2009 ArLA Conference

Programs

Saturday

Saturday, 2:00 - 5:00

Pre Conference Meeting : Trustees Workshop- Building Community Support
This FREE session will focus on how Library Trustees can develop relationships with their community in order to proactively advocate for their libraries and better serve their patrons! Session elements will include: Board Recruitment, Using your Board members to your library’s advantage, Your 30 second “commercial”, Tactics for Technology, Dealing with the media, Tools for community engagement, Community outreach idea exchange, Additional materials will be available for other subjects of interest to Library Trustees both new and experienced!

Sunday

Sunday, 1:00 - 1:50

New Members Roundtable Welcome Meeting
A program to introduce new members to the Association and all it has to offer. This program will be an overview of Association divisions, roundtables, and committees. A place for new members to ask questions.

Demise of the Book: Reading in the 21st Century
Presenter - Lea Ann Alexander
In January, 2008, Steve Jobs stated that Amazon’s eReader, the Kindle, would fail because “people don’t read anymore.” Was he right? Each year, the NEA Report on Reading indicates that Americans are reading less. In response to patron demand, libraries add computers and databases while slashing book budgets. Should we worry?

The Resource Description & Access (RDA) Model and the Impact on Cataloging in the School Library Media Center
Presenter - Jud Copeland
RDA (Resource Description and Access) is the new cataloguing standard that will replace Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules, 2nd edition in 2009. RDA goes beyond earlier cataloguing codes in that it provides guidelines on cataloguing digital resources and a stronger emphasis on helping users find, identify, select , and obtain the information they want. RDA also supports clustering of bibliographic records to show relationships between works and their creators. This important new feature makes users more aware of a work's different editions, translations or physical formats- and exciting development. This presentation will focus on how this change in the cataloguing code will impact information services in the school library media center.

Climb Aboard Dolly Parton's Imagination Library: the Gift That Speaks Volumes for Your Community's Future
Presenter - Pam Husaker, Regional Director Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is a unique opportunity to give something simple, yet powerful, to children and parents.She founded her Imagination Library to provide a library of books to preschool children that would help them develop a love for reading and learning. There is ample research to support early literacy, yet basic common sense tells us most of what we need to know. The key to success in school and beyond is developing proficient reading skills. One of the most important things parents can do to develop these skills is to read with their children. By reading regularly with our children, we can give them the biggest boost towards a successful education they will ever get, making a difference in their future and the future of our communities.

They Said It Couldn't Be Done
Presenter - Lynn Davis, Author
They Said It Couldn't Be Done, documents the closing down of "The Biggest Illegal Casino Operation in America - Hot Springs, Arkansas - 1967" in 120 days. After many failed attempts at ending casino operations in Hot Springs for decades, Governor Winthrop Rockefeller was frustrated. The previous police chiefs were bribed, blackmailed, or threatened into inaction by the "redneck mafia" down in the Spa City. But not Lynn Davis, a clean-cut FBI agent-turned police chief turned local hero.

Sunday, 1:00 - 2:50

Children's Book Awards
Presenter - Connie Zimmer
An overview of the Arkansas Children's Book Awards process including how the books are chosen, who is involved, and how we were able to recognize our authors for the first time in many years in 2008. The Charlie May Simon and Arkansas Diamond Books for 2009-2010 will be discussed. Beth Stone will present activities related to the list for teachers and librarians to use. These ideas will consist of some or all of the following: word searches, crossword puzzles, open response writing activities, readers' theatre, book report formats, character reports, classroom skits, poems, songs, fingerplays, art projects, etc. These activities will be aligned with the Library Media and Content area frameworks (which is always a plus!).

Sunday, 2:00 - 2:50

Finding the Lost Year; What Happened When Little Rock Closed Its Public Schools
Presenter - Sondra Gordy, Author
Much has been written about the Little Rock School Crisis of 1957, but very little has been devoted to the following year - the Lost Year, 1958-59 - when Little Rock schools were closed to all students, both black and white. Finding the Lost Year is the first book to look at the unresolved elements of the school desegregation crisis and how it turned into a community crisis when policy-makers thwarted desegregation and challenged the creation of a racially integrated community and when competing groups staked out agendas that set Arkansas's capital on a path that has played out for the past fifty years.

Changing the Face of the Library
Presenter - Lori Bush
Want to change the face of the library to be more current? Start the new school year with fresh ideas to liven up your collection. Learn how to utilize visual displays to promote programs, themes, genre, books, and frameworks. Bring your own ideas and pictures to share so we all go home and can change the face of our libraries.

Business Resources in the Down Economy - Tools to Support your Community
Presenter - Linda Busse
As the country continues to struggle with the down economy, the library continues to grow in its role as a resource for those dealing with job loss, re-training, legal issues and other economic concerns. One of the most critical roles public libraries play in today's world is helping users access resources in these areas. This program provides an overview of Gale resources that help patrons gain the knowledge they need to survive the current economic crisis. Electronic resources like Job Hunter's Sourcebook and Business & Company Resources Center offer librarians a wealth of information to help those dealing with job loss. Tools like Testing & Education Reference Center and Small Business Resource Center will be reviewed-- resources to assist those looking for a new career path. With the unemployment rate at 7 percent, the worst since 1945, the need for librarians to be armed with the tools necessary to support their community is at its greatest.

Thinking Outside the Box: An Exchange of Children's Programming Ideas
Presenters - Randi Eskridge, Anna Bates and Lauren Drittler
Join other librarians and paraprofessionals from all over the state for a creative exchange of programming ideas and best practices with an emphasis on summer reading. Brief five minute presentations of programming ideas will be made by Lauren Drittler from Pope County Library, Anna Bates from Stuttgart Public Library, and Randi Eskridge from Bob Herzfeld Memorial Library. The remainder of the program will give others a chance to share ideas with the group and will also provide an open forum for discussing ideas for 2010 summer reading.

Sunday, 2:00 - 3:50

Customer Service Fundamentals
Presenter - Judith Gibbons
Do you want to make your library shine by providing consistent and outstanding service to your community? This program will review and introduce some concepts that will enhance the library experience for your patrons.

Sunday, 3:00 - 3:50

Web Usability on a Dime (and $100)
Presenters - Beth Juhl and Lora Lennertz Jetton
What are your users doing on and with your library's web site? University of Arkansas librarians will report on their strategies for conducting quick and easy web site usability studies. Gain valuable knowledge of your users' perceptions, misconceptions and expectations without breaking the bank.

Something to Write Home About: Memories of a Presidential Diarist
Presenter - Janis Kearney, Author
Janis F. Kearney is a former free-lance writer and publisher of the Arkansas State Press newspaper, founded by civil rights legends Daisy and L.C. Bates. Something to Write About offers a peek into the author's days at the White House, the personalities that populated the Clinton era, and the atmosphere during some of the most documented periods of the Clinton's eight-year presidency. Told from the viewpoint of the official chronicler of the president's days and from the psyche of a child of cotton sharecroppers- a 20th century Alice in Wonderland. Kearney served as personal diarist to President William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton. Join the author for a discussion of this unique and interesting work.

Digital Collection Made Easy with CONTENTdm
Presenters - Christine Peterson, Amigos
As part of the FirstSearch Base Package, you now have the option to use CONTENTdm for your digitized collections. Christine Peterson, the CONTENTdm trainer at Amigos Library Services, will take you through an overview of the software, including the types of collections you can create, as well as the basic CONTENTdm workflow.

Standards, Laws and Frameworks: What every School Library Media Specialist Should Know
Presenters - Margaret Amps and Shirley Fetherolf
Get an update on Arkansas standards, laws and the new K-12 library-media frameworks.

Shake It Up Baby: Programming for Musical-and Not-So-Musical-Librarians
Presenters - Lela Bloom, Kasey McKinney and Tiffany Hough
Join us as we share simple tips and tricks for integrating music into library programs, no matter what your musical ability. We will show you how to sing books, rap books, utilize recorded music, and make homemade instruments. We will also offer suggestions for creative musical programming. Come ready to sing, dance, and make some noise!

Sunday, 4:00 - 4:50

Economic Data at the St. Louis Federal Reserve and Beyond
Presenters - K Stierholz and Frances Hager
A discussion of the various tools for accessing over 20,000 economic time series form the St. Louis Fed. And the reasons librarians and their patrons would use them. Stierholz will discuss the data and information that have been particularly interesting during the economic crisis and the recession.

Playing Catch-Up with Technology
Presenter - Christine Peterson
Technology is constantly changing – so much so that it is difficult to keep up. What did you miss during the past year? Find out – we’ll discuss what’s new, what’s different . . . and what’s surprising!

Census 2010 : Ways Libraries can help with the U.S. Census in Arkansas
Presenter - Rich Gerdes
Rich Gerdes, with the Kansas City Regional Office of the U.S. Census bureau will briefly discuss the upcoming 2010 census, how it can impact libraries in Arkansas, and various ways libraries can help reach difficult to count populations.

EBSCO - Simplifying Research
Please join us for a tour through the EBSCO Databases that are provided by the Traveler program, as well as some additional/subject-specific resources that will benefit any School, Academic, or Public Library.

Monday

Monday, 9:30 - 10:20

The Buffalo Flows
Presenter - Larry D. Foley, Producer
Larry D. Foley, professor of Journalism at the University of Arkansas Fayetteville, will be discussing his recently completed documentary on the history of the Buffalo River and the process of making it the first national river. He will talk about the process of creating a documentary as well. DVD copies of The Buffalo Flows will be available for purchase during the Conference.

"I Wrote a Book - Now What?" Resources for Your Patrons with This Question
Presenter - Darcy Pattison
Annotated list of books and online resources for patrons who have written a book, whether picture book, novel or nonfiction. While traditional publishers are emphasized, information on self-publishing will also be included. Resources include these topics: how to write, how to revise, how to get an agent, how to submit to a publisher, pros & cons of self publishing, lists of self publishers.

Development of Staff Technology Skills
Presenter - Lanee Dunlap and Carol Coffey
This program will provide practical examples of how academic and public libraries are using web 2.0 tools and technologies for staff development.- Lanee Dunlap
This program will share how to implement a Technology Petting Zoo, including providing equipment to allow staff to experiment with emerging technologies. - Carol Coffey
Ms. Dunlap will discuss her experiences implementing"Learning 2.0 at FJTL", a 10-week online staff development program. The speakers will provide tips, tools and techniques to jump-start similar staff development programs at your library. Carol Coffey is Head of Library Services Development at the Central Arkansas Library System. Lanee Dunlap is the Systems and Electronic Resources Librarian at the University of Arkansas at Monticello.

Young Adult Books that Shine!!!!
Presenters - Jana Dixon and Jil'Lana Heard
Need ideas for collection development in newYA fiction? Join us for an informative book talk style session on our favorite recent reads. Discover what YA books really stand out from the rest this year and truly SHINE in the world of YA literature.

Encyclopaedia Britannica
Today, Britannica Digital Learning serves teachers, educators, librarians, and all ages of students better than ever before. Online learning for pre-school students, curriculum correlated science materials for middle schools, the definitive Encyclopaedia Britannica for all learners! Thanks to the Traveler program you have access to the vast resources of Britannica Digital Learning! Learn the latest features of WORKSPACE, and the NEW lessons and learning materials that are correlated to the state standards.

Monday, 10:00 - 10:50

Conflict Resolution in the Workplace, Home, or Just About Any Inhabited Environment
Presenter - Dr. Jim Guinee
This program will examine that nature of conflict, how conflict affects people physically and emotionally, styles of conflict resolution, and most importantly, strategies that help individuals work toward better resolutions of workplace and all interpersonal conflict. The presentation will involve a didactic component but also group discussion, group exercises, and humorous videos. The presenter is a licensed psychologist who specializes in (among other areas) relationship counseling and conflict resolution, thereby bringing a wealth of experience (including occasional failure and stupidity) to the presentation.

Student Library Advisory Committees: A Rollercoaster Ride
Presenters: Amber Wilson-Castor, Renee LeBeau-Ford and Susan Burks
Learn how to work cooperatively with students at your university to provide services and resources that students feel are important. Discussion will include how to form a Student Library Advisory Committee, possible projects or areas the committee could focus on, and how to take action with the feedback solicited from students. Faculty from the University of Central Arkansas will discuss their experiences from their first year of working with a Student Library Advisory Committee and offer suggestions about what strategies work well and pitfalls that can be avoided.

Headpots of Northeast Arkansas and Southern Pemiscot County, Mo.
Presenter - James Cherry, Author
In 1981, James F. Cherry embarked on what evolved into a passionate, personal quest to identify and document all the known headpots of Mississippian Indian culture from northeast Arkansas and the bootheel region of southeast Missouri. Produced by two groups the Spanish called the Casqui and Pacaha and dating circa AD 1400-1700, headpots occur, with few exceptions, only in a small region of Arkansas and Missouri. Cherry's decades of research have culminated in the lavishly illustrated "The Headpots of Northeast Arkansas and Southern Pemiscot County, Missouri", a fascinating, comprehensive catalog of 138 identified classical style headpots and an invaluable resource for understanding the meaning of these remarkable ceramic vessels.

TLC - Automation System Users Group
Presenters - Arkansas Library Solution User Group
The Arkansas Library Solution User Group will discuss issues surrounding The Library Corporation's flagship product. This includes, but is not limited to , software upgrades, new features, end user experiences, etc.

Easy Breezy Poetry
Presenter - Lisa Donovan
Using poetry in library programs is a simple and exciting way to engage children of all ages. Poetry can be used to draw in reluctant readers, give an Early Literacy boost to beginning readers, and enhance your program with fun through a genre most people avoid. Children have a natural affinity to poetry's rhythm and rhyme and this natural draw can be built upon to instill a love for books and reading.

Monday, 10:00 - 11:50

Introduction to Grant Writing
Presenter - Judith Gibbons
In today's economy, grant writing is an essential skill that will help you stretch your limited library budget. Learn some of the basics about conceiving, developing and writing winning grant proposals.

Monday, 11:00 - 11:50

Co-existing with Google. Is Library Instruction Still Necessary in the Age of Electronic Resources?
Presenter - Lutishoor Salisbury and Elizabeth McKee
This session will involve the audience participation to discuss whether library instruction is still relevant in its present format for the next generation. Examples from real life experiences will be presented after the discussion to explain what students are really looking for and what they grasp in instruction sessions. This session will also allow brain storming so that participants will get some ideas on how to get students/ faculty interested in effectively using the library resources, how to effectively reach out to this generation of students who hardly visit the library yet have to use the resources to write proper papers or to do effective research. Come share your ideas and gather some new techniques.

Free ESL/ELL/Foreign Language Resources in Traveler
Presenter - Rachel Shankles
The free Traveler databases have all sorts of ESL/ELL/ Foreign Language available and translator. Learn how to reach these for patrons or staff.

Multicultural Books in Storytime: Sharing Similarities & Celebrating Differences
Presenter - Amy Miller
Do you have trouble deciding if the multicultural book you've chosen for storytime is appropriate? Is the book content correct? Are the book characters authentic to the culture? This session is designed to help you choose culturally authentic books and avoid books which perpetuate stereotypes. After this session you will be able to share literature steeped in different cultures which provides children with an appreciation for cultural similarities and differences and a clearer view of their world.

Monday, 2:00 - 2:50

Choosing a Digital Camera
Presenter - Bill Walker, Imaging Field Service Officer, Amigos Library Services
Digital cameras have revolutionized photography, allowing virtually anyone to achieve optimum results with modest skills and minimal effort. Coupled with improvements in printers, inks, storage, media and editing software, digital photography delivers near-professional quality images while eliminating the time, effort and money once spent choosing, purchasing and developing rolls of film. Moreover, while the technology continues to improve, costs continue to decline, bringing digital photography within reach of nearly everyone. Cultural heritage institutions have embraced and leveraged improved digital cameras available, their features, and factors to consider when selecting a camera for your institution. Topics include CCD and CMOS sensors, lenses, LCD displays, digital photograph file types, and image sizes.

Connecting Inventors with U.S. Patents
Presenters - ASL Staff
Librarians are occasionally asked by inventors about the U.S. patent process. Many inventors assume the process is quick, inexpensive and /or fail to take precautions to protect their legal rights to inventions. Reference librarians from the Arkansas State Library will give a brief overview of U.S. patent information and answer audience questions abut the U.S. patent process and the role librarians can play in it.

Multitype Library Collaboration: The Garland County We Dewey Group
Presenters - Rachel Shankles, Stoney Evans, Jana Dixon, Lori Bush, Jil Lana Heard, Wanda Borg, Beth Stone, Adam Webb and Tiffany Hough.
Multi-Type Library Collaborations. The Garland County Library Development Group, Junior and Senior High Libraries in the area, along with YA and Children Librarians at the Garland County Library meet monthly to share programming ideas, bulletin board ideas and event planning.

Event Programming for Children - Creating programs for 75+ Attendance
Presenter - Jill Martin
This presentation will describe how to successfully create children's programs that will draw a large number of attendees. All aspects of planning will be discussed, including promotion, budgeting, recruiting volunteers, and implementation. A variety of program ideas with diverse budgets will be discussed. The expected interest level of program ideas discussed is up to age 12.

Monday, 2:00 - 3:50

Caring for the Mind: Providing Mental Health Information at Your Library
Presenter - Re Mishra
Responding to mental health reference questions is challenging for even the most experienced librarian. In this class, participants will learn the best web sites, databases and collection development materials to respond to mental health related questions. Best approaches to handling challenging reference interviews will be explored. This class will increase your knowledge of consumer level mental health resources. MLA CE accredited class.

Monday, 3:00 - 3:50

What new Flip Video Cameras can do
Presenter - Rachel Shankels
Flip Video cameras are the new rage in the library environment. These inexpensive gadgets are user friendly since they have the look and feel of an IPOD. These little cuties will allow you to make video clips of your programming events to load easily onto your websites, blogs, wikis, Facebook, or MySpace accounts. Rachel will demo and give info on what models are available and where to find them.

Storytime with Arkansas
Presenter - Darcy Pattison, Author
Free lesson plans and activities to accompany Darcy Pattison's picture books. The Journey of Oliver K. Woodman (Harcourt), Searching for Oliver K Woodman (Harcourt), and 19 Girls and Me (Philomel/Putnam).

What? Not the Academic Librarians' Survey Again!! A Discussion of the 2009 Results
Presenter - Britt Murphy, Kathie Buckman and Jim Robb
In 2007, ArLA's College and University Division surveyed the 45 academic libraries in Arkansas. It was decided to do this every two years. Come and hear the results of the 2009 Arkansas Academic Librarians' Survey.
*** COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITIES DIVISION MEETING ***

Librarians & Classroom Teachers Unite!
Presenter - Diann Byers
Would you like additional tools for empowering teachers to get excited about using books in the classroom? Would you like engaging activities and category specific book lists for use with children and young adults? This workshop will give you the tools you need to assist teachers in employing literature as an important component to engage students and enhance instruction. Young adult books for use in Foreign Language and History classrooms will be highlighted. You will leave this workshop with book lists, syllabi and activities to share with teachers and students. Public librarians will benefit from this workshop as you will receive activities that can be done with children and young adults as you showcase on of the books discussed in the workshop. The presenter is a National Board Certified Teacher who works closely with the Media Center Specialist to effectively utilize books in classroom instruction.

Monday, 4:00 - 4:50

Young Librarians Meet and Greet
Presenter - Ashley Parker
Young Arkansas librarians or perspective librarians are invited to attend an informal meet and greet designed with the intent of networking and enjoying fellowship with age similar peers.

Ask about RISD
The Reference & Instruction Services Division-Panel of Librarians and Kathy Davis A panel will discuss the benefits and opportunities of becoming involved in RISD with a question and answer session to follow.

Puppet Mania!
Presenter - Amanda Freeman and Jonathan Nichols
Puppet Mania is a program that was developed from our love of puppets- working with them and creating them. This program, in addition to being extremely fun, helps children of all ages express their creativity and helps to channel it into the creation of a socializing tool. Puppets allow even the shyest of children to interact with others through the act of play. Puppets also foster the retelling and invention of stories. Once children observe our puppet show and create their own puppet, they often , without encouragement, try to re-create what they saw. In addition to these aspects, our program also demonstrates that puppets can be made from anything whether it's a paper bag or a plastic bottle which then introduces the concept of "creative recycling". Our program not only highlights children's creativity, but also helps to develop social and memory skills as well as raise environmental consciousness.

Book Club 2.0
Presenter - Crystal Long
Book Club 2.0 is an introduction to the Arkansas Center for the Book at the Arkansas State Library's implementation of Web 2.0 applications to reach its Book Club groups across the state. An overview of other state Centers for the Book and their uses for Web 2.0 applications will be presented. Tips will be provided to attendees on ways in which they can incorporate Web 2.0 applications to reach their book club groups and other user populations.

Monday, 6:00 - 7:00 @ Garland County Library

One Book, One Conference (View the flyer)
Presenters - Sponsored by the Center for the Book at the Arkansas State Library and the Garland County Library and Author Paul Lake
The Arkansas Center for the Book at the Arkansas State Library and the Garland County Library invite conference attendees to participate in One Book, One Conference. Following the "One Book ,One Community"concept, we encourage ArLA members across the state to read one book and attend a presentation and signing event by its author. The program will be held at the Garland County Library. Our selection is CRY WOLF by Paul Lake. A satire in the tradition of Aesop and Orwell. CRY WOLF uses the ancient tradition of the animal fable to explore such hot button topics as multiculturalism, political correctness, illegal immigration, identity politics, and a host of other contemporary issues. Written in the wake of 9/1, the novel explores how free speech, women's rights, and constitutional democracy are threatened equally by terrorism and well-intentioned efforts to reshape a culture's spiritual underpinnings, ideals and traditions to accommodate alien ideologies. Ultimately, the novel delves into the mysteries of good and evil and explores how civilizations fail.

Tuesday

Tuesday, 9:30 - 10:20

Marketing on a Shoestring- a Real Case Study from Palm Beach, FL
Presenter - Nicole Stroud
Have you ever wondered if your library should or could do marketing? Are you deterred by lack of funds? Find out what basic marketing can do for you, and learn how to put together a marketing plan on a shoestring budget. Hear the story of a marketing plan created for a county library association that had no staff, no offices, and a marketing budget of less than $100. This interactive session will walk participants through evaluating 1.) their organization's mission and goals, 2) their organization's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats and 3) other key elements used to develop marketing strategies. Focus will be on finding strategies for zero dollar budgets. In addition to providing participants with a start-to -finish framework for developing marketing plans, participants will also be given tools to help them along the way.

Libraries Collaboration Unconference
Presenters - G. Fowler and M. Strickland
What was the Collaboration UnConference? How was it conceived? What did it accomplish? This program will detail the steps in planning, organizing, and conducting the CuC, along with the results and an un-planning toolkit to allow others to more easily have their own UnConference.

Citing Our Free Online Resources the Easy Way
Presenter - Rachel Shankles
Rachel will show attendees how to do MLA citations for the Traveler database products using the cut and paste and add local info method. This method makes sense to students and can help them with this chore where online citation machines fail to correctly cite items.

Teen Advisory Boards: Two Approaches
Presenters - Ashley Parker and Jessica McGrath
The Teen Advisory Board (TAB) provides teens the opportunity to become active in their local library. TAB programs can be designed in a variety of ways to best meet the needs of the teens involved and the community being served. Two different approaches are currently in use at the Malvern-Hot Spring County Library and the Saline County Library, respectively. In this session, aspects of planning and implementing TAB programs, along with activity ideas, will be discussed.

The Barling Darling: Hal Smith in American Baseball
Presenters - Dr. Billy Higgins, Author
As a kid, Hal Smith built up his arm by throwing a baseball at a Dr. Pepper sign on the side of a building in tiny Barling, Arkansas near Fort Smith. It was that same sense of commitment and determination that eventually would land him the job as starting catcher for the St. Louis Cardinals. A two-time All-Star selection, Smith is the subject of a new book by Billy D. Higgins entitled The Barling Darling, published by Butler Center Books in Little Rock. Nicknamed “the Barling Darling” by former Cardinal announcer Harry Caray, Smith persevered through many years in the minor leagues before becoming one of baseball’s best catchers in the post-World War II era. Higgins, a history professor at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, shows how baseball was affected by the post-war boom, using the life of Smith as a microcosm of American society. Raw talent, Higgins finds, is not enough to keep a player in the major leagues and cites the virtues of a player like Hal Smith, who was known for his work ethic, compassion and humor.

Tuesday, 9:30 - 11:20

Polaris Users' Group
Presenter - Shawna Thorup
Polaris users unite! Gather to share information about using Polaris in your library. Bring your questions, your tips and your tricks for an interactive exchange of ideas. As the longest users in Arkansas, Fayetteville Public Library staff, will facilitate the discussions. Polaris staff will join in via webcast to connect directly with us. Polaris is providing freebies for all attendees and a door prize!

Tuesday, 10:30 - 11:20

Youth Services in the Arkansas Delta
Presenter - Wendy Rickman
During the summer of 2008, Dr. Wendy Rickman and four other researchers visited the public libraries of the Mississippi Delta (Arkansas, Louisiana, & Mississippi) region as representatives of the Kellogg Foundation & the Mid South Delta Initiative (MSDI) to observe the state of children’s and young adult collections and services. Dr. Rickman spent three months traveling the southern half of the state, from Forrest City to Lake Village, Crossett to Pine Bluff, Ward to Helena, speaking with librarians and directors to give a rounded picture of what is good, what is not, and what could be done better. This review will also include original photos, anecdotal observations, and ideas to build upon.

Cry Wolf: A Political Fable
Presenter - Paul Lake, Author
The Arkansas Center for the Book at the Arkansas State Library and the Garland County Library invite conference attendees to participate in One Book, One Conference. Following the "One Book ,One Community"concept, we encourage ArLA members across the state to read one book and attend a presentation and signing event by its author. The program will be held at the Garland County Library. Our selection is CRY WOLF by Paul Lake. A satire in the tradition of Aesop and Orwell. CRY WOLF uses the ancient tradition of the animal fable to explore such hot button topics as multiculturalism, political correctness, illegal immigration , identity politics, and a host of other contemporary issues. Written in the wake of 9/1, the novel explores how free speech, women's rights, and constitutional democracy are threatened equally by terrorism and well-intentioned efforts to reshape a culture's spiritual underpinnings, ideals and traditions to accommodate alien ideologies. Ultimately, the novel delves into the mysteries of good and evil and explores how civilizations fail.

Library Gaming in Arkansas
Presenter - Adam Webb
A primer for library gaming programs geared towards young adults. This program will explain how to get it done (relatively) cheaply, which games and systems to pick depending on what you want to accomplish, how many staff you’ll need, how to get them in the door, and what to expect once they start showing up.

EBSCO - Simplifying Research
Please join us for a tour through the EBSCO Databases that are provided by the Traveler program, as well as some additional/subject-specific resources that will benefit any School, Academic, or Public Library.

Tuesday, 11:30 - 12:20

Arkansas Literacy Council
Presenter - Marie Bruno
Arkansas Literacy Councils and the Adult Education Division of the Department of Workforce Education work to support the grassroots work of adult literacy providers at the local level. Many libraries have opened their doors to volunteer tutors who meet their students to tutor in a comfortable and inviting environment. Find out what is happening with adult literacy efforts in Arkansas and receive a list of the adult literacy providers in your county. Marie Bruno has served as the executive director of Arkansas Literacy Councils, Inc., (ALC) in Little Rock since July 2004.

America Library Association Focus Groups
How can ALA help you, your library and your users during the next five years? Join ALA leaders and staff for a discussion to let them know where ALA should be focusing its energy to help you and the libraries in Arkansas. ALA members and nonmembers encouraged to participate.

One Interface, Many Formats: Worldcat.org Access to OCLC Electronic Resources
Presenter - Ron Glass, OCLC

Seasonal Sampler: Books and Activities to Share Throughout the Year
Presenter - Tiffany Hough and Teah Edgin Join us on a whirlwind journey through the calendar as we share the best seasonal and holiday titles to use with your Pre-K through Elementary-aged students. We will focus on new, unusual, or exceptional books, with an emphasis on winter and spring titles. Along the way learn simple and fun art and musical extensions to enhance your storytimes or curriculums. Come ready to laugh, learn and maybe even dance!

Arkansas Studies Institute
Presenter - Dr. Bobby Roberts and Dr. David Stricklin
Central Arkansas Library System in collaboration with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock have combined three buildings from three different centuries to create a facility with over 66,000 square feet devoted to providing researchers of all ages information pertaining to Arkansas's history. Located in the CALS Main Library Complex, ASI's main entrance is across the street from the Little Rock River Market and is home to Butler Center Collections including the online Encyclopedia of Arkansas, CALS Art Galleries, Clinton State Government Project, UALR Archives and Special Collections, and UofA Clinton School for Public Service.