Enoch Pratt Free Library and State Library Resource Center Spring SLRC Conference: Tools for Your Future
About
The Enoch Pratt Free Library and State Library Resource Center’s (SLRC) Spring Conference is an annual conference for library workers throughout Maryland. This year the conference will focus on the theme of Tools for Your Future.
This year's conference will be held virtually via Zoom on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 and in-person at the State Library Resource Center on Wednesday, May 29, 2024.
As always, all SLRC conferences are free of charge for library workers.
SCHEDULE & SESSION DESCRIPTIONS
Zoom invitations to the Tuesday, May 28, 2024 virtual events will be sent to registered participants by Thursday, May 23, 2024. Links to session recordings, slides, and handouts will be available where possible after the conference.
Breakfast, lunch and a snack will be provided for the in-person event on Wednesday, May 29, 2024.
Find parking close to the State Library Resource Center.
Questions
If you have any additional questions about the conference, please contact slrcprogramsandtraining@prattlibrary.org.
Spring 2024 Sessions
Tuesday, May 28, 2024 (virtual)
Behind the Numbers: Unveiling the Stories Behind the Data
Hadiya Nuriddin, M.A., M.Ed. - CEO and Chief Learning Strategist - Duets Learning
In today's data-driven world, the true power of data lies not just in the numbers themselves but in the stories they tell. This session is designed to transform how you perceive and present data by diving into the essential techniques of storytelling with data, focusing on the narratives hidden within statistics and figures. This session includes exploring pivotal lenses such as contextualization, where you'll learn to position data within a broader context to enhance its relevance and impact, and humanization, where you'll discover how to connect data to real-life human experiences, fostering empathy and engagement among your audience. Additionally, this session provides insight into structuring the newfound narrative around a compelling call to action. By attending, you'll gain strategies for uncovering the hidden stories in your data and tips on using these insights to drive meaningful action. This session is a valuable resource for anyone looking to leverage data more effectively.
How to be a Fearless Public Speaker
Douglas Crane, Library Director, Palm Beach County Library System, FL
Does the thought of speaking in front of groups make you nervous? Public speaking is an important skill, but one that many people find challenging to master. In this session, you will learn the art and science of public speaking, based on the acclaimed approach developed by Toastmasters International, the world's largest public speaking organization. The presentation will include tips for successfully preparing speeches, speaking “off the cuff” and looking good while doing it, providing effective feedback with short turnaround, and becoming a better public speaker over time. The format will be a formal presentation for one hour followed by live exercise and practice for willing participants with an active camera and microphone.
Exploring Effective Uses and Identifying Problems for GenAI in a Public Library
Sean Jensen, Library Clerk, Sherman and Ruth Weiss Community Library, Hayward, WI
Wednesday May 29, 2024 (in-person)
Keynote: How Art Overrides System Failures
Chris Wilson - Founder of Cuttlefish Collective and The Chris Wilson Foundation
In 2019 Chris Wilson established The Chris Wilson Foundation to provide support to justice-impacted individuals who have struggled with the same barriers to opportunity, education and employment just as he did after serving 16 years in prison. Today, Chris is a successful painter, collected and featured around the world… who utilizes his art to further impact the work of his foundation and communities, while inspiring others like him to have the opportunity to pursue a similar dream. Furthermore, Chris’s career as an artist bears its roots in prison, where he began as the painting assistant, in a system that was historically designed to fail him. Today we can override those system failures together, by having the opportunity to be an acknowledged artist, or to just be able to experience it.
Chirs Wilson painted several pieces that are on display in Central Hall where the conference breakfast will be held.
Managing Multiple Priorities
Mary Ellen Wehr, Community College of Baltimore County
Book Signing with Chris Wilson: The Master Plan
Chris Wilson - Founder of Cuttlefish Collective and The Chris Wilson Foundation
Join us for an opportunity to meet keynote speaker Chris Wilson. Chris will be signing complimentary copies of his book, "The Master Plan," and will be available to engage with attendees, answering any questions you may have. CEUs won't be available for this session.
Tools for Your Future Unconference
Sam Eddington, Consultant
Do you want to dig deeper into anything you've learned today? Is there something you want to discuss with your colleagues and peers? Do you want to unpack your reaction to the keynote session? Join facilitator Sam Eddington for this Unconference conversation, where the agenda is set by the participants.
Intro to SLRC
Genive Purchase, Deputy Chief, EPFL Central Library/State Library Resource Center
Join us for this overview of SLRC’s different services and roles. In addition to learning about all of our behind-the-scenes work, find out how SLRC can support your work with programs, training and materials.
Investing In Your Own Future: Smarter Budgeting Priorities
JP Krahel, Accounting Professor, Loyola University Maryland
Learn the basics of investing, how to play the long game when it comes to your finances, and how debt repayment can and should be a component of your investing strategy. We'll talk about bonds, stock, mutual funds, index funds, tax-advantaged retirement accounts, and how WHEN you invest will be just as important as HOW you invest.
Exploring Leadership
Katie George, Professional Development Instructor, Howard County Library System & Jaleen Walker, Staff Development Coordinator, Prince George's County Memorial Library System
Engage in a facilitated conversation exploring what it means to lead, who can lead, and what it takes to be a good leader. We'll co-create a definition of leadership, identify five key areas of leadership, and list key competencies common to effective leaders.
Free For All: Tools for Professional and Personal Success
Maurice Coleman, Technical Trainer, Harford County Public Library
There is nothing better than free resources. Let us show you free tools to work smarter, help others, and help you and your customer stretch their dollars. We will discover and discuss resources and explore the true cost of free.
Foundation Grants Research for Nonprofits and Individuals
Paul Chasen, State Library Resource Center Training and Reference Services Coordinator
View some of the highlights of our collection with the interim librarian of the Grants Collection. Learn about some of the unique items in our collection, and the services that can be provided for customers and your own personal and professional development.
How Did I Get to This Point in My Library Career?
Enoch Pratt Free Library/State Library Resource Center Panel
Delivering Effective Presentations
Wini Alexander Founder & CEO of My7Words LLC and Adjunct Faculty Member at the Community College of Baltimore County
This workshop will provide an overview of techniques and tools that will help participants deliver effective presentations in a variety of settings. Practical skills such as presentation planning and developing presentation materials will be covered along with proven strategies for dealing with public speaking anxiety and engaging an audience.
Job and Career Information Center Deep Dive
Katie George, Professional Development Instructor, Howard County Library System & Jaleen Walker, Staff Development Coordinator, Prince George's County Memorial Library System
View some of the highlights of our collection with the manager of the Job and Career Information Center. Learn about some of the unique items in the collections, and the services that the department can provide for customers and your own personal and professional development.
Leading Through Influence and Persuasion
Katie George, Professional Development Instructor, Howard County Library System & Jaleen Walker, Staff Development Coordinator, Prince George's County Memorial Library System
You can lead from any position! Reflect on your own opportunities to lead. Learn to use influence, persuasion, and personal power to move your idea, team, or project forward.
Helping Customers (and Family and Friends) with Technology
Maurice Coleman, Technical Trainer, Harford County Public Library
Learn simple principles that can help you help your customers, members, family, and friends better understand and use technology. Discover simple strategies to help others understand and use technology without stress.
SLRC Tours
Join us for this overview of SLRC’s different services and roles. In addition to learning about all of our behind-the-scenes work, find out how SLRC can support your work with programs, training and materials.
Closing Social
Cap off the conference with a closing social in Central Hall! Join Irma Mabry for a session of univerSOUL Line Dancing, followed by a sweet treat from the Taharka Brothers ice cream truck.