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Preconference Workshop Descriptions

Wednesday, November 1

8:30am - 12:30pm

All morning workshops are four (4) hours long unless otherwise noted.

Reimagining Transgender 'Inclusion' for Libraries
Are you interested in increasing your understanding of transgender issues and how those can play out in the library environment? In this workshop, presenters will begin by making sure everyone has a common framework from which to work, before diving deeper and giving attendees the opportunity to evaluate their own libraries and how policies impact the accessibility of their institutions to transgender patrons. Tips and best practices will be shared. Together, we will brainstorm ways to approach library administrators and create more equitable and accessible libraries for all. This workshop is best-suited for those who already have some basic familiarity with transgender issues.

Speaker(s): Micah Kehrein, Library Associate II, Seattle Public Library; Sunny Kim, Teen Services Librarian, Seattle Public LibraryBean Yogi, Library Associate I, Seattle Public Library; Reed Garber-Pearson, Integrated Social Sciences Librarian, University of Washington


Cataloging Rare and Unique Materials for the Non-Rare Books Cataloger
Librarians are used to one thing: being expected to do everything. In the case of catalogers, this means that we must be able to catalog in multiple languages and formats as well as diverse cataloging standards. Many catalogers are often presented with materials that stray far away from our normal day-to-day cataloging responsibilities. What should a cataloger do when expected to catalog a rare book, a manuscript, or an archival collection? What tools are available online and preferably free to use? This workshop will steer a non-rare book cataloger through the process of accessioning to cataloging with a brief touch on preservation and processing. It will highlight the tools available for rare materials cataloging, the community of these catalogers, and the standards used for these materials. This workshop is limited to the first 20 registrants.

Speaker(s): Whitney Buccicone, Special Collections Cataloging Librarian, University of Washington; Deb Cox, Catalog Librarian – Special Collections, Seattle Public Library


Customer Privacy in a Multi-Vendor World
Libraries have traditionally been staunch defenders of the confidentiality of customer records and information. Now most libraries are contracting with multiple vendors for discovery tools and for digital content. These vendors provide access to popular formats and often help to foster a sense of community through social sharing options. Customers can share what they've read, what they hope to borrow and what they think about specific titles.  In most cases, customers must create an account with these services in addition to their library account. Some customers embrace social media features and the new access to digital content – others abhor it and fear a loss of privacy. How do we balance the needs and beliefs of our users on both ends of this spectrum? Join us for this interactive workshop and hear how two public libraries and a vendor, BiblioCommons, have managed these issues – and how you can, too.

Speaker(s): Jeanne Crisp, Director of Facilities and Special Projects, Sno-Isle Libraries; Patrick Kennedy, Co-Founder, President and Chief Privacy Officer, BiblioCommonsCindy Gibbon, Policy and Special Projects Director, Multnomah County Library


Building a Strategic Framework for Guiding Today's Library (3 hour workshop)
What is the relationship between your library's core services and your community's priorities? How do your community's priorities inform your projects, year to year? How can you establish a strategy direction that is durable over the long term and yet responsive to changing community needs? Come learn how one library system answered these questions and developed a community-driven Strategic Framework that drives short- and long-term decision-making. Following a brief presentation, participants will use simple tools and techniques to think strategically about their library's services, build a framework that recognizes community priorities, and practice using it to make decisions.

Sponsors: BERK Consulting and Pierce County Library System
Speaker(s): Claire Miccio, Associate, BERK Consulting; Georgia Lomax, Executive Director, Pierce County Library System; Brian Murphy, Principal, BERK Consulting; Melinda Chesbro, Deputy Director, Pierce County Library System


2:00pm - 5:00pm

Not Just For Kids: How Children's Literature Can Inspire Bold Conversations
Sometimes, the differences between us can make us uncomfortable. When conversations about race arise, for example, we may feel tight-chested and awkward. Children's literature can actually help us adults feel more comfortable with uncomfy topics and better navigate issues of identity and difference in our own lives. In this interactive workshop, we’ll showcase kids’ books from around the world as well as diverse communities in the US in order to gain some new skills. Together, let’s continue to figure out how to navigate our complicated world, shall we?

Speaker(s): Dr. Anu Taranath, University of Washington


Project Management 101 for Libraries
Libraries are constantly implementing new services, programs and products. But how do we know if we're giving them the best possible launch? How do we tell when we're done with one so we can move on to the next? How do we know and show that each has been successful? Project management (PM) is the answer to all of these questions. The principles and tools of PM are a time-tested approach used successfully in all types of organizations. While an increasing number of libraries are adding PM positions, any staff member who is responsible for a "temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result" can use project management. Our presenters have experience introducing PM to their organizations and are ready to help you discover its benefits for yours.

Sponsor: WALT
Speaker(s): Christa Werle, Public Services Project Manager, Sno-Isle Libraries; Lisa Fraser, Business Analysis Manager, King County Library System


Leveling Up: Take Engagement with Your Business Community to the Next Level
Level up your engagement with and services to your business community! Come trace the history of one public library’s LevelUp business hub, training facility, and coworking space. Learn about how the space came to be and the thoughts and efforts that went into the its development. Explore the tools being offered, the staff development required, and the audience being attracted to LevelUp. Your library wins when your business community wins!

Speaker(s): Mark Pond, Business Research Librarian, Spokane Public Library


Social Justice Education Around Technology (SEAT): Critical Conversations
With the evolution of communication, how do we respond when discussing digital technologies? How are people and their personal choices about technology respected? Have a SEAT at the table. Let’s engage, critically, with the individual and institutional ways that show we care across differences, and let’s model that caring for others. This interactive workshop will include three components: a) setting the context research to praxis; b) WorldCafé style conversations to uncover potential sites of violence as we work across boundaries; and c) actionable items.

Sponsor: SRRT
Speaker(s): Ivette Bayo Urban, MEd., MSIS, Educator / Community Engaged Information Scholar, Center for Social Justice Education Around Technology; Stephanie Torres, MLIS, Library and Information Service Professional, Center for Social Justice Education Around Technology; Erin Jones, Consultant, Erin Jones LLC; Angela Marie Cortes, Librarian & Diversity Trainer, Sno-Isle Library


Every Librarian Should Play Board Games
A library manager and unofficial games librarian will present and highlight 10 board games that every librarian should play. Each game discussed has been well received in libraries and have important social, creative, and educational potential for patrons. This workshop will provide practical advice on how to choose the right games for your community, how to set up your own circulating board game collection, and how to plan board gaming events. Learn more about modern board games, their rules, mechanics, classifications, and themes. Bring your questions on demoing, cataloging, acquisition, marketing, and advocating for board games to directors and boards. Takeaways include a basic understanding of modern board games, a starting collection of 10 games for less than $200, and materials for connecting board games into programming and events.

Sponsor: SAIL
Speaker(s): John Pappas, Library Manager, Bucks County Library System