Thoughts from the 2018 Library Conference, Part 3

Now let’s look at the highlights of all the other session from the 2018 state-level library conference since the overarching themes of reader’s advisory and outreach have been addressed in previous posts.

One presentation I attended was on the topic of leadership. In a nutshell, the point was that everyone, regardless of position, is a leader.  A person must lead themselves if they are to accomplish goals. When one informs and motivates others, that also makes them a leader. A key point was that leading and managing were different since managing is seen as having more control in meeting goals over motivating others.

The one technology program I attended was on using iPads in a makerspace.  The takeaway here is that there are mobile device management systems out there and those have the capability to manage all devices in bulk, including pushing apps and updates.  These systems also allow one to change the settings to prevent changes from being made by patrons.

With my state’s bicentennial upcoming, there was a presentation about how the libraries can become involved.  Some of the ideas suggested or already in the works at various libraries include: themed youth summer and adult reading programs; hosting local history programs; conducting oral history interviews; hosting bicentennial-themed traveling exhibits; One Reads programs using books about the state or by authors from the state; and more.  Also discussed were statewide programs, such as creating a bicentennial quilt, and online encyclopedia of state history, and more.

Lastly, my group’s presentation also fits this category.  It was about the various resources offered in our state for those with disabilities.  My colleague and I covered a bunch of organizations that provide support, then I discussed the accessibility of library resources (namely OverDrive and Mango Languages and their counterpart programs).  Another panelist talked about the steps they took to ensure their library and its programming were accessible. A fourth panelist discussed an accessibility software they tested at their library and how that project went.  Of course, beforehand we planned what we thought would be important to cover and who was best to take each segment.

As a whole, it was a good conference.

What do you think about the ideas presented above?  Have you tried any of the ideas mentioned above?

Advertisement