Monday, November 9 Schedule

Vision

Legislator Q&A

Presenter(s): Vanessa Martin, Bartholomew County Public Library; with Mark Shublak, Taft public affairs; Chris Bandy,; Julie Wendorf, Crown Point Public Library, Advocacy Co-Chair

ILF lobbyists, Taft Public Affairs, will be doing a Q&A with legislators.

Discovery A

Academic Libraries of Indiana (ALI) and Indiana Academic Library Association (IALA) Business Meeting & Brunch

Presenter(s): Laura Bernhardt, David L. Rice Library, University of Southern Indiana

The Indiana Academic Library Association (IALA), as the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Chapter for Indiana, is required to hold its annual open membership meeting at ILF Annual. This year, we're hosting a breakfast gathering to welcome academic librarians to ILF, to update IALA members about what IALA has been doing in 2026, share plans for the future, and take questions from our members.

Discovery B

Advocacy in Illinois: Lessons Learned (so far) from the Digital Library Protection Act

Presenter(s): Cassandra Thompson, Illinois Heartland Library System; with Sam Ralston and Sara Murray

Learn more about the lessons that the presenters have learned in both accidental and intentional advocacy, as we work with other states for fair digital pricing. The attendees will learn more about Illinois HB5236: The Digital Library Protection Act, which is a consumer protection bill that recently passed unanimously in the Illinois House of Representatives. The presenters will discuss how the bill is in alignment with other states pursuing similar goals, encouraging Hoosiers to think about what this might look like in Indiana. This session will also discuss how the Illinois Library Association (ILA) volunteers mobilized almost overnight into a rapid-fire working group to support this effort. Some volunteers had years of advocacy experience with developed relationships with legislators, others got a crash course in advocacy, but we have all learned something along the way. The working group has been so successful due to the amazing synergy the group produced, bringing their time, skills, creativity, and talents together, as we have worked to move this initiative forward.

Studio One

Soft and Self Censorship is Not a Shield But a Weapon

Presenter(s): Rain Smith, Whiteland Community High School / AISLE / IN FREADOM; with Stacey Kern

A growing number of school librarians report not purchasing a book to avoid conflict in this time of rampant book banning. This practice of soft or self censorship is detrimental to the students we serve and to our library collections. Using research and data, we will examine this trend and give helpful tips & suggestions for analyzing soft/self censorship and ways to negate the practice.

Studio Five

The Eliot Rosewater Remedy: Curing the American Reading Drought

Presenter(s): Rachel Bobo-Milburn, Frankfort Community Public Library

A recent American Time Use Survey paints a startling picture: our free time is up, but our reading is down, way down. Between digital distractions and shrinking attention spans, the "Reading Roadblock" is real. But there is a way through it.Join us for an interactive deep dive into why we're losing high school readers and how to win them back. We'll move beyond the statistics to explore why the Eliot Rosewater list isn't just a collection of books, it's a powerful weapon against the decline of literacy and the threats to our shared collections. Come ready to brainstorm and collaborate on "reluctant readers" rescue missions, and reclaim the joy of the page.

Studio Six

One Book, Big Impact: Igniting a Districtwide Reading Movement

Presenter(s): Lael DuBois, Plainfield Community School Corporation

This session highlights the impact of an elementary One Book, One District initiative centered on "A Dog's Porpoise." This heartwarming story brings themes of empathy, belonging, and purpose to life. Attendees will explore how a shared reading experience can unite students, staff, and families across an entire district while fostering meaningful conversations and a love of literacy. The presentation will showcase practical strategies for launching and sustaining a districtwide reading program, including community engagement ideas, cross-curricular connections, and activities that make the story accessible and memorable for all learners. Participants will leave with actionable tools and inspiration to create their own engaging, inclusive One Book experience.

Regency E

Staying Focused in This "Age of Distraction"

Presenter(s): Lacey Klemm, East Chicago Public Library

The "Age of Distraction" refers to the contemporary era of information overload, where constant digital connectivity, social media, notifications, and, short-form content severely erodes our ability to focus, reduces productivity, and causes cognitive fatigue.

1. How do we stay focused in this age of cell phones, smart "everything", and social media? 

2. How do we keep "multitasking" from going off the rails? 

3. How do we give excellent customer service when distractions are coming from all around us? 

In this highly interactive session, with hands on activities, we will learn how to navigate the distractions so that we stay focused, productive, and engaged.

Regency F

Makerspaces: The Place Where Adult Services and Youth Services Collide

Presenter(s): Catie Spicer, Vigo County Public Library; with Hailey Mackelburger and Nathan Simonson

Makerspaces are a safe space to do programming for both Adult Services and Youth Services departments, and because of that intersection, Makerspaces are the perfect place to host teens. Many library kids lose interest in programming when they hit the tween and teen years, and that's where we lose a lot of them. By utilizing Makerspaces, many of those library kids who are losing interest would have another part of the library to explore and love. In this presentation, we will explain how Vigo County Public Library is using our Makerspace to get more teens in the door and get them excited about libraries all over again.

Theory A

Hosting a Community Baby Shower

Presenter(s): Sarah Trover, Brazil Public Library

Leverage partnerships to host a Community Baby Shower at the Library. Learn how twenty-three organizations came together with the Brazil Public Library to host the first Clay County Community Baby Shower for expectant moms and those with children under the age of one.

Theory B

Step In Strong: Writing Cover Letters for Academic Library Positions

Presenter(s): Shane White, University of Southern Indiana; with Susan Elaine Thomas

The first time a hiring committee meets you is on the page. It is imperative to put your best foot forward and jam it in the door. This session is a discussion between two academic librarians who have been on both sides of the hiring process. We will talk about what we look for in good cover letters; what gets noticed, for good or ill; and how a curriculum vitae (CV) differs from a resume. We will be taking questions as well. We hope those interested in an academic library career would attend along with anyone interested in hiring or applying for library jobs.

Network

Training

Training session details to be announced.

Concept AB

Together, We Can: Libraries, Shared Challenges, and the Power of Collective Action

Presenter(s): Pamela Seabolt, Midwest Collaborative for Library Services; with Scott Garrison, Jenny Kobiela-Mondor, and Laura Warren-Gross

Together, We Can: Libraries, Shared Challenges, and the Power of Collaboration Libraries across our state are navigating real complexities from protecting funding in an uncertain legislative landscape, to telling our stories in ways that move decision-makers to act, to implementing AI responsibly and building information literacy in our communities. These challenges are significant, but we don't have to face them alone.In this session, the Midwest Collaborative for Library Services will share updates on the programs, services, and initiatives that are shaping the year ahead for our member libraries and then invite the whole room into a facilitated conversation about what becomes possible when libraries work together. Participants will explore pressing challenges through a simple but powerful prompt: "Together, we could..." Responses will be captured and synthesized live, building a collective vision from the voices in the room.Attendees will leave inspired by what libraries can accomplish in community with one another and with a clearer sense of how collaboration turns shared challenges into shared strength.

Concept C

Broadening the Narrative: Exploring the Encyclopedia of Indianapolis’ Immersive Content Highlighting the City's Underrepresented Communities

Presenter(s): Jyoti Verderame, Indianapolis Public Library; with Jessica Erin Fischer

Since the Encyclopedia of Indianapolis came under the stewardship of the Indianapolis Public Library in 2021, its aim has been to broaden its coverage of diverse knowledge and to correct past historical biases. Collaborating with diverse partners and being an electronic resource has allowed the Encyclopedia to cover topics addressing race, gender, sexuality, disability, and underrepresented cultures. Today, the staff of the Encyclopedia of Indianapolis will provide a presentation of its most recent work: entries, timelines, interactive long-form special features, and study guides about the Latino, LGBTQ+, and Disability communities of Indianapolis.

Concept D

Reading in the CTE Classrooms

Presenter(s): Scott Caldwell, Tri Jr/Sr High School

Scott's career started in Ag Education before spending time as an English and Public Speaking teacher. In the fall of 2026 Scott returned to the Agriculture classroom with a desire to expand the connections with literature to his students. Come be a part of discovering new methods to reach out to the Career and Technical Education teachers and students. If reading is for everyone then we need to discover new ways to reach different audiences.

Vision

Taft Session

Presenter(s): Vanessa Martin, Bartholomew County Public Library; with Mark Shublak, Chris Bandy, and Julie Wendorf

Taft Public Affairs, ILF lobbyists, will provide an overview of the legislative session.

Discovery A

Academic Libraries of Indiana (ALI)

ALI Meeting Continued.

Discovery B

Promoting our Libraries and Engaging Learners through Programming

Presenter(s): Lindsey Walters, Elkhart Community Schools; with Colette Huxford-Kinnett

Join us as we share tons of ideas regarding fun, unique, and engaging programs for the school library. A variety of programs will be discussed: passive, gaming, literacy-based, maker/craft workshops, and more! We will share ideas for elementary, middle, and high school. Bring your own ideas to share with the group as well.

Studio One

Session Details Coming Soon

Additional session information will be added as it becomes available.

Studio Five

Book Mending: What I Know and the Road So Far

Presenter(s): Heather Beach, Hagerstown Jefferson Public Library; with Jennifer Taylor

Learn basic book repair and mending techniques to help keep circulating library collections in working order.

Studio Six

Big Impact, Small Changes: Transforming Library Spaces Without Major Renovation

Presenter(s): David Vinjamuri, New York University

If your circulation is dropping, it's not you it's your space. Drawing on work with public libraries across the country, this session shows how libraries can make significant gains in usability, engagement, and patron experience without capital projects. Using user experience methods such as in-library observation, heat mapping, and first-person video (including a wheelchair user navigating library spaces), participants will learn how to identify hidden barriers and underused areas that are often invisible in day-to-day operations.Attendees will leave with practical strategies to diagnose space issues, understand how patrons actually use the building, and implement low-cost changes that improve how the library functions are making spaces more effective, accessible, and equitable for the communities they serve.

Regency E

Design Basics with Canva

Presenter(s): Soul Cudworth, Monticello-Union Township Public Library

This session is intended to help those who have little or no experience in design get used to exploring Canva and using it to create marketing materials for their Library. Learn design basics and best practices for making eye catching flyers, brochures, calendars, newsletters, social media posts and more.

Regency F

Creating an AI Chatbot That Won't Steal All of Your Information

Presenter(s): Justin Kingery, Kokomo-Howard County Public Library

Learn about self-hosting AI models and building a task-specific chatbot for library staff.

Theory A

Learning to Code Later: Confidence and Skills for Information Professionals Without a Technical Background

Presenter(s): Austin Stroud, Indiana University Indianapolis

Feeling left behind by the digital revolution? In his upcoming book release, Learning to Code Later, Austin offers information professionals without technical backgrounds a supportive path into programming. Drawing from original research on technology instruction in MLIS programs and stories from late-start learners across libraries, this session will share stories from Austin, and others he has interviewed, and give guidance and tips on finding the confidence to experiment with and learn a bit of coding to make your life easier, personally and on the job.

Theory B

Academic Keynote Address

Presenter(s): Speaker to be announced

Academic keynote session details will be updated after details are finalized.

Network

Session Details Coming Soon

Additional session information will be added as it becomes available.

Concept AB

Considerations for Library Construction Projects – Best Practices and Using the BOT Delivery Model

Presenter(s): Susan Reed, Meyer Najem; with Travis Tucker and Kevin McGovern

As the Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) model becomes a more familiar delivery method for projects in Indiana, it still has not be widely utilized for library projects.  Learn about how the BOT delivery model compares to other ways to fund and build projects.  Learn about how the BOT model enables libraries to create more subcontractor demand for the project, and this can enhance the pool of participating companies, potentially affecting project costs and the quality of the work.  Learn about the benefits of having a development team involved in project delivery to assist library management teams with day-to-day project oversight and successful delivery.

Concept C

Primarily Speaking: Primary Sources

Presenter(s): Tammie Buchanan, Indiana State Library

This session will explore primary sources and ways to use them with young people. We will define what primary sources are, discuss how to choose primary sources, and discuss strategies for using them with kids and teens. I will share an initiative of the Indiana State Library using primary sources for kits for teachers and librarians to check out. Finally, participants will get a sneak peek of a new project I am working on developing with primary sources!

Concept D

Show, Tell, and Take: Favorite Library Hits

Presenter(s): Ashley Risinger, Carmel Clay Schools

Building a vibrant reading culture requires a mix of creativity, trial-and-error, and community. This session is a "show and tell" of lessons, activities, and engagement strategies for school libraries or youth services programs. We will explore a portfolio of engaging activities designed for middle grade audiences, including interactive library displays, unique book tastings, reading incentives, student-led book recommendations, and methods for finding books for reluctant readers. This is a collaborative session so bring your own ideas to share! We'll swap activities, troubleshoot challenges, and leave with some fresh, ready-to-use ideas for our libraries.

Vision

Crossroads Writers' Workshop 1: An Introduction to Writing for Journal Publication

Presenter(s): Laura Bernhardt, David L. Rice Library, University of Southern Indiana

Crossroads: The Journal of Indiana Libraries is on the lookout for submissions from any and all library folk in Indiana. We want to hear from you! Many librarians and library staff members (especially those not in academic positions that require publication), however, might be a bit intimidated. Where do I start? What should I write about? What if I don't feel like my writing is good enough? Never fear! Crossroads and IALA (the Indiana Academic Library Association) will be running a series of workshops to help people who want to submit to the journal create their first article! This first session focuses on understanding the distinctive features of good journal writing and the journal submission process, brainstorming article ideas, and getting that first draft started. Come prepared to do some writing!

Discovery A

Academic Libraries of Indiana (ALI)

ALI Meeting Continued.

Discovery B

Micro-Planning: Creating Strategic Plans for Departments and Small Groups

Presenter(s): Beka Lemons, Huntington City-Township Public Library

This session will cover the process of creating small scale strategic plans for departments, small groups, and committees within libraries. These micro-plans are designed to keep departments on track, set priorities, manage projects, and reinforce the expectations of the organization. This session will cover the impacts of these micro-plans, walk through the process of creating a department level plan, and talk about the follow-up and implementation of the plans. Each participant will take home a plan template and an outline of the planning process.

Studio One

What Does It Mean? Leveraging Project Look Sharp™ Resources with Your Library Community

Presenter(s): Kym Kramer, Indiana University Indianapolis; with Kristen Williams and Brooke Baker

Encompassing and working to achieve the goals of the National Association for Media Literacy Education (NAMLE), learn how to access, analyze, evaluate, create, and act using all forms of communication. Participants will create their FREE educator or librarian account in Project Look Sharp, a repository developed by Ithaca College of over 1000+ media and digital literacy resources. Instantly gain access to this growing repository of FREE resources that can be used to design lessons and programming for preschool through adults.

Studio Five

Wacky Weird, Wonderful Stuff That Happens in My School Library

Presenter(s): Stacey Kern, Clark-Pleasant Middle School

This fast-paced presentation highlights successful, standards-aligned lessons used in a middle school library setting. Participants will also explore engaging, student-centered contests and effective book marketing strategies that spark student interest and participation. In addition, the session will provide practical tips for organizing impactful author visits and offer guidance on writing strong applications for the Lilly Teacher Creativity Grant.

Studio Six

Creative Choices: Why Stations Matter for Pre-Teens and Teens

Presenter(s): JoyAnn Boudreau, Hamilton Southeastern Intermediate/Junior High

Back to stations! After various schedule changes in a growing building, I have gone back to the world of stations and revamped how and when I use them in my middle school library working with 10 to 14 year-olds. Stations are not just for the littles, they work great with pre-teens and teens too! Come learn about some of the ways I have been implementing stations back into my library. Bring some of your own methods and topics or questions too!

Regency E

Breakout #1

Presenter: John Chrastka, EveryLibrary

EveryLibrary session details to be released soon.

Regency F

Advocacy at the Crossroads: Moving Forward

Presenter: Vanessa Martin, Bartholomew County Public Library; with Julie Wendorf, Crown Point Community Library

A session focused on moving forward after recent years of legislation. Full description to come.

Theory A

AI at the Crossroads: Real Experiences from Indiana Library & Information Professionals

Presenter: Austin Stroud, Indiana University Indianapolis; with Jenny Kobiela-Mondor, Mahasin Ameen, and Diane Rogers

Format: Panel Discussion

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how library and information professionals teach, serve, and lead, but what does that actually look like in practice? This panel brings together professionals from across library settings (academic, public, school, MLIS program) to share real-world experiences using AI tools in their daily work. Panelists will discuss how they are navigating opportunities and challenges related to instruction, research support, policy development, and ethical considerations. Rather than focusing on hype or theory, this session centers lived experience: what's working, what isn't, and what library workers are learning along the way. Attendees will leave with practical insights, strategies, and perspectives to inform their own work at this critical crossroads of learning and technology.

Theory B

Recognizing Indiana's Oldest Black History; Making it Known

Presenter: Thomas Bartholomew, Knox County Public Library; with Cindy Frederick

How the Black History Preservation Project of Knox County began. This includes a brief description of Knox County's Black history before and into Indiana statehood. How we gained support from the community. Attempting to enlist local historical sites. How we've partnered with state agencies. Things we'd like to be doing a better job of. Activities that have evolved from the initial project involving digitization of historic documents. The importance of and challenges in the future.

Network

Mental Health in Libraries

Presenter: Erika Wagner, Crown Point Community Library / ILF Mental Health Committee Co-Chair

Library workers increasingly encounter mental health challenges in their work, both personally and through interactions with patrons in crisis. This panel brings together a library social worker and mental health professionals to explore the mental health landscape of library work, including stressors, boundaries, and support needs. Panelists will discuss perspectives and approaches relevant to supporting library staff and patrons, with an emphasis on equity, trauma‑informed practice, and sustainable support models. The session is designed to foster reflection, shared understanding, and dialogue rather than prescribe a single solution.

Concept AB

AVC Technology Vendor Session

Presenter: Brenda Enderle, AVC Technology

Vendor session details to be finalized.

Concept C

Reclassifying 200s for Religious Equity

Presenter: Lisa Dick, Carmel Clay Public Library

OCLC created an optional arrangement of the 200s to provide a more global classification of the world's religions. In 2024,  Carmel Clay Public Library undertook a project to reclassify our 200s to this optional schedule to reflect the diverse religions practices in our community. Learn about the rationale for this project, how we went about changing all of our collections, and how we continue to maintain it.

Concept D

Reading Levels and Libraries, Oh My!: A Guide to Recommending Books to Patrons of All Ages

Presenter: Lori Caskey-Sigety, Indiana University South Bend

This program includes the do's and don'ts of recommending books to patrons ranging from littles to senior citizens.  There will be lively activities, a Kahoot fun quiz, prizes for the top three winners, and discussion.

Vision

Innovative Advocacy: Thinking Outside the Box

Presenter(s): Vanessa Martin, Bartholomew County Public Library; with Lisa Lintner, Emily Ellis, Nathan Watson, Stori Snyder, and Julie Wendorf

A panel discussion from library directors around the state about innovative approaches to advocacy.

Discovery A

Reframing the Teaching of Information Literacy

Presenter(s): Theresa Ramos, Carmel High School

Based on the Framework for Information Literacy (IL) for Higher Education and my own experiences working through the Teaching Information Literacy Certificate from The Ohio State University, this session will provide you with an understanding of core concepts in IL and help you to identify outdated approaches and ideas related to teaching research practices. In addition to these new insights, attendees will leave with a few new strategies, approaches and activities to help you in your own instruction practices of research and IL.

Discovery B

Building Strong Youth Services Teams

Presenter(s): Charlotte Hinniger, Allen County Public Library

Strong youth programming, community outreach, and engagement begin with a team that is well prepared and supported. This session will offer practical strategies for hiring and developing youth services librarians with or without library field backgrounds. The session is designed for library leaders, supervisors, and youth services staff who want to strengthen their teams and foster a culture of learning and collaboration. Participants will learn how to identify qualities to look for when hiring youth librarians from outside of the field; design effective onboarding practices for youth services professionals; train librarians whose strengths and specializations may differ from their own; and encourage continued growth and professional development in youth services. Participants will also receive tools and resources that can be customized for use at their own library locations.

Studio One

Bring the Young Inventor Challenge™ to Your Library Community

Presenter(s): Kym Kramer, Indiana University Indianapolis; with Kelli Brooks

Format: Other

The annual Young Inventor Challenge™ Championship takes place each November in Chicago as part of the Chicago Toy and Game Fair. This event provides an opportunity for youth ages 6 to 18 to develop and pitch their original inventions of board games and toys. Participants use their imagination, creativity, and ingenuity to bring their designs to life through 3D prototypes. YIC participants receive professional critiques from toy and game industry experts. Discover how you can plan and host game design workshops, library programming, summer camps, afterschool clubs, and make-it events to help local youth spin-up their designs. Hosting a YIC Regional Event gives local communities a chance to celebrate young innovators' creations and encourage them to enter the International Championship! Youth entrants can participate either virtually OR in-person in YIC. Don't miss this chance to brainstorm ways to bring this innovative opportunity to your locale.

Studio Five

Management Division Roundtable

Presenter(s): Georgeann Doan, Lawrenceburg Public Library District

Annual roundtable to invite those interested in joining the Management Division or hear about what the group is working on for ILF. Network with other leaders and brainstorm activities to enhance management skills.

Studio Six

Embedding Information Literacy into the Core Curriculum

Presenter(s): Kristen Williams, Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School

The presentation starts with our pitch to administration and department chairs on the value of and need to embed information literacy skills into the core curriculum. It covers meeting with different departments, and finding teachers willing to let us co-plan lessons with them. We have examples of several different lessons we have co-taught with teachers this year including AI literacy, resource authority and utility for a research project in Social Justice, a lesson on WWI and propaganda posters, and a news literacy lesson about Brown v Board of Education for an AP Government class.

Regency E

Now What? Turning Space Insights into Action in Lake County

Presenter(s): David Vinjamuri, New York University; with Carol Daumer Gutjahr

What if libraries approached service, leadership, and workplace culture with the same intentionality as Disney? Drawing from firsthand experience as a participant in the Disney Institute, this interactive workshop explores how libraries can adapt proven strategies from one of the world's most recognized companies to build stronger teams and a deeper sense of purpose among staff.At its core, this session is about more than customer service, it's about cultivating pride in our work and recognizing the vital role libraries play in their communities. Participants will examine how Disney's emphasis on storytelling, shared language, and values-driven decision-making can translate into a library setting, regardless of size or budget. Through guided discussion, collaborative exercises, and a little bit of pixie dust, attendees will explore how Disney creates a culture where every cast member understands they are part of something bigger than themselves, and how we can apply that in our daily interactions with patrons and colleagues alike.

Regency F

THE STUDIOS: An Evidence-Based, Community-Centered Makerspace Strategy

Presenter(s): Kerstin Glaess, Allen County Public Library; with Beth Boatright

Learn how Allen County Public Library staff leveraged local partnerships and an in-depth landscape analysis to develop and implement a revival of their makerspace services. We'll share our insights about current trends and service models based on our research into makerspaces across the country. From asset mapping and partnership meetings to finding funding and launching strategic spaces and services, you'll be equipped with pragmatic next steps to reinvigorate STEM services at your library.

Theory A

Session Details Coming Soon

Additional session information will be added as it becomes available.

Theory B

Level Up Shelving: A Gamified Training Application Built Through a Library's Informatics Partnership

Presenter(s): Christopher Proctor, Indiana University Southeast Library; with Alex Stepp and Callie Gayler

By leveraging the Indiana University Southeast Library's cocurricular model of student learning, we were able to partner with Informatics faculty to provide a meaningful internship experience that helped fill a gap in LIS. Student employees must learn to shelve materials accurately using the Library of Congress and Dewey classification systems with a mixture of hands-on training methods. Hands-on training in shelving is often labor intensive, and we had previously identified the need and subsequent lack of a comprehensive, well-designed, and robust interactive learning environment where students could gain background context and experience prior to working with physical materials. To improve training and provide such a platform, we partnered with a student and faculty in Informatics to provide an internship that would allow for the creation of a custom-built web application that fills this need and improves training pathways. Employing user-centered design, systems analysis, and gamification, our intern was able to create a streamlined training platform that uses drag-and-drop exercises, immediate constructive feedback, and non-identifying analytics to reveal patterns, to enhance shelving training. We want to share the process, the theory, and the product with you.

Network

Session Details Coming Soon

Additional session information will be added as it becomes available.

Concept AB

Session Details Coming Soon

Additional session information will be added as it becomes available.

Concept C

Mother Goose on the Loose: Live, in Action!

Presenter(s): Kara Pettey, Jefferson County Public Library

Mother Goose on the Loose is a wonderful program that includes both babies and toddlers from 6mo-35mo.  If your library staff is already stretched thin and you are looking for a way to provide an amazing early literacy experience for two age groups at once then, Mother Goose on the Loose is the answer. This program developed by Betsy Diamant-Cohen has it all: Fingerplays, rhymes, bounces, props, music, big books, and felt boards. This session will introduce you to a typical Mother Goose on the Loose Program where you will participate and learn about Mother Goose in real time.  Handouts include program outlines, rhyme sheets, and a resource list of books, materials, and props used in Mother Goose on the Loose program at the Jefferson County Public Library.

Concept D

Exploration Garden: Where Play Takes Root

Presenter(s): Roanna Hooton, New Carlisle-Olive Township Public Library

Learn how to design and build your own exploration garden, a space where curiosity leads the way. We'll talk about why these environments matter for children's growth and development, and how even small spaces can become places of wonder and discovery.

Vision

Legislative Impacts — With the Experts

Presenter(s): Vanessa Martin, Bartholomew County Public Library

A session focused on legislative impacts of the 2026 session with Baker Tilly experts. Details to be announced.

Discovery A

Session Details Coming Soon

Additional session information will be added as it becomes available.

Discovery B

IN FREADOM - Protect Your Right to Read

Presenter(s): Lisa Lintner, Indiana FREADOM to Read; with Emily Bedwell

In this session, discover how the Indiana FREADOM to Read coalition supports libraries of all types: public, school, and academic, in promoting and protecting intellectual freedom. Learn about the coalition's resources, partnerships, and advocacy efforts, and explore practical ways library staff can help expand the coalition's community outreach, build broader public support, and grow a strong network of freedom-to-read advocates.

Studio One

Game On! Using Breakout Boxes to Engage Every Learner

Presenter(s): Lael DuBois, Plainfield Community School Corporation

Ready to transform student engagement and bring learning to life? In this interactive session, librarians will explore how Breakout Boxes can spark collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical thinking across multiple content areas, from iLearn Biology Review and *To Kill a Mockingbird* to picture books and beyond. Participants will learn the basics of setting up and facilitating breakout activities, discover classroom-tested ideas and puzzles, and see how AI tools can help create clues, questions, and differentiated challenges while saving valuable planning time. Whether you are brand new to Breakout Boxes or looking for fresh ideas, you'll leave with practical strategies, ready-to-use resources, and the confidence to create exciting hands-on learning experiences students will love.

Studio Five

Student Interns, Student Voices: How Teaching Library Media Improved My Program

Presenter(s): Megan Scott, Clinton Prairie Jr/Sr High School

I intend to discuss how moving from student volunteers to student interns who receive a credit for Library Media has improved my program. We'll look at benefits like- getting time back- student ownership - better student understanding of the jobWe'll also look at the nuts and bolts of the scheduling and recruitment of students, the expectations placed on the students, possible hurdles to overcome, and the course work the students complete. Attendees will leave with ideas of how to structure a course and sample activities they can adapt to their needs. While I'm submitting this proposal on my own, I am open to converting it to a panel discussion or other type of presentation if that works better. I can also shorten it if needed.

Studio Six

Session Details Coming Soon

Additional session information will be added as it becomes available.

Regency E

The Magic of Our Libraries: Applying Disney’s Approach to Leadership, Training, and Culture

Presenter(s): Aja Michael-Keller, Allen County Public Library

What if libraries approached service, leadership, and workplace culture with the same intentionality as Disney? Drawing from firsthand experience as a participant in the Disney Institute, this interactive workshop explores how libraries can adapt proven strategies from one of the world's most recognized companies to build stronger teams and a deeper sense of purpose among staff. At its core, this session is about more than customer service, it's about cultivating pride in our work and recognizing the vital role libraries play in their communities. Participants will examine how Disney's emphasis on storytelling, shared language, and values-driven decision-making can translate into a library setting, regardless of size or budget. Through guided discussion, collaborative exercises, and a little bit of pixie dust, attendees will explore how Disney creates a culture where every cast member understands they are part of something bigger than themselves, and how we can apply that in our daily interactions with patrons and colleagues alike..

Regency F

Honoring the Young Hoosier Book Award

Presenter(s): Valerie Bassett, St. Christopher School; with Samantha Warner

Join us to find out last year's winners and hear from winning authors. The next school year's list will also be revealed for all three categories as well as instructions on how to access ready-made resources for your school or library. Free books from the new list will also be distributed!

*quantities depend on publishers' provisions*

Theory A

Membership Committee Listening Session

Presenter(s): Cetoria Tomberlin, ILF Membership Committee

During this session the Membership Committee will discuss current membership benefits as a refresher and then solicit questions from attendees regarding their opinions of current membership benefits and how they can be improved. Our goal is to hear from ILF members as well as those considering membership in a relaxed setting.

Theory B

Learning from Both Sides of the Desk: Retention, Completion, and Student Perspectives on Cocurricular Career Transferability

Presenter(s): Christopher Proctor, Indiana University Southeast Library; with Alex Stepp and student presenters

At the Indiana University Southeast Library, we have embedded student employment within a cocurricular program of measurable learning focusing on career readiness, skill transferability, and advanced proficiency in information literacy. By doing this, we are preparing our students to take the knowledge and skills learned and honed while working in the library and apply them to their own fields of study and future professional goals. We have also designed this cocurricular model to actively incorporate High Impact Practices (HIPs), which have been positively linked to student success as defined by increased retention, persistence, and completion.

While previous presentations have focused on the development and deployment of the program as a whole, this iteration will focus on three new perspectives:

1. Data demonstrating student learning in key areas of the program;

2. Retention, persistence, and completion rates of our student employees compared to the campus, state, and national averages;

3. First-hand testimonies and personal reflections from three current student employees who will share how our cocurricular framework has fostered and enhanced their academic and professional journeys.

We will situate this discussion within our current model of assessment, student learning outcomes, program-level goals, and strategies for continuous improvement, specifically focusing on how student voices add another layer of value to cocurricular employment models.

Network

Session Details Coming Soon

Additional session information will be added as it becomes available.

Concept AB

Session Details Coming Soon

Additional session information will be added as it becomes available.

Concept C

Indiana 211, The State of Indiana's Free Information & Referral Service

Presenter: Jill Shamon, Indiana 211; with Kevin Evans and Shari Bowers Deuker

Format: Traditional Presentation

Indiana 211 is a free service that connects Hoosiers with help and answers from thousands of health and human service agencies and resources right in their local communities quickly, easily and confidentially. Our mission is to improve quality of life for Hoosiers by connecting people to health and human service resources through highly skilled Navigators, continuous community collaboration and a robust community database, and technological innovations. Learning Objectives for the presentation are:

• Know the mission Indiana 211 serves and what resources are available in our statewide database.
• Understand what to expect when calling Indiana 211.
• Learn how Indiana 211 Community Engagement tools can benefit you in your daily work with members of the community.

Concept D

Session Details Coming Soon

Additional session information will be added as it becomes available.