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Schedule 2026

WEDNESDAY | MAY 27

8:45-10:15amOpening Keynote - Lead from the Heart, but Don’t Forget Your Medication Cathy FarleyCommunity Room
10:30-11:30amLeveling Up Your Libraries' DefendersDr. Stacy Creel, Dr. Sarah MangrumCommunity Room
10:30-11:30amMeeting student needs in a 24 hour library Joslin Lee-Nuhfer, Diann Lindsay211 Divinity Library
1:15-1:30pmAlgorithms, Influence, and the Library’s New Role in the Age of AICharisse BrentCommunity Room
1:15-1:30pmThe Hiring and Motivation of Student AssistantsPearl Chai211 Divinity Library
1:35-1:50pmReimagining Technology Lending: A Dual-Model Approach to Student Engagement and AccessAudrey Bentch, Rachel Oakley211 Divinity Library
1:35-1:50pmFrom Archive to Algorithm: Turning Staff Expertise into AI PowerJim DuranCommunity Room
1:55-2:10pmTroubleshooting AI Requests for Interlibrary LoanAmanda Hardin, Kathy FousheeCommunity Room
1:55-2:10pmStudent Engagement Inside and Outside the LibraryM Roberts211 Divinity Library
2:30-3:30pmSafety and Security Procedures Explained at Western Kentucky University LibrariesAlley SircyCommunity Room
2:30-3:30pmMeaningful Connections Inspired through an Unforgettable Library Art Exhibition Guided TourJennifer Kring211 Divinity Library
3:45-4:45pmSupport your Intern, Develop your Future ColleagueJennifer BakerCommunity Room
3:45-4:45pmThinking Outside the Chat Box: Building Chatbots for Any Topic with SpringShareCJ Ellward211 Divinity Library

THURSDAY | MAY 28

9:00-10:00amLet's Talk BooksMachelle KeenCommunity Room
9:00-10:00amForging Lasting Connections at a R1/Top 100 University Through Human Interaction and Embracing TechnologyParrish Bush, Lawrence J. Mello, Jr.211 Divinity Library
10:15-10:30amCommunity On Full Display: How Book Displays Strengthen Connections in the LibraryCyrenity AugustinCommunity Room
10:15-10:30amWhose Catalog?: Homosaurus as a Pathway to LGBTQ+ BelongingJude Romines211 Divinity Library
10:35-10:50amIt takes a village: Collaborating with a family resource center to improve access to consumer health informationKayce Gill211 Divinity Library
10:35-10:50amSowing Knowledge: Seed Libraries as OutreachKelseigh Bien, Taylor McPeakeCommunity Room
10:55-11:10amSurprise Date with a Book - Your library's path to inclusivity and patron engagement.Nichaela WilliamsCommunity Room
10:55-11:10amMeeting Students Where They Are: Promoting Electronic Resources at University of Florida's Annual Fall FestSheri L. Edwards211 Divinity Library
1:15-2:15pmFrom Life to Desk: Transferable Skills from Unlikely PlacesJoanna Tuskey, Bryn Murphy, Riley VagisCommunity Room
1:15-2:15pmFinding New Ways to Connect Patrons with the Collection: WKU Libraries A&P Bones Study SessionsDaniel NewmanDivinity 211
2:30-3:30pmRising to the Occasion: Personal Narratives of Transformative PracticeMichelle M. Joseph, Eric LarsenCommunity Room
2:30-3:30pmWe're All In This Together: Modeling Leadership & Professionalism in Access ServicesCatherine Paolillo211 Divinity Library
3:45-4:30pmFinale Keynote: The Emotional Economics of Libraries: Why Human Connection Is Our Greatest ROIElaina NorlinCommunity Room

FRIDAY | MAY 29

Excursion package (optional) includes tickets, lunch, and travel to Frist Art Museum and National Museum of African American Music.
8:45-9amLoading on Bus at Scarritt Bennett
9:15-11:00amNational Museum of African American Music
11:00-11:15amLoading on Bus to return to Scarritt Bennett
11:15-11:30amDriving to Scarritt Bennett  
11:30-12:30pmLunch
12:30-12:45pmLoading on Bus to Frist Art Museum
12:45-1pmDriving to Frist Art Museum
1pm-3pmFrist Art Museum  
3-3:15pmLoading on Bus to return to Scarritt Bennett
3:15-3:30pmReturn to parking lot at Scarritt Bennett

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

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