Monday, April 28, 2025
Session 6: Breakouts
2:30-3:20 PM
2:30-3:20 PM
You BOT this! Library/School Partnerships for Robotics Programing
Conference Room 1
Presenters: Molly Virello, Southington Public Library
Looking for a way to incorporate STEAM and robotics into your children’s programming? Want to work on community partnerships?
Join Molly Virello, Head of Children’s Services, and Stacey Hitlon, advisor of SHS Robotics Club the Southington Cyber Knights, as they discuss how to partner with your local high school’s robotics team to bring dynamic robotics themed programming to your library!
Sponsor: CLA Member
Objectives & Takeaways:
Upon completion, participants will be able to identify a similar robotics program in their high school.
Upon completion, participants will be able to form a plan on how to contact their local high school robotics advisors /team in order to begin building a reciprocal relationship.
Upon completion, participants will be able to begin having a discussion with their local robotics team(s) about bringing similar programming to their library.
Inclusive Metadata: Changing the Subject at Fairfield University
Conference Room 2
Presenter: Ann Victor, Acquisitions & Cataloging Strategies Librarian at Fairfield University
Now more than ever it is important to recognize that words have the power to alienate, or to embrace. This presentation will provide an overview of the work we have done at Fairfield University to incorporate inclusive language in the catalog.
Sponsor: Technical Services Section
Objectives & Takeaways:
Since the Change the Subject documentary made the news in 2019, catalogers have been trying to find ways to make the controlled vocabularies we use in the catalog more inclusive. From local headings like 'Undocumented immigrants' and 'Enslaved persons,' to open source vocabularies like Homosaurus, there are a myriad of ways to make research available for ALL students.
At Fairfield, we have been inspired by so many other libraries to incorporate this work in our own catalog, making changes with Library of Congress subject headings and call numbers. I'm hoping this presentation will inspire others to join in on this important work, and to also gather more ideas from other libraries on decolonizing the catalog. I've also only been able to do this work by the example of other amazing libraries, and want to pay it forward by sharing Fairfield's efforts towards inclusive excellence.
Press Start: A Guide to Launching Gaming Programs in Libraries
Conference Room 3
Presenters: Sarah Zaresk, Derby Neck Library
Explore how gaming programs can build community, foster social development, and provide a safe space for teens. We’ll cover the benefits of gaming programs, getting started, common concerns, and gaining support from your community and administration. Join us for an engaging session that explores practical ways to incorporate gaming into library programming- including live demonstrations!
Sponsor: CLA Member
Objectives & Takeaways:
Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of how gaming programs can enhance library services and create safe spaces, especially for teens. They’ll leave with practical steps to launch or expand gaming programs, including tips on addressing common concerns, advice on how to provide gaming experiences with small or nonexistent budgets, resources for finding affordable and age-appropriate games, and tips for securing support from their community and administration.
Through interactive demonstrations, such as games like Werewolf and Jeopardy, attendees will experience firsthand how gaming can be integrated into library programming to enrich patrons’ experiences and strengthen community bonds.
NASA's Connecticut Space Grant: An Out of This World Opportunity
Conference Room 5
Presenters: April Michaud, CT Space Grant; Nicole Dolat, Bloomfield Public Library; Bina Williams, Bridgeport Public Library; Christine Johnson, Waterford Public Library; Tori Congdon, Public Library of New London
Join April Michaud from Connecticut Space Grant and a panel of librarians to learn about integrating astronomy programs at your library. April will be telling us about the opportunities that CT Space Grant provides to libraries across the state. Get ideas about how to apply space programming at your library through a Q&A panel session with local libraries.
Sponsor: CLA Member
Objectives & Takeaways:
Learn about the grant funding through CT Space Grant from representative April Michaud.
A panel of librarians will give real life examples to inspire other librarians and help them brainstorm their own ideas.
Inspire Action with Empathetic Communications
Conference Room 7
Presenters: Marissa Latshaw
Libraries are empathetic places. Are your communications a natural extension of the library experience? Do they reflect your community’s collective values and inspire action with the people you serve? During this interactive session, we'll explore the power of empathy in communications to strengthen connections, reach new individuals, improve participation, and encourage donor/volunteer support.
Sponsor: Conference Committee
Objectives & Takeaways:
This session is designed to help library leaders and communicators think differently, and more empathetically, about their communications. You’ll walk away with:
An understanding of the role of empathy in communications, supported by research and real-world examples
A system for thinking about communication strategies that tap into the empathy of your entire staff
Examples of other libraries in Connecticut that have employed the “Empathetic Marketing Process” in their communications
A plan for developing clear messages that connect more deeply with the people you serve and reflect the goals, needs, and values of your library community
My hope is that all participants will leave this session energized and prepared to bring more empathy to their communications.
What the sigma, the skibdi and the cringe:
Gen Z + Alpha Slang 101
Gen Z + Alpha Slang 101
Mystic Ballroom AD
Presenters: Stephanie Smith, Avon Free Public Library; Mary Richardson, Simsbury Public Library; Sage Gentry, Farmington Public Library
Join three teen librarians for an interactive session on Gen Z and Gen Alpha slang. Learn how to decode teen lingo and engage with today’s youth, building stronger connections. Understand why language matters in fostering relationships and increasing your influence as a mentor and ally. Get the tools to communicate effectively, even if it makes them cringe a little!
Sponsor: Young Adult Section
Objectives & Takeaways:
"Teach attendees about current Gen Z and Gen Alpha slang, including its origins, meanings, and cultural significance.
Offer practical tips for engaging with teen patrons using relevant and relatable language.
Highlight the importance of building positive relationships with young people to create a more inclusive and connected community.
Create a fun, low-stakes space where participants can ask questions and share their own knowledge"
LinkedIn For Librarians
Mystic Ballroom BE
Presenters: Sarah Eiseman, Wallingford Public Library & Amanda Stern
Discover how LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for connecting librarians with their communities. Learn to share local resources, engage in community discussions, and foster partnerships. From promoting library events to collaborating on community projects, LinkedIn offers a unique opportunity to make a positive impact.
Sponsor: Career Development Committee
Objectives & Takeaways:
Why LinkedIn: Learn more about demographic information and user profiles to understand the power of this social media tool in greater detail.
LinkedIn as a Tool: Gain knowledge on how to personalize your profile for maximum visibility.
LinkedIn as a Community Hub: Understand how LinkedIn can serve as a platform to connect with patrons, community organizations, and other librarians.
Building a Professional Online Presence: Discover strategies for using LinkedIn to share library resources, promote events, and participate in community discussions.
Networking and Collaboration: Explore opportunities for connecting with other librarians, building professional relationships, and collaborating on projects.
Supporting Mental Health in Your Library
Mystic Ballroom CF
Presenters: Anne M. Romano, MLIS-Director of Library Services/CME Coordinator at Silver Hill Hospital; Bennie Finch, MSW, MLIS-Education & Outreach Coordinator at Network of the National Library of Medicine, Region 7
Interested in supporting mental well-being in your library? This presentation addresses increasing health information access and use, highlighting Connecticut specific and national resources to support patrons, their families, and friends. Also gather programming ideas across the lifespan.
Sponsor: CLA Member
Objectives & Takeaways:
Presentation includes basic information and statistics related to mental health in the United States. Focus will be on available resources to support health information access, build awareness, and fight stigma. Also included are programming examples and ideas to support mental well-being across the lifespan.
Connecticut resources such as Gizmo, resources from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and the State Department of Health will be featured.
At the end of the session, attendees will be able to:
Identify reliable resources for locating mental health information to share with patrons.
Recall library programs and services that promote mental health awareness.
