Go beyond surveys and stats to get a deeper and more reliable understanding of your library's community. Participants will learn easy-to-implement ethnographic research methods, including mapping, fieldnotes, reflexive journaling, and digital ethnography, that will help them to better see the whole story of who is (and isn't) using the library, how they are using it, and what programs and services they really want.
How to create a culture to build trust, protect intellectual freedom, and respond to the evolving community needs while supporting and empowering the staff who make it all possible. Library leaders offer a road map for creating inclusive, resilient library cultures rooted in trust, equity and compassionate leadership. With real world examples, the presenters explore how libraries can combat social isolation and serve as hubs for public health and lifelong learning. Presenters are the authors of a book by the same title that will be published by Bloomsbury in February 2026.
Catch the “buzz” on upcoming and recently published titles! MLA's Readers' Advisory Interest Group will present a diverse and enticing selection of fresh reads for library staff to recommend to their communities. We’ll tell you what “appeal factors” are and how to use them in readers’ advisory conversations. You’ll learn the secrets to obtaining Advance Reader Copies (ARCs) from publishers. Do not miss it - there will be ARCs available to take home!
Selection Librarian, Prince George's County Memorial Library System
Pronouns are she/her. Favorite genre is science fiction. Library-related passions are intellectual freedom and readers' advisory. I avoid social media like the plague. Look for me IRL.
