Sharjah International Library Conference

Preliminary Conference Program
(program will be updated and subject to change)

Preconference Workshops

Lessa Kanani'opua Pelayo-Lozada, ALA President,
Adult Services Manager,
Palos Verdes Library District, California

Finding Joy: Library as Space for Playful Learning and Creativity

How do we instill joy in folks as they return to our libraries? Participants will engage around creating joyful adventures focused on what the library should be about: the joy of learning; the joy of exploring, the joy of experience, and the joy of simply being immersed in an amazing story.

Presenter:

Stacie Ledden,
Director of Strategic Partnerships.
Anythink, Adams County, Colorado

Gamification and Game-Based Learning: Benefits and Tools for Libraries

Game-based learning uses game elements to help students and patrons learn new content and practice new skills in a risk-free setting. Game-based learning experiences can promote a deeper understanding of concepts such as productive struggle. Game-based learning encourages students to become self- directed critical thinkers and problem solvers who work in teams, learn about cooperation, negotiation, persistence, and other important life skills. Attendees will explore teaching strategies and learn about new digital tools.

Presenter:

Dr. Sam Northern,
Library Media Specialist,
Simpson Elementary School, Simpson County School District, Kentucky

Student-Created Media: Designing Research, Learning, and Skill-Building Experiences

This program will provide insight on how librarians and their faculty partners in designing assignments for authentic learning and supporting students in multimedia production. Your library has an opportunity to partner with faculty to foster student-created media, which can be the perfect showcase for students’ ideas, research, subject knowledge, and media literacy skill set development. Hear case studies, questions to help assignment development with faculty, technologies to use, student media creation support services, and impact.

Presenter:

Scott Spicer,
Media Outreach Librarian,
University of Minnesota, Minnesota

Libraries Build Business

Libraries and libraries can be economic engines by offering programming or services to local entrepreneurs and the small business community, and university students. Based on a recent successful ALA grant program, this session will outline how libraries can partner with the local business community by creating business incubators, co-working and maker spaces, introductory business classes, ownership, web design, marketing and accounting, mentoring groups, access to with small business owners, specialized equipment and technology; promotion and marketing assistance; as well as research and reference services, including assistance navigating legal and business licensures and requirements.

Presenter:

Julie Brophy,
Adult & Community Engagement Manager,
Baltimore County Public Library

School Librarians of the Year: Sharing Stories, Lessons, and Keys to Successes

This year’s recipients of the School Librarian of the Year Awards*, organized by the Emirates Literature Foundation, will show you how they created successful school library programs. Topics featured will include boosting reading in the secondary environment; reading initiatives developed to promote the love of reading, and using Evidence Based Practice to evaluate impact. Learn new ideas from award winners and colleagues to implement in your library

An opportunity for one on one and group discussions with experts and colleagues to ask, answer, discuss different issues and challenges going on in libraries. Come away with knowledge, ideas, and strategies to move yourself and your library forward.

Engaging Hard to Reach Teenagers

As past president of ALA’s Young Adult Library Services Association, Czarnecki will provide insight and ideas on how to reach and engage teenagers, especially those that are from underprivileged backgrounds.

Presenter:

Kelly Czarnecki,
YALSA Past President,
Teen Loft Manager, Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Library, North