workshop will sharpen your skills in accessing a variety of statistics, enhance your ability to assist patrons, and help manage your library in the future. (Library Administration)

8:30 – 10:00 a.m.

What’s New in K-12 Literature
Ron and Barb Scherry, Great Northern Book Co.
The best of recently released K-12 literature will be highlighted. Categories include Picture Books, Novels, Non-Fiction, Newest in a Best-Selling Series, and Seasonal/Holiday. Suggestions for sharing these books with children will be given including book summaries, curriculum connections, and author and illustrator backgrounds. Bibliographies will be provided. (Collection Management & Technical Services)

Using Your Data to Capture Your Attention
Sue Samson, Kim Granath, and Kate Zoellner, Professor, Associate Professor, and Assistant Professor, Mansfield Library, University of Montana
You can learn a lot about your library by compiling its statistics. This presentation will provide an overview of statistics gathering for assessment; explore methodology for gathering statistics, conducting effective surveys, and analyzing results; discuss how to use missions and goals to develop assessment strategies, and interpret and apply data for effective staffing, collections, and services. (Library Administration)

Beyond Books and the Goo Goo Gahs-(Infant/toddler)
Katherine Dines, songwriter, recording and teaching artist
New songs and simple musical activities for the 4 month – 24 month old infant/toddler set. (Lap sits, bounces, rhythm games, zipper songs, etc.) Props and ideas that help build literacy and learning skills at the earliest ages. Participants will learn new ways and reasons to share important information on infant/toddler development, experience new props and ideas that help infant/toddlers build literacy and understand how to integrate movement with words and why it is important for comprehension and memory.(Library Services to the Public)

Finding Free Legal Information on the Web
Tammy A. Hinderman, Reference Librarian, State Law Library of Montana
The State Law Library of Montana website and MontanaLawHelp.org have grown in the past year into comprehensive repositories of legal information for the public. Find out what types of information, forms, and resources library patrons can access on both of these websites and how you can most effectively help patrons find the information they need. (Library Services to the Public)

Leadership and Advocacy in Rural Libraries: Ideas and Perspectives from ACRL Past-President Camila Alire
Join ACRL Past-President, Camila Alire and hear what she’s learned about Grassroots Advocacy, the theme of her ACRL Presidency. Anyone interested in Montana libraries will find Camila’s program of interest; librarians, staff, and trustees stand to benefit from this program focusing on rural libraries. Learn about successful rural advocacy efforts in New Mexico and beyond, strategize for successful advocacy efforts for Montana libraries, and share specific advocacy ideas with Camila and audience members. (Library Administration)

Montana High School Initiative
Rick Streib, Helena High Librarian and OPI
The Montana High School Initiative is in the beginning stages of development. Learn why it is being proposed, what it entails and what is envisioned for Montana high school students. Provides information on the significance of the Initiative as well as profiles of Montana students. (Library Services to the Public)

10:00 a.m.
Exhibits Open

10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Break

10:30 – 12:00 noon
Keynote Speaker and General Session:

Conference welcome: Jim Smith, Mayor, City of Helena (and lobbyist for MLA)

The Pleasures and Perils of a Life of Reading
Nancy Pearl, Librarian and Best-selling Author
Nancy will talk about the role of libraries and librarians in her life, how Book Lust and its companions came to be written, and some of the perils she’s discovered in a life devoted to books and reading.

12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Exhibitor’s Luncheon

1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Reader’s Advisory with Nancy Pearl
In order to effectively match up a reader with just the right book, you need to understand how to apply appeal characteristics, as well as working with the mood and motivation of the reader. In this session, Nancy will focus on defining, refining, and using appeal characteristics, the role of mood and motivation in selecting a good book to read, and tips and tricks to use in readers' advisory work at the reference desk. (Collection Management & Technical Services)

2:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Break

3:00 – 4:30 p.m.

General Trends in Technical Services
Margi Mann, OCLC Western
This session provides a quick round-up of some noticeable trends impacting libraries of all types. Mann will start with a few general social and cultural trends and examine how they affect libraries, then “drill down” to some specific technical services trends. Some of the themes woven into the trends include electronic resources, the changing catalog code, content supply chains, and the move to offline processing.
(Collection Management & Technical Services)

Cha Cha Chooey Chee CHANTS: Vocalizing for fun, phonemic awareness and literacy, K-4th grade levels
Katherine Dines, Songwriter, recording and teaching artist.
New songs and rhythmic chants, fingerplays, props and movement ideas that help children with letter and word recognition, and build literacy and listening skills. Participants will learn how to engage children and hold their attention using specific vocal techniques, explore sounds in a new way and discover that this awareness fosters listening and learning on many levels, and experience music as a portal to cultural literacy.
(Library Services to the Public)

No David!: A Positive Approach to Behavior Issues
Renee Meyer and Cindy Christin, Children’s Librarians, Bozeman Public Library
Are you uneasy or unsure about what to do when kids act up in the Library? Let’s discuss some guidelines and strategies for dealing with children and parents in a positive manner. We’ll share real-life situations and ways to resolve conflicts in ways that make our libraries welcoming for everyone. This session will provide library staff with strategies for dealing with behavior issues and examine current library policies and procedures for dealing with behavior issues. Facilitated by two children’s librarians with extensive backgrounds in early childhood education and parenting classes. (Library Administration)

OCLC/MSL Content Cooperative Pilot Project Update: Where do we go from here?
Jennie Stapp, Montana State Library and CCP Pilot Project participants
Members of the OCLC/MSL pilot project will present the results of their participation including work completed and overall impression of the pilot and OCLC’s Digital Archives service. The presentation will include a short demonstration of the Digital Archives and how to search WorldCat.org for Montana digital content. Learn about the availability of digital content relating to Montana and more about this option for managing digital collections. (Collection Management & Technical Services)

Program Opportunities with the Montana Committee for the Humanities
Mark Sherouse, Executive Director, Montana Committee for the Humanities/Montana Center for the Book
This session will provide an overview of MCH and its Montana Center for the Book and a variety of programs for libraries, especially: Speakers Bureau, OpenBook (reading and discussion), One Book Montana, the Montana Festival of the Book, and Letters About Literature. The 2007 One Book Montana selection will also be announced. This is your opportunity to solicit and hear feedback on MCH programs.
(Library Services to the Public)

ikaitapiitsinikit: Tell Old Stories
Joe Anderson, Indian Education for All Program, Helena School District
To understand the soul of any culture, one must encounter its stories … the ebb and flow of its language. For thousands of years, American Indian people have told and retold the coming and going of life. "ikaitapiisinikit" is a high school literature course designed to focus exclusively on the contributions of Native American authors. (Library Services to the Public)

3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Marketing Your Library Using the What’s Your Story? Campaign
Sara Groves, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Montana State Library and Patricia Spencer, Public Information Officer/Volunteer Coordinator, Lewis & Clark Library
Marketing your library is essential to your survival and prosperity. The Montana State Library, in partnership with the Montana Library Association, has made selling yourself as easy as breathing! The “What’s Your Story? Find it at the Library!” campaign is in the midst of its second year. Come learn about target audiences and get hands-on experience using the PR and marketing tools, how-to guides, and programming ideas. Discover exciting methods of marketing your services that will increase your visibility, your value to your community, and your funding – guaranteed!
(Library Administration)

Genealogy Online
John A. Heldt, Reference and Information Services Librarian, Lewis & Clark Library
Class size limited to 25 — Find census records, military documents, family histories, photographs, obituaries, article citations, and more through a variety of hands-on search exercises. The class will introduce participants to Ancestry Library Edition, Heritage Quest Online, newspaper databases, and several information rich genealogy websites. (Library Services to the Public)

5:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Interest Group Meetings
Health Sciences
Paraprofessionals
Public Library Directors
Technical Services

5:00 p.m. Dine Around Helena – Open to all conference attendees.
This is an opportunity to meet, interact and network, while dining at one of the many wonderful eateries Helena has to offer. Sign up and choose from a selection of restaurants at the "Dining Around Helena" table next to the conference registration table when you arrive at the conference – no pre-registration required. This is a no-host event, led by facilitators. You will travel to destination restaurants via carpool to enjoy a wonderful meal and good conversation.

5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Reception at the Montana Historical Society
Ongoing: Tours of Research Center and Photo Archives
     Galleries open
     Book Store open
6:30 p.m. Pages of History book discussion program: We Pointed Them North (open to the public)

Free admission to the Montana Historical Society through Wednesday – Saturday for anyone attending the MLA Conference.

8:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Sheila Cates Scholarship Fundraising Event—Trivia Mania II!
Join your friends and friends-to-be for a fun evening of Trivia Mania: Round Two, at the annual Sheila Cates Scholarship Fundraising Bash! Special guest—Nancy Pearl!

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Friday, April 27, 2007

Registration Table Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Exhibit Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. MLA Bookstore

7:00 Yoga

7:00 – 8:00 a.m.
Division/Interest Group Breakfasts
Trustees Interest Group
ASLD
PLD
SLMD

8:30 – 10:00 a.m.

Community Outreach and Communication
Laura Trapp, Charlotte Henson, Lynn Trenary and other Helena School District Librarians
This session presents ideas and tools such as TV Turnoff Week, Battle of the Books, a Bookmobile, a promotional video and a variety of print communications that you can put into practice in your own library community. Build relationships within your own community, increase communication with families, and showcase your own library programs. (Library Services to the Public)

Electronic Presence and Outreach: Beyond Your Library’s Website
Sam Sayre, OCLC Western
Terms like social software, electronic community and “Library 2.0” get used a lot these days in the library world, but how can you take these ideas and turn them into practical services for your patrons? This session will explore how all types of libraries are extending the reach into their communities and offering services that make them more visible, available, flexible, practical and successful. Some of the concepts, tools and library examples discussed include: “the next generation virtual branch”, IM, MySpace, FaceBook, Squidoo, the “Second Life Library 2.0” and the growing importance of both Open WorldCat and RSS aggregation. (Technology)

The Good, Bad and the Ugly: A Critical Analysis of Select American Indian literature
Mike Jetty, Indian Education Specialist, Montana Office of Public Instruction
Ideas, strategies, and resources for evaluating American Indian literature will be provided. Listings of accurate and authentic literature will also be distributed. (Collection Management & Technical Services)

Getting Along with City Councils and County Commissioners
Alan Peura, Helena City Commissioner/Associate Fiscal Analyst, Montana State Legislative Fiscal Division
What you’ll get: Tips, hints, and other information to help library directors and trustees improve relations and communication with the city councils and county commissioners who help determine their budgets. What you’ll leave with: Learn where each group stands and how to cooperate to achieve the best services for your community. (Library Administration)

Get a Clue! and YNK: Planning Your 2007 Summer Reading Program
Cindy Christin and Ginny Cowan, Collaborative Summer Library Program Representatives
Using the summer reading manual for 2007, we will share ideas for organizing summer reading programs that keep kids coming to the library all summer long. Come with titles of two or three of your favorite juvenile mysteries to share, along with some of your best summer programs ever. (Library Services to the Public)

Radical Militant Librarians Tell All: Intellectual Freedom Q & A
Jim Heckel, Director, Great Falls Public Library, Samantha Hines, University of Montana Library, panel convened by Karen Gonzales, Children’s Librarian, Missoula Public Library
The Intellectual Freedom Committee of the Montana Library Association’s newest group, The Librarian Action Figures, will discuss current intellectual freedom issues (patron confidentiality, CIPA, DOPA, PATRIOT ACT, censorship, etc.) and answer questions. The LAF recently attended a program sponsored by the American Library Association Office of Intellectual Freedom on Law for Librarians and we’d like to share this information with you. Handouts include examples of subpoenas and search warrants. (Library Services to the Public)

OCLC Western Update
Gayle Palmer, Manager of Digital and Preservation Services, OCLC Western
OCLC Western has been a long-standing resource for Montana’s libraries. Come learn how we assist our member libraries in many aspects including support of OCLC products, professional workshops, library and collection analysis, digitization and preservation, and electronic resources. We will provide an update on OCLC cataloging and resource sharing interfaces and help you understand how the OCLC cooperative functions in relation to your libraries Let your aspirations be ours! (Collection Management & Technical Services)

Significant Tidings
Organized by Roberta Gebhardt on behalf of ASLD
Sponsored by ASLD, this yearly program highlights research, innovative programs, projects and new developments of various MLA members. There will be up to ten 15 minute presentations which will include handouts with presentation abstracts. This program showcases research and writing skills of MLA members, provides the opportunity to share ideas with colleagues, and gain experience presenting papers.

10:00 – 10:30 a.m.

Break

10:30 a.m. – 12 noon

Creativity at Work
Tracy Cook, Statewide Consulting Librarian, Montana State Library
Creativity might be the most practical tool in your repertoire. Learn how to overcome barriers to creativity, as well as exercises, tips, and tricks to help you become more creative. Participants will learn how to apply exercises learned to actual problems or issues in their library.
(Library Administration)

Curriculum, Standards, Assessment and Collaborative Collection Development
Suzi Watne, Helena Schools Library Coordinator, Andree Anderberg and Linda Lunch, Helena School Librarians
Library content standards in a language kids can understand? An assessment that lets you, your students, and your administrators know how successfully the library curriculum is being taught and learned? Collaborative collection development that lets people be “experts” in one Dewey area per year? Sound too good to be true? It can happen at your school! Here’s how! (Library Administration)

How Do I Face My Neighbors With Smut in my Library?
Suzanne Reymer, Statewide Technology Librarian, Montana State Library and Karen Gonzales, Children’s Librarian, Missoula Public Library
We will look at the special challenges of upholding intellectual freedom in rural communities where the challenges are coming from your nearest and dearest friends and family. We’ll also look at developing and upholding policies as well as ways to uphold intellectual freedom without being ostracized. (Library Services to the Public)

The Z39.71 Holdings Display Standard: A Basic Overview and General Principles
Margi Mann, OCLC Western
In the past few years, many local systems and bibliographic utilities have implemented the Z39.71 holdings standard. This workshop presents a basic overview of this standard, an in-depth look at its general principles, and a review of how it is evolving to work with other library community standards such as MARC 21 for Holdings and Z39.50. (Technology)

Books and Babies: Serving Infants and Families
Cindy Christin and Renee Meyer, Children’s Librarians, Bozeman Public Library
Real life mommies, daddies and their kids will be a part of this session. See what it is really like beyond theory! (Library Services to the Public)

It’s Like Making Sausage: The Montana Legislative Process
The all-knowing Greg Petesch, Chief Legal Counsel/Code Commissioner, Montana Legislative Services
Come learn about Montana’s legislative process. Mr. Petesch will speak on how a bill becomes a law and working with the legislators, as well as answer any questions attendees might have on the past Montana legislative session. Find out more about how laws are made in Montana, discover how libraries fared in the 2007 session and enjoy fascinating stories by the legislative guy who’s seen it all. (Library Administration)

Podcasting 101
Shelly Drumm, Emerging Technologies Trainer, BCR
Your library has a story to tell. Your library may post the news on the website or maybe you’ve even got a blog. How about taking it to the next step by getting yourself heard through a podcast? This workshop will show you how easy it is to create and use one, all you need is some free software and a microphone. (Technology)

Web Searching for All
Greg Notess, Internet columnist, author and librarian, Montana State University
From Google OneBox to AskX to Live Maps to Yahoo! Answers, the search engines continue to innovate, add new databases, and create new advanced search features. Join the creator of Search Engine Showdown in a tour of some the more interesting new databases, search techniques, and ways to find results from unexpected corners of the Web. (Library Services to the Public)

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12:30 – 1:45 p.m.

Awards Luncheon

2:00 – 3:30 p.m.

What Librarians Say They Do, But Really Don’t
Chris Dodge, Street Librarian columnist/Librarian at Large
Are “access,” “diversity,” and “equality” empty words? What does it mean to be a librarian? Street Librarian columnist Chris Dodge examines some professed library standards, compares them to actual library practices, and seeks to clarify the difference between pragmatism and professional laziness. This session provides an opportunity to elicit questions and answers about how the core values of librarianship can be upheld in practice. (Library Administration)

Professional and Staff Development in School Libraries
Shelley Pelc and Andree Anderberg, Elementary Librarians, Helena School District
In an attempt to fulfill Information Power’s goal for school libraries to “provide leadership, collaboration and assistance to teachers” we will offer ideas for professional development for librarians as well as the teachers they serve. This session will inform librarians of requirements of national boards and provide examples of career development plans of Helena librarian, outlining the Helena School District implementation of Big 6.
(Library Administration)

Every Library a Depository: Answering Common Government Documents Questions at Any Library
Jennie Burroughs, Government Documents Librarian, Mansfield Library, University of Montana
Government documents questions can appear intimidating, but the answers are within reach of all librarians and the citizens we serve. This session will address the most frequently encountered patron questions in government documents and provide strategies for approaching these and other queries. Attendees will become familiar with key, web-based government sources, be able to track down answers to frequently asked government documents questions, and have an improved grasp of the scope and structure of government information. (Library Services to the Public)

Managing Libraries in the Digital Age
Gayle Palmer, Manager of Digital and Preservation Services, OCLC Western
Library managers are facing dramatic changes in staff development needs, collection development, and funding options as they create digital libraries and develop digital services. This workshop offers strategies for developing a good understanding of how to work with staff to plan and implement digital collection solutions. (Library Administration)

Flickr for Libraries
Shelly Drumm, Emerging Technologies Trainer, BCR
Flickr bills itself as the best way to “store, sort, search and share your photos online. This session walks you through what you can do with the service and will give you plenty of ideas on how you can use Flickr to promote your library. This session also introduces you to two of the hottest topics in librarianship today: social software and folksonomies. (Technology)

Carpooling on the Information Highway: Navigating the Intersection of Digitization & Documents
Molly Kruckenberg, Research Center Director and Linda Wruck, Education Officer, Montana Historical Society
Historic photographs, diaries, and documents can provide invaluable insights into our heritage. The Montana Historical Society has been making those resources more available to the public through online resources. This session will discuss those resources, how to locate them, and ways to use them in libraries and classrooms. (Library Services to the Public)

2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Winning Support for Your Library
Mary Anne Hansen and Jennifer Ander, Montana State University Libraries
Join us for this two-part workshop designed to help you win support for your library! We’ll start by sharing successful marketing and advocacy ideas, and then formalize the best of our ideas as strategies to include in Montana’s own Rural Libraries Toolkit. You’ll leave with the tools you need! (Library Administration)

Poster Sessions
TBA

3:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Break

4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Membership Meeting

5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Interest Group Meetings
Children’s/YA
American Indian
Montana ILL Happenings

6:00 p.m.
Exhibits Close

6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
The Growlers–Acoustical background guitar and mandolin music by two members of the "Growlers" band.

6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
State Library Commission Reception

7:30 – 10:00 p.m.
MLA Membership Dinner

7:30 – 8:30 p.m.
"Special Session" - Irish traditional acoustical music - 5-7 musicians

8:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Tiernan Irish Dancers - Irish Dance Group in embroidered special outfits

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Saturday, April 28, 2007

Registration Table Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
MLA Bookstore 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

7:30 a.m. - Yoga

8:30 – 10:00 a.m.

Preparing Newspaper Collections for Digitization
Gayle Palmer, Manager of Digital and Preservation Services, OCLC Western
Institutions can now digitize their microfilmed newspaper collections and make them accessible and searchable via the World Wide Web. This workshop will focus on issues involved with digitizing newspaper collections, particularly the back-end processing steps necessary to create searchable indexes. The workshop provides the opportunity to review and discuss appropriate methodology and planning for digitizing newspaper collections. Useful background: Basic knowledge of preservation and digitization terminology and techniques. (Technology)

Rousing Reads: Favorite Picks from the 2006 Montana Book Award Committee
Jan Zauha and members of the 2006 Montana Book Award Committee
Join us for a riveting round of booktalks featuring the favorite nominees, honor books, and the winner from the 2006 Montana Book Award. A panel from around the state will provide enticing profiles of these very special books by Montana authors or about Montana. Information about the Montana Book Award, promotional materials, and plans for the future will be shared. (Collection Management & Technical Services)

Comics and Graphic Novels: Heroes for the Library & Classroom
Hannah Nash, Youth Services Librarian, Miles City
Learn how to integrate comic books and graphic novels into your library or classroom. This exciting program covers comics for all ages, including adults and discusses the literary value of comics/graphic novels for students, with focus on reluctant readers. Topics include: selecting appropriate titles, cataloging, practical use in the classroom or library, budgeting the fun quotient of comics, Manga, comics into movies, and more. Great warm-up for Neil Gaiman! (Collection Management & Technical Services)

Building a New Public Library in Bozeman – Never Again!
Alice M. Meister, Library Director, Bozeman Public Library
How many years does it take to build a library? In Bozeman’s case it took nine v-e-r-y long years to commission a building program, pass a $4,000,000 bond referendum and raise another $13,000,000 for a 53,000 square foot sustainable public library building. Learn about the steps in building a new library, and the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) process. Come hear all about it! (Library Administration)

Montana Shared Catalog Update
Sarah McHugh, Director, Montana Shared Catalog and MSC members
This session will provide an update on the Montana Shared Catalog including current membership, growth, and current consortium projects. Learn about the process for joining the MSC: timetable, startup costs, and assistance with costs of joining. Session panelists will discuss the pros and cons of joining the MSC. (Library Administration)

Ethical Leadership
Susie McIntyre, Head of Information Services, Great Falls Public Library
Based on the work of the Center for Ethical Leadership, this workshop will focus on describing a moral framework for our lives and work. The moral framework will help individuals discover their core values, understand the moral obligations associated with ethical leadership, and rededicate their lives to the common good. Identify your core values and source of personal integrity, explore the moral territory of difficult choices and develop your understanding of ethical leadership. (Library Administrator)

Managing and Protecting the Library Network: Vista Version
Jim Semmelroth, Network Administrator, Missoula Public Library
Keeping all your PCs running can be a daunting task. Learn a bunch of swell tips and tricks for keeping your network humming along. Learn about how the new Vista operating system, and some other free Microsoft tools, can help keep your PCs well-behaved and your patrons happy. (Technology)

10:30 a.m. – 12 noon

Intellectual Freedom & Comics
Neil Gaiman, award-winning author of Sandman, American Gods and Anansi Boys.
(Library Services to the Public)

12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Author’s Luncheon
Neil Gaiman, award-winning author of Sandman, American Gods and Anansi Boys.
Gaiman will discuss the relationship of graphic novels and comics with libraries.

2:30 p.m.
Neil Gaiman Public Appearance – Author Talk and Book Signing
Neil Gaiman, award-winning author of Sandman, American Gods and Anansi Boys.

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