Calendar
Sponsored by the OLC’s Information Technology Division
Register at my OLC | Registration Deadline: 10/31/23
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.
Library Tech Van Tours: Ohio public library tech vehicles will be on display in the Quest parking lot from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
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. | General Session: 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. | General Session: 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
10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Library Tech Vehicles on display in Quest parking lot
Stan the Tech Van is a mobile technology education and makerspace lab. Stan, a contractor-grade van, is loaded with technology and tools for pop-up makerspace events, open computer lab events, STEM programming, and educational events to be held at local businesses, community centers, public parks, and schools.
Cuyahoga County Public Library’s Digital Navigators service offers one-on-one assistance to help people connect to the internet, get a device, set up a telehealth appointment and more. Digital Navigators also helps people find out if they are eligible to receive the Affordable Connectivity Program, an FCC program that helps families find reliable, affordable internet access.
12:30 – 1:15 p.m. | General Session: 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. | General Session: 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. | General Session: 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. | General Session: 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. | General Session: 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:
- the latest levy FAQ from the Auditor of State’s Office
- 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 have been sent via email to all current and incoming Committee and Division Action Council members. Please check your inbox.
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.
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.
NOTE: When registering, please remember to click “Finalize This Transaction” instead of “Pay Now” as there is no cost to participate.
Follow-Up Committee and Division Meetings
Following the Kickoff event, OLC leaders are asked to meet virtually as a Committee or Division Action Council sometime between Nov. 17—Dec. 21, 2023.
Sponsored by the Ohio Library Council
Register at my OLC | Deadline to register: 11/28/23
Registration: FREE* for OLC Members Only.
*Individual members, trustees or staff of OLC Institutional Member Libraries.
When registering, click “Finalize This Transaction” instead of “Pay Now” as there is no cost to participate.
Webinar Overview: Public libraries continue to confront attacks on the freedom to read. Although censorship isn’t a new issue, the United States has seen a dramatic rise in book ban attempts since 2021. We know this is a stressful and isolating time for our members. To help you prepare for current and emerging challenges, the OLC will host a webinar on how to manage these difficult situations, actions every library should take, and supportive resources you can turn to when faced with a challenge.
This session will provide an update on the situation in Ohio and across the country, including some of the recent tactics we have seen in the last 12 months. You will learn how to build strong policies, update your public participation policies, craft effective responses, and connect with key stakeholders to ensure they advocate for your library and remain committed to information access for all.
Presenters: Michelle Francis, Executive Director and Jay Smith, Director of Government and Legal Services, Ohio Library Council
Intended Audience: Library directors, library leadership & management, and trustees.
What’s Included: Participation in the live webinar, and/or access to the recording and resources provided by the presenters.
NOTE: Webinar access information will be sent via e-mail before the webinar begins on Nov. 30. Please check that your correct e-mail address is listed in your my OLC profile page.
Register at my OLC | Registration Deadline: 11/28/23
Registration Fees:
Member: $35* | Non-member: $70
*Individual members or staff of OLC Institutional Member Libraries.
Webinar Overview:
The next total solar eclipse will happen on April 8, 2024, and it’s going to be a big one! Tens of thousands of people are expected to travel to Ohio to watch the afternoon sky go dim during the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Most likely, you remember the hype regarding the eclipse back in 2017 and the frenzy for viewing glasses. The 2024 eclipse will offer Ohioans an even better viewing because our state is directly in the path of totality. Are you ready? This webinar will help public libraries prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime event and make the most of this unique opportunity.
During this webinar, you will:
- Learn more about eclipse occurrences, methods for safe viewing, animal and plant responses, eclipse history and more.
- Discover tips and tricks for handling an influx of visitors and how emergency responders are already planning ahead to ensure everyone stays safe during the event.
- Explore tangible activities and resources to engage kids and families in solar eclipse learning and fun.
- Gain a better understanding of the lessons learned from the 2017 eclipse and how to improve.
- What to expect on the big day and how Ohio is going to be a target destination for many people who want to view a total solar eclipse in their lifetime.
- Know how and where to access resources from agencies such as StarNET, the Ohio Emergency Management Association, Ohio Department of Education and more.
Presenters:
- Don Stevens, Director, Perkins Observatory and State of Ohio Eclipse Task Force
- Annamarie Carlson, Youth Manager, Westerville Public Library
- Jay Smith, Director of Government and Legal Services, Ohio Library Council and State of Ohio Eclipse Task Force
Intended Audience: All library staff, especially those who serve families
What’s Included:
Participation in the live webinar and access to the recording at a later date, resources provided by the presenters.
Continuing Education Credits: Continuing Education Credits: For those working toward their Ohio Public Librarian or Ohio Public Library Staff re-certification, this webinar counts as one (1) continuing education contact hour of credit.
The OLC will host an online discussion forum for IT library staff to ask questions, exchange ideas and share best practices for handling technology’s evolving impact on library services. Grab your favorite hot beverage and join the OLC’s IT Division for an informal discussion.
Send questions and discussion topic suggestions in advance to rswanson@olc.org.
FREE – for OLC IT Division members only.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the discussion group.
Sponsored by the Information Technology Division.
Sponsored by: Ohio Library Council and BroadbandOhio
FREE* for OLC members only.
*Individual members or staff of OLC Institutional Member Libraries.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Webinar Overview:
Soon, BroadbandOhio will be implementing a grant program to leverage $793 million in federal Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funds which were allocated to Ohio by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) in June 2023. That money will be used to make sure that every Ohioan has access to a provider that can give them high-speed internet in their home.
To make sure that we have identified all unserved and underserved households as part of the BEAD process, BroadbandOhio will be conducting the Ohio BEAD challenge process. The goal of this process is to finalize the map of broadband serviceable locations (BSLs) and identify community anchor institutions that will be eligible for the $793 million in BEAD grants. Units of local government, internet service providers, and nonprofit organizations will all be able to access the portal and submit challenges as to whether a BSL has internet service. BroadbandOhio is once again looking to partner with Ohio’s public libraries so that we can be a resource for those that need help with the challenge process.
Presenters:
- Peter Voderberg, Chief, Office of BroadbandOhio
- Anna Miller, Manager, Digital Equity & Inclusion, Office of BroadbandOhio
NOTE: If you are unable to attend this live presentation, the webinar will be recorded and posted on the OLC website.
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 an additional 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.
As part of your OLC membership for 2024, you are eligible to save hundreds of dollars and get exclusive access to PLA’s early bird registration rates. OLC Individual members pay only $347 for the full conference if registered before Jan. 12, 2024.
If you know someone who is not a member of OLC, it is cost effective to join now. There is a $336 savings for the full conference between the non-member rate and the early bird OLC member rate. Plus, anyone who joins OLC after Oct. 1, receives full membership benefits for the remainder of 2023 and all of 2024.
Current OLC members can renew their memberships now and take advantage of the PLA 2024 Conference discount by registering before the Jan. 12, 2024 deadline.
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
