Preconference Workshops
(Separate registration-lunch included. Please register for only one)
8:30–9:30AM
60 Minutes
9:30AM–13:00PM
4 Hours
Librarians as Teachers: An ACRL Immersion Workshop
This interactive workshop aims to help participants explore their roles as educators by offering the space to reflect on core aspects of information literacy, teacher identities, and strategies for professional well-being. During this workshop, participants will engage in discussion around the multifaceted role of librarians as educators and identify some of the knowledge and tools needed to advocate for information literacy, reflect on their teaching practices, sustain themselves professionally, and engage with the larger Immersion community.
- Articulate the importance of information literacy in order to tell the story of the role of librarians as teachers
- Reflect on their identity as a teacher in order to understand teaching perspectives and inform instructional practices
- Discuss strategies and boundaries needed to sustain ourselves and to nurture and maintain professional communities
- Describe learning opportunities with ACRL Immersion in order to continue to engage with the Immersion community
Associate Dean for Learning and Engagement, Penn State University Libraries
Professor and Science Librarian, University of Nevada-Las Vegas
9:00AM–15:30PM
6.5 Hours
Beyond the Buzz: Practical AI for Public, Academic, and School Libraries:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s here, and it’s transforming how libraries serve their communities. But with so much hype, where do you begin? This hands-on, interactive workshop cuts through the noise to offer practical, approachable strategies for integrating AI into everyday library work across public, academic, and school settings.
Designed for librarians who are new to AI or curious about its potential, this session begins with a brief, engaging overview of AI’s evolution in educational technology. Participants will explore the basics of AI, demystifying key concepts and understanding how AI can enhance library services, from reference and research support to instruction and workflow efficiency.
Attendees will gain a structured approach to evaluating and implementing AI tools. The session features guided practice with tools like Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and specialized platforms such as Research Rabbit, Litmaps, JSTOR’s Interactive AI Research Tool, and more. Participants will also explore how AI can support inclusive practices through Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and tools like Goblin.
The workshop concludes with a discussion on evaluating AI tools, addressing academic integrity concerns, and identifying ways to participate in broader institutional or community AI initiatives. Whether you work in a school media center, a public library, or an academic institution, you’ll leave with actionable ideas and the confidence to begin your AI journey.
- Understand the evolution and foundational concepts of AI in educational and library contexts.
- Identify practical applications of AI tools for reference, instruction, and workflow support.
- Gain hands-on experience with essential AI tools tailored for library environments.
- Explore strategies for inclusive service design using AI and UDL principles.
- Evaluate AI tools critically and address ethical considerations, including academic integrity.
- Participants will leave equipped with practical, inclusive, and ethically grounded strategies to confidently integrate AI into their library services—no matter the setting.
MLS, MAT, Teaching & Learning Librarian at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, North Carolina
Sharjah International Library Conference
(program will be updated additional sessions in July)
8:30–9:30AM
60 Minutes
9:30–10:15AM
45 Minutes
ALA President, Community and access services coordinator at Iowa City Public Library, Iowa
10:15-10:45AM
30 Minutes
Break and Visit Exhibits
10:45-11:40AM
55 Minutes
Library 2035: Opportunities, Challenges, and the Path Ahead
What will libraries look like in 2035? And, how can we prepare now? Inspired by Library 2035: Imagining the Next Generation of Libraries, this session explores emerging trends from AI ethics to climate resilience and the bold ideas reshaping the profession. We’ll examine future scenarios, essential skills, and the evolving role of libraries as hubs of equity, innovation, and global connection. Attendees will gain insights into how libraries can lead transformative change and remain vital in a rapidly shifting world.
Associate Dean for Academics in the College of Information, Data & Society, San José State University, California
11:45AM–12:40PM
55 Minutes
Beyond Data Literacy: Creating Inclusive and Collaborative Data Communities
Academic libraries are evolving beyond traditional data literacy instruction to foster dynamic and inclusive data communities. This presentation highlights how libraries encourage experimentation, collaboration, and innovation, supporting scholars at all levels through meaningful partnerships and engagement. Drawing from case studies and real-world strategies, it will explore how a thriving data culture strengthens scholarly networks, drives research, and transforms services to meet the changing needs of academic institutions. By embracing curiosity, risk-taking, and collaboration, libraries can reshape the narrative around data literacy and position themselves as key players in building sustainable scholarly communities.
Coordinator of the Digital Scholarship Hub and Liaison Librarian at McGill
12:40–13:40PM
60 Minutes
Lunch and Library Exhibits
13:45–14:40PM
55 Minutes
Leveraging AI in School Libraries: From Basics to Best Practices
The sudden appearance of AI in educational settings is exciting and transformative—and also disorienting. But this shift presents new opportunities to enhance school library services, support teaching and learning, and streamline school librarians’ own professional workflows. Seales offers practical strategies, insights, and tools for school librarians to thoughtfully, inclusively, and confidently integrate AI into their daily instructional and working practices.
Teaching & Learning Librarian at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, North Carolina
14:45–15:30PM
45 Minutes
Visual presentations of best practices
8:30–9:30AM
60 Minutes
9:00–9:55AM
55 Minutes
Using AI to Improve Technical Services
Director of the Information Institutions and Professional Skills Department, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Egypt
10:00-10:55AM
55 Minutes
The High-Impact Digital Library: Innovative Approaches for Outreach and Instruction
Digital library terminology like “accessible,” “discoverable,” and “searchable” usually presumes passive collections waiting to be found by motivated information seekers. Rarely do we envision collection managers initiating outreach with those most likely to benefit from the collections. This presentation explores the many ways that digital library library practitioners at various types of cultural institutions proactively promote their unique resources.
Digital Matters Director at the University of Utah
10:55-11:25AM
30 Minutes
Break and Exhibits
11:30AM-12:30PM
60 Minutes
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.
12:30-13:30PM
60 Minutes
Lunch and Library Exhibits
13:30-14:25PM
55 Minutes
14:25-15:05PM
40 Minutes
Visual presentations of best practices
15:05-16:00PM
55 Minutes
16:00-16:30PM
30 Minutes