2026 TNLA Conference: Full Schedule

Welcome to the 2026 Tennessee Library Association Conference! #tnla26 We’re glad you’re here. Build your schedule below, and be sure to check the various pages for additional conference details.

9:00am EDT

From Shelves to Safety: Equipping Library Staff with Tools for De-escalation and Crisis Response

Tuesday April 21, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT

300 A

**Separate registration required. Please register at the TNLA website.**Libraries are vibrant community spaces that sometimes face moments of tension or conflict. Front-line staff are often the first to respond but may feel unprepared. This session offers practical, library-specific tools for de-escalation and crisis response that maintain safety while preserving the library's welcoming...
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Speakers

Arlene Limas

Tuesday April 21, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
300 A

Pre-Conference Ticketed Event

9:00am EDT

THeSLA Meeting: Finding Data for Health Sciences Research

Tuesday April 21, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT

300 B

**Separate registration required. Please register at the TNLA website.** This session will cover topics around helping library users who are looking for data. This will include information on common library data services in this area, such as locating datasets, providing guidance on data access and reuse, and connecting users to other resources. We will also discuss the reference...
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Speakers

Justin De La Cruz

Program Specialist, National Center for Data Services

I'm interested in thinking about how to educate, how people learn, etc. I have some experience with Python. I'm interested in Wikipedia. I like playing guitar and writing songs.

Tuesday April 21, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
300 B

Pre-Conference Ticketed Event

1:30pm EDT

Prompting the Future: A Discussion on Generative AI (GenAI), Applications, and Challenges in Libraries

Tuesday April 21, 2026 1:30pm - 4:30pm EDT

300 A

**Separate registration required. Please register at the TNLA website.**GenAI has become a mainstream topic since November 2022. How are libraries navigating this technology? This interactive, two-hour session will engage the audience to explore the practical realities of GenAI in the library world. We will begin with a rapid-fire overview of GenAI in libraries. We move into a...
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Speakers

Brianne Dosch

Head of Data and Digital Scholarship, University of Tennessee Libraries

I partner with social sciences researchers to connect them with the data and resources they need to succeed. I try to bring passion and excitement to everything I do, which sometimes includes referencing Harry Potter, travel, and cats. I love working with faculty and students alike... Read More →

Scot Smith

Assistant Professor of Practice, University of Tennessee--Knoxville

Scot Smith is an Assistant Professor of Practice in the School of Information Sciences at the University of Tennessee. Before changing careers, he worked in school libraries for more than 25 years. He served on the 2018 Printz Award committee and has read for the jury of the Schneider... Read More →

Abebe Rorissa

Professor & Rene and Clara Said Director, University fo Tennessee, Knoxville

Dania Bilal

Caramia Milloway

Tuesday April 21, 2026 1:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
300 A

Pre-Conference Ticketed Event

1:30pm EDT

Taking A Walk in the Shoes of the Students We Serve: How Student Backgrounds Affect Literacy

Tuesday April 21, 2026 1:30pm - 4:30pm EDT

300 B

**Separate registration required. Please register at the TNLA website.**This is an interactive session that promotes academic discourse among educators about how family dynamics and choices affect the literacy of our students. Participants will put themselves in the shoes of our underserved students and families by selecting a career and working through daily choices as a group. These...
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Speakers

Stenisa Rice

Tuesday April 21, 2026 1:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
300 B

Pre-Conference Ticketed Event

5:30pm EDT

TNLA Board Meeting

Tuesday April 21, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EDT

300 B

A Zoom link will be made available before the meeting to all Board members via the email list.

Speakers

Cathy Farley

Executive Director, Tennessee Library Association

Cathy McCord Farley is a graduate of Tennessee Technological University, where she earned a BS in Secondary Education and an MA in Library Science. She has served as Director of the White County Public Library in Sparta, Tennessee, for 28 years, and for the past seven years has also served as Executive... Read More →

Tuesday April 21, 2026 5:30pm - 6:00pm EDT
300 B

Meeting

8:30am EDT

Bridging Access: Creative Approaches to Community Connection

Wednesday April 22, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am EDT

200 A

Curious about the imaginative ways libraries connect with and support their communities? From checking out accessibility items to zines - and of course, offering unique programming - libraries find remarkable ways to build bridges to their users. A panel representing libraries from across the state will share stories - both successful and not-so-much - about how they keep their libraries...
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Moderators

Bess Robinson

Head of Research and Instructional Services, University Libraries, University of Memphis

Speakers

Miria Webb

Director, Clinton Public Library

Heidi Busch

Head of Circulation Services, Paul Meek Library - UTM

Dwight Hunter

Marketing and Assessment Librarian, Chattanooga State

Beth Williamson, CPACC

Program Manager, Library Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing | Nashville Public Library, Graduate Student, University of South Carolina

Beth Williamson is Program Manager for Library Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at Nashville Public Library, a certified accessibility professional, and an MLIS student at the University of South Carolina. Her work focuses on inclusive public service, equitable library practice... Read More →

CYNTHIA MOYNIHAN

Equal Access Manager, Nashville Public Library - LSDHH/NTL

Equal Access- Accessibility in the Library. Nashville Talking Library for the reading disabled (cognitive, neurological, vision loss/blind, learning, physical) Library Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing/DeafBlind, Children's Department Sensory... Read More →

Wednesday April 22, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am EDT
200 A

Program Session

8:30am EDT

Exploring 21st Century Humanities and Social Sciences Liaison Work: Findings

Wednesday April 22, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am EDT

300 C

In this presentation, we will report findings from a survey of 330 academic librarians with liaison responsibilities in the humanities and/or social sciences. We asked respondents about the nature of their work and their methods of engaging with students, faculty, and staff in their colleges and universities. Findings from the survey indicate humanities and social sciences liaisons continue...
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Speakers

Rachel Fleming-May

Associate Professor, School of Information Sciences, The University of Tennessee

Brianne Dosch

Head of Data and Digital Scholarship, University of Tennessee Libraries

Wade Bishop

Wednesday April 22, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am EDT
300 C

Program Session

8:30am EDT

Hiding in plain sight: Experiential Learning for K-12

Wednesday April 22, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am EDT

300 A

As the world has evolved and advancements have been made, we have seen some of the most powerful tools make history. Yet, the most powerful tool a person can possess isn't a tool at all, but information. This is why it is our pleasure to share the resources at the University of Tennessee Libraries with the surrounding community as we partner with local schools to give students the ability to...
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Speakers

Thura Mack

Guest Presenter, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Professor, Macebearer 2021-2022 Department Head, Community Learning and Engagement, UT Libraries [email protected]

Angelica Rose Nepomuceno

Scarlett McConville

GSLA

Wednesday April 22, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am EDT
300 A

Program Session

8:30am EDT

PebbleGo - Don't take it for Granite!

Wednesday April 22, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am EDT

200 B

PebbleGo is the rockstar of early online learning and research! During this session, join the Tennessee Electronic Library in learning how to make the most of online resource including using it during Summer Reading to explore Rocks and Dinosaurs! Great for any librarians working with Tennessee's youngest learners.

Speakers

Andrea Zielke

TEL Administrator, Tennessee Electronic Library

PebbleGoBestPractices TNLA 2026 pptx

Wednesday April 22, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am EDT
200 B

Program Session

8:30am EDT

Reading the Room: Situational Awareness and Early Intervention in Libraries

Wednesday April 22, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am EDT

300 B

Effective de-escalation begins long before a crisis moment. This lecture examines situational awareness as a core professional skill for today’s library staff. Drawing from real-world library scenarios, the presentation connects awareness to action—demonstrating how early recognition reduces risk, strengthens staff confidence, and supports coordinated team responses. Attendees will leave with...
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Speakers

Arlene Limas

Wednesday April 22, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am EDT
300 B

Program Session

8:30am EDT

Your Voice Matters: Building Belonging Through Collaborative Discussion Based Programming

Wednesday April 22, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am EDT

200 C

If you are interested in supporting belonging and community building through collaborative outreach events, please join me for a conversation about everything involved in building a discussion-based event series to create authentic spaces for library community members to share their stories. These events emphasize providing graduate students a courageous space to speak their concerns about the...
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Speakers

Calantha Tillotson

Social Sciences Librarian and Assistant Professor, University of Tennessee Knoxville

The Art of Saying No (Final).pptx pdf

Wednesday April 22, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am EDT
200 C

Program Session

9:30am EDT

Opening General Session

Wednesday April 22, 2026 9:30am - 11:00am EDT

Lecture Hall

Awards Given: TNLA Honor Award; Intellectual Freedom Award; Gleaves Scholarship; TENNSCO Scholarship; Conference Interns; Jodie Gambill Award; Louise Meredith School Library Media Award; TNLA Library Support Staff Award; James E. Ward Library Instruction Award

Speakers

J.T. Ellison

J.T. Ellison is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than thirty novels of psychological suspense, including the Lt. Taylor Jackson series, the Dr. Samantha Owens series, and numerous acclaimed standalones. She is the Emmy Award–winning cohost of A Word o... Read More →

TNLA 2026 Memorial pdf

General Conference Slides 2026 pdf

Wednesday April 22, 2026 9:30am - 11:00am EDT
Lecture Hall

General Session

11:00am EDT

Free Time in Exhibits

Wednesday April 22, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Ballrooms E&F

Wednesday April 22, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Ballrooms E&F

Exhibits

11:00am EDT

Exhibits Open

Wednesday April 22, 2026 11:00am - 5:00pm EDT

Ballrooms E&F

Wednesday April 22, 2026 11:00am - 5:00pm EDT
Ballrooms E&F

Exhibits

11:45am EDT

CYA Luncheon

Wednesday April 22, 2026 11:45am - 1:00pm EDT

200 D&E

Awards Given: Frances Neel Cheney Award; Daniel Taylor Memorial Award

**Ticketed event. Please register at the TNLA website.**

Speakers

Jeff Zentner

Jeff Zentner is the author of two New York Times Notable Books: The Serpent King and In the Wild Light, as well as Goodbye Days and Rayne & Delilah’s Midnite Matinee. Among other honors, he has won the ALA’s William C. Morris Award, the Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award twice, the... Read More →

Wednesday April 22, 2026 11:45am - 1:00pm EDT
200 D&E

Luncheon Ticketed Event

1:10pm EDT

Academic Roundtable

Wednesday April 22, 2026 1:10pm - 2:00pm EDT

300 A

KELLY

Speakers

Kelly Tilton

Wednesday April 22, 2026 1:10pm - 2:00pm EDT
300 A

Meeting

1:10pm EDT

*CANCELLED* Bridgework: leadership and literacy strategies

Wednesday April 22, 2026 1:10pm - 2:00pm EDT

200 A

Unfortunately, the speaker for this session was unable to come to conference and we have to cancel this session. If you’d like to contact the speaker, she can be reached at [email protected]. Bridgework introduces a practical, care-centered approach to library leadership and instruction grounded in micro-practices--small, repeatable actions rebuking truth, connection, and clarity in times...
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Speakers

Rebecca Tolley

Wednesday April 22, 2026 1:10pm - 2:00pm EDT
200 A

Program Session

1:10pm EDT

Beyond Bars: A Case Study of OpenAthens....

Wednesday April 22, 2026 1:10pm - 2:00pm EDT

200 C

As of 2025, there are over 1.8 million people incarcerated in the United States, but only 6% hold an associate degree or higher. Yet research shows that earning even an associate's degree can reduce recidivism by 85%. With over 400 college and university programs nationwide, higher education in prison has the power to transform lives. These programs, however, must work around restrictions set by a...
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Speakers

Brittany Mountford

Ryan Yoakum

Hannah Malkofsky-Berger

Wednesday April 22, 2026 1:10pm - 2:00pm EDT
200 C

Program Session

1:10pm EDT

Get on Board! Rollin' on Down the Line as an Exemplar for Engaged Reading, Collaborative Engagement, and Student Research

Wednesday April 22, 2026 1:10pm - 2:00pm EDT

200 B

The picture book Rollin' on Down the Line, based on First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson's little known train tour to the South in 1964, serves as a perfect instructional material for use in Tennessee's school and public (youth services) libraries. Whether the emphasis is social studies or ELA collaborations, or student research conducive to general knowledge, creative writing projects, homework...
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Speakers

Renee Lyons

Professor, East Tennessee State University

Professor and Program Coordinator/Author
School Librarianship Program
ETSU, Johnson City, TN

LBJ Presentation FOR TASL pptx

Wednesday April 22, 2026 1:10pm - 2:00pm EDT
200 B

Program Session

1:10pm EDT

Public Library Partners with Schools to Pump Up Lexile levels

Wednesday April 22, 2026 1:10pm - 2:00pm EDT

300 B

Enlist a cadre of volunteers to partner with local schools to promote literacy, fluency and love of reading with children whose lexile levels are lagging. Children read-aloud to a volunteer for 30 minutes of intense concentration and comprehension followed by 30 minutes of recreational activity in order to build confidence and feel support and companionship. This program offers maximum impact and...
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Speakers

Dana Juriew

Director, Spring Hill Public Library

Orientation pptx

RAIDER READER FEEDBACK docx

This is my favorite TAG docx

5 Ws docx

Wednesday April 22, 2026 1:10pm - 2:00pm EDT
300 B

Program Session

1:10pm EDT

Where Are Libraries Headed? Library of Things

Wednesday April 22, 2026 1:10pm - 2:00pm EDT

300 C

Curious about where libraries are headed? Join this informal, idea-packed conversation about the Library of Things - collections that lend more than books. Whether you're already circulating tools and tech or just exploring the concept, come to share what works, what doesn't, and how to get started. No slides, no agenda - just practical tips, real experiences, and creative solutions.

Speakers

Lauri Thompson

Wednesday April 22, 2026 1:10pm - 2:00pm EDT
300 C

Program Session

2:10pm EDT

Public Library Roundtable

Wednesday April 22, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT

300 C

Business meeting of the Public Library Roundtable. We will be nominating officers and discussing plans for the coming year.

Speakers

Whitney Norwood

Assistant Director, Jackson-Madison County Library

Wednesday April 22, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT
300 C

Meeting

2:10pm EDT

Are We the Problem? Website Usability and User Experience Testing in the Academic Library

Wednesday April 22, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT

200 C

The McKee Library team conducted a usability and user experience study on the library website in fall of 2025. The study aimed to evaluate the McKee Library website using a mixed-methods approach that included usability testing and qualitative and quantitative surveys. Library professionals were asked to assess multiple library websites through open-ended surveys in order to establish best...
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Speakers

Bethany Howard

Instruction Librarian, Southern Adventist University

Micaela Myers

Are We the Problem Website Usability Testing Study pptx

Wednesday April 22, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT
200 C

Program Session

2:10pm EDT

Crafting Practical MOUs between Friends and Libraries

Wednesday April 22, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT

200 A

Libraries are better with supportive Friends, but like any relationship, everyone needs clear boundaries and expectations. In this session, we will explore a new type of memorandum of understanding that is highly customizable, identifies measurable goals for success, and ensures alignment and cooperation.

Speakers

Kathy Dooley-Smith

President, Friends of Tennessee Libraries

Friends 101 2026 pdf

Ethical Dozen FOTL 2026 pdf

Guidelines for MOUs 2026 pdf

ALA Sample MOU pdf

Sample MOU 2025 pdf

Crafting Practical MOUs TNLA 2026 pdf

Friends of TN Libraries 2026 Flyer pdf

Wednesday April 22, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT
200 A

Program Session

2:10pm EDT

Inviting Spaces: Inclusive Programming for Teens & Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Wednesday April 22, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT

300 B

Develop a creative approach to building programs at your library for teen and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). We'll explore the cultivation, successes, and growing pains of programs such as Teen Art Studio, a weekly creative space that blends literacy, self-care, and inclusion through art and the Special Needs Meet Up, a monthly program designed for teens and adults...
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Speakers

Jessica Joy

Teen & Outreach Coordinator, Spring Hill Public Library

Public library professional for six years specializing in community engagement, social welfare, and a creative approach to literacy programming. Currently enrolled at the University of Tennessee Knoxville in the Master of Science in Information Sciences program. Mom of four boys and... Read More →

IDD Resources pdf

Inviting Spaces pdf

Wednesday April 22, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT
300 B

Program Session

2:10pm EDT

Rolling for Success: Building Connections w/ D&D

Wednesday April 22, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT

200 B

This program shows educators how D&D's collaborative, imaginative structure can be leveraged to build trust, community, and deeper connections with students, which are key to improving academic and social success.

Speakers

Ronne Jones Cox

Electronic Resource and Discovery Librarian, University of Tennessee Martin Paul Meek Library

ER&D Librarian. Chair of Outreach, and advisor to the Dungeon & Dragons club.

Jared Teague

Wednesday April 22, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT
200 B

Program Session

2:10pm EDT

The Greatest Show on Campus: Building Belonging with the University Libraries Welcome Carnival

Wednesday April 22, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT

300 A

New students are trying to figure out how campus works and where they belong. Academic libraries have a lot to offer, but the things we have and do can be overwhelming and hard to get across through tabling at campus-wide events. Enter the Welcome Carnival, an event designed to bring students into the library to learn about information about resources and services in a fun and engaging manner with...
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Speakers

Carl Hess

Undergraduate Success Librarian, University of Memphis

Carl Hess (he/him) is the Undergraduate Success Librarian at the University of Memphis. Carl works to improve library outreach and services for undergraduate students with a focus on traditionally underserved student populations. His research interests include intra-campus academic... Read More →

Brannen Varner

TNLA Presentation Welcome Carnival pdf

Wednesday April 22, 2026 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT
300 A

Program Session

3:10pm EDT

Access and Patron Services Roundtable

Wednesday April 22, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm EDT

300 A

A business meeting for members of the TNLA Access and Patron Services Roundtable. The purpose of the meeting is to conduct Roundtable business, including voting for Roundtable Leadership.

Speakers

Dwight Hunter

Marketing and Assessment Librarian, Chattanooga State

Beth Williamson, CPACC

Program Manager, Library Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing | Nashville Public Library, Graduate Student, University of South Carolina

Wednesday April 22, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm EDT
300 A

Meeting

3:10pm EDT

Bridge Building When You're Not a Department: Joint Ventures, 501(c)(3)s, and Other Unique Libraries

Wednesday April 22, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm EDT

200 B

Libraries that operate as nonprofits, special districts, joint ventures, or with other non-traditional models navigate a bold mix of challenges and opportunities. While no two are alike, many of these libraries function without the automatic support systems many libraries enjoy as a department of a larger entity. This interactive session brings together these "non-department" libraries to swap...
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Speakers

Michaela Willbanks

Assistant Director, Stokes Brown Public Library

Michelle Adcock

Bridge Building When You're Not a Department pdf

Clerk interview questions pdf

Wednesday April 22, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm EDT
200 B

Program Session

3:10pm EDT

Bridging Stories and Collections: A Collaborative Collection Assessment with the OCLC Complete 500 List

Wednesday April 22, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm EDT

200 A

In this session, we share how two newly appointed academic librarians and a student assistant undertook a transformative collection assessment project using OCLC's Complete 500 "books every library should own" list, conducting a comprehensive inventory and developing a data-driven weeding and acquisition strategy to identify essential titles and fill gaps in our core print collection. Our process...
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Speakers

Keani King

Collections Management Librarian, UTC Library

Samantha Freeman

Cataloging and Metadata Librarian, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Library

TNLA Presentation pptx

Wednesday April 22, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm EDT
200 A

Program Session

3:10pm EDT

Connecting with Tennessee Government Information in the Digital Age

Wednesday April 22, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm EDT

300 C

To address the increasing number of born digital publications from Tennessee state agencies, the Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA) and the University Libraries at the University of Memphis (UofM) each implemented the Digital Commons platform to house these materials and make them searchable on the open Web. Though the two institutions share similar goals, their unique missions guide the...
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Speakers

Perveen Rustomfram

Head of Government Publications, The University of Memphis

Perveen Rustomfram is the Head of Government Publications at the University Libraries, University of Memphis.

Renee Register

Alex Taylor

Library Assistant II, University of Memphis

TN Docs slides 4.20.26 pptx

Wednesday April 22, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm EDT
300 C

Program Session

3:10pm EDT

Library Leadership in Textbook and Course Material Affordability Session 1: University Perspectives

Wednesday April 22, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm EDT

300 B

Higher education librarians across Tennessee are leading efforts to reduce textbook costs and improve access to course materials. This panel features members of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission's Textbook Affordability Task Force who have launched Open Education Resource programs, coordinated cost-saving initiatives and partnerships, and built repositories and publishing platforms to...
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Speakers

Melissa N. Mallon

Association University Librarian for Teaching & Learning, Vanderbilt University

Ashley Sergiadis

Digital Scholarship Librarian/Asst. Prof., East Tennessee State University

Joshua Nave

Director of Academic Affairs, Tennessee Higher Education Commission

Joshua Nave serves as Director of Academic Affairs at the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC), where he supports the academic program approval process and Quality Assurance Funding. He also coordinates the agency's open education and textbook affordability initiatives to... Read More →

Ginelle Baskin

Open Education Librarian, Middle Tennessee State University

Ginelle Baskin is the Open Education Librarian at Middle Tennessee State University. She is passionate about textbook affordability and promoting OER on campus to students and faculty. She has initiated MTSU’s first faculty “Textbook Heroes Awards” for OER, which will be presented... Read More →

Levi Fleming

Scholarly Communications Librarian, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

2026 TNLA Presentation University pdf

Wednesday April 22, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm EDT
300 B

Program Session

3:10pm EDT

What's New in Atriuum: The Latest Features & Enhancements

Wednesday April 22, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm EDT

200 C

Stay ahead of the curve with the newest updates in Atriuum Integrated Library System! This session will showcase the latest features, enhancements, and time-saving tools designed to streamline library management, improve user experience, and optimize workflows. Whether you're a long-time user or new to Atriuum, discover how these innovations can help you better serve your patrons and maximize...
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Speakers

David Atkins

Wednesday April 22, 2026 3:10pm - 4:00pm EDT
200 C

Program Session

4:10pm EDT

**CANCELLED** Technical Services Roundtable

Wednesday April 22, 2026 4:10pm - 5:00pm EDT

300 A

This is the annual business meeting of the Technical Services Roundtable. In this session, we will get to know one another and share and solicit feedback on developments, projects, challenges in our area of librarianship, as well as discuss ideas for roundtable programming and engagement for the coming year.

Speakers

Tiffany Day

Wednesday April 22, 2026 4:10pm - 5:00pm EDT
300 A

Meeting

4:10pm EDT

Leadership Roundtable

Wednesday April 22, 2026 4:10pm - 5:00pm EDT

300 C

An in-person meeting to drive up interest in the Leadership Roundtable. Will also have a small panel of leaders to present library leadership production topics for team-building, collection development tricks for 2026, and leadership in programming. P

Speakers

Cassandra Taylor

Branch Manager of Smyrna Public Library, Rutherford County Library System

TNLA LEADERSHIP ROUNDTABLE Conference 2026 pdf

Wednesday April 22, 2026 4:10pm - 5:00pm EDT
300 C

Meeting

4:10pm EDT

*CANCELLED* Guiding Students through the AI Fog: The Librarian's Role in Research Confidence and Judgment

Wednesday April 22, 2026 4:10pm - 5:00pm EDT

200 C

Unfortunately, the speaker for this session was unable to come to conference and we have to cancel this session. If you’d like to contact the speaker, she can be reached at [email protected] AI has reshaped how students research - not only what they search for, but how they see themselves as researchers. When answers sound authoritative and appear instantly, the struggle of...
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Speakers

Rebecca Tolley

Wednesday April 22, 2026 4:10pm - 5:00pm EDT
200 C

Program Session

4:10pm EDT

Gotta Catch Em' All: Hosting a Pokemon Club at your Library

Wednesday April 22, 2026 4:10pm - 5:00pm EDT

200 A

Pokemon is a long running and incredibly popular franchise. Learn how to plan, create, and implement a Pokemon Club at your library. We'll go over how to get started, the basics of trading, program activities, the TCG, creating relationships with local card shops, and how to make your club a safe and inclusive place for kids.

Speakers

Kimberlee Byrge

Director, Norris Community Library

Kelsie Herrell

Assistant Librarian, Norris Community Library

Hello, I’m a blue-haired program librarian! I'm a Warriors kid and a Pokemon nerd! Nice to meet you!

pokemon tnla26 pptx

Wednesday April 22, 2026 4:10pm - 5:00pm EDT
200 A

Program Session

4:10pm EDT

Library Leadership in Textbook and Course Material Affordability Session 2: Community College Perspectives

Wednesday April 22, 2026 4:10pm - 5:00pm EDT

300 B

Community colleges play a leading role in advancing textbook affordability and access across the state. This session features community college librarians who have implemented Open Education Resource (OER) programs and supported collaborative development of open content. Panelists will share practical strategies and scalable approaches that can be adapted across diverse educational settings.

Speakers

Julie Lewis

Emerging Technologies/Reference Librarian, Walters State Community College

I most enjoy designing instruction and curriculum for information literacy and integrating technology when it's helpful. I spend most of my time teaching research skills to classes and doing one-on-one research consultations.

Sylvia Rowe (she/her)

Catalog & Reference Librarian, Jackson State Community College

Joshua Nave

Director of Academic Affairs, Tennessee Higher Education Commission

Peter Lyon

Librarian, Nashville State Community College

2026 TNLA Presentation Community Colleges pdf

TNLA Conference OER Sample JSCC Presentation pdf

Wednesday April 22, 2026 4:10pm - 5:00pm EDT
300 B

Program Session

4:10pm EDT

Lower Your Drawbridge: Strategies for Disability-Inclusive Customer Service

Wednesday April 22, 2026 4:10pm - 5:00pm EDT

200 B

Libraries work with disabled patrons every day. Many barriers come from interaction, not policy. This session provides practical steps for creating a welcoming experience for patrons with sensory, cognitive, and communication disabilities. You learn how to reduce exclusion at service points, adjust communication in the moment, and support dignity and independence through simple actions. The focus...
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Speakers

Beth Williamson, CPACC

Program Manager, Library Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing | Nashville Public Library, Graduate Student, University of South Carolina

Wednesday April 22, 2026 4:10pm - 5:00pm EDT
200 B

Program Session

4:10pm EDT

Taking A Walk in the Shoes of the Students We Serve: How Student Backgrounds Affect Literacy

Wednesday April 22, 2026 4:10pm - 5:00pm EDT

200 C

This is an interactive session that promotes academic discourse among educators about how family dynamics and choices affect the literacy of our students. Participants will put themselves in the shoes of our underserved students and families by selecting a career and working through daily choices as a group. These real world choices determine if a student comes to school and if their basic needs...
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Speakers

Stenisa Rice

Wednesday April 22, 2026 4:10pm - 5:00pm EDT
200 C

Program Session

5:00pm EDT

SIS Alumni Reception

Wednesday April 22, 2026 5:00pm - 6:30pm EDT

Maple Hall

Please RSVP at https://utk.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1YvQWkoVm7OV3p4

More details will be sent near the event date. This invite is open to all SIS Faculty, Staff, Alumni, Students, and Friends - past and present.

Wednesday April 22, 2026 5:00pm - 6:30pm EDT
Maple Hall 414 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902, USA

Social Event Ticketed Event

6:00pm EDT

All-Conference Reception

Wednesday April 22, 2026 6:00pm - 9:00pm EDT

Park Concourse

**Ticketed event. Please register at the TNLA website.**The All Conference Reception will feature a screening of The Librarians, Kim Snyder’s documentary dealing with the book bans in Texas, Florida and other states and how librarians have been dealing with them. A mashed potato bar will be served starting at 6pm. Cash bar will be available and each attendee will receive one complimentary drink...
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Wednesday April 22, 2026 6:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
Park Concourse

Social Event Ticketed Event

8:30am EDT

From the Pews to Peer-Reviewed: Transforming a Church Library into an Academic Collection

Thursday April 23, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am EDT

300 C

This session will provide a narrative of the steps taken to transform a church library into an academic collection serving multiple graduate programs. For over fifty years, the Chattanooga Bible Institute served the churches of the Chattanooga area with a library of Bible studies and Christian educational materials. In 2003, the Chattanooga Bible Institute merged with Atlanta's Psychological...
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Speakers

Ann Rox

Tess Lyle

William Jones

From Pews to Peer Reviewed (TNLA 2026) 1 pdf

Thursday April 23, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am EDT
300 C

Program Session

8:30am EDT

How Do YOU Reference? The Evolving Face of Reference Service in Academic Libraries

Thursday April 23, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am EDT

300 A

The nature of reference services at academic libraries continues to evolve. The number and complexity of questions asked at a traditional reference desk are steadily declining. In an attempt to address these and other trends, libraries are offering individual appointments, chat and email reference services, and online self-help resources such as FAQs, tutorials, and research guides. However, some...
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Moderators

Bess Robinson

Head of Research and Instructional Services, University Libraries, University of Memphis

Perveen Rustomfram

Head of Government Publications, The University of Memphis

Perveen Rustomfram is the Head of Government Publications at the University Libraries, University of Memphis.

Speakers

Alexandra Boris

Social Sciences Librarian, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

I'm a social sciences librarian whose subject areas cover education, psychology, and neuroscience.

Hannah Brandon

Information literacy librarian, Lincoln Memorial University

Zoe Bastone

Reference Coordinator & Instruction Librarian, Assistant Professor, Pellissippi State Community College

HI, I'm Zoe! I am the Reference Coordinator and Instruction Librarian at Pellissippi State Community College in Knoxville, Tennessee. In my role, I coordinate reference services, supervise part-time staff and student employees, provide information literacy instruction, and develop... Read More →

Thursday April 23, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am EDT
300 A

Program Session

8:30am EDT

Identifying perceived barriers and drivers of Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration in the User Experience (UX) design

Thursday April 23, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am EDT

200 B

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into user experience (UX) design presents significant opportunities for innovation, while also introducing complex ethical, practical, and theoretical challenges. Despite rapid advancements, academic literature remains in an early stage, with a limited understanding of how UX practitioners meaningfully adopt and adapt AI technologies in their...
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Speakers

Nadia Khalique

Graduate Teaching Associate, University of Tennessee

Thursday April 23, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am EDT
200 B

Program Session

8:30am EDT

People first, preservation later: critical community engagement to activate dialogue-based archives

Thursday April 23, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am EDT

300 B

Purpose This study explores whether and how archival records can address the social oppression faced by Chinese immigrants through community engagement, with the aim of fostering transformative change within marginalized communities. Design/methodology/approach Guided by Paulo Freire's concepts of generative themes and dialogue, this community-based qualitative case study engaged seven...
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Speakers

Yingying Han

Thursday April 23, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am EDT
300 B

Program Session

8:30am EDT

Real-Life Ready: Using Micro-Credentials to Bridge Digital Skills and Citizenship

Thursday April 23, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am EDT

200 A

What does it take to thrive as a digital citizen in today's complex information landscape? Students need more than standalone technical know-how; they need intentionally designed pathways that bridge digital skills to civic engagement, enabling them to use technology wisely, critically, and for the public good. MTSU's Walker Library is developing a free micro-course and official digital badge that...
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Speakers

Karen Dearing

Librarian, Middle Tennessee State University

Ashley Shealy

MTSU Walker Library

Thursday April 23, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am EDT
200 A

Program Session

8:30am EDT

Stepping into Leadership: Supporting New Managers in Libraries

Thursday April 23, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am EDT

200 C

This panel explores the challenges and opportunities faced by new managers in library settings. As libraries evolve, so do leadership roles - often requiring staff to transition quickly into management with limited preparation. Panelists will share experiences, strategies, and institutional practices that support emerging leaders, including mentorship models, professional development, and...
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Moderators

Caitlin Harrington

Head of Information Access Services,Electronic Resources Librarian, University of Memphis

Thursday April 23, 2026 8:30am - 9:20am EDT
200 C

Program Session

9:00am EDT

Exhibits Open

Thursday April 23, 2026 9:00am - 2:00pm EDT

Ballrooms E&F

Thursday April 23, 2026 9:00am - 2:00pm EDT
Ballrooms E&F

Exhibits

9:30am EDT

Beyond Our Walls

Thursday April 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am EDT

200 A

As Public Libraries, we compete with Roblox, streaming services, TikTok, and it can be hard to cut through all the noise. Luckily, librarians are adept at innovating and meeting patrons where they are. From tabling and off-site programming to presentations and creating your own mobile library - even on a budget! - there are so many ways to break through access barriers and bring library resources...
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Speakers

Catherine Morton

Outreach Coordinator, Chattanooga Public Library

Catherine Morton is the Outreach Coordinator at the Chattanooga Public Library (CPL) in Chattanooga, Tennessee. With over seven years of experience working in Public Libraries, Catherine continues to grow connections and reach beyond the Library's walls insuring every Chattanoogan... Read More →

Thursday April 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
200 A

Program Session

9:30am EDT

Books, Families & Fun – An Overview of Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation (GELF) Programming

Thursday April 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am EDT

300 A

Have you ever wondered about GELF’s programming? Join us and learn about GELF and how we support children and families across Tennessee. From building home libraries through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and our K – 3 Home Library program to providing funding opportunities for Book Buses and Storybook Trails, we will explore all the ways GELF is strengthening early literacy in...
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Speakers

Heather Logan

Governor's Early Literacy Foundation

Thursday April 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
300 A

Program Session

9:30am EDT

Bridges to Belonging: Holistic Library Outreach and Instruction for Student Success

Thursday April 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am EDT

200 C

Academic libraries serve as both academic and social anchors on campus. At East Tennessee State Universityâ€™s Charles C. Sherrod Library, targeted outreach and instructionâ€”such as a personal librarian program, first-year course integration, and wellness initiativesâ€”strengthen student engagement and success. This session will showcase how the library uses strategic...
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Speakers

Jonathan Wilson

Distance/Outreach Education Librarian, East Tennessee State University

I am a native from East Tennessee. A first generation and transfer student, graduated ETSU with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Received my Master’s in Information Sciences (MLIS) degree from the University of Tennessee. Prior to being the Distance/Online Education Librarian... Read More →

Lydia Gwyn

Instruction Librarian, Sherrod Library, East Tennessee State University

Writer & Instruction librarian
Director of the Library Ambassador Program at Sherrod Library

TNLA Conference 2026.pdf.download zip

Thursday April 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
200 C

Program Session

9:30am EDT

Bridging Programs to the Library: Building a Community of Readers

Thursday April 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am EDT

300 B

The presentation will discuss building a unique book club experience for university students, creating a community of readers, and the successes and challenges that come along with it. The successful program at The University of Tennessee has created a space for students to talk and discuss books within a theme, instead of a singular book, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for those...
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Speakers

Alexandra Boris

Social Sciences Librarian, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

I'm a social sciences librarian whose subject areas cover education, psychology, and neuroscience.

Rebekah Moses

Public Services & Engagement Librarian, University of Tennessee Knoxville

Bridging Programs to theLibrary pdf

Thursday April 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
300 B

Program Session

9:30am EDT

Law for Librarians: Public Libraries

Thursday April 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am EDT

200 B

This session, led by the ALA Law for Librarians (L4L) trainers for the state of Tennessee, will provide an introduction to everything librarians need to know about the law to preserve and protect themselves and their libraries. Topics covered will include an overview of TN's legislative process and any current legislation pertaining to libraries; how to conduct legal research and track...
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Speakers

Sara Coffman

Evelyn Hunter

Youth Services Supervisor, Chattanooga Public Library

Xan Lasko

Member Presenter

Xan is a recently retired high school librarian and library advocate. She also taught fourth and sixth grade in the elementary realm. Currently, she is chair of TASL’s Intellectual Freedom Committee, the co-chair of the Tennessee Library Ecosystem Coalition (TLEC), a member of the... Read More →

Law for Librarians TNLA Presentation pdf Public Libraries pdf

Thursday April 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
200 B

Program Session

9:30am EDT

Providing Access to E-theses, E-dissertations (ETDs) and Digitized Theses and Dissertations (DTDs) in the Library Catalogs at the University of Tennessee Libraries

Thursday April 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am EDT

300 C

A team of UTK catalogers will share our process, workflow, and the local guidelines that we use to catalog ETDs in WorldCat and Ex Libris Alma catalogs; and, how we update catalog records of the print versions of digitized theses and dissertations. In addition, we will highlight how ORCIDs are incorporated into the ETDs' catalog records.

Speakers

Anchalee Panigabutra-Roberts

Head, Cataloging, University of Tennessee Libraries

My name is Anchalee Panigabutra-Roberts, with the Thai nickname, Joy. I'm currently the Head of Cataloging at the University of Tennessee Libraries. My prior positions were Head of Cataloging and Metadata at University of Tennessee Libraries (2016-2018), Head of Cataloging and Metadata... Read More →

Wanda Rosinski

Cataloger, University of Tennessee Knoxville

Wanda Rosinski is an original and copy cataloger at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) Library. She earned her Master’s degree in Polish Philology from the University of Wrocław, Poland. After graduation Wanda worked in the Institute of Geography Library at the University... Read More →

David W Scott

Cataloger, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

TNLA2026 Conference CAT DEPT Final pdf

Thursday April 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:20am EDT
300 C

Program Session

10:20am EDT

Free Time in Exhibits

Thursday April 23, 2026 10:20am - 11:10am EDT

Ballrooms E&F

Thursday April 23, 2026 10:20am - 11:10am EDT
Ballrooms E&F

Exhibits

11:10am EDT

Activating Archives: Bringing Special Collections to Life in Digital Commons

Thursday April 23, 2026 11:10am - 12:00pm EDT

200 C

The Special Collections department and digital repository team at the University of Memphis libraries teamed up to utilize the Digital Commons platform to bring more awareness and engaging access points to Special Collections and the library. Through the "Item of the Month" and "Picturing Memphis" projects, we connect users to our archival collections through interactive stories and unique visual...
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Speakers

Casey Parkman

University of Memphis

Grace Neeley

Archivist/Librarian, University of Memphis

Thursday April 23, 2026 11:10am - 12:00pm EDT
200 C

Program Session

11:10am EDT

Every Voice Counts: Employee Engagement in the Strategic Planning Process

Thursday April 23, 2026 11:10am - 12:00pm EDT

300 B

This session presents practical strategies for engaging all employees in the strategic planning process. The presenter will showcase a bottom-up approach in which employees outside formal leadership roles led the development of the library's mission, vision, values, goals, and objectives, using input from every staff member. The session will also highlight employee reflections on the process,...
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Speakers

Ashley Sergiadis

Digital Scholarship Librarian/Asst. Prof., East Tennessee State University

Thursday April 23, 2026 11:10am - 12:00pm EDT
300 B

Program Session

11:10am EDT

For the Birds (and the People): How Our Library Became a Certified Wildlife Habitat

Thursday April 23, 2026 11:10am - 12:00pm EDT

300 C

What began as a simple effort to improve a library's view turned into a certified Wildlife Habitat and unexpected community engagement. This session isn't about large-scale initiatives or complex partnerships. It's a practical, down-to-earth look at how small changes in one library's space created new opportunities for connection. Attendees will hear the story of our journey, gather ideas that may...
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Speakers

Courtney Mercurio

Director, Coffee County Lannom Library

For the Birds TNLA 2026 pdf

Xerces Society Pamphlet on Leave the Leaves pdf

Thursday April 23, 2026 11:10am - 12:00pm EDT
300 C

Program Session

11:10am EDT

Growing Community: Cultivating Mental Wellness in a Post-Pandemic Academic Library at a Public HBCU

Thursday April 23, 2026 11:10am - 12:00pm EDT

300 A

This is the summary of a library project that was started by a support staff member and carried out for the benefit of the campus community and mental wellbeing of the students attending. It covers the unique needs and challenges of an HBCU library, and the process of networking and creativity to keep it going despite campus tragedy and a minimal budget.

Speakers

Meaghanne Hooberry

Student Success & Outreach Librarian, Tennessee State University

Growing Community (1) pdf

Thursday April 23, 2026 11:10am - 12:00pm EDT
300 A

Program Session

11:10am EDT

Kodomomuke: Manga for Children

Thursday April 23, 2026 11:10am - 12:00pm EDT

200 B

Manga and anime are popular with tweens and teens, but many of those series might not be age- and developmentally- appropriate for juvenile collections. Join Comics enthusiast Scot Smith as he discusses how to build, organize, and and promote a collection of manga for children. He will highlight popular series as well as talk about some of the issues of developing a collection of children's manga...
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Speakers

Scot Smith

Assistant Professor of Practice, University of Tennessee--Knoxville

Kodomomuke Manga pptx

Thursday April 23, 2026 11:10am - 12:00pm EDT
200 B

Program Session

11:10am EDT

Volunteerism in the Volunteer State

Thursday April 23, 2026 11:10am - 12:00pm EDT

200 A

As a librarian, many initiatives I have led in my career rely upon others stepping forward to volunteer their time and expertise. These initiatives include Wikipedia edit-a-thons, captioning edit-a-thons, crowdsourcing transcription, and metadata sharing through the Digital Library of Tennessee. The contributions of others are at the core of these projects. Recruiting volunteers and building...
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Speakers

Meredith Hale

Metadata Librarian, University of Tennessee

Thursday April 23, 2026 11:10am - 12:00pm EDT
200 A

Program Session

12:00pm EDT

Trustees & Friends Luncheon

Thursday April 23, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm EDT

200 D&E

Awards Given: TNLA Trustee Award; Friend of the Year (small library); Friend of the Year (large library)

**Ticketed event. Please register at the TNLA website.**

Speakers

Kathy Dooley-Smith

President, Friends of Tennessee Libraries

Eric Dawson

Eric Dawson is Manager of the Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection, the Special Collections and History department of the Knox County Public Library. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and a Master’s degree in Information Science, both from the University of Tennessee... Read More →

Thursday April 23, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm EDT
200 D&E

Luncheon Ticketed Event

1:30pm EDT

Bridges for Children's/YA Literature: Children's Book Awards in the Southeast United States

Thursday April 23, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT

200 C

Children's literature has been described as mirrors, windows, and doors. Come see how children's literature awards can also serve as a bridge to communities. Tennessee has the Volunteer State Book Awards (VSBA) program, and many other states also have their own awards program or programs. Through a review of Children's Book Awards in the Southeast United States, this session will provide you with...
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Speakers

Heidi Busch

Head of Circulation Services, Paul Meek Library - UTM

Bridges for Children’s Literature pptx

Thursday April 23, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
200 C

Program Session

1:30pm EDT

Bridging the Gap to Library Accessibility: Building Access Together

Thursday April 23, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT

300 B

Accessibility in libraries is more than compliance - it fosters connection. Discover how libraries of any size can implement Nashville Public Library's statewide accessibility programs to remove barriers for patrons with sensory disabilities. Participants will explore NPL's statewide accessibility model, gaining ready-to-use strategies that any library can adopt. Explore free resources, assistive...
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Speakers

Beth Williamson, CPACC

Program Manager, Library Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing | Nashville Public Library, Graduate Student, University of South Carolina

CYNTHIA MOYNIHAN

Equal Access Manager, Nashville Public Library - LSDHH/NTL

Equal Access Presentation TNLA Apr 2026 pdf

Thursday April 23, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
300 B

Program Session

1:30pm EDT

Read a Good Book Lately?

Thursday April 23, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT

200 B

Join Cathy and friends as they share what they have been reading lately. You will have fun and walk away with some great titles to add to your TBR pile.

Moderators

Erin Lankford

Speakers

Courtney Fuson

Asset Management Librarian, Belmont University

As the Asset Management Librarian and subject liaison to the College of Education, I manage the library's physical and electronic collections (from purchasing to deselection) and work closely with the College of Education faculty to ensure that the library's services and collection... Read More →

Michael Hale

Assistant Director, White County Public Library

Jennifer Cowan-Henderson

Director of Planning & Development, Tennessee State Library & Archives

Cathy Farley

Executive Director, Tennessee Library Association

Thursday April 23, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
200 B

Program Session

1:30pm EDT

Traveling with Diverse Books; How Far Can We Go?

Thursday April 23, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT

300 A

Let's have some fun thinking about diversity in a different way! Can picture books and biographies published in the last 4-5 years get us all the way around the world. We'll focus on English language and bilingual books for the youngest among us and participants are invited to bring their most obscure or even favorite book about people outside the US or inside with ties to other countries. To...
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Speakers

Dr. Cindy Welch

Thursday April 23, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
300 A

Program Session

1:30pm EDT

💩 happens at the library. . . and other duties as assigned

Thursday April 23, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT

200 A

At the end of every job description there is a phrase that we all laugh about... "Other Duties as Assigned". However, that phrase is one of the most important in a librarian's job description. From "Bats in the library" to "I need to clean up what... where?" and so much more, we've learned to deal with it all... most of the time with a smile on our face!

Speakers

Margaret Petty

Director, Shelbyville

Things I love: My God, My Family, My Friends, My Job!
My boys are my life! I am blessed beyond measure to have my wonderful husband, Jamie, of almost 17 years beside me raising our 2 boys: Woody, age 7 & Eli, age 4.
When I'm not working or doing "mom stuff", I love to craft, sew, b... Read More →

Tina Stevens

Director, Franklin County Library

Thursday April 23, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
200 A

Program Session

1:30pm EDT

Personable Professionalism: How to Be Approachable While Maintaining a Professional Presence

Thursday April 23, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT

300 C

An interaction discussion on how to be personable and approchable, in a customer service environment, whille maintaining a professional presence.

Speakers

Dana Richardson

Director, Lafayette

Personable Professionalism pptx

Thursday April 23, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
300 C

Program Session

2:30pm EDT

Children & Young Adult Services Roundtable

Thursday April 23, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT

200 A

This is the annual business meeting of the Children & Young Adult Services Roundtable

Speakers

Lily Woodside Light

Teen Service Librarian, Sparta

Thursday April 23, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
200 A

Meeting

2:30pm EDT

Back Pocket Programming

Thursday April 23, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT

200 C

Oh no! Disaster has struck! Your presenter/children's librarian/volunteers/all the staff aren't able to make it to put on your scheduled Summer Reading Program! What will you do? You'll pull out your Back Pocket Programming! Join Kate Greene Smith and a panel of librarians who will share their ideas for low cost, passive and EASY programs you can turn to when the emergency lights are flashing.

Speakers

Kate Greene Smith

Youth Services & Special Projects Coordinator, TN State Library & Archives

TNLA Back Pocket Programming pptx

TLA 2026 Back Pocket Programming docx

Thursday April 23, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
200 C

Program Session

2:30pm EDT

Love, libraries, and the freedom to read

Thursday April 23, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT

300 C

Discover the inspiring journey behind Ada Holloway's Had Enough (April 21, 2026, Amethyst Books, 978-1-970757-03-3), a YA novel born in a college classroom and shaped by mentorship, advocacy, and the fight for intellectual freedom. Co-presenters Sara Wigal, Associate Professor & Director of Publishing at Belmont University, and author and Library Staff at Daviess County Public Library, Randi Smith...
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Speakers

Sara Wigal

Randi Smith

Thursday April 23, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
300 C

Program Session

2:30pm EDT

Mapping AI Literacy in Medical Education: A Review of Concepts and Teaching Practices

Thursday April 23, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT

300 B

This presentation will report a systematic review of AI literacy frameworks and teaching practices for medical students, with a focus on responsible and ethical clinical use of AI. Synthesizing existing frameworks and empirical studies, the review examines which AI literacy competencies are commonly emphasized and how they are enacted in educational practice. Findings show broad agreement on...
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Speakers

Yingbo Ma

Thursday April 23, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
300 B

Program Session

2:30pm EDT

OSINT in the Library

Thursday April 23, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT

200 B

In a society on edge, librarians (and the general public) may not know how much information can be easily found out about them. This presentation will discuss sources such as Bellingcat's Online Investigation Toolkit and the OSINT Framework website to show attendees what information is available and easily accessible to the average person.

Speakers

Lisa Krajecki

Scholarly Communications Librarian/Assistant Professor, Tennessee State University

OSINT for Librarians pptx

Thursday April 23, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
200 B

Program Session

2:30pm EDT

The Art of Saying No: Establishing and Maintaining Equitable Workplace Culture

Thursday April 23, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT

300 A

The two presenters, one current and one former academic librarian, will discuss barriers librarians face in establishing effective partnerships with collaborators across higher education that lead to burnout and inequitable working conditions. Combining existing literature and lived experience, the presenters propose practical strategies for sustainable improvements to professional priorities and...
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Speakers

Calantha Tillotson

Social Sciences Librarian and Assistant Professor, University of Tennessee Knoxville

Christy Urquieta Cortes

Thursday April 23, 2026 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
300 A

Program Session