2026 MLA|DLA Annual Conference

For full descriptions of each Ignite talk, check out this PDF!

Corky and Questionable: Observations from a Print Processor
Presenter: Miriam Heard

Stories of Broadcasting History from the Shelves of the Special Collections in Mass Media and Culture at University of Maryland Libraries
Presenter: Andrea Schuba

Deaf Creators Collective
Presenter: Brandt Van Unen

What the Maryland Center for the Book can do for you!
Presenter: Aditya Desai

This program examines how information professionals—librarians, library staff, and students—modify Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) related to the African American experience, directly impacting national access to African American scholarship and artifacts. Participants will explore why this work matters, learn the process for submitting heading changes, and review recent successful proposals. By revealing how subject heading modifications enhance discoverability of African American materials, this program demonstrates the vital role information professionals play in making collections more accessible and accurately representative of African American history and culture.

In this session, audiences will be invited to learn more about Maryland Humanities' One Maryland One Book program, which has partnered with library systems across the state for almost 20 years. We will share a brief history of OMOB, the 2026 title and proposed programming, and open up to discussion about ways to localize innovative events and activities in your branch that expand what it means to read with your community.

For full descriptions of each Ignite talk, check out this PDF!

Archival Bonds: Restoring and Forming Connections for Digital Access
Presenters: Claire Jeter and Shamica Terry

Getting SEEDS on the Shelf: The Story of St. Mary's County Seed Library
Presenters: Amy Dickinson, Megan Friend, and Nicole Hance

Tsunagaru: Building Bridges in Japanese Language Learning Through Library-Faculty Collaboration
Presenters: Fusako Ito and Mina Seat

Writing the next chapter: Host an interest lunch to inspire the next generation of library professionals
Presenter: Amanda VerMeulen