NCLA Con 2025

Join library staff who have OverDrive collections in an open forum to share experiences and resources for sharing this digital collection with the public. If you don't have OverDrive and would like to learn more, you're welcome as well!

To further establish libraries as dynamic hubs of entrepreneurial activity and support, NC IDEA (a foundation dedicated to supporting North Carolina's entrepreneurs) has partnered with NC LIVE to pilot a groundbreaking fellowship program that empowers librarians to effectively support the "patron-founders" who walk through the library doors. The Libraries for Entrepreneurial Advancement Fellowship Program (LEAF Program) is a fully funded professional development experience that invites a cohort of 20 librarians to a 2-day in-person summit followed by virtual skill-building sessions throughout the year. Fellows gain confidence in speaking the language of entrepreneurship, they expand their knowledge of business resources, and also strengthen their market research skills using tools like Data Axle and Social Explorer. Through this program, librarians develop meaningful connections with peers and ecosystem partners. They also learn how to capture and communicate the numbers and stories of the library's contributions to local economic development. In this session, meet a current LEAF librarian and hear from NC IDEA's program manager. You'll understand how the LEAF Program works, what it hopes to accomplish, and how it has been developed in close collaboration with ALA's Libraries Build Business, BLINC, and the State Library of North Carolina. Attendees will leave inspired by how our state can serve as a national model of library-powered, equitable economic development. Application materials for the upcoming LEAF cohort will be on hand. (To ensure accessibility for all library systems, NC IDEA is committed to covering 100% of all Fellow expenses -- hotel, food, transportation.)

In Embracing Informational and Archival Literacies: Challenges and Successes (2019); Rebecca Hankins expressed, & Access to records is essential in personal, academic, business, and government settings, and use of records should be both welcomed and actively promoted.” Join us as we explore a holistic approach to community engagement in the library's archives and special collections. Incorporating librarians from academic, special and public libraries, each will share their strategies for showcasing and engaging with collections, fostering deeper connections, and building meaningful relationships with the community.

Follow-up to "Empowering Voices of the Archive and Special Collections" session intended to encourage further discussion about the topics raised in the session

Join us for an essential workshop led by library managers passionate about helping you succeed! This dynamic session will provide invaluable insights and practical strategies to refine your resume and cover letter, ensuring you stand out in the competitive library job market. We'll delve deep into the art of crafting a compelling resume and cover letter that captures your unique qualifications and experiences. Learn what hiring managers look for, common pitfalls to avoid, and how to tailor your application to specific job postings. Whether you're a seasoned librarian or just starting out, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge and tools to present yourself confidently and effectively on paper. This presentation is part of the NMRT student track.

Join Jennifer Smith for an introduction to mindfulness meditation using music as a tool to help you calm your mind and reduce stress mindfully. At the close of the session, participants will be able to connect and reflect about their experience. No experience needed.