Calendar
Mark your 2023 calendar:
The Ohio Library Council’s Convention and Expo will be held September 27-29 at the Duke Energy Convention Center in downtown Cincinnati.
Keynotes:
Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone
Justin A. Reynolds
Jennifer Pastiloff
Highlights:
Award-Winning Authors
Ohio’s largest marketplace of products and services for libraries
50+ professional development sessions (all linked to an Ohio Public Library Core Competency)
Poster Sessions
OLC Connects (Learn how to get involved with OLC Divisions and Committees)
Cool tech for libraries and Makerspace ideas
Fun and entertaining networking opportunities
Galley giveaways, games, door prizes and more!
Headquarter hotel:
Hyatt Regency Cincinnati
151 W. Fifth Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Group Rate: $179/night (plus fees and taxes)
Hotel reservation cutoff date: 9/6/23
Learn more at conventionexpo.olc.org
Registration:
Registration is free for OLC Institutional Members Libraries. Please be sure to indicate which forum you will attend when registering using the link below. Program does not include lunch.
Sponsor: Small Libraries Division
Who Should Attend: Directors of small libraries
Overview:
OLC’s Executive Director Michelle Francis will provide an update on several items of interest, including state funding and what to expect for the Public Library Fund as well as answer any questions you may have about OLC activities. The forum also will allow time for discussions with your peers about issues and challenges unique to small libraries.
Sponsored by the Children’s Services Division
Register at my OLC | Registration Deadline: 10/10/23
Registration Fees:
Member: $35* | Non-member: $70
*Individual members or staff of OLC Institutional Member Libraries.
Webinar Overview:
Children with autism and other developmental disabilities live in your community, no matter the size or location. As welcoming, friendly, and inclusive as you are, families may still refrain from bringing their children to your traditional storytimes for fear of disrupting the group. Offering a special program for these families is a powerful way to let them know they are welcome in your library.
During this webinar, you will learn how to:
- Create an experience that is fun for all kids and appropriate for those with Autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities.
- Select program appropriate titles and activities for Sensory Storytimes
- Present and adapt programs for multiple ages and audiences
- Deliver programs that allow children to continue learning and skill building beyond storytime.
- Provide a comfortable setting for children with disabilities and their families to enjoy the library.
Presenter: Grace Walker, Youth Services Librarian with the Pickerington Public Library, has more than ten years of experience in special education and Applied Behavioral Analysis.
Intended Audience: Library staff who serve children and teens
What’s Included:
Participation in the live webinar and/or access to the archived version at a later date, resources (if applicable) provided by the presenters.
Continuing Education Credits: For those working toward their Ohio Public Librarian or Ohio Public Library Staff re-certification, this webinar counts as (1) continuing education contact hour of credit.
Sponsored by the OLC’s Information Technology Division
Register at my OLC | Registration Deadline: 10/27/23
Member Fee: $95* | Non-Member Fee: $190
*Individual members or staff of OLC institutional member libraries; NEO-RLS dues-paying members pay OLC member fee.
Conference Overview: Right Click 2023 will feature presentations from professionals, government entities and library IT professionals. This one-day workshop is a unique opportunity for library IT professionals, administrators and support staff to share their knowledge and discuss current technology challenges. You’ll have the opportunity to connect with your colleagues across the state and come away with solutions and innovative ideas that you can apply at your library.
Intended Audience: Ohio library information technology staff, technology coordinators, and decision makers
What’s Included: Morning refreshments and lunch. All handouts, provided by presenters, will be available online through the OLC app. Print them prior to the conference, view them from your personal device during the event or view/download them after the event. All handouts will be available online for 30 days following the program.
Continuing Education Credits: For those working toward their Ohio Public Librarian or Ohio Public Library Staff Re-certification, this workshop counts as six (6) contact hours.
Hotel Accommodations: Several hotels are within walking distance of the Quest Conference Center.
Please Note: A question and answer discussion forum will take place in the afternoon. Have a question you would love to discuss? Submit one now.
Agenda
9 – 9:30 a.m. | Registration, Networking and Continental Breakfast
9:30 – 9:45 a.m. | Welcome and Introductions
9:45 – 10 a.m. | Ohio TechCred Program
Presenter: Michael Kahoe, Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation
Learn how you can sharpen your skills through Ohio’s TechCred program. Businesses, including public libraries, can receive up to $2,000 for each tech-focused credential earned, and up to $30,000 per employer each application period. Many of the trainings can be completed 100% online. Michael Kahoe, Workforce Program Manager with the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, will explain Ohio’s TechCred program and how to apply for this funding.
10 – 11 a.m. | ChatGPT and Generative AI: From Understanding to Innovation
Presenter: Christopher Harris., Play Play Learn
ChatGPT and other forms of generative AI have burst into our lives as a disruptive new technology. Before we can talk about innovating around generative AI, we must first deeply understand how it works and how we can use it to boost our existing work. In this session, you will explore analog ways of explaining and demonstrating generative AI and then build up to a more nuanced description of the actual programming involved. Along the way, this session will tackle prompt engineering (aka library/information skills) and best practices for making productive use of ChatGPT in a variety of library situations.
Generative AI is only going to become more imbedded in the internet and the technologies that we use daily; for example, search engines will become answer engines. It is critical that libraries lead the way in educating the public on how this technology works and how to best work with it. The disruption to the workforce has already started and so we need to hit the ground running. This session will include a set of Creative Commons licensed resources ready for you to use in turn-key trainings in libraries of all types and sizes.
11 – 11:45 a.m. | If I Hear the Word AI One More Time…
Presenters: Justin Bumbico and Michaela Herrick, Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML)
As gateways to knowledge, libraries have a pivotal role to play in facilitating the safe use of AI. So, gear up for a lively and interactive discussion. Join CML staff, Michaela Herrick and Justin Bumbico, as they delve into the rapidly evolving landscape of Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT within the context of public libraries. Amidst continuous media attention and daily technological changes, CML proactively formed a cross-departmental AI task force to monitor advancements and its impact to libraries. During this session, you will explore the task force findings, focusing on their relevance to library customers and staff. This session will discuss the benefits of AI technology for libraries and underscore the associated challenges, including biases and inaccuracies.
This session will provide a pragmatic understanding of AI’s role, applications, and challenges, regardless of library size or budget. You will gain a better understanding of how every library can benefit from these advancements and how to safeguard against biases and inaccuracies, a vital consideration for all institutions.
11:45 – 12:30 p.m. | Lunch and Networking
12:30 – 1:15 p.m. | Managing IT Right
Presenter: Jeremy Hamman, Greene County Public Library
In an ever changing world of technology changes and limited IT resources in the library, communication and organization is more important than ever to running an efficient and effective IT department. This interactive session will take a closer look at how Greene County Public Library holds their IT departments together along with the resources needed to support staff and customers every day. You will come away from this session with practical tools and methods for effectively manage your library’s IT, regardless of size or budget.
1:15 – 2 p.m. | RA meets AI: Building a Reader’s Advisory Kiosk
Presenters: Kara Reuter, Stefan Langer, Travis Clark and Sam Lewis, Worthington Libraries
In the hearts and minds of our patrons, libraries are THE source for books and reading. Nevertheless, people don’t always take advantage of our reader’s advisory services. Rather than approaching librarians for suggestions of what to read, most people instead turn to their personal networks or express a preference for more passive approaches to recommendations. The staff at Worthington Libraries developed Recommendation Stations as a halfway point between passive, algorithmic recommendations (like Netflix and TikTok) and an in-person reader’s interview. During this session, you’ll learn more about this service, including:
- The motivation behind the project.
- How the Recommendation Station scans a book barcode, browses read-alikes, checks local availability and prints shelf locations—from a touchscreen kiosk with built-in barcode scanner and receipt printer (All in the guise of a fun, fortune-telling book genie!).
- How the team leveraged the Novelist and Polaris APIs to build the software.
- How the team branded and promoted the new kiosks.
- Plus, you’ll discover insights on how the new technology service has impacted the library.
2 – 2:15 p.m. | Break
2:15 – 3 p.m. | MakerSpace Technology: Connecting Patrons to Technology Through Equipment, Programs and Services
Presenters: Elizabeth Morrison and Jenna Kohut, Cuyahoga Falls Public Library
The Cuyahoga Falls Library MakerSpace was designed to offer patrons free access to a variety of equipment to support personal, entrepreneurial, and educational pursuits. During this session, Customer Experience Manager Elizabeth Morrison and Guiding Ohio Online Technology Trainer Jenna Kohut will discuss the technology, programs, and ongoing services that are available as part of the library’s MakerSpace. Find out how you can teach patrons new skills, build their confidence, and foster creativity and innovation at your library.
3 – 3:45 p.m. | Ohio Persistent Cyber Improvement Program
Presenter: Mark Bell, State of Ohio Adjutant General’s Department
The new Ohio Persistent Cyber Improvement (O-PCI) program will guide local agencies through three cybersecurity preparedness levels. Each level will consist of a five-step process for cybersecurity advancement: education, training, exercising, mentoring, and improvement. The O-PCI program was developed by CyberOhio with the help of the Homeland Security Advisory Committee – Cyber (HSAC-Cyber). The committee, led by Kirk Herath, cybersecurity strategic advisor to Governor DeWine, is a collaborative effort between state agencies, local government entities, public sector partners, and cybersecurity experts. O-PCI will be funded by the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. During this session, you will learn more about the new O-PCI program and how it can be benefit your library.
3:45 – 4:15 p.m. | Q&A Open Forum
Have a question you would love to discuss? Submit one now.
4:15 p.m. | Adjourn
The OLC will host an online discussion forum for library staff to ask questions, exchange ideas and share best practices for handling outreach services in the current environment.
Grab your favorite hot beverage and join the OLC’s Outreach and Special Services Division for an informal discussion about reaching everyone in your community. Hear about the ways your colleagues have adapted, share what has worked for your library, and get some ideas for new things to try.
Send questions and agenda items in advance to olc@olc.org.
FREE for OLC members.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the discussion group.
Sponsored by the Outreach and Special Services Division.
Sponsored by the Government Relations Committee
This is a hybrid event. Participants can attend in person at the OLC office in Dublin (Northwest Columbus) or online with the same access to workshop content.
Register at my OLC | Registration Deadline: 11/7/23
Registration Fees: Member $75* | Non-member $150
*Individual members or staff of OLC institutional member libraries. Fee includes access to in-person or virtual option.
Workshop Overview: Is your library considering going on the local ballot with a new levy, renewing an existing levy, or possibly modifying a levy that’s been in place for some time? This program will provide the information you need as you prepare for your ballot initiative, including:
- determining the need and public support for your library levy;
- legal process for placing the issue on the ballot;
- developing the campaign message;
- running the mechanics of a library campaign;
- connecting with the media and developing message strategies; and
- coordinating a lawful campaign
The format of this workshop will address each of these six points and allow time to answer questions.
Intended Audience: Directors, trustees, public relations staff, and other staff who will be involved in the library’s levy education effort.
What’s Included: Lunch will be provided for those that attend at the OLC office. All handouts, provided by presenters, will be available online through the OLC app. Print them prior to the workshop, view them from your personal device during the event or view/download them after the event. The handouts will be available online for 30 days following the program. Attendees will also receive a free digital copy of the OLC publication, Ballot Issues Handbook – Campaigns 101: The Nuts and Bolts.
Continuing Education Credits: For those working toward their Ohio Public Librarian or Ohio Public Library Staff re-certification, this workshop counts as four (4) contact hours of credit.
Hotel Accommodations: The OLC has secured a discounted room rate at the nearby TownePlace Suites Columbus Dublin, 5155 Upper Metro Place, Dublin, Ohio 43017. Reserve your room online to receive 15% off the best available Studio Suites or ask for the Ohio Library Council (OLC) corporate rate at the front desk if not reserving in advance. Availability not guaranteed.
Ohio Public Library Core Competencies addressed in this workshop: Fundraising and Strategic Planning
Agenda:
9:45 a.m. | Registration
10 a.m. | Levies – The Basics
Jay Smith, Director of Government and Legal Services, OLC
11 a.m. | Break
11:15 a.m. | How We Did It!
Cheryl Kuonen, Executive Director, Mentor Public Library
12:30 p.m. | Lunch
1 p.m. | Nuts & Bolts of a Successful Levy
Galen Schuerlein, Of Counsel/Director of Public Affairs, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP
2 p.m. | Adjourn
This event is by invitation only.
Invitations will be sent to all current and incoming Committee and Division Action Council members in October. Invitations will include instructions and information regarding leadership resources.
Volunteer leaders are essential to OLC’s success. The work accomplished this fall will help guide the organization through 2024 and prepare us to address the challenges ahead. This is an opportunity to meet together, determine goals for OLC Committees and Divisions and plan for 2024.
Invitations will be sent to all current and incoming Committee and Division Action Council members in October 2023. While outgoing Committee and Division Action Council members will be finishing their terms, we encourage them to attend this event to share their experience and practical insight with those about to take office.
Registration for Kickoff Event
Registration is required to participate in the live Kickoff event; but there is no charge to attend. Please follow the instructions on your invitation to register. Registration will open October 2023.
Follow-Up Committee and Division Meetings
Following the Kickoff event, OLC leaders are asked to meet virtually as a Committee or Division Action Council before Dec. 14, 2023.
The Public Library Association is headed to Columbus, April 3–5, 2024, to host the premier national event for public libraries — PLA Conference.
OLC members will be eligible for the PLA member rate. Libraries with group registrations of 10 or more for the full conference will receive a 10% discount.
Sign up for alerts to be notified when registration opens.
Pre-conference workshops will be held on April 2, 2024.
PLA Conference Registration Rates
Become an OLC Individual Member
Individual members of the Ohio Library Council will be eligible for the PLA member rate for the conference.
Mark your 2025 calendar:
The Ohio Library Council’s 2025 Convention and Expo will be held November 19-21 at the Huntington Convention Center in downtown Cleveland.
Hotel Accommodations:
• Hilton Cleveland Downtown (Headquarter Hotel)
• Drury Hotel
