2021 was a record year for book challenges in the United States. The ALA office of Intellectual Freedom tracked 729 book challenges last year alone and it seems like there is no end in sight for challenges in our state. Arkansas’ legislature is poised to take up copycat legislation that we have seen in other states and libraries need to be ready. The challenges so far has been focused on obscenity and pornography, but those who are trying to control access to information have their sights set on banning any voices that do not conform to their sense of morality, sexuality, or orthodoxy. This session will focus on our nation’s long history of protecting First Amendment rights, how to prepare yourself for challenges, what tools you need to have at the ready, and will go over a number of hypothetical scenarios that are most likely to face libraries in Arkansas. Presented by Adam Webb.
Beyond gaining basic knowledge about Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and best practices in accommodating library patrons and employees on the Autism Spectrum, participants will learn to design library environments that are welcoming for those with ASD, develop ASD friendly programming and ASD awareness programming, and consider strategic relationships with community partners to benefit patrons and employees on the Spectrum (as well as all library constituencies). Participants will work toward developing their own plan for an Autism friendly library. Presented by Amanda Moore.
