Session Description:      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! Presenter Bios:      Kelly Spring is Head of Manuscripts & Digital Curation at ECU. Over the years she has learned the value of creating a backup copy and spinning up a test instance before diving in with her "creative ideas."
     Amy Cooley is the Science Librarian at ECU, where she has been working in the Research & Instructional Services department for the last 6 years. Her recent work includes collaborating with colleagues to develop a student-centered LibGuide on AI and subsequently conducting a student survey at ECU to gauge usage and perspective on various AI tools. Amy empowers students to become independent researchers by equipping them with the essential skills to navigate and utilize library resources effectively. She is also passionate about actively incorporating community service initiatives within the library.
     Brandon Stilley is a Research Librarian at East Carolina University’s Joyner Library. He started in Academic Library Services as a graduate assistant and has worked in several roles, including Evening Reference Librarian and Interim Head of the Music Library. He supports students and faculty with their research, helps them use library tools effectively, and brings a practical, student-first mindset to campus projects.

Session Description:      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.
Presenter Bio:      Ronald Headen is a Library Associate at the Greensboro Public Library in Greensboro, North Carolina. He started in 1972, while in high school and currently has 52 years of service. Ronald’s current duties are ordering media for the adult and YA collections, advisor for 2 library book clubs and 6 community book clubs, adult programming, fiction collection management and serving on the planning committee for Greensboro’s biennial One City, One Book. He is an avid collector of books, music, and movies with a total collection of close to 10,000.

Session Description:      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. Presenter Bio:      Donte' Perry is a faculty member in Information Technology, an AI researcher, a doctoral researcher, and a former librarian. He is committed to improving educational accessibility and student success through innovative technologies. Donte' teaches courses on AI and programming while investigating how AI tools can be integrated into libraries and academic environments to enhance research, outreach, and digital fluency. He currently serves as the President of the Metrolina Library Association (MLA) and is a member of the Board of Directors for the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), which is part of the American Library Association (ALA).

Session Description:      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.
Presenter Bios:      Justin Stout is the Head of Information Services at Neuse Regional Libraries, serving Lenoir, Greene, and Jones Counties in North Carolina. He is a graduate of Duke University and received his M.L.S. from North Carolina Central University. He is the current Secretary/Treasurer of the Tech Trends Section of the North Carolina Library Association, a previous member of the NC Cardinal User Experience Committee, and a graduate of the 2022 North Carolina Library Association Leadership Institute. His professional interests include emerging technologies in libraries, digital literacy, and broadband equity.
     Sean Moore is a seasoned library technology professional with over 25 years of service at Neuse Regional Libraries. As the Technology Specialist, Sean has played a pivotal role in modernizing library services by integrating innovative tools such as virtual reality and 3D printing. He also oversees the Digital Media Lab at the main library branch, a creative space where patrons can produce music, record podcasts, shoot videos, and work on photography and animation projects. Sean’s dedication to advancing digital literacy and access has made him a vital contributor to the library’s mission of empowering the community through technology.

Session Description:      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 capac`ity building, and demonstrate how State Library resources can support this endeavor. Presenter Bios:      Lori Special coordinates SLNC’s federally funded Libraries Strengthening Connections (LSC) project which focused on increasing the digital knowledge and skills of rural public library staff to meet the information needs of those they serve. Lori has worked in or with public libraries for over 20 years as a youth services librarian, statewide youth services consultant and library development director, and library school instructor. She is also working on her doctorate in program evaluation at UNCG with a special interest in rural libraries.
     Taylor Fountain (Coming Soon)

Session Description:      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. Presenter Bios:      Ashley Pate serves as the Collections Analyst for the University of South Alabama Libraries. She has over ten years of experience in working in collection development in the academic library setting. Her role requires contracting for, ordering, and invoicing of all forms of library materials as well as extensive data collection for statistical analysis and budgetary decision making. Along with her regular job roles, she serves as a member of the NAAL Online Content Committee, USA Libraries Collection Development Committee, Budget Committee, and the University of South Alabama Student Engagement Program. Ms. Pate earned a Master’s of Education in Educational Media from the University of South Alabama, followed later by a Master’s of Science in Library and Information Studies from the University of Alabama.
     Lisa Leinhos is currently serving as the Cataloging Analyst for the University of South Alabama Libraries. There she plays a key role in the management and accessibility of catalog records as well as providing analytical work in collection management and acquisitions. Ms. Leinhos is responsible for the collection and submission of ACRL/IPEDS reports and other institutional data that must be reported efficiently and accurately. Outside of these duties, she currently serves on the USA Libraries Collection Development Committee, Budget Committee, and the NAAL Online Content Committee. She has previously served on USA Libraries Strategic Plan Steering Committee and NAAL’s Digital Content Committee. Ms. Leinhos earned a Masters of Library and Information Studies from the University of Alabama in 2016, which has allowed her to foster a deep appreciation for accessible and organized information.

Session Description:      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. Presenter Bios:      William Gee is the department head of Interlibrary Loan in Academic Library Services at East Carolina University and the former head of the previously combined Circulation & Interlibrary Loan department there. He worked previously in library public service roles at the University of Tennessee and Berry College. He currently serves in leadership roles in NCLA LAMS and ALA RUSA STARS. He has presented and published on issues related to employee development, interlibrary loan, scholarly communication, copyright, and enhancing the provision of library services.
     Blume Mansfield (they/them) is the Technology Manager of Joyner Library Circulation. Holding a BFA in Animation, Blume originally entered the library field as a temporary employee over at ECU’s Laupus Library before falling in love with the field and joining the ranks of ECU’s Academic Library Services. When not checking up on the troves of equipment that Joyner circulates, Blume likes to dabble in illustration and can be found enamored with their pet cat, Shrimp.

Session Description:      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. Presenter Bios:      Angela Whitehurst serves as the Engineering & Technology Librarian at ECU’s Academic Library Services. She holds both B.S. and M.A degrees from East Carolina University and an M.L.S. from North Carolina Central University. Over her 20-year career, she has served in a variety of library positions at several colleges and universities. Her research currently explores faculty perspectives about the use of AI in the classroom and the integration of AI literacy into library instruction.
     Amy Cooley is the Science Librarian at ECU, where she has been working in the Research & Instructional Services department for the last 6 years. Her recent work includes collaborating with colleagues to develop a student-centered LibGuide on AI and subsequently conducting a student survey at ECU to gauge usage and perspective on various AI tools. Amy empowers students to become independent researchers by equipping them with the essential skills to navigate and utilize library resources effectively. She is also passionate about actively incorporating community service initiatives within the library.
     Brandon Stilley is a Research Librarian at East Carolina University’s Joyner Library. He started in Academic Library Services as a graduate assistant and has worked in several roles, including Evening Reference Librarian and Interim Head of the Music Library. He supports students and faculty with their research, helps them use library tools effectively, and brings a practical, student-first mindset to campus projects.

Session Description:      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. Presenter Bio:      Jess Quick is an Adult Services Specialist at the Wilkes County Public Library, part of the Appalachian Regional Library system. Her work includes assisting patrons with a variety of reference and technology needs, having one-on-one teaching sessions with patrons seeking to learn more about technology, and planning small-group courses to expand the reach of technology education in rural Wilkes County. She graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2022 with her Bachelor's of Science in Neuroscience and minor in Hispanic Studies. She uses her knowledge of the psychology of learning and her skills with Spanish to serve a diverse library constituency.

Session Description:      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. Presenter Bio:      Dr. Lauren Thorn received her BSW and MSW from East Carolina University. After receiving her license for clinical social work and working in the community as a mental health clinician, she returned to ECU in 2011 as a staff counselor/outreach coordinator in the Counseling Center and later the Dean of Students office as an Associate Dean. In 2023, she took on a new role as inaugural director of the Center for Student Success, which coordinates student success initiatives and collaborates with academic partners. She completed her Doctor of Social Work degree with a focus on organizational leadership from the University of Alabama in October 2023. Her research interests include the impact of COVID19 on the digital divide among students in higher ed, as well as addressing barriers for students within the educational system.

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

Session Description:      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. Presenter Bio:      Denise Klasen-López currently serves as the Reference, Research, and Instruction Specialist at Mason Square Library at George Mason University. She is responsible for assisting patrons with research, supporting Social Science subject librarians, providing online workshops, and supervising student workers on evenings at the branch campus library. Denise earned her BA in Anthropology from George Mason University. Formerly, she served as the Media and Online Education Specialist for George Mason University Libraries.