Conference Sessions

Thursday, October 5, 2017:

11:00 – 11:50:

A Novel Plan to Develop an E-book collection – Doug Johnson
This presentation explores "state of the art" e-publications, e-reading devices and applications; the advantages and disadvantages of books in digital formats; and offers important criteria to consider when providing e-book offerings in libraries and classrooms. Participants will discuss the ramifications of renting vs owning e-books and downloadable vs web accessed e-books.
Doug Johnson is the Director of Technology for the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage (MN) Public Schools and has served as an adjunct faculty member of Minnesota State University. His teaching experience has included work in grades K-12 both here and in Saudi Arabia. Doug has conducted workshops and given presentations for over 200 organizations throughout the United States and internationally and has held a variety of leadership positions in state and national organizations, including ISTE and AASL.

Customer Service: Not Just for Retail! - Karlene Clark

This presentation covers how the Chester Fritz Library developed Learning Outcomes based on customer service skills, as well as ways for attendees to implement them at their own libraries.
Karlene is currently working on her MLIS in Leadership and Management. Customer Service is her passion, fitting in well with leadership (which happens to be what employers are currently looking for in graduates!).

A Basic Guide to OER – Kelly Kornkven

In this session, Open Educational Resources will be defined, especially in regard to copyright. Participants will learn sources for finding quality OER and ideas for using them in the classroom.

Kelly Kornkven is the Library Director at Mayville State University. During the previous academic year she led a project funded by the North Dakota University System to increase the use of OER in MSU classes.

Fake News and Media Literacy – Elizabeth Smithmeyer and Edie Thiel

This session will present resources and ideas for teaching students about fake news. Participants will learn techniques to identify fake news, to verify information, and to teach these skills to students. This session is geared towards high school, but could be used or modified for younger students.
Elizabeth Smithmeyer is a School Librarian and Instructional Technology Coach at Fargo South High School. She has a Masters of Education from the University of Minnesota. She worked as a social studies teacher in north Minneapolis, El Salvador, Thailand and at Fargo South before becoming a librarian.
Edie Thiel has been an educator in Fargo Public Schools for 28 years. She has a Master’s degree in Reading Education and taught 8th-9th grade English for 17 years. She has been a Library Media Specialist for Fargo Public Schools for 11 years and is currently the Library Media Specialist for Fargo Davies High School.

Libraries Transform –Jeff Julian from the ALA Public Awareness Office(NOTE: Using special artwork, color, or something would be nice since this one is from the creators of the theme of the conference)

The American Library Association’s Libraries Transform public awareness and advocacy campaign effectively conveys the transformative nature of today’s libraries and the critical role they play in the digital age. Since 2015, more than 7,100 libraries and supporters have joined the effort using the campaign in a variety of ways, including to support a referendum campaign, advocate for state funding, and make an impact with students. Jeff Julian, director of the ALA’s public awareness office, will show attendees how they can incorporate Libraries Transform messaging into their communication channels and leverage the campaign in advocacy activities, such as legislative day. Other topics will include:

  • Using the toolkit materials
  • Customizing key messages
  • Incorporating the campaign with your current brand

BIO

Jeff Julian is the director of the Public Awareness Office for the American Library Association, which oversees the Libraries Transform public awareness and advocacy campaign, media relations, and crisis communications.

Julian previously served as the executive director of communications at Elgin (Ill.) Community College. In this position, he was responsible for leading strategic media and public relations programs, projects and campaigns to promote, enhance, and protect the image, reputation, and brand of Elgin Community College, a public community college serving approximately 12,000 students in a 360-square-mile district. Prior to joining the Elgin Community College staff, Julian served as the director of communications and external relations at Joliet (Ill.) Junior College.

Julian has a Master’s degree in English Studies from Elmhurst (Ill.) College and a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism/Communications from the University of St. Francis, Joliet, Ill. He is a member of the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, the National Council of Marketing and Public Relations, the Public Relations Society of America and holds a certification from the Crisis Leadership in Higher Education Program at the Harvard Kennedy School.

Julian serves as co-chair of the Advisory Board of Directors of Girls Rock! Chicago, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering girls’ creative expression, positive self-esteem and community awareness through rock music.

Thursday, October 5, 2017:

1:00 –1:50:

Hot Topics

Two sessions full of 10-minute presentations by your library colleagues give you the opportunity to hear a quick overview of a project or instructional technique used by librarians from across the state. Presentations this year include:

  • Making an Impact in Large Scale Classes and Seeing the Results by Holly Gabriel & Kristen Borysewicz;
  • Librarian as Grader: Lessons Learned by Dawn Hackman;
  • Introducing ... Edward, Faith, and a Book on Blindness by Emily Stenberg;
  • Mini Golf in the Library?!?!?! By Pam Carswell;
  • The difference in management and leadership by Karlene Clark;
  • Integrating Information Literacy into a Personal Finance Course: A Faculty Perspective by Renee Nilsen;
  • A Haunting Good Time: Making Your Library a Halloween Destination Event by Tonya Palmer;
  • A Complaint-Free World by Wendy Wendt.

Legal Resources and Research in North Dakota: What You Have, What We Have, and How We Can Help You and Your Patrons – Anne Mostad-Jensen and Laurie McHenry

The speakers will discuss: (1) different types of legal research resources (both Federal and State); (2) what resources are typically available to or in public and university libraries; (3) what resources are available at Thormodsgard Law Library; and, (4) how you can better help your patrons with legal research questions.
Anne Mostad-Jensen is Head of Faculty Services at the Thormodsgard Law Library at the University of North Dakota School of Law. She received her B.A. from Concordia University-St. Paul, her Masters in Library and Information Science from St. Catherine University, and a J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law. She teaches Advanced Legal Research. She has also presented nationally and has published articles in AALL Spectrum, Law Library Journal, and Boston College Law Review.
Laurie McHenry is Head of Technical Services at the Thormodsgard Law Library at the University of North Dakota School of Law. She received her B.A. from Oregon State University and her Masters in Library Science from Southern Connecticut State University. She is a former teacher and school librarian and has presented at conferences on various topics.
Teaching Students Right From Wrong in the Digital Age – Doug Johnson
Studies show that misconceptions abound about the appropriate use of technologies. This presentation examines basic ethical issues, some ethical codes, actual case studies when students have had to make ethical decisions, and techniques teachers can use to promote ethical behaviors in the classroom.
Doug Johnson is the Director of Technology for the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage (MN) Public Schools and has served as an adjunct faculty member of Minnesota State University. His teaching experience has included work in grades K-12 both here and in Saudi Arabia. Doug has conducted workshops and given presentations for over 200 organizations throughout the United States and internationally and has held a variety of leadership positions in state and national organizations, including ISTE and AASL.
Who Are We Serving Now? The Changing Demographics of North Dakota – Dr. Nancy Hodur
North Dakota has seen many changes in the last two decades. Previously the state was losing population due to migration to other states and those that remained were aging. Now those population trends have reversed. Who are the new residents of North Dakota? What challenges face community service providers in the wake of these changes?
Nancy Hodur, Ph.D., is the Center's director and has over 25 years of professional experience in applied research, public policy and outreach education. Nancy's primary research areas include socio-economic impact assessment, community and economic development, and natural resource management. Nancy's recent efforts have focused on issues related to the rapid expansion of North Dakota's oil and gas industry including population and school enrollment projections.

Thursday, October 5, 2017:

2:30 – 3:20:

Ramen or Rent: Low-Cost Financial Literacy Education by Libraries
Financial literacy is a critical skill for people today and impacts all ages. Libraries are uniquely situated to be able to contribute to patron financial literacy, through services and collections. We will discuss low-cost strategies that libraries can implement to provide financial literacy education. While we will focus on serving college students, the strategies discussed will be broadly applicable to other populations.
Dawn Hackman is a Research & Education Librarian at UND's School of Medicine & Health Sciences, where she predominately works with the medical education and physician assistant programs. She has worked for UND since 2010 and received her MS in Archives Management from Simmons College in Boston, MA in 2009.
Renee Nilsen is a Certified Personal Financial Manager and currently serves as the Assistant Director of Career Development for the UND School of Law. In addition, Renee is an Instructor for the City University of New York School of Professional Studies where she teaches an online personal finance course. She earned her M.S.Ed. from Baruch College and is pursuing a Ph.D. from Educational Leadership at UND.

Lesson Plan & Maker Activities Idea Share– AllisonRadermacher and Maggie Townsend

This session is going to be likePinterest Live!Let's come together and share ideas for awesome lesson plans and MakerSpace activities that are happening in libraries across North Dakota. Bring an idea to share or just come and get some new ideas for ways you can help students meet standards while being engaged in hands on learning.
Allison Radermacheris in her 8th year of being an LMS at Ellendale Public School. She received her undergrad degree in elementary education from the University of Mary and a master’s degree in education with a concentration in library technology from Valley City State University.

Flipping Your Library Instruction – Creating and Implementing Flipped Library Lessons – Jackie Brown

This presentation will include demonstrations of how to create flipped library lessons using free online tools. I will also show a few ways to distribute/present these lessons to engage students and patrons.
Jackie has worked as an English teacher, a library media specialist, and an instructional technology coach in the Fargo area. She graduated from Concordia College in 2012 with a B.A. in Communication Arts and Literature Education. She then attended VCSU where she studied Library and Information Technology. Jackie is currently a graduate student at UND.

Using Library Centers to Enhance Student Library Skills – Jennifer Hess

This session will explore using library centers in an elementary library to provide students with opportunities to practice and enhance their library skills. It will cover one librarian's experience using centers during check out time, student engagement, and ideas for implementing centers into any elementary library, no matter what your budget. It will provide a number of resources to explore if you are looking to implement centers in your own library.
Jennifer has a B.S. in Secondary English Education from Minnesota State University Moorhead, and a Master of Education in Library and Information Technologies from Valley City State University. She has been teaching in the Fargo Public School district for the past ten years, first as a High School English teacher, then five years as a high school Instructional Technology Coach, and most recently as the Library Media Specialist at Eagles Elementary. This is her second year as an elementary librarian.

Friday, October 6, 2017:

9:45 – 10:35:

The 21st Century MakerSpace Culture – Funding, Space, Project Ideas, and Resources: Tinker, Create, Collaborate… What Will You Make? – Patty Donat and Elizabeth Smithmeyer

Learn how to incorporate a makerspace into your school library, classroom, or anywhere students gather. This session will provide creative ideas regarding how to fund this opportunity for kids, examples of the space needed, and many projects that utilize technology as well as recycled materials. Highlighted Technology: LittleBits, MakeyMakey, Sphero, VR Headsets, and Intuos Drawing Pad. DIY crafts available, too!
Patty Donat is the Library Media Specialist at Discovery Middle School in Fargo, North Dakota. She has a Masters of Reading from Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM). Prior to becoming a librarian, she worked as an English teacher as well as an adjunct professor in the Education Department at MSUM.
Elizabeth Smithmeyer is a School Librarian and Instructional Technology Coach at Fargo South High School. She has a Masters of Education from the University of Minnesota. She worked as a social studies teacher in north Minneapolis, El Salvador, Thailand and at Fargo South before becoming a librarian.

AASL Best of … - Steven Yates, President, American Association of School Librarians (AASL)

Don't miss this opportunity to learn how the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) can ignite your passion and your career! AASL president Steven Yates will help you navigate the multiple features and benefits of AASL membership while highlighting exciting and practical resources to help you in your career as a school library professional. Learn more about how your membership in AASL supports the profession and how you can get involved with the work of your national association. New and prospective AASL members are invited, and long-time AASL members are welcome to attend this great networking opportunity.

Steven Yates is the current President of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL)

Ben’s Guide to the U.S. Government – Jaime Hays, U.S. Government Publishing Office

This program will highlight resources for children that are available from the U.S. Government. Jaime will give an overview of Ben's Guide to the U.S. Government, a service of the Government Publishing Office (GPO). Ben’s Guide is an online resource designed to inform students, parents, and educators about the Federal Government. Selected by ALA as one of the Great Websites for Kids, Ben’s Guide combines educational content for three age ranges with fun graphics and interactive games.

Jaime Hays is an outreach librarian at the U.S. Government Publishing Office. For the past four years she has helped to manage the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP). She has provided training and consultation to over 100 depository libraries throughout the United States and the territories.

Become a STEM Starter: Launching STEM in your Library – Kelly Painter and Angela Houser
Learn how to start a STEM program in your library! This session will cover the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) and preparing our children for their future. STEM is all around us. How can you utilize the resources near you to make an impact and inspire youth. Learn how to provide K-12 STEM outreach opportunities to audiences of all ages and what resources are available in and out of North Dakota.
Kelly Painter is a native of North Dakota. She attended North Dakota State University, with a B.S. in Child Development & Family Sciences. She enlisted in the North Dakota Air National Guard and served six years with the 119th Wing in Fargo. She has worked on Grand Forks AFB for twenty-five years as a Child Development Trainer and currently serves as the School Liaison Officer. She taught online for ND & MN Eager to Learn and ND Child Care Aware.
Angela Houser is the Continuing Education Coordinator at the North Dakota State Library. She received a Bachelor of Arts with specializations in International Studies and Spanish Language as well as minors in East Asian Studies and Japanese Language from Wittenberg University in Springfield, OH. She also has a Masters of Library & Information Studies with a specialization in Archival Management from The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL.
A New Frontier: Lessons Learned from NDLA’s First Online “Un-Conference”
NDLA’s Health Science Information and Academic & Special Libraries Sections held its inaugural fully online “Un-Conference.” A fully online conference can be a robust, low-cost alternative to a traditional conference that could be an advantage to librarians looking for professional development opportunities in this rural state. In this session, the planners will discuss creating this experience and lessons learned.
Panelists: Kristen Borysewicz, Dawn Hackman, Jessica Gilbert-Redman, Erika Johnson, Laura Trude

Friday, October 6, 2017