2021 Annual Conference

PRINTABLE VERSION (Word) (PDF)

Thursday, October 7

8:30–9am                   Welcome, Housekeeping, WhoVa help

9–10:15 am                Opening Keynote by Jessica Rector

Jessica’s mission is simple: transform lives. A former TV talk show host, she uses her company’s research and personal experiences to help people uplevel their performance, while reducing burnout. She has written ten books and consults with companies and training teams. Learn more at jessicarector.com.

10:30am–12pm        Breakout Session 1

• Ages & Stages of Youth Development
  Understand the stages of child development and how they impact public library services to youth. Part of the YALSA/COSLA Train the Trainer initiative. Darcy Acord has been the Youth Services Librarian at Campbell County Public Library for five years; prior to that, she worked as Teen Coordinator for eight years.
  
  
• Inter-library Loan: Resiliency Through Efficiency
  Whether you’re an ILL “veteran” or newly cross-trained, join this discussion of ILL topics ranging from Work Queue management to shipping management. Kim Storey has been working as a Reference and Inter-library Loan Specialist with Laramie County Library for seven years.
  
  
• Wyoming Library to Business (WL2B)
  Discover how you can become a part of the Wyoming Library to Business (WL2B) Network and learn how other libraries are offering this service in their communities. Rachael Svoboda, Laramie County Library System, is a graduate of the University of Wyoming’s College of Business and a Wyoming native. She brings real-world business experience with Wyoming values to WL2B. Stephen Boss is the Information Technology Librarian at the University of Wyoming. He has built video studios at the university and in public libraries.
  
  
• Thinking Outside the Box: Borrowing Tactics from Broadcasting for Fundraising
  Learn how to find prospects and develop sponsors, use statistics to pitch your case, increase Friends group membership, and apply advertising terms and metrics to the library. Edmund Rossman is the author of 40+ New Revenue Sources for Libraries and Nonprofits, published by ALA Editions.

12–1pm                        Lunch

1–2pm                           Breakout Session 2

• GoWYLD.net and Book Clubs
  Start with GoWYLD.net to find what you need for reader’s advisory or to explore an author, topic, or place (or food!). Chris van Burgh received her master's degree from the University of Wyoming and began work at UW Libraries in 1981. She moved to the Wyoming State Library in 1998 and hit the road-training and sharing GoWYLD.net in libraries and schools across the state.

• Mastering Virtual Programming
  Virtual is here to stay! Learn to engage patrons, reach new audiences, and expand relationships between the library and the community. Martina Mathisen is a national speaker and trainer specializing in communication. She has presented both live and virtually in a dozen states, from Connecticut to California. Drawing on a background as a producer and promoter of live events, Martina teaches techniques and strategies to help libraries connect and engage with patrons and improve the customer experience. Recently, Martina has helped library staff learn how to effectively engage with their community, patrons, and each other while masked. Mastering Virtual Programming has been developed from real experience presenting to and engaging library communities virtually.

• Reaching Out: Meeting the Needs of Rural School Librarians
  This professional development project helps librarians utilize Open Educational Resources (OER) and prepares them to serve as instructional leaders in their schools. Julie Erickson is a Learning Specialist at TIE, a Google Certified Trainer, a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, and an MIE Trainer. She is passionate about libraries, learning, and technology.

• SESSION ADDED: What’s New with Titlewave?
  Learn more about this online tool for collection development that helps support DEI, SEL, and your school’s learning initiatives. Representative from Follett

2–3pm                           Vendors and Exhibitors

3–4pm                           Breakout Session 3

• Building Diverse Collections
  Learn about tools to analyze collections, resources for choosing diverse books for all ages, and get an introduction to diversity audits. Eva Dahlgren has worked for Teton County Library for the last 15+ years in numerous jobs. Sarah Mailloux has worked at Casper College library for eight years. They both have worn many hats, collection development being one of them.

• Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Resources
  Resources for the Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicare, and more will be demonstrated. Renee Martinez has worked for CMS for almost nine years and loves informing consumers of resources available for both staff and consumers.

• The Citizen Lobbyist
  Seasoned lobbyists will share their advice on effectively advocating for our libraries on both state and federal levels. Kristi Wallin is the director of the Laramie County Library Foundation. She has raised money for the University of Wyoming, community organizations, and numerous political campaigns.

• Public Library CONNECT: Reach More Young Readers
  Learn about a feature in OverDrive that enables students in your community to easily connect to your digital collection. Rob Rando joined Overdrive in 2017. Originally working with the new sales team, he helped to set up 50+ academic and corporate libraries with an OverDrive Platform. Now Rob works as an account manager to public libraries in the northwestern United States.

4:10–5:10pm             Breakout Session 4

• Oh Yeah ... GoWYLD ...
  Tour the variety of databases, get ideas for using them, and explore tutorials, promotional material, lesson plans, and more. Chris van Burgh received her master's degree from the University of Wyoming and began work at UW Libraries in 1981. She moved to the Wyoming State Library in 1998 and hit the road-training and sharing GoWYLD.net in libraries and schools across the state.

• Promoting Our Wyoming Book Awards
  We’ll discuss ideas that have worked in several libraries to promote the Buckaroo, Indian Paintbrush, and Soaring Eagle Book Awards. Rebecca Jones is a Youth Services Specialist at Campbell County Public Library.
  

• Sharing the Story of Your Public Library
  Get practical advice on finding, crafting, and sharing stories that demonstrate your library’s essential role in your community. Greg Peverill-Conti is the co-founder of the Library Land Project and is currently pursuing his MLIS at the University of Alabama. Library Land Project President Adam Zand will also be a presenter.
  

• WLLI Meeting
  Wyoming Library Leadership Institute graduates are invited to gather.

5:30–6:30pm             Awards or Happy Hour

Friday, October 8

8–8:50am                    Interest Group Meetings

• LEAD (Leadership Excellence and Development)
• YSIG (Youth Services Interest Group)

9–10am                        Breakout Session 5

• Fundraising 101
  Learn the components of a successful fundraising program – and what doesn’t work! Kristi Wallin is the director of the Laramie County Library Foundation. She has raised money for the University of Wyoming, community organizations, and numerous political campaigns.

• GoWYLD.net for Student Research
  Keep kids on a level playing field as they conduct their school research (and get them out of Google!) We will explore a variety of sources and tools. Chris van Burgh received her master's from UW and began work at UW Libraries in 1981. She moved to the Wyoming State Library in 1998 and hit the road-training and sharing GoWYLD.net in libraries and schools across the state.

• What is EDI? Breaking Down WLA's EDI Statement
  Hear about WLA’s process in developing our EDI statement, what it means, and how it can be used to guide our everyday actions. Conrrado Saldivar, Natrona County Library, is Chair of the EDI ad -oc committee and an ALA Spectrum Scholar.

• "Where Can I Find a Notary?" How to Add This High-Value, Low-Investment Service
  Meet a critical need and bring people into your library! Learn what a notary public does (and doesn't do) and how to navigate the process in Wyoming. Elizabeth Thorson has served the public at Laramie County Library System for over 20 years.

10–10:50am               WLA Business Meeting

11am–12pm              Breakout Session 6

• Books and Bytes: The School Librarian as Media Specialist
  How can we reimagine ourselves as highly valuable Information Specialists and use this change of focus to advocate for positions? Jennisen Lucas, Park County School District #6, has been a certified school librarian for 19 years. She has served as a building librarian and library supervisor in three different school districts in two states. She is a past chair of the School Library Interest Group and currently serves as the AASL President (July 2021-present).

• Getting to Know Region 4 of The Network of National Library of Medicine (NNLM)
  Learn about the new structure of the NNLM, as well as continuing education and professional development opportunities. David Brown Ed.D, MLIS, MCHES is an experienced health science librarian who works for The Network of The National Library of Medicine. He is based out of the University of Wyoming and teaches public health for a number of different colleges and universities around the world.

• Open Minded: Finding the Power with Open-Source
  This program addresses the pros and cons of open source software (ILS and Discovery) through real-life scenarios and lessons learned. Jessica Zairo, ByWater Solutions, has both graduate and undergraduate degrees in library science. Her previous experience as a law librarian and coordinator for an 18-county library consortium in Florida provided her with the opportunity to work and train librarians of all sizes and types. Kelly McElligott, Library Accounts Coordinator, wants to share that love of libraries to all! She received her MLIS from the University of Arizona. Although she enjoyed the warmth in Arizona, the pull to return to New England was too strong. Kelly started her library career as a Tech Services librarian and moved on to a Systems Librarian at the Stowe Free Library in Vermont.

• WLA LEAD Mentorship Workshop
  Mentors and Proteges will share their experiences in the program, and you’ll have an opportunity to sign up! WLA LEAD Interest Group

12–1:15pm                 Closing Address by Dr. Jewell Parker Rhodes

Jewell is an award-winning author of books for youth and a regular speaker at schools, colleges, and conferences. The driving force behind all of Jewell’s work is to inspire social justice, equity, and environmental stewardship. She is the Founding Artistic Director of the Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing and Narrative Studies Professor and Virginia G. Piper Endowed Chair at Arizona State University. Learn more at jewellparkerrhodes.com.

2–3pm                           Executive Board Meeting