AI is the latest bestseller on the library shelf, promising to streamline cataloging and automate metadata creation. But what does the student body think about AI, and how can we best incorporate their insights into current services? On our end, what about the ethical fine print? How do we approach using these tools responsibly, and are there any guidelines to assist? This session has a great table of contents, starting with the results of a student survey conducted by Joyner Library at East Carolina University on AI usage and perceptions. There’s a section on ethical frameworks and AI guidelines to help shape responsible implementation, a chapter containing an illustration of a practical LibGuide developed to support AI learning (everyone loves a good picture book!), and a section on strategies for ongoing professional development to keep pace with technological advancements. Saving the best for last, we'll collectively create an epilogue dedicated to your questions and ideas. Come ready to earmark your favorite page (we won’t tell) and put these ideas into circulation at your library!

The cost of eBooks and digital audio continue to increase. This session will provide tips and strategies on building and maintaining a cost effective and balanced eBook and audio collection. The collection should be more than just a vessel to fill holds. It will also look at the challenges of filling holds in a timely manner with limited funds.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming library research, outreach, and digital literacy efforts, making it essential for library professionals to understand its potential and challenges. This session explores how AI can enhance research workflows, patron engagement, and library services while ensuring ethical and responsible use. Key topics include AI’s role in digital fluency, citation management, and cybersecurity best practices. A live demonstration of two to three AI research tools, such as Scite.ai, Elicit.org, or Consensus, will showcase how AI improves literature reviews, citation management, and academic research assistance. Additionally, the session will discuss AI in virtual reference services and library outreach, helping professionals integrate AI into daily operations. Participants will gain practical insights and hands-on experience with AI-driven tools to support library services effectively.

The Head of Information Services and Technology Specialist of a Regional Library System will discuss their experiences with applying for an LSTA planning grant to hire a cybersecurity consultant to conduct a full cybersecurity audit and program review. Participants will learn about the steps in the process, get an overview of insights that were gained into the library’s cybersecurity infrastructure, and observe how the process resulted in improved written procedures and workflows. The presenters will also share potential improvements in any library’s security program that can be implemented immediately and will share training resources that can be used to help educate all staff in reducing the risk of a ransomware attack or other cybersecurity incident.

Paraprofessionals are a vital part of digital navigation in rural public libraries. Increasing their capacity to knowledgeably and confidently respond to digital questions and needs is the goal of the Libraries Strengthening Connections (LSC) project. This session will explain the project, showcase the value of staff capacity building, and demonstrate how State Library resources can support this endeavor.

This session would be focused on using CELUS as an emerging tool for usage statistics, journal title management, cost analysis, and other work done by technical support and paraprofessional librarians. CELUS is a newer product for harvesting, displaying, and using SUSHI data gathered from COUNTER and non-COUNTER reports used by publishers. The presenters are both library paraprofessionals who also have MLIS degrees and have used this product extensively as well as presented its uses to faculty at our own institution.

Enjoy a delicious lunch with fellow attendees as you take a break from the day’s sessions. This is a great time to relax, share ideas, and continue conversations in a casual and welcoming setting. Whether you're networking or simply enjoying the meal, we invite you to make the most of this mid-day gathering.

ECU’s Main Campus Library has been circulating a growing collection of equipment for about 20 years to meet an ever-changing array of patron expectations. We will briefly discuss the evolution of our offerings and selection process then present an analysis of the recent four years’ equipment repair forms to show the typical, and some stranger, issues libraries can face when offering equipment for circulation. We will share tips on resolving such issues, on helping patrons with equipment, and on collaborating well with colleagues in the library’s technology and ILS management departments. There will be time for your questions and sharing of your tips, too.

University students and faculty have differing views on Generative AI tools, though both share concerns about ethical issues and want more guidance and training. Two studies by librarians at East Carolina University explored these perspectives, helping the library determine its initial steps for addressing Generative AI. This presentation will highlight the importance of library personnel understanding their campus climate, the need to gather input before implementing new resources or services, and the importance of learning about AI tools themselves to effectively assist and educate others in the future. With direct input from faculty and students, we can incorporate their feedback to meet them where they are and include Generative AI tools in our larger information literacy discussion.

Technological fluency is a critical skill in the 21st century Information Age. However, a lack of computer literacy still pervades our communities, with rural populations and older patrons being disproportionately affected. This session leverages the psychology of adult learning to show how these target audiences can be effectively engaged in technology education. It examines what it means to be “fluent” with technology, showing how technology systems can be broken into digestible components. This session will outline how to create relaxed learning environments to foster growth mindsets and how to universally design lessons that offer multiple means of engagement. Attendees will be provided with a ready-made digital resource folder for use in launching their own library’s technology education endeavors.

The COVID19 pandemic deepened our understanding of the "digital divide," as universities adapted to online course delivery and virtual learning. As we return to more traditional classrooms, our students are still impacted by access to digital resources, and as educators, we are tasked with creating equitable environments that allow students to connect to new and existing supports. The presenter will share recent research and outcomes from student focus groups with recommendations and potential next steps for universities to consider.

Get to know your fellow Paraprofessionals attending the conference with activities that will recharge and refresh brain.

Shifting workshops from in-person to online allows us to offer sessions more frequently and on evenings and Saturdays; and it also allows for a broader reach to patrons who are not on campus all day. It allows for non-traditional students to learn about Library Resources in a low-key setting, and helps bridge the digital divide for returning students. Additionally, it has proven to be less intrusive to work flow than setting up/breaking down a classroom. No one showed? No problem! Just return to your tasks.

Join us for the closing session of the Paraprofessional Conference as we wrap up a great day of learning and connection. We'll take a moment to thank everyone who helped make the event a success, including our presenters, organizers, and attendees. Don’t miss the excitement, door prizes will be awarded to close out the day on a high note!