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September 2018
Local Authors Collections and Writers Groups
Join RASS to learn about how other libraries are assisting local authors with collection development and programming! Northbrook Public Library – Kate Hall and Mike Hominick Learn how writing workshops can help you reach a wider audience for your library and receive first-hand knowledge of what makes a successful (and sometimes not-so-successful) program. Oak Park Public Library – Kathleen Spale Learn more about Oak Park Creates, the library’s collection that highlights the works of current and former Oak Park residents.…
Find out more »Youth Services Section: Puttin’ on the Hits – Incorporating Music and Finding Your Voice in Story Time
Music is the language of the soul and is vital to young children's developing brains. This workshop will be packed with interactive music making and learning from the The Old Town School of Folk Music and Wiggleworms to arm children’s librarians with new skills, tunes, finger plays, and singing games. Come learn from the best, take in the sights and tasty food of downtown Chicago, tour the innovative new Thomas Hughes Children's Library powered by Exelon, watch a rich documentary about music…
Find out more »Tech Services Section: The Cataloging Un-Conference
Join us for the 2018 Un-conference! We will have presentations that include the decisions catalogers make that influence patron’s interaction with library materials, various Connexion Client functions including when to derive, create or update records, and a demonstration on how to use MarcEdit, a free MARC editing software suite.
Find out more »October 2018
Understanding Artificial Intelligence: Fact, Fiction, and Myth
Data Science is a practice that delivers AI (Artificial Intelligence). AI has become a larger part of daily life in recent times. Just think of every time you see content personalized to you, instruct your devices with your voice, or even rely on machines to automate common tasks like parking your car or making you coffee. Brian Ray, Data Science Lead from Deloitte, will shed some light on the elusive topics of: how machines learn to do things better than…
Find out more »Managing an Inclusive Library
Attitudes towards individual differences (sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, race, age, etc.) are changing rapidly in the U.S. And in the library, staff members need to avoid making comments that make some of their co-workers or library patrons feel uncomfortable or exclude them. In this seminar, library leaders learn to more effectively coach employees to create an inclusive library environment. Participants will discuss: The individual differences in your environment How individual differences can influence communication in the library The…
Find out more »November 2018
Tech Services Section: 21st Century Cataloging
Join us for our program on 21st Century Cataloging! Panelists will review RDA rules, demonstrate the RDA Toolkit, and discuss genres, controlled vocabulary and subject headings.
Find out more »Using Notaries at your Library
Join RASS to learn the ins and outs of having notaries on staff at your library. Amy Williams from the Secretary of State will present on the Notary Act and how they review legislation, notary misconduct, and best practices to strengthen the Notary Act. Following that presentation will be a panel discussion with several staff members of local libraries that have notary services offered to patrons. Presenters: Amy Williams, Assistant General Counsel, Illinois Secretary of State Dana Tieman, Wheaton…
Find out more »Service Design for Libraries Workshop
Many libraries dedicate resources to innovation yet are unsure if they are using the right framework to produce results. Calgary Public Library started down this pathway in 2014 by embracing service design. Jackie Flowers and Stephanie Nemcsok from the Calgary Public Library will lead this interactive session on service design. This session will offer participants an opportunity to learn how service design will enhance their organization’s innovation culture; will help them formally integrate creative processes into their projects; and provide…
Find out more »LACONI YSS: Stuck in the Middle: Programming for Tweens in your Library
The "between" years are hard! Not just for the tweens themselves but for the youth service librarians who have to program for them. Come find out about those who've ventured beyond the realm to dive into the cesspool of library programming- "Tweendom" We'll tour the Indian Prarire Public Library and find out about their unique outdoor learning space, plus how they program for tweens and their families. After a tasty lunch, stick around to see two other program models from…
Find out more »February 2019
Streamline Your Strategic Planning Process
Libraries seeking to deeply impact their communities and show their value need a strong strategic plan to anchor their direction. New and seasoned library administrators want strategic plans that work, not just sit on a shelf. This session will inspire attendees to think about strategic planning as a transformative (and even fun!) process that streamlines implementation and management for real results. This session will walk attendees through a process that leads to a one-page strategic plan. While a full written…
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