NCLA Con 2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how information is accessed, organized, and utilized. For librarians, understanding AI tools and their applications can enhance research support, instructional services, and workflow efficiency. This hands-on pre-conference workshop will introduce participants to a range of AI-powered tools relevant to librarianship, provide guided experimentation with different tools, and facilitate discussions on real-world use cases. Attendees will leave with practical knowledge and strategies for integrating AI tools into their professional practice. This workshop will empower librarians to navigate the evolving AI landscape with confidence, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to leverage AI effectively in their professional practice. Workshop Objectives: By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to: Identify and evaluate AI tools suitable for different aspects of librarianship, including research support, instruction, and content organization. Experiment with AI tools hands-on to understand their capabilities and limitations. Explore case studies demonstrating successful AI applications in library settings. Discuss ethical considerations and best practices for AI integration. Develop a plan for incorporating AI tools into their workflows. Workshop Format: The workshop will be structured to balance learning, experimentation, and discussion: Introduction to AI in Librarianship (30 min) – Overview of AI technologies, their impact on library services, and key considerations. Exploring AI Tools (50 min) – Guided demonstrations of AI tools for research, instruction, and workflow automation, with opportunities for participants to test them. Break (10 min) Use Cases and Applications (45 min) – Real-world examples of AI in action, presented as short case studies from different library contexts. Hands-on Experimentation (50 min) – Participants engage with AI tools in breakout groups, with the facilitator available to answer questions. Break (10 min) Discussion and Q&A (45 min) – Participants share insights, challenges, and questions about AI implementation. Intended Audience: This workshop is designed for librarians in all roles and settings who are interested in learning about AI tools and their applications. No prior experience with AI is required. Technology Requirements: Participants should bring a laptop or tablet to engage in hands-on activities. Wi-Fi access will be necessary for online tool exploration.

Whether expanding our reach to new community members or taking on the risk of navigating tough topics, improving our capacity to engage in dialogue across difference will help librarians expand their library's capacity to serve as a third space bringing communities together for interaction and learning. When diving into new challenges of the present and future, or revisiting old disagreements, our capacity for healthy dialogue enables us to build a sense of community, become more effective problem-solvers, and help unlock the potential in our communities to overcome deep-seated challenges. New frontiers mean greater uncertainty, at a time when so much feels unstable. Healthy relationship is critical to our success, and it comes not from avoiding conflict altogether, but learning how to take advantage of healthy conflict as an inevitable dimension of living in community with people different from ourselves.This pre-conference workshop is designed to build participants’ capacity for civil discourse on tough topics facing our communities and even libraries themselves. We will explore understanding civil discourse in the context of other peaceful tools for engagement, the impact of our particular identities and experiences, and specific ways we can improve our day-to-day engagements in a difficult political environment.

Navigating Northstar Online Learning for Administrators and Proctors is a hands-on session which will walk those in the role of Administrator and Proctor through the elements of Northstar Online Learning to increase their knowledge and comfort with this flexible digital assessment and skill building tool. Northstar can be used to increase the digital capacity of staff to meet the just-in-time and point-of-service digital needs of their community members. Library staff can then use and refer Northstar to their community members to increase their digital skills.

Does the thought of public speaking stress you out? Are you struggling to feel more in control of the “control panel” when presenting virtually? Do you want to improve your presentation style and develop a more dynamic stage presence? Present Like a Pro will provide tips and tools to sharpen your in-person and virtual presentation and facilitation skills. Interactive activities guided by seasoned presenters will help you test out content, live and in a safe and low-stakes space.

This workshop offers library professionals a full day of immersive, hands-on learning in two complementary parts. The morning session introduces the art and history of books and bookbinding, while the afternoon explores zine-making as a medium of personal expression and community engagement. Participants will actively create their own hand-bound books and self-published zines, guided by an experienced instructor. Throughout both sessions, the workshop emphasizes experiential, object-based, and craft-based learning theories – demonstrating how tactile, “learning-by-doing” activities can deepen understanding of library collections and the social impact of print culture. By the end of the day, attendees will not only have new creative skills and finished projects to take home, but also concrete ideas for implementing bookbinding and zine programs in their own libraries. This workshop is beginner-friendly and open to all. All materials and tools will be provided, and participants are encouraged (but not required) to bring any personal images, magazines, poetry, or artwork to incorporate into their zines. Connection to 45-Minute Conference Presentation This workshop is proposed in conjunction with a 45-minute presentation at the main conference, and together they provide a cohesive learning experience on bookbinding, zines, and experiential learning in libraries. 
Participants can select to attend the morning or afternoon session, or both.

Participants will learn how to design and implement library programming centered on Black superhero comics, including strategies for curating collections, collaborating with campus and community partners, and creating programs that engage diverse audiences. Participants will gain insight into the significance of Black superhero studies as an academic and cultural field, with a focus on the portrayal of Haitian culture in comics and animated television. Participants will explore how comics can serve as tools for critical media literacy, helping learners examine the implications of power, race, and cultural representation in popular media. Participants will consider the importance of cultural sensitivity when engaging with stories rooted in Black and African diasporic traditions, particularly those that have been historically misrepresented or misunderstood. Participants will leave with concrete tools, prompts, and activity ideas for centering marginalized voices through storytelling in their own instruction, programming, or community initiatives.

Join NCLA Wellbeing Committee Members as you explore mindful practices, including guided meditations, breath and music meditations, mindful tea tasting, and inclusive yoga. We create a relaxed mood with lighting, music, and essential oils. Each practice will last between 30-60 minutes, with mini breaks in between. Built-in reflection time will allow participants to be immersed in the experience, take away what they can use in their libraries, and build into their own practice.

Library workers bring a sense of who they are to the work that they do-a collection of internal labels that describe what it means that they work in a library and that they are unique individuals. When they get to work, though, they are confronted with other sets of labels for who they are or who they should be. These are the labels provided by patrons, management, colleagues, and even the technology they use and the spaces they occupy-labels that are informed by events and attitudes in broader society that are increasingly hostile to anyone who doesn't fit the current version of "normal". This means that, while library workers source much of their self-esteem from who they are, they also face a barrage of suggestions that they aren't as good or as valuable as they think they are. Given the recent uptick in attacks against even the most basic equity, diversity, and inclusion support structures-as well as attacks on the profession itself-library workers are often left to face these recurring identity threats alone. In this workshopping session, researchers from the Public Library Routines Project-a project funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services-will guide attendees through a series of collaborative activities intended to help them craft their own solutions to these pressing challenges. As librarianship continues to extend its reach into new frontiers and, thus, new demands on worker identity, these solutions will help library workers maintain their sense of self.

The State Library of North Carolina, in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, Division of Rehabilitation and Reentry will host this interactive pre-conference session designed to deepen understanding of barriers faced by justice-impacted individuals as they transition from incarceration back into society. Attendees will participate in a Reentry Simulation, an immersive experience that highlights the systemic challenges individuals encounter when securing housing, employment, transportation, and other basic needs. By engaging directly with these real-life scenarios, library staff will gain a great awareness of complex barriers to successful reintegration. Following the simulation, the State Library will facilitate a guided reflection and work session, where participants will contribute to the development of a living resource document. This document will serve as a practical toolkit for library staff across the state, offering strategies, resources, and best practices for serving justice-impacted individuals. The entire session will empower attendees to develop sustainable, equity focused approaches to reentry support within their libraries.

Library leaders must deeply understand the social and political climate in their towns and counties in order to position their libraries for future funding success. The first step is to know that funders are not always library users, and their decision to fund the library is not generally based on self-interest. Whether they are elected officials or donors, funders are motivated by compassion, pride, and data. In tough budget climates, they are motivated by evidence-based policymaking. This session will provide actionable ways to refine, rework, and even rewrite your municipal or county budgets for stability and growth. You are the only expert on how your library can affect real change and support your community. Knowing what messages resonate with and activate current and potential stakeholders is key to effective communication about your funding.

Kick off your conference experience with NCLA’s Intellectual Freedom Committee and a special FREE screening of Banned Together, an "eye-opening documentary pulls back the curtain on two of the hottest topics in America today—book bans and curriculum censorship in public schools." Ban together with fellow NC libraries in this night of reel resistance with conversation and light refreshments on Tuesday, October 14th at 6 pm. See you there!

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.

This 45-minute presentation by High Point University's Gerald Ward, Media & Digital Services Librarian, and Lauren Ksa, Head of Reference Services Librarian-will demonstrate how hands-on bookbinding and zine-making workshops can transform library learning experiences. Attendees will discover how crafting books and zines engages patrons in active exploration of the history and cultural impact of print media, supported by educational theory and real-world program examples. The session will blend theory (critical library pedagogy, experiential learning, object-based learning, craft-based learning) with actionable strategies, showing how libraries-academic, public, or school-can develop sustainable programs that inspire creativity and learning. By highlighting High Point University's successful workshop series and Zine Library, the presenters will illustrate how creating and preserving handmade objects and publications can enrich collections and communities. Attendees will leave with both big-picture understanding and practical tips to implement these ideas in their own libraries.

Efforts to restrict or suppress content can take many forms and come from various sources. When such efforts arise from concerned parents or members of a community, it is crucial to have honest and difficult conversations. However, if they become politicized or are done for political purposes, they may be driven by external agendas rather than legitimate local concerns. This session will provide insights on distinguishing between external agendas and legitimate local concerns. Being well-prepared to address the issues, organizations, and political beliefs fueling these divisions is crucial.

This will be a collaborative and social session including multiple roundtables on a variety of topics for participants to share their experiences and ideas. Topics will include: ILS victories and challenges, Mentoring and training your technical services team, Share your bright ideas and successful projects. We hope to provide the RTSS community with an opportunity to celebrate their successes, get support for their struggles and build their overall resources and technical services' systems professional network.

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.

The NCLA Leadership Institute is a fantastic opportunity for librarians who currently serve (or hope to someday serve) in leadership roles. Participants build skills in leadership and mentoring, cultivate an improved understanding of themselves and others, and are inspired to serve in leadership roles within the library profession at local, state, and national levels. This session will feature several past Leadership Institute participants, who will share their experiences briefly before opening the floor to questions. This is a chance for those who are considering applying to the Institute to learn more!

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

No matter your position, you can cultivate leadership skills by embracing the transformative power of self-awareness and leading with authenticity and purpose. As the NCLA Leadership Institute emphasizes, "Lead from where you are." At the heart of effective leadership is a deep understanding of oneself. In this session, Jenneffer (academic librarian and former public librarian) and Jenny (Assistant Director at a public library and former school library media coordinator) will share their complementary yet distinct leadership journeys. As mentees, mentors, and planning committee members of the NCLA Leadership Institute, they will provide insights into how self-awareness shapes authentic leadership and fosters resilience. Through reflective discussions and interactive exercises, participants will explore how their core values and strengths influence their decision-making, workplace relationships, and leadership effectiveness. Attendees will engage in practical activities designed to deepen self-awareness, assess their leadership styles, and identify actionable steps to enhance their leadership practice. Topics will include the role of self-care in leadership, the importance of setting healthy boundaries, and the power of storytelling in leading with impact. Participants will leave equipped with tools to turn reflection into meaningful action, confidently navigating their leadership journey.This session is ideal for library professionals at any career stage who are eager to strengthen their leadership abilities, foster collaborative environments, and contribute to a culture of growth and innovation. Join Jenny and Jenneffer to discover how intentional self-awareness can empower you and your library to navigate new frontiers of leadership.