Preconference Workshops

On Monday, March 27, Computers in Libraries 2023 offers a series of preconference workshops providing immersive training for librarians and information professionals. Choose among our full-day Searchers Academy workshop, or up to two half-day, in-depth workshops offer training from expert instructors that you can't get anywhere else. Workshops are part of the Gold Pass or may also be registered for separately at $299 each when you register by the early-bird deadline.

 

Monday, Mar 27

Workshops

We have a wide range of half-day workshops, including such topics as Planning for the Near Future: Smart Library Spaces; Data Analytics; Library Marketing; Community Makerspaces and Innovation Hubs; Coaching; Knowledge Mapping; Cybersecurity; Strategic Technology Planning; Tech Trends for Libraries in 2023 and Beyond; Selecting and Implementing Library Tech; Academic Library Issues; Community Climate Action; AI and Libraries; and more.

 

W1. Searchers Academy: Rethinking Search Practices

09:00 AM2023-03-272023-03-27

Monday, March 27: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Located in Regency B

This year as never before, we are all being called upon to reset our assumptions on search techniques and approaches. From Google's frequent algorithm changes that affect our search results to new sources of both open source and fee-based information, as well as new expectations from clients and patrons, information professionals need to re-examine all their search practices. Info pros have a unique skill set that gives us the ability to own the search space. But equally important is the ability to challenge our assumptions about search and hone our search skills.

This practical, full-day workshop provides the latest tips, tricks, and techniques for unlocking the “black box” of search. Our search experts reveal what you need to know today to perform better and more effective searches, analyze search results to surface value, teach others good search practices, and remain on top of search innovations.

There's always something new to be learned from these leading-edge info pros. Whether you're a novice or expert searcher, you come away with a new understanding of innovations in search, new resources to share with colleagues, and more search tools for your professional toolkit.

Our experts cover these topics:

What's New in Web Search: Learn about new developments in search engines that affect how, why, and where to search to get the best results.

Savvy Search Strategies: Strategize your research to accommodate new technologies and techniques for increasing sense-making.

Resourcefully Yours: So many resources, so little time! We introduce a number of new, different, and changed resources to turbocharge your research.

SWOT for Search Professionals: Take a fresh look at where search professionals can make the biggest impact to most effectively leverage your expertise.

Speakers:

, Principal, Bates Information Services, Inc.

, Professor Emeritus of Librarianship, Montana State University

, Editor, Online Searcher

, Co-Founder, infoDOCKET & FullTextReports

 

W2. Selecting & Implementing Library Tech: How to for Practical & Sustainable Success

09:00 AM2023-03-272023-03-27

Monday, March 27: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Located in Washington B

New technology and services are fundamental to libraries today, but which technologies and/or services make sense to implement and which make sense to avoid? Based on our presenter's recent book and building from a framework drawn in the overlap of design thinking with best practices of emerging technology and library practice, this workshop introduces simple but powerful tools that can help the practitioner navigate the rapidly changing tech landscape. Using real-word examples of success and failure from across academic, public, and special library types, participants learn methods they can employ to more successfully and sustainably select and implement technology-innovating practices and services while ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.

Speakers:

, Dean of Albertsons Library, Boise State University and Emeritus Professor, University of Nevada, Reno & Author, Selecting & Implementing Technologies in Libraries

, Head of Library Computing & Information Systems, Albertsons Library, Boise State University

 

W3. Strategic Technology Planning

09:00 AM2023-03-272023-03-27

Monday, March 27: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Located in Washington A

In this half-day workshop, technology expert Marshall Breeding moderates a discussion of key technology problems and challenges facing libraries today. He begins with a look at the fundamental areas to be included in a technology plan. He incorporates recent information about the issues and developments of the technologies, products, and services that are relevant to the building of a technology plan as well as the topics of interest to workshop participants. This workshop focuses on real-world technology strategies, so come prepared with the topics and issues of interest within your organization. What are your library and community challenges in today’s uncertain world? Bring them to this informed facilitated discussion, get tips and techniques for planning, and take away some new ideas!

Speaker:

, Independent Consultant, Library Technology Guides, USA and Author

 

W4. Instant Library Marketing: Hands On With the Power of AI

09:00 AM2023-03-272023-03-27

Monday, March 27: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Located in Potomac 2

Be amazed at what technology can do to assist libraries with their marketing! Reduce the time and effort it takes to create exciting and engaging marketing pieces for your community. Using AI tools to generate tweets, posts, articles, pictures, and even videos as your digital assistants will be a game changer and time saver for your library. Get hands on experience and practice to be up and running when you return to your library.

Speaker:

, Director of Strategic Innovation, Evolve Project

 

W5. Unlocking Knowledge Mapping

09:00 AM2023-03-272023-03-27

Monday, March 27: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Located in Potomac 3

Participants in this workshop are introduced to the concepts of personal knowledge management, linked data, mind maps, and how they can all be combined for use in libraries. It offers many opportunities to try new software and explore new concepts with nothing more required than a web browser and some curiosity. Expect discussions and lots of examples about how to use these concepts and software packages in your library.

Speaker:

, Library Services Consultant, Northeast Kansas Library System

 

W6. Coaching to Bring Out People’s Best

09:00 AM2023-03-272023-03-27

Monday, March 27: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Located in Potomac 1

Most libraries invest more than 60% of their budgets in staffing costs. People are a library’s most important resource, and its managers, team leaders, and department heads have the essential role of developing these resources to their full potential. This is why on-the-job coaching is such a critical skill for all those who are accountable for employees. Coaching brings out the best in individuals, with positive impacts for all those involved, including the coach and the entire organization. Join us to practice the basics of coaching—from the power of listening, questions, challenging, and supporting to the game changer of accountability. Quoting a Harvard Business Review study: “Asking questions is a uniquely powerful tool for unlocking value in organizations: It spurs learning and the exchange of ideas, it fuels innovation and performance improvement, it builds rapport and trust among team members.” This interactive half-day workshop is packed with actionable, thought-provoking techniques and experiences designed to help you, your colleagues, and your library grow.

Speakers:

, Certified Professional Leadership Coach, Andrea Freeman Coaching & Consulting and SGR Partners

, Director, LLEAD Institute and Partner Emeritus, Dysart & Jones Associates

, Organizational Development Librarian / Executive Coach, University of Manitoba

 

W7. Planning for the Near Future: Smart Library Spaces & Buildings

09:00 AM2023-03-272023-03-27

Monday, March 27: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Located in Potomac 4

Do you have space issues in your library? Or challenges due to the recent pandemic? This workshop focuses on designing spaces for changing technologies and flexibility. How do we step up our digital transformation in uncertain times and keep our members safe? How do we incorporate new gadgets, apps, and technologies to engage our communities in new and exciting ways? Get some insights and ideas from our experienced librarians for planning successful future library experiences for your users.

Speakers:

, VP, Library Operations, Library Systems & Services, LLC

, Associate University Librarian for Communications & Technology, University of Pittsburgh

 

W8. Data Analytics: Fundamentals for Information Professionals

09:00 AM2023-03-272023-03-27

Monday, March 27: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Located in Regency A

In this workshop, you learn the basics to start your analytics journey. Using a free analytics platform, we’ll have hands on exercises exploring the fundamentals of analytics in information organizations and how to properly prepare and clean data for analysis. Once we’re familiar with the basics, we delve into the world of visualization to demonstrate findings and discoveries to make more effective cases for our advocacy efforts. Finally, we dabble in some machine learning techniques as a means for obtaining deeper understanding into patterns and trends that lie within the data we collect. Participants will need to provide their own laptop and engage in a bit of prework to prepare their machine for the workshop.

Speaker:

, Program Coordinator, Information Science and Data Analytics, San Jose State University

 

W9. New Tech for Libraries: 3D Scanning for Extended Reality Applications

09:00 AM2023-03-272023-03-27

Monday, March 27: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Located in Potomac 6

3D scanning may be riding on the coattails of 3D design and printing technologies, but it also has a long history of useful applications. For example, the Innovation Lab, a community-driven solution space located in the Seminole Community Library at St. Petersburg College, has worked on a variety of projects for local museums to import and export 3D scanned objects into virtual/augmented reality spaces, bringing vinyl records to life, digitizing real dinosaur fossils to be shared as holograms to augment traditional learning opportunities, and more. In this workshop, see what exciting things can be done with 3D/volumetric scanning, holograms, virtual reality, web-based AR apps, and other technologies. Attendees will also do collaborative, hands-on work to create a 360-degree tour and play with drone aerial video/imagery in our "technology playground for XR” to potentially make something useful for future promotional reuse!

Speaker:

, Librarian | Assistant Professor, Innovation Lab | Learning Resources, St. Petersburg College

 

W10. [CANCELED] Climate Things: Library Community Action

09:00 AM2023-03-272023-03-27

Monday, March 27: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

This workshop has been cancelled.

 

W11. Tech Trends for Libraries in 2023 & Beyond

01:00 PM2023-03-272023-03-27

Monday, March 27: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Located in Regency A

Technology has changed the face of libraries and is continuing to change how we work and how we deliver services to customers. In fact, the past year has pushed us, or, in some cases, made us scramble, to discover and experiment with new technologies and tools, to train our staff and community, and to look for new ways of doing our core activities. This workshop introduces emerging technology trends and shows how those trends are reshaping library services. Examples show how to incorporate these evolving trends into libraries. Attendees ID what trends to look for, find out the difference between a technology trend and a fad, learn how to adapt what others are doing into their communities, and get ideas on how their library can respond to technology as it emerges.

Speaker:

, Digital Services Director, Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library and Publisher, davidleeking.com

 

W12. Evaluating & Optimizing Library Systems

01:00 PM2023-03-272023-03-27

Monday, March 27: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Located in Washington A

The integrated library system (ILS) plays a central role in every library’s operations. Depending on how well it’s configured, the ILS can positively or negatively impact operations, including the workflows and processes involved. This half-day workshop provides ILS administrators and users with a practical guide for getting the most of their library’s ILS and optimizing their library’s platform for reaching users. They discuss system security, how to plan and conduct an audit of the ILS’s configuration, tips for documenting important settings, methods for cleaning up field values, and techniques for documenting and optimizing staff workflows. Speakers share a case study conducted at their library—eliminating overdue fees. Get lots of tips and ideas!

Speakers:

, Interim Director of Collections & Content, Kraemer Family Library and Author, Making the Most of Your ILS: A Users’ Guide to Evaluating and Optimizing Library Systems

, Director of User Experience, Associate Professor, Kraemer Family Library, University of Colorado and Author, Making the Most of Your ILS: A Users’ Guide to Evaluating and Optimizing Library Systems

 

W13. Designing Library Websites With LibGuides & Bootstrap: LibGuides in Disguise

01:00 PM2023-03-272023-03-27

Monday, March 27: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Located in Potomac 6

The LibGuides CMS is a versatile and easy-to-use web platform that consists of an array of features including LibGuides, which is primarily used to develop structured subject and research guides with efficiency. In addition to these features, LibGuides can also be used to design and manage a library’s website. Using the Bootstrap framework and custom CSS can add a modern and sleek feel to the structure provided by LibGuides, making it your own to the point that even you will not be able to tell that it is a LibGuide. In this workshop, Samuel explores how to use LibGuides to build your library’s website while using the Bootstrap framework. LibGuides subscribers will receive a template to complete their mission of turning their LibGuides into “LibGuides in disguise” as a foundation for their library’s website.

Speaker:

, Digital Archivist, Associate Professor, Waring Historical Library, Medical University of South Carolina

 

W14. Sparking Community Imagination & Innovation: Learning Tools

01:00 PM2023-03-272023-03-27

Monday, March 27: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Located in Potomac 3

Get hands-on tools to use the global goals in your everyday work, supporting your community in new ways, providing learning opportunities for your community, and growing skills to work actively with projects that impact the global goals such as climate change. Learn how to showcase good examples from your community, provide basic skills in this area for your community, and use global goals as a strategic framework for your library. Holmquist shares best practices from around the world, and creative group learning techniques and activities and generates ideas for libraries using design thinking. Filled with tips, practical tools, and techniques for learning by sharing as well as supporting community learning, this workshop will spark your imagination and provide tools for community innovation.

Speaker:

, Global Librarian - Library & Leadership Consultant, Holmquist Consult

 

W15. KM Initiatives for Libraries

01:00 PM2023-03-272023-03-27

Monday, March 27: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Located in Potomac 1

This knowledge management (KM) workshop is designed for librarians who want to take a more active role in KM projects within their organizations and libraries. Bring an idea for a KM project to the workshop, or be inspired with one by our experienced KM instructor. The KM concepts introduced help participants develop a full-fledged business case for their KM projects with a defined scope and understanding of the driving forces for KM at your library/organization. According to Ian Gamble (Making the Business Case: Proposals That Succeed for Projects That Work), a business case is a recommendation designed to lead directly to a decision; supported by an analysis of its benefits, costs, and risks (compared to realistic alternatives); and accompanied by an implementation plan. A business case requires that one gathers and presents data to support the project's purpose statement. Contextual information acquired by conducting a knowledge audit, along with the design of a pilot, assures success for a KM project. This workshop features collaborative and group work, practical exercises, and an extensive resource list for further reading and relevant case studies.

Speaker:

, President, Barbie E. Keiser, Inc. and NOVA Community College

 

W16. Cybersecurity for Your Library

01:00 PM2023-03-272023-03-27

Monday, March 27: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Located in Potomac 2

Protecting privacy and security while leveraging technology to accomplish positive change is becoming a serious challenge for individuals, communities, and businesses. This workshop, led by expert leaders and practitioners, covers personal and organizational privacy as well as top security issues for libraries and their communities. If you don’t have a security plan in place, are unsure of where to even start with making sure your library is secure, or have an existing plan in place but want to cross your T’s and dot your I’s, come to this interactive workshop.

Speakers:

, Program Coordinator, Information Science and Data Analytics, San Jose State University

, Director of Strategic Innovation, Evolve Project

, Co-Founder, infoDOCKET & FullTextReports

 

W17. Creating Stimulating Community Makerspaces & Innovation Hubs in Libraries

01:00 PM2023-03-272023-03-27

Monday, March 27: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Located in Washington B

This workshop focuses on new types of programs and services that libraries are providing for their communities—makerspaces, innovation labs, and an assortment of studios that give users the tools to be creative and gain experience with emerging technologies. Filled with tips and techniques, our experienced speakers give you all you need to get started and to move into an innovative, customer-centric learning space based on STEM education, which also thrives around solving problems while being curious and inventive. Come explore new community engagement possibilities that provide learning experiences for jobs of the future and the latest bleeding-edge technologies. Learn how they all work together to create engaging experiences in your library and beyond its walls as our world becomes increasingly digital. Full of practical insights and techniques from experienced and knowledgeable innovators, this workshop provides a road map for building or taking your exciting new program to the next level. It discusses the challenges (e.g., dealing with technology issues and funding shortages) while presenting real-world examples to help inspire you to explore the amazing opportunities these types of initiatives offer.

Speakers:

, Dean of Albertsons Library, Boise State University and Emeritus Professor, University of Nevada, Reno & Author, Selecting & Implementing Technologies in Libraries

, Librarian | Assistant Professor, Innovation Lab | Learning Resources, St. Petersburg College

 

W18. Academic Library Issues & Challenges: Discussion of the Future

01:00 PM2023-03-272023-03-27

Monday, March 27: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Located in Potomac 5

Join our award-winning futurist for a discussion of the outlook for academic institutions and their libraries, current landscape of academic programs and services, and more.  Bring your issues, challenges, and questions to discuss with your colleagues and our futurist and enjoy this casual interactive atmosphere.

Speaker:

, Futurist, Senior Scholar, Georgetown University and Author, Gearing Up for Learning Beyond K–12 and The New Digital Storytelling

 

W19. Human-Centric AI Parade: Artificial Intelligence & Libraries

01:00 PM2023-03-272023-03-27

Monday, March 27: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Located in Potomac 4

Do you want to know how AI works best for humans? Join this fast-learning, entertaining, and inspiring interactive workshop about the interesting world of AI and how we, as humans, have a big influence on what it can mean and do for us. People think that AI is something from the last decades of mankind, starting in 1950 when Alan Turing did his groundworks. But AI has been here much longer. It started with the myths by the old Greek and Romans. In modern-day life, AI is everywhere, from your smartphone and your vacuum cleaner to your news platform. It can make our lives better, but there are worries. What if an AI system becomes smarter than us? Why should it leave us alive? Or is an AI-system more biased than we are, and, if so, what does that mean for decisions being made by that biased system? In Europe, human-centric AI is designed to address all these issues. This workshop does a flyover and deep dive into these intriguing questions. It addresses the fears, enables learning more about AI, and comes up with solutions. The findings will be used by the biggest European scientific institutions to design human-centric AI. The workshop requires no math or tech skills, uses interactive design and QA (quiz-like) to bring up the best, and is fun and informative. Everyone helps the world to make AI the best for humans.

Speakers:

, Senior Advisor, National Library of the Netherlands and Member, Storyhouse Board of Directors

, Founder, Dok Library and Director, Netherlands Institute for Sound & Vision

Don't Miss These Featured Events
  • Websearch University
  • Library Leaders Summit