Wednesday, April 14th
MLA Spring Board Meeting
Wednesday, April 14th 1:00 pm– 4:00 pm
Room 1
Meeting Host: Debbi Kramer
PRECONFERENCE PROGRAMS
Thursday, April 15th
De-Escalating Difficult Customer Behaviors During and After the Pandemic
Thursday, April 15th 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Presenter: Andrew Sanderbeck
Room 1
CE: Library Services to the Public
The stresses of the pandemic bring a new set of customer challenges to our libraries and dealing with individuals who are angry and non-compliant has become a more frequent occurrence.
How you respond to their behaviors is the key to de-escalating these situations and protecting yourself when a customer is losing control.
Workshop Host: Sara Linder-Parkinson
Engaged and Active: Building Support for the Library
Thursday, April 15th 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Presenter: Tracy Cook
Room 2
CE: Library Administration
Libraries are being asked to do more with less – sometimes while local community and government leaders question the relevance of the library. Librarians and board members have understandably begun to feel the pinch. We will explore how support for the library is built, why it is important for you to identify the unique value of the library, and concrete ways you can begin connecting with community members.
Workshop Host: Hannah McKelvey
LUNCH
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Keynote Speaker
Presenters: Mandy Smoker Broaddus, Melissa Kwansy
Thursday, April 15th 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Room 1
Workshop Host: Debbi Kramer
MLA Membership Meeting
Thursday, April 15th 2:15 pm – 3:15 pm
Room 1
Meeting Host: Debbi Kramer
MLA Division Meetings
Thursday, April 15th 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
ASLD– Room 1 – Meeting Hosts: Alana Mueller Brunkhorst; Sydnie Tallman
PLD—Room 2 – Meeting Hosts: Shari Curtis; Mitch Grady
SLD—Room 3 – Meeting Hosts: Britney Miller; Vic Mortimer
MLA Interest Group Meetings
Thursday, April 15th 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Trustees—Room 6 – Meeting Host: Pam Henley
Technical Services—Room 5 – Meeting Host: Christine Call; Alice Ebi
Local History & Genealogy—Room 1 – Meeting Host: Jerusha Shipstead
Public Library Directors—Room 3 – Meeting Host: Dawn Kingstad
Service for Children & Young Adults—Room 4 – Meeting Host: Maren Engen
Retired Montana Library Lovers—Room 2 – Meeting Host: Darlene Staffeldt
Friday, April 16th
Conversations with the Montana State Library Commission
Friday, April 16th 9:00 am – 10:30 am
Presenters: Jennie Stapp & Commissioners: Bruce Newell, Kenning Arlitsch, Elsie Artzen, Connie Behe, Jamie Doggett, Dalton Johnson, Ken Wall
Room 1
CE: Library Administration
Conversations with the Commission is an important annual event in the work of the Montana State Library Commission. The session gives the Commission a chance to share information about the priorities of the Commission and provides an open forum to discuss the trends and issues impacting the Montana library community.
Workshop Host: Debbi Kramer
Little Hands Signing Professional Development Storytime
Friday, April 16th 9:00 am – 10:30 am
Presenter: Kathy MacMillan
Room 2
CE: Library Services to the Public
Little Hands Signing Professional Development Storytime: An interactive theme-based “annotated storytime” that teaches basic ASL vocabulary and demonstrates how to use the signs in storytime activities.
Workshop Host: Kelly Reisig
Grant writing 101: Practical Steps and Strategies
Friday, April 16th 9:00 am – 10:30 am
Presenter: Julie Edwards
Room 3
CE: Library Administration
Are you looking for programs and funds to help enhance library services? Have you always wanted to try grant writing but don’t know where to start? Are you encouraged (or expected) to write grants but daunted by the prospect? Many of us want to do it, but few know how. This program, led by a librarian with a successful record of grant writing, will build your confidence with practical steps and strategies. Streamline and simplify the grant writing process in seven easy steps, build a grant writing toolkit to save time, and learn how to analyze projects for sustainability.
Workshop Host: Sara Linder-Parkinson
Take the Plunge: Building a Culturally Responsive Library
Friday, April 16th 10:45 am – 11:45 am
Presenter: Angela Archuleta
Room 1
CE: Collections Management
Do you want to build a more culturally responsive library? Have you wondered where to find good resources? Come explore some ideas with me on how to get started or to supplement your already growing collection. In addition, I will provide a few micro-reviews about books that would be a great addition to any collection.
Using Podcasts to Reach Patrons in a Time of Digital Fatigue
Friday, April 16th 10:45 am – 11:45 am
Presenters: Dani Buehler, Brittney Uecker
Room 2
CE: Technology
In September 2020, Lewistown Public Library launched In the Stacks, a podcast about the wide and wild world of libraries. Podcasts increase accessibility to information while melding education, entertainment, and community. This program will discuss podcasts as an extension of library collections and services, demonstrate how we create episodes, and present examples of topics we have covered.
Workshop Host: Alyssa Ramirez
Unifying Commercial and Local Digital Archival Content through Collaboration and Integration
Friday, April 16th 10:45 am – 11:45 am
Presenters: Hannah McKelvey, Rachelle McLain, Jan Zauha
Room 3
CE: Collection Management
MSU Library has access to many local and commercial digital archives and spends significant amounts of money to acquire and digitize these collections. In this session, the presenters will share how the MSU Library is uniting archival content through collaborative collection development, integrated discovery, instruction, and outreach and in-reach efforts.
Workshop Host: Debbi Kramer
EXHIBITOR MEET & GREET
Friday, April 16th 11:45 – 1:45
Room 4: ABDO Books
Room 5: Bound to Stay Bound Books
Room 6: Capstone Publishers
Room 7: Brodart Co.
Room 8: Janway Products
Room 9: Mountain Press Publishing Co.
Room 10: Montana State Library
Room 11: Overdrive
LUNCH
12:45 pm – 1:45 pm
How a Tribal Library Continued Holding Community Programming During a Pandemic
Friday, April 16th 12:45 pm – 1:45 pm
Presenters: Joy Bridwell, Samantha Courchane
Room 1
CE: Library Services to the Public
There are a lot of libraries that are working to keep community programming going during the pandemic. Going from having in person programming to contactlessly handing out educational, cultural and art activity kits to our tribal community. Working with other tribal departments and getting permission from Incident command to continue to hold different forms for programming.
Workshop Host: Debbi Kramer
Is Less More or is More, More? Evaluating the Discovery Habits of Users at an Academic Library
Friday, April 16th 12:45 pm – 1:45 pm
Presenter: Hannah McKelvey
Room 2
CE: Technology
This session will explore multiple library authentication methods, including the use of bookmarklets and browser extensions, and federated and proxy authentication, used to connect users to licensed electronic resources. The presenter will share how these methods are used at a medium-sized academic library, and the effectiveness (or ineffectiveness) of each.
Workshop Host: Christine Call
The Democracy Project—Civic Engagement Programming in Your Library
Friday, April 16th 12:45 pm – 1:45 pm
Presenters: Kim Anderson, Samantha Dwyer
Room 3
CE: Library Services to the Public
In both program and grant applications, we have seen a huge increase in interest in programming that addresses issues of citizenship, civil discourse, and civic engagement. We have created a number of programs to address this demand, including a civic engagement program for teens, based on the Los Angeles Public Library Foundation’s highly successful Democracy Project. Whether you’re interested in holding community conversations in your library, or addressing media literacy concerns, or improving your engagement with youth, this presentation will explore the ways Humanities Montana can help you and your library serve your community.
Workshop Host: Sara Linder-Parkinson
Bringing a StoryWalk® to Your Community
Friday, April 16th 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Presenters: Molly Hudson, Andrea Eckerson, Bretagne Byrd, Kate Radford
Room 1
CE: Library Services to the Public
A StoryWalk® is an excellent way to engage with your community outside of the library, but there are many details to consider. We’ll be discussing the joys, challenges, funding opportunities, and lessons learned after implementing 8 temporary StoryWalk® installations.
The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service owned by Ms. Ferguson.
Workshop Host: Rachel Rawn
OER (Open Educational Resources) and How to Implement it in an Accessible, User-friendly Way
Friday, April 16th 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Presenters: Megan Salsbury, Jacqueline Frank
Room 2
CE: Collection Management
Trying to think of ways to save your students money while still providing quality content? This session will provide an overview of OER (Open Educational Resources) and how to implement it in an accessible, user-friendly way. We’ll show multiple examples of OER and UDL (Universal Design for Learning) best practices.
Workshop Host: Hannah McKelvey
ASPeN: What’s New, Where Are We Going, and What Do YOU Want From It?
Friday, April 16th 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Presenter: Chuck Vopicka
Room 3
CE: Technology
Looking for ASPeN information? Want to know where it’s going and participate in the discussion to bring new features to ASPeN? This session will demonstrate new features, discuss upcoming plans, and seek input for future features. Community input will be added to the ASPeN development roadmap.
Workshop Host: Nancy Royan
Libraries Taking Back Control of E-books: SimplyE and Library Simplified Working Together to Give Libraries Simplicity and Flexibility
Friday, April 16th 3:15 pm – 4:15 pm
Presenters: James English, Jennie Stapp
Room 1
CE: Technology
When New York Public Library created SimplyE to combine multiple e-book platforms into one app, they hoped the app would become widely available to libraries. With LYRASIS hosting the software, libraries can now have control over their e-book delivery, with tools that have been created by libraries for libraries.
Workshop Host: Christine Call
10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s & How We Can Help
Friday, April 16th 3:15 pm – 4:15 pm
Presenter: Whitney Thompson
Room 2
CE: Library Services to the Public
How can we work together to expand support and hope to 22,000 Montanans living with Alzheimer’s and the 51,000 individuals providing their care? Some of the first steps include education and awareness. Join us to learn about common warning signs, benefits of early detection and diagnosis, and resources available.
Workshop Host: Debbi Kramer
Making Connections with Free Genealogy Resources
Friday, April 16th 3:15 pm – 4:15 pm
Presenter: Desiree Funston
Room 3
CE: Library Services to the Public
Genealogy research tells us a lot about our own ancestors, but it can also reveal our interconnections with the greater human family. In this session, we will explore several free, online resources that you and your patrons can use to flesh out the names and dates on your family trees.
Workshop Host: Alyssa Ramirez
Learn and Share at Guerrilla Storytime
Friday, April 16th 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Presenter: Amelia Kim
Room 1
CE: Library Services to the Public
Guerrilla Storytime is a peer-to-peer skill sharing event that allows storytime providers to learn new skills and show the plethora of knowledge Youth Services professionals have. Participants pick a popsicle stick with a storytime challenge on it (ex: “What’s your favorite nursery rhyme?”) and demonstrate their answer to their peers. Come share your tried-and-true storytime ideas and learn about others, and help everyone leave with new tricks and skills to share with your community.
Workshop Host: Kelly Reisig
WiFi Hotspot Lending Programs
Friday, April 16th 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Presenters: Meghan Salsbury, Mary Anne Hansen, Megan Glidden
Room 2
CE: Technology
The ImagineIF Library and the MSU Library are each piloting WiFi Hotspot Lending Programs in order to provide internet access to patrons with either spotty home internet or none at all. The presenters will provide an overview of their programs, including challenges, successes, and future plans.
Workshop Host: Sara Linder-Parkinson
Cocktails with Ivan
Friday, April 16th 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Presenter: Jan Zauha
Room 3
CE: Library Services to the Public
Explore and discuss This House of Sky! Join me for equal parts biography and discussion of Ivan Doig’s famous work. Using the Doig Archive housed in the MSU Library, I’ll share unpublished documents, letters, photos and sounds to give an insider’s look at Doig’s life and writing process.
Workshop Host: Hannah McKelvey
Awards Ceremony
Friday, April 16th 6:30 pm
Room 1
Workshop Host: Debbi Kramer
Saturday, April 17th
Summer Reading 2021!
Saturday, April 17th 9:00 am – 10:30 am
Presenter: Cindy Christin
Room 1
CE: Collection Management
“Tails & Tales!” Let’s discuss ideas for summer reading in 2021 along with what we learned in 2020. What creative new ideas will we continue? What are some programming ideas you have to share? How can CSLP help with your library’s summer reading? And how best can we connect with our local schools to promote reading over the summer?
Workshop Host: Nancy Royan
The Importance of Strategic Planning
Saturday, April 17th 9:00 am – 10:30 am
Presenter: Stu Wilson
Room 2
CE: Library Administration
Well-designed strategic plans identify which members of the community are under-served and what works toward creating inclusive services and libraries that welcome all members of their communities. This workshop lays groundwork for pre-planning initiatives and energizes library staff and trustees of small and rural libraries around the benefits of community-focused planning.
Workshop Host: Rachel Rawn
When Disaster Strikes
Saturday, April 17th 9:00 am – 10:30 am
Presenters: Alyssa Ramirez, Dustina Deans
Room 3
CE: Collection Management
When Lincoln County Library flooded in May 2020, we were woefully unprepared. However, disaster does not have to mean defeat. We will discuss what we wish we had known, including the fundamentals of emergency preparedness and how to mitigate damage to your building and collections in the event of a tragedy.
Workshop Host: Sara Linder-Parkinson
Author Brunch Speaker
Presenter: Tami Haaland
Saturday, April 17th 10:45 am – 11:45 am
Room 1
Speaker Host: Debbi Kramer
LUNCH
11:45 am – 12:30 pm
Explore Kahoot
Saturday, April 17th 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Presenter: Star Bradley
Room 1
CE: Technology
Kahoot is a “game-based digital learning platform” that can be used in the K-12 classroom, in College classes and in professional meetings. In this session attendees will get a chance to explore Kahoot and create their own free Kahoot quiz.
Workshop Host: Debbi Kramer
Summer Food Service Program
Saturday, April 17th 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Presenter: Kim Lloyd
Room 2
CE: Library Services to the Public
Every summer, millions of children lose access to daily meals served in school. Discover ways your library can participate, publicize the program, and connect young patrons to healthy food.
Workshop Host: Nancy Royan
Virtual Tour of the New Missoula Public Library Building
Saturday, April 17th 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Presenters: Elizabeth Jonkel, Missoula Public Library Staff
Room 3
CE: No credit
Join MPL staff on a virtual tour of the new library for Missoula. This live tour will take you from the first to fourth floor. Highlights include:
- New installations on the Children floor, including a climbing structure and Tiny Town for creative play.
- A demonstration of the Lyngsoe Automated Materials Handler
- Sneak peeks at the renovated Makerspace and Montana Room
- The new gaming area, business center and 250 capacity meeting room with gorgeous views of the Missoula valley
Workshop Host: Sara Linder-Parkinson
Montana Depository Libraries meeting
Saturday, April 17th 1:45 pm – 3:00 pm
Presenter: Jim Kammerer
Room 1
CE: No credit
Annual meeting of Montana depository libraries state and federal. Anyone else interested in libraries’ role as a community hub together with nonprofit organizations, the business community, and government information publishers.
Meeting Host: Debbi Kramer