Breakout Schedule at-a Glance is available here.
Do you have an active learning information literacy activity, lesson plan, or method you’ve used to great effect in class? Do you miss your elementary show and tell? This session gives you a chance to share your great work without putting together an entire presentation. Participants will have the option to spend two or three minutes describing your work in this unconference style session, no slides or preparation necessary.
Presenter(s): Samantha Minnis, Liaison and Instruction Librarian, Grand Valley State University; Mary Ruge, Liaison and Instruction Librarian, Grand Valley State University
Learning Objective(s): 1) Participants will connect with other information literacy instructors through sharing active learning techniques; 2) Participants will strengthen their understanding of active learning and why it is a vital tool in teaching and knowledge retention; and 3) Participants will co-create a collection of learning artifacts that they will be able to access and modify for use at their home institutions.
As AI becomes increasingly embedded in library tools and research support, librarians face growing tension between ethical concerns, environmental impact, and student needs. This panel brings together four librarians with varying relationships to AI, examining how “AI fatigue” shapes daily practice and institutional decision making. Panelists will explore ethical lenses, societal pressures, and approaches to engagement, inviting participants into reflective discussion about their own “True North” in teaching and supporting critical AI use.
Presenter(s): Jesus Espinoza, Student Success and Engagement Librarian, University of Michigan; Naomi Binnie, Digital Learning and Engagement Librarian, University of Michigan; Sheila Garcia Mazari, Online Learning Librarian, University of California Santa Cruz; Kelleen Maluski, Engagement Librarian, SAGE Publishing
Learning Objective(s): 1) Articulate how AI fatigue manifests in library work, including emotional, ethical, environmental and labor related dimensions; 2) Analyze how institutional, economic, and societal pressures shape librarians’ expectations to adapt, resist, or mediate AI technologies; and 3) Reflect on their own positionality and values when supporting student AI use within higher ed and library contexts.
This presentation will describe the process the MSU Libraries undertook to create an auto-triaging contact form using Drupal Forms and the LibAnswers API, effectively combining the workflows of two previously distinct units. We will cover how we designed the form, technical considerations and troubleshooting, and policies we implemented to ensure further triage once the form is submitted. Attendees will leave with tools to create a similar form at their own libraries.
Presenter(s): Emilia Marcyk, Head, Reference & Discovery Services, Michigan State University; Sruthin Gaddam, User Experience & Accessibility Librarian, Michigan State University; Cameron Johnson, Operations Manager, Reference & Discovery Services
Learning Objective(s): 1) Attendees will learn how the LibAnswers API can be used to create a self-triaging contact form; 2) Attendees will explore the process for creating a library contact form using Drupal Forms; and 3) Attendees will examine policies and workflows for effective reference/technical support triage in an academic library setting.
This presentation is a preliminary analysis of survey data (n = 550) gathered on ageism in academic and research libraries. The survey tries to tease out details of people’s experiences with ageism by investigating responses to general questions, including whether people self-reported experiencing ageism or specific forms of ageism, and a sentiment analysis of comments. This initial survey snapshot can highlight areas where we can improve inclusiveness within libraries.
Presenter(s): Jodi Coalter, Life Sciences Librarian, Michigan State University; Gennifer Iverson, Communication, Media Studies, and Journalism Librarian, Michigan State University; Evalyn Stow, Archivist for Collections Librarian, Michigan State University; Eli Wachter, Data Visualization Librarian, Michigan State University
Learning Objective(s): 1) Understand the basic premise and methods behind this survey, including: goals and objectives, creation of the survey questions, need for the survey, limitations of the survey; and 2) Understand initial response to general questions on ageism from the survey participants.
This presentation explores the TIES Center's ten dimensions of belonging: Present, Invited, Welcomed, Known, Accepted, Involved, Supported, Heard, Befriended, and Needed, providing a foundation to advance campus belonging initiatives. This presentation provides an introduction to belonging in higher education before going through the ten dimensions, connecting them to library work. With this inspiration jumpstart, participants will reflect and brainstorm applications to their own work. Sharing ideas with fellow attendees will foster connections and reinforce learning.
Presenter(s): Jon Jeffryes, Associate Dean for Curriculum, Research, and User Services, Grand Valley State University
Learning Objective(s): Attendees of this session will 1) Understand belonging work within the context of higher education; 2) Name the ten dimensions of belonging; and 3) Connect dimensions of belonging to their work.
Learn about the statewide work of academic libraries supporting incarcerated students. This panel will share updates from the Michigan Consortium for Higher Education in Prison (MiCHEP) Library Affinity Group on efforts to establish standards for academic library access for students, examples of academic libraries supporting both new and established prison education programs (PEPs), and a discussion of the challenges that libraries face as they work to create the best learning environment for students.
Presenter(s): Jessica Hronchek, Head of Collections and Access, Hope College; Cara Medvedenko, Liaison Librarian, Grand Valley State University; Jen Fiero, Library & Information Commons Director, Jackson College; Sarah Kolk, Research and Instruction Librarian, Calvin University
Learning Objective(s): 1) Recognize the forms of collaborative work happening across Michigan to increase academic library access for incarcerated students; 2) Learn where to find support for efforts at your own institution; and 3) Learn about the new standards for information access for incarcerated students in Michigan.
Much of our cultural legacy remains hidden in documents that traditional OCR cannot read and digital platforms struggle to surface. This session explores how one library is using emerging AI models to extract text from heavily degraded documents and historic handwriting, combined with modern development approaches to present these materials in new ways. Designed for librarians, archivists, and digital humanities practitioners, attendees will gain practical knowledge applicable to their own collections, regardless of technical background.
Presenter(s): Paul Gallagher, Associate Dean for Resources and Digital Strategy, Western Michigan University Libraries
Learning Objective(s): 1) Identify AI tools beyond chat models, such as vision language models, that can extract text from degraded documents and historic handwriting; 2) Describe modern 'vibe-based' development approaches that lower technical barriers for creating digital collection interfaces; and 3) Evaluate how these emerging tools and techniques might be applied to cultural heritage materials in their own organizations.
Academic librarians with high autonomy generally view it as a key benefit of their role. For new librarians moving from a structured LIS program to an autonomous academic role, adjusting to this independent reality takes time. In this session, early career academic librarians will discuss their experiences with autonomy in their positions and provide ideas for pushing through the discomfort and growing into your autonomy as an academic librarian.
Presenter(s): Michelle Rau, Assistant Professor, Medical Librarian, Oakland University, William Beaumont School of Medicine; Janelle Lyons, Librarian for English Language and Literature and Instruction Resources, Wayne State University; Delaney Jorgensen, Assessment Librarian, Grand Valley State University
Learning Objective(s): Attendees will be able to 1) Build a sense of validation among early career librarians with different experiences of autonomy in their roles; 2) Identify opportunities and challenges that post-Covid hybrid work environments have created for academic librarian autonomy; and 3) Develop strategies to be productive and fulfilled in librarianship roles.
The Journal of Student Research at Indiana University East (JSRIUE) was initially founded in 2017. In 2024, I had the option to turn the production of the journal into an honors-level class and lead students through the process of bringing articles to publication. This presentation will provide a model for other librarians who choose to launch a research journal on their campuses, as well as lessons learned for strengthening the class in the future.
Presenter(s): KT Lowe, Associate Librarian for Instruction and Outreach, Indiana University East
Learning Objective(s): By the end of this presentation, participants will 1) Identify necessary foundational steps for ensuring a smooth publication process; 2) Discover what tasks are needed to create a polished journal, including editing, communication and preparatory coursework; and 3) Learn how a student journal serves as a morale-boosting tool for students and provides unexpected outcomes for students enrolled in the class.
Studying hungry is hard! This session will explore the academic library space moving from information center to active engagement in combatting a known issue on college campuses: food insecurity. It will discuss the proposal development, need for cross-campus collaboration, and the reception and obstacles along the way.
Presenter(s): Lauren Vogt, Student Engagement Librarian, Ferris State University
Learning Objective(s): 1) Understand the challenges of food insecurity among college students and explore how libraries can serve as active partners in promoting student wellness; 2) Analyze the planning, funding, and marketing strategies used in developing a grab-n-go food pantry; and 3) Evaluate the effectiveness of a proposed grab-n-go pantry by assessing student reception, identifying implementation challenges, and recommending improvements for future sustainability.
This panel will present the perspectives of four librarians developing different types of credit-bearing information literacy instruction for a variety of disciplines, as well as their department head providing an administrative perspective. Each librarian will describe the origin of their project, how it has evolved, and their personalized approach to developing credit-bearing instruction to support the faculty and students in various departments.
Presenter(s): Samantha Minnis, Humanities Liaison Librarian, Grand Valley State University; Cayla Dwyer, Science Liaison Librarian, Grand Valley State University; Mary Ruge, Liberal Arts Liaison Librarian, Grand Valley State University; Gayle Schaub, Student Success Librarian, Grand Valley State University; Hazel McClure, Head of Research, Instruction and Outreach, Grand Valley State University
Learning Objective(s): 1) Participants will be able to describe several approaches to developing credit-bearing courses and identify opportunities in their teaching/libraries for similar projects; 2) Participants will be able to assess if these approaches are feasible in their libraries; and 3) Participants will be able to devise their own approaches to move toward designing and advocating for teaching information literacy in credit-bearing courses.
This session explores the design and implementation of a year-long, library-facilitated faculty learning cohort focused on digital literacy and digital learning. Co-led by a librarian and a campus administrator, the cohort supported faculty across various disciplines in designing multimedia assignments using Adobe Express. The presenter will share insights on the planning, collaboration, funding, and outcomes of the cohort, while highlighting the libraries’ role in fostering meaningful faculty connections and professional growth.
Presenter(s): Katie Edmiston, Arts, Media & Design Librarian, Central Michigan University
Learning Objective(s): 1) Understand how to support faculty at your institution through a learning cohort; 2) Understand how to design, market, and coordinate a year-long learning cohort; and 3) Discuss planning structure and learning outcomes of individual learning sessions.
This session will discuss how a mid-sized university launched a Library of Things with no grant funding, only a small portion of the budget, and a lot of enthusiasm and creativity. It will show libraries how to frame a timeline, prioritize purchasing, and market the beginning of a new endeavor.
Presenter(s): Lauren Vogt, Student Engagement Librarian, Ferris State University; Dave Scott, Marketing Librarian, Ferris State University
Learning Objective(s): 1) Evaluate the suitability of implementing a Library of Things within the listener’s institution and determine an appropriate timeframe; 2) Apply and modify the provided marketing plan to develop a customized promotional strategy for their own Library of Things; and 3) Analyze potential challenges associated with launching a Library of Things and design effective solutions to address them.
For 20 years, the Michigan eLibrary (MeL) has united Michigan libraries from coast to coast, big to small, and public to academic. As IMLS funding finds itself staring down the barrel of a gun, it's more important than ever that we share the impact that funding has on our patrons. The MeL map is a showcase of MeL transactions since 2006 between Wayne State University libraries and its statewide partners.
Presenter(s): Vaughn Xavier Haynes, Graduate Student Assistant, Wayne State University Libraries; Theresa Hovey, Library Associate Senior, Wayne State University Libraries
Learning Objective(s): 1) Examine the role of data visualization in strengthening library partnerships across diverse sectors, and how these tools can foster a deeper understanding of library impact on local and statewide communities; and 2) Assess the power of storytelling through statistics in library advocacy, understanding how libraries can creatively represent their value and demonstrate their contributions, especially in the face of the IMLS crisis.
Join us for a panel discussion about making colleague connections through MiALA Interest Groups (IGs). Panelists will include MiALA members from multiple institutions in a variety of roles. Participants will learn more about the experience of creating and running a MiALA IG and the benefits of being a member, including the importance of connections, mentoring, and networking.
Presenter(s): Jennifer L. Dean, Library Director, University of Michigan-Flint Thompson Library and Archives; Elizabeth Kenney, Associate Dean for Libraries & Learning Support Services, Schoolcraft College; Christina Radisauskas, Library Director, Aquinas College; Marcus Richter, Library Director and Associate Professor of Library Science, Alma College; Beth Wallis, Associate Dean of University Libraries, Oakland University; Rochelle Zimmerman, Director of Library Services, Northwood University
Learning Objective(s): Participants will learn 1) How to start and participate in an IG; 2) How to benefit from networking; 3) How to engage in mentoring; and 4) How to prepare for leadership roles.
This session explores strategies to increase subject liaison engagement in collection development decisions through data-driven approaches. Librarians from both mid-size and large institutions will share strategies to help subject liaisons make informed collections decisions using data, collaborative discussion, and subject expertise. We will discuss challenges that librarians may face while doing collection development in addition to their other job duties and open the discussion up for the audience to speak from their own experiences.
Presenter(s): Tiler Jewell, Research & Collection Development Librarian, Saginaw Valley State University; Alex Hauser, Business Librarian, Michigan State University
Learning Objective(s): 1) Identify common challenges subject liaisons face in balancing collection development with other responsibilities; 2) Develop practical approaches to data driven decision making into liaison workflows; and 3) Collaborate with peers to share ideas and solutions for increasing liaison engagement in collection development.
Our institution’s library developed a training program for peer research consultants: undergraduate students who assist their peers with library research. This presentation shares our process for designing the training curriculum, including how we adapted reference skills for peer-level delivery, challenges encountered, consultant feedback, and lessons learned. Attendees will gain practical frameworks and tools for implementing similar peer consultant training programs that expand library services while providing experiential learning opportunities for students.
Presenter(s): Malyn Berger (they/them), Applied Sciences Librarian, Western Michigan University; Micaela Carignano (she/her), Natural Sciences Librarian, Western Michigan University; Carrie Leatherman (she/her), Social Sciences Librarian, Western Michigan University
Learning Objective(s): 1) Participants will be able to identify key components of an effective peer research consultant training program for academic libraries; 2) Participants will understand/grasp strategies for adapting professional reference and instruction skills into curriculum appropriate for undergraduate peer consultants; and 3) Participants will gain practical tools and resources that can be adapted to develop peer consultant training programs at their own institutions.
In this session, we discuss our process for conducting a diversity audit, and the collection development strategies we developed following the audit. Diversity audits assist librarians in creating data that will inform collection development policies to better fit the diversity of their campus demographics. As centers of campus life, it is crucial that academic libraries reflect the diversity of their student populations, ensuring that everyone on campus feels seen and welcomed in the library space.
Presenter(s): Josie Columbus, Access Services Associate, UM-Dearborn Mardigian Library; Natalie Hagopian, Business & Economics Librarian, UM-Dearborn Mardigian Library
Learning Objective(s): 1) Develop practical skills for designing collection diversity audits; and 2) Learn how to use audit data to create and implement concrete collection development strategies.
Over the past few years, reparative work has become a topic of discussion in library and archival work, largely in the context of metadata and description. This ethnographic study interrogates what reparative work looks like in a broader sense, as it may impact the work of collection development, reference and technical services, preservation and conservation, as well as description and metadata—using a case study of a large midwestern academic research collection.
Presenter(s): Jesse Johnston, Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Michigan School of Information; Nazelie Doghramadjian, PhD Candidate, University of Michigan School of Information; Ricky Punzalan, Associate Professor, University of Michigan School of Information; Tam Rayan, PhD Candidate, University of Michigan School of Information
Learning Objective(s): 1) Understand the concepts and definitions of reparation and reparative work; 2) Learn about the scope of reparative work as it may be seen and implemented in an academic archival & special collections; and 3) Learn about possible applications of reparative archival work beyond description and metadata practices, which may be formative in organizational policy as well as library and archives management.
The CAPS Matrix provides a values-driven strategic planning framework for academic libraries navigating rapid change. By mapping strategic priorities (rows) against four operational domains, Collections, Authorship, Programming, and Spaces (columns), libraries can ensure all functional areas align with core values. This flexible, adaptable structure helps libraries maintain their 'True North' while responding to evolving circumstances, fostering organizational coherence and facilitating stakeholder communication about how library work embodies institutional mission and values.
Presenter(s): Mary O'Kelly, Associate Dean, Western Michigan University
Learning Objectives: 1) Analyze the structure and logic of the CAPS Matrix framework; 2) Identify potential strategic priorities for their own institutional context; 3) Develop sample strategies for at least two matrix cells; and 4) Evaluate the applicability of the CAPS Matrix to their library's planning processes.
Modernizing gallery, library, archives, and special library (GLAMS) records to include accurate tribal names, replacing derogatory terminology, identifying married women as individuals, giving equal respect (and space) in your classification system to all religions and classes of people, all fall under the umbrella of reparative cataloging in description! Learning about visionary librarians of the past, current reparative projects, with resources, and tips for starting a project today!
Presenter(s): Rebecca R. Daly, MLIS, Metadata and Cataloging Librarian, Northern Michigan University
Learning Objective(s): 1) Identify Reparative Description projects, discuss the underlying logic and reasoning, and how those changes create more accurate descriptions, dignity, and equity for marginalized people; 2) Communicate how Reparative Description and Conscientious Cataloging embody the ethical standards of libraries; and 3) How to implement changes independently by using local subject headings, authority records, and controlled vocabularies.
We all want to ensure departments across campus have access to the resources they need. And using data to make resource allocation decisions is responsible. But how do you ensure smaller departments aren’t placed at a disadvantage when metrics like cost-per-use are utilized? This presentation explores one academic library’s experience setting up a rubric to evaluate electronic resources that incorporates weight to equalize data across departments of various sizes.
Presenter(s): Johanna Boyle, Collections Management Librarian, Grand Valley State University; Marcia Masters, Acquisition & Collection Data Analysis Librarian, Grand Valley State University
Learning Objective(s): 1) Analyze the challenges of using raw data to make collections decisions; 2) Identify metrics for their own evaluation rubric; 3) Apply similar formulas to weigh criteria within the rubric; and 4) Develop strategies to communicate collection renewal decisions effectively and transparently to stakeholders outside the library.
Academic librarians face constant pressure from rapid change and endless to-do lists. Slow librarianship offers a values-driven alternative to the culture of busyness, centering intentionality, equity, and relationship-building over speed. This workshop introduces practices that resist toxic productivity and foster sustainability. Through reflection and discussion, participants will identify small shifts to cultivate personal well-being and explore organizational changes that prioritize collaboration, care, and belonging within academic libraries.
Presenter(s): Ashley Rosener, Open Education and Scholarly Communications Librarian, Grand Valley State University
Learning Objective(s): 1) Participants will develop an understanding of the concept of slow librarianship; 2) Participants will create a plan on how to begin implementing slow librarianship in their work; and 3) Participants will identify at least one slow librarianship practice they can incorporate into their workday.
In an effort to fully represent the research output of our faculty in all departments equally we examined how they are currently being represented within various bibliometric data reporting systems. In this session we will explain why we chose to do this project, how we outlined this work, what challenges we encountered and how we overcame them. We will also talk about what we learned from the experience and our plans for continuing this work.
Presenter(s): Jeneen Jadallah: Student, University of Michigan- Dearborn; Amy Seipke: Engineering, Computer Science, and Mathematics Librarian, University of Michigan- Dearborn
Learning Objective(s): 1) Attendees will gain an understanding of the reporting capabilities of various scholarly output reporting systems; and 2) Attendees will learn about one way to organize and implement an assessment program to examine the way their faculty output is being reported.
Academic librarians are no strangers to burnout and workplace siloing. Through its Fundamental Understanding of Needs (F.U.N.) committee, one library re-centered core values of academic librarianship and fostered resilience to burnout and siloing by revitalizing social and wellness-focused events building relationships, belonging, and recognition. This presentation shares strategies for coordinating low-cost activities that reconnect staff across units, normalize wellness, and invite personal expression. It also highlights survey results assessing the committee’s impact.
Presenter(s): Lee Parker, Instruction and Outreach Librarian, Central Michigan University; Ariel Wiborn, Course Reserve and Copyright Specialist, Central Michigan University
Learning Objective(s): 1) Attendees will be able to describe the F.U.N. committee’s formation and how it built community, resilience, and connection to core values; and 2) Attendees will be able to adapt F.U.N. committee initiatives to the needs of their own institutions.
The use of AI tools in evidence synthesis is expanding rapidly, and librarians are frequently asked by researchers for guidance on selecting the best AI tools to enhance their work. This session will introduce some of the available AI tools and where they fit in the evidence synthesis process, resources for critically appraising their use, and the possibilities and potential pitfalls of integrating AI tools.
Presenter(s): Andrea Kepsel, Health Sciences Librarian, Michigan State University Libraries; Jessica Sender, Health Sciences Librarian, Michigan State University Libraries
Learning Objective(s): 1) Participants will identify how artificial intelligence could be used in evidence synthesis; 2) Participants will evaluate AI tools for use in evidence synthesis to determine effectiveness and use in their own research; and 3) Participants will critically appraise AI tools for use in evidence synthesis.
This lightning talk introduces the AI Literacy Compass—a values-first, harm-aware framework for working with AI instruction as a librarian. Beginning at True North (learning, equity, integrity, environment, labor), then moving through literacy, boundaries, and practice, the session addresses complex librarian and campus attitudes, from principled refusal to uncritical, shortcut-focused use. Attendees will leave with language and decision tools to support critical, ethically grounded engagement in their own AI-related work.
Presenter: Jen Fiero, Library & Information Commons Director, Jackson College
Learning Objective(s): Articulate a values-first definition of AI literacy that supports both critical use and principled refusal of generative AI tools.