People attending a conference

Spring SLRC Conference: Tools for Your Future

This year's annual spring conference focused on the theme of "Tools for Your Future".

May 28  & 29, 2024

Central Library
400 Cathedral St
Baltimore, MD 21201

Have questions? Please contact slrcprogramsandtraining@prattlibrary.org.

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 was 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.

View Brochure


Schedule

Day One — Virtual – Tuesday, May 28th, 2024

Keynote: Behind the Numbers: Unveiling the Stories Behind the Data

Hadiya Nuriddin, M.A., M.Ed. - CEO and Chief Learning Strategist - Duets Learning

Hadiya Nuriddin

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.

Find Further Resources

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. Watch the Video

Exploring Effective Uses and Identifying Problems for GenAI in a Public Library

Sean Jensen, Library Clerk, Sherman and Ruth Weiss Community Library, Hayward, WI

Suddenly, Generative AI is everywhere all at once–even in short-staffed public libraries. Our library, located in Hayward, the rural center of Sawyer County, WI, took the initiative to begin developing community tech-literacy about new AI tools with information sessions starting November 2023. More recently, we began exploring use-cases for our limited staff and resources. In this presentation, I will discuss the progress our library made since our initial explorations with this rapidly-developing technology and highlight anticipated challenges in the months ahead. In addition, I will share some successful and not-so-successful examples that we’ve tried, such as: using a chatbot to transcribe lost data from a photograph, looking for a book title with only a handful of plot details, and making generic fair-use clip art for children’s programming. There will also be plenty of time for questions, comments and dialogue following the slides.


Day Two — Wednesday, May 29th, 2024

Keynote: How Art Overrides System Failures

Chris Wilson - Founder of Cuttlefish Collective and The Chris Wilson Foundation

Chris Wilson

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

This course will assist participants in developing skillful approaches to managing the many different priorities they face in the workplace.  Participants will learn about SMART goals, strategies for planning and prioritizing tasks, and delegation techniques.

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?

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

Lay Davenport, State Library Resource Center Emerging Workforce Strategist and Job and Career Information Center Manager, Enoch Pratt Free Library

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