Take your Microsoft Excel skills to the next level with this intermediate-level webinar! Appropriate for users who already know the basics, this session will explore, data, graphs, and more formulas.
Learning Objectives
Learn how to create lists, sort, and analyze data
Create and customize charts and graphs to visually represent your data
Learn more advanced formulas
Presenter:
Melissa Lattanzi, Continuing Education Coordinator, Northeast Ohio Regional Library System more info...
Now is your opportunity to chat with other library staff that plan training for staff or patrons. Come and share speaker suggestions. Bring your challenges and we will solve them together. more info...
Coming up with new adult programs every year can be difficult. In this interactive workshop, we will learn a process for creating programs that can be used for multiple populations of adults; a new way of designing programs instead of using holidays that the Pennsylvania Library Association designed; and what evaluation is so you can start to evaluate your programs.
Learning Objectives:
The importance of Adult Programming
Process for creating programs for all populations
A new way of designing programs
Evaluation of programs
Presenter:
Rachel Stevenson is a programming librarian in northwest Pennsylvania. She credits her ability to create fun programs for adults to her years as an event planner for colleges and universities. She received her MLIS from the University of Pittsburgh and her Master of Arts in Arts Administration from Goucher College where her thesis focused on programming in museum libraries. She has presented at the Pennsylvania Library Association's annual conference and at other conferences in Pennsylvania as well as teaching classes to librarians in New York.
Take this opportunity to share your successes and challenges via a roundtable discussion. You will receive a Zoom link in your confirmation email and a reminder 2 hours before the meeting. We hope you will join us. Please send topics you would like discussed toMelissa Lattanzi.
As libraries chart a course in the age of AI, there are a host of ethical issues we'll need to navigate, both as individuals and as organizations. This talk will discuss a number of concerns, including algorithmic bias, user privacy, and copyright/intellectual property, as we work to answer the question: how can we adapt to a changing technology landscape while staying true to our professional ethics?
Learning Objectives:
Identify library-specific AI ethical concerns.
Explore case studies in AI ethics.
Review library ethical frameworks.
Presenter:
Nick Tanzi is the Assistant Director of the South Huntington Public Library. He is an internationally recognized library technology consultant and the author of the books Making the Most of Digital Collections Through Training and Outreach (2016) and the coauthor of the Best Technologies for Public Libraries: Policies, Programs, and Services (2020). Nick is a past column editor for Public Library Magazine’s “The Wired Library," and his work on the intersection of libraries and technology has been featured in publications including Computers in Libraries, Library Journal, and Marketing Library Services.
Here is your opportunity to talk book discussion. Hear from your peers on what works what doesn't. Bring your challenges and share books for book discussion. Please send Carrie Kibby any items you would like to discuss. more info...
The ideals set upon leaders puts pressure on the typical introvert to be someone they are not, which can lead to anxiety and avoidance or pursuing higher positions. But being a quiet leader challenges extroverted norms and expectations. Quiet leadership combats the idea to be a successful leader you have to be loud and promotes a healthier and more successful working environment. Through modesty, humility and action, quiet leaders focus on individual aspirations and talents, inspiring others through guidance, encouragement, and authenticity.
Learning Objectives:
Identify stereotypes that plague leadership expectations
Learn how to influence others without changing who you are
Discover how being a quiet leader is compassionate and promotes understanding
Develop skill in creating work environments that inspires collaboration
Presenter:
Jennifer Blair is the Head of User Services and Assistant Professor at Azusa Pacific University. Her role is dedicated to the user experience, including marketing the library, and teaching. She has extensive experience teaching online courses in design and computer literacy. Jennifer holds a B.A. in Graphic Design, a M.A in Education with an emphasis in Educational Multimedia, and a M.S. in Library and Information Studies. Her experience in academic and public libraries as well as work experience in art and design allow her to employ visionary strategies to enrich progress and enhance advancement for students. more info...
Here is an opportunity to talk with your peers to share ideas, successes and challenges. This meeting will be held through Zoom which is user friendly for all devices. You will receive a link in your confirmation email and a reminder 2 hours before the meeting. We hope you will join us. Please send agenda items/questions to Melissa Lattanzi.
How do you effectively work with resistant or challenging colleagues or staff members? What do you do if your direct supervisor or other leadership is creating challenges? How do you have difficult conversations at work? This week will focus on internal work relationships and teach you practical ways to have tough conversations, give and receive difficult feedback, and overcome or prevent grievances at work. We will also discuss ways to "manage up" and advocate for yourself or your team, including how to build or find support systems where you might not have them.
Learning Objectives:
Overcome internal and external barriers to engaging in a difficult conversation
Prepare for and plan a difficult conversation
Execute and evaluate a difficult conversation
Create a plan for follow up and accountability
Presenter:
Catherine Soehner, MLS, BSN, is the Associate Dean and Executive Director of the Eccles Health Sciences Library at the University of Utah. She has 36 years of experience in librarianship with 26 of those years spent in leadership positions. Her research reflects her interests in change management and leadership with publications and presentations on systems thinking, managing change, and assessment of library programs. She has given over 70 presentations and published two books, one on effective difficult conversations and the other on strategic planning. Previously, Catherine served in academic libraries at the University of Michigan and the University of California, Santa Cruz, as well as the National Library of Medicine.
Modeled off the Chicago-area Adult Reading Round Table, the Guided Reading Round Table (GRRT) will lead library staff through an in-depth genre study. Over the course of a year, we will explore historical fiction, with a specific focus on the biographical, fantasy, literary, mystery, and romance subgenres. This session will explore the historical mystery fiction subject through guided discussions to identify popular authors, titles, tropes, & trends. A reading list & questions will be supplied; while it is not required, it is recommended to read through some of the titles and questions. The GRRT is dedicated to the development of readers’ advisory skills and the promotion of reading for pleasure.
We will send a reading list of historical mysteries for May within the week. While it is not required to read anything in order to participate in the meeting; it is advised to at peruse through at least two biographical historical fiction novels to gain the greatest understand of the subgenre.
Facilitators: Ris Labib, Collection Development Manager, Portage County District Library, believes in the power of a good book. She has been talking with others about books -- in a professional and personal capacity -- since middle school and was even on NPR! One of the (many) books she is currently reading is “Book of Love” by Kelly Link.
Amber has 20 years of experience in public libraries and is currently a librarian in the Business, Government, and Science Division at the Akron-Summit County Public Library whose areas of specialty are cookbooks, fashion & folklore, and general trivia. She is the co-leader of specialty book clubs like: Romance Book Club and Speculative Fiction Book Club. Her favorite read of 2024 was “Funny Story” by Emily Henry. more info...
This webinar is part of the 2025 New Supervisors Academy.
Time management is one of the most important skills that any manager/supervisor should have. Understanding, implementing, and following effective time management practices will help you accomplish more.
Learning objectives:
Valuing your own time
Setting realistic priorities
Delegating tasks effectively
Recognizing and avoiding time wasters
Taking Action
Practical Tools
Presenter:
Kim DeNero-Ackroyd has been the Deputy Director of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library for 13 years. In this role, she supervises eight public service managers directly, as well as leads all public service activities. She currently serves on as the chair of ALA’s Committee on Organization, is a member of PLA’s Continuing Education Advisory Group and is on the OLC Board of Directors. Prior to her current role, she has twice been a branch manager, in addition to other supervisory positions. In all of her positions, effective time management has been one of the critical components of success. She is passionate about helping to develop future and current library leaders.
We are excited to be offering the Day for Collection Management and Technical Services. We have a great line up below and we will end the day with a roundtable discussion.
Curating Community Collections: The Critical Role of Technical Services
Diversity in collections is a hot topic—how does it affect Technical Services?
In this interactive (bring your questions!) workshop, we will look at the role of selectors, acquisition team members, catalogers, and processors as we discuss the pivotal role that Tech Services plays in ensuring the diverse needs of our community members are met. Practical problem-solving for libraries large and small (including consortia issues!) will be the focus of this workshop. Participants will learn: the pros and cons of various types of diversity audits and what the results mean for technical services, what selection, acquisition, cataloging, and processing departments each need to know to avoid common pitfalls and work efficiently to help connect community members with diverse resources.
Presenters: Wendy Bartlett began her library career in 2000 as the assistant director of the Kent Free Library in Kent, Ohio. In 2006, she joined Cuyahoga County Public Library as the manager for the Beachwood branch. In 2009, she became the Fiction Buyer for CCPL, and in 2012, she became the Collection Development & Acquisitions Manager, centralizing selection for the system, launching a floating collection, and developing merchandising solutions. Prior to becoming a librarian, Wendy was the Regional Manager for the Cleveland and Pittsburgh Borders Books & Music stores.
Wendy has several publications to her credit, including Floating Collections: A Collection Development Model for Long-Term Success (2014) and Curating Community Collections: A Holistic Approach to Diverse Collection Development with co-author Mary Schreiber.
Mary Schreiber is the branch manager of the Brooklyn Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library, near Cleveland, OH. Prior to that, she worked in collection development for 13 years as a youth and world languages materials selector. An avid reader and book evaluator, she served on the 2016 Newbery Award and the 2021 Caldecott Award Committees. Her latest book with Bloomsbury Libraries Unlimited, Curating Community Collections: A Holistic Approach to Diverse Collection Development, published in 2024.
Cataloging Unusual Items
Has anyone ever asked you to catalog a bicycle? Libraries have been adding more and more non-book materials to our catalogs: models, tools, toys… even ukuleles. This session will discuss content versus carrier for non-books, then walk through the most important descriptive data for any format. Build the confidence to catalog all your weirdest stuff!
Learning Objectives:
Identify content versus carrier fields in RDA MARC21 bib records
Include crucial descriptions to maximize searchability
Use a “weird stuff” template as a starting point in future cataloging
Presenter:
Mist Alvaro has worked in academic, public, and special libraries, but public libraries are their forever home. They worked in every possible public services department and technical services before landing their perfect gig as a cataloging and processing manager at Columbus Metropolitan Libraries. They are a member of CML's DEI Committee and are passionate about equity, inclusion, and representation in library collections. Most importantly, Mist loves answering questions!
Take Advantage: Strategies for Successful Management of Your Library's Overdrive Collection
Learn tips and tricks for managing your library's Overdrive Advantage Collection. Set holds ratios to meet patron demand on time and stay in budget. Determine the purpose of your collection within the confines of a consortium and achieve your circulation goals.
Presenter: Kristin Casale spent the bulk of her career in children's services, and is now the collection development manager at The Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library.She has presented programs for NEO-RLS through the years, and is excited to present about collection development for the first time.
Are you already using Google for email, calendar and shared document functions? Use it to handle purchase requests, suggestions for management, track professional development, and log technology and customer service issues. Create forms on the fly to share and communicate, and improve processes and outcomes.
Learning Objectives:
Identify Google tools that can help with library workflow
Hear about examples of how the tools have been used effectively
Be able to apply the tools for your own needs
Presenter:
Gerry Vogel is assistant director of Avon Lake Public Library and a NEO-RLS trustee. more info...
Here is an opportunity to share your successes and challenges with your peers. You will receive a link in your confirmation email and a reminder 2 hours before the meeting. We hope you will join us. Please send agenda items/questions to Melissa Lattanzi.
We are excited to announce the 2025 Directors' Retreat: Working Through Uncertainty – Strategies for Adaptation and Support . We will be returning to the Punderson Manor Lodge & Conference Center this year. The retreat will kick off with a light breakfast on Thursday, May 22nd at 9:00 a.m. - the perfect time to catch up with your peers. The workshop will begin at 10 a.m. starting withPursuing Inclusion in an Anti-DEI Political Climate.The afternoon will focus on working in these uncertain times and how to take care of yourself and support your staff.We will conclude the first day at 4:00 p.m. Dinner will be at 6:00 p.m. with the tradition of rich conversations to follow. The second day will start with breakfast at 8:00 a.m. followed by a Facilitated Discussion: Turning Insights into Action. We will conclude at noon with a quick lunch.
Thursday Morning, May 22nd:
Pursuing Inclusion in an Anti-DEI Political Climate
As political headwinds shift and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts become subject to new restrictions, some organizations are left wondering what actions they are and are not allowed to take. In this session, we take a look at the current political landscape & legal realities facing DEI work. Participants will examine what effective DEI work is and is not and how Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts should raise the tide for all. The session will cover some common pushback & misconceptions about DEI efforts. Finally, participants will discuss how various elements of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion realistically fit into their efforts to create healthy organizations.
Learning Objectives:
Review the current political landscape & legal realities facing DEI work
Examine what effective DEI work is and is not
Discuss common pushback & misconceptions about DEI efforts
Presenter:
Mark Swaim-Fox, President and CEO, The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio
Mark Swaim-Fox has spent the last 18 years as the Executive Director of the Cleveland chapter of Facing History & Ourselves, a national nonprofit organization that uses lessons of history to challenge teachers and their students to stand up to bigotry and hate. He was responsible for strategic planning, programming, external relationship building, fundraising, and team development.
Mark also serves as the Chairperson of the Ohio Holocaust and Genocide Memorial and Education Commission, which consists of 15 members who are appointed by the Governor.
Mark began his career as a history teacher and is deeply committed to education. Mark joined The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio in September 2024 and is passionate about the Diversity Center's work, which is committed to creating communities where all people are connected, respected, and valued.
Afternoon Session:Workplace Wellness
In today’s ever-changing work environment, managing stress, uncertainty, and mental well-being is more important than ever. This presentation will explore strategies for maintaining your own mental health, supporting employees’ well-being, and fostering a resilient workplace culture. Attendees will gain practical tools to navigate heightened stressors, promote open conversations about mental health, and implement workplace wellness practices that benefit both individuals and organizations.
Learning Objectives:
Recognize and Manage Personal Stressors – Identify common workplace stressors and learn strategies to maintain personal mental well-being.
Support Employee Mental Health – Develop skills to foster a supportive work environment, recognize signs of mental health challenges in employees, and provide appropriate resources and accommodations.
Build Resilience and Workplace Wellness Strategies – Implement practical techniques to create a culture of wellness and improve team morale.
Presenter: Katie Jenkins, Executive Director, NAMI Greater Cleveland
Katie Jenkins is a passionate mental health advocate, experienced public servant, lifelong student, and mother.
Her extensive professional background includes roles spanning every area of the mental health sector. Katie's guiding principle is rooted in empathy, compassion, and the belief that everyone deserves a high-level quality of life. She is dedicated to breaking down barriers and ensuring that no one faces their challenges alone.
Katie currently serves as a Vice-Chair of NAMI National's Executive Director Council's Executive Committee and is Chair of the NE Ohio Hub Steering Committee of the Mental Health and Addiction Advocacy Coalition. Katie is also a proud board member of R.A.K.E.
In May 2024, Katie graduated from Youngstown State University with a Master of Social Work and is a licensed social worker through the State of Ohio. She currently holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies, Master of Public Administration, and a Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant license.
Friday, May 23rd:
Facilitated Discussion: Turning Insights into Action
Wrap up the 2025 Director's Retreat with an engaging discussion led by Ragan Snead, Executive Director of the Northeast Ohio Regional Library System. This session will provide an opportunity to reflect on key takeaways from the retreat and collaborate with peers to identify actionable steps you can implement at your library.
Here is an opportunity to share your challenges and successes with other staff involved in library outreach. You will receive a link in your confirmation email a reminder 2 hours before the meeting. We hope you will join us. Please send agenda items/questions to Melissa Lattanzi. more info...
We are excited to start this new genealogy networking group. Here is an opportunity to share your challenges and successes with your peers. This meeting will be held through Zoom which is user friendly to all devices. You will receive a link in your confirmation email a reminder 2 hours before the meeting. We hope you will join us. Please send agenda items/questions to Melissa Lattanzi. more info...
Join us for networking meeting of special libraries. Come share your successes and challenges with your fellow special libraries colleagues. This will be virtual via Zoom you will receive the link to the meeting 2 hours prior to the meeting. Please send topics of interest toJeff Laser. more info...
Being intentional and inclusive in the design of your library’s communications, in both physical and digital library spaces, can support and enrich your library’s accessibility, diversity, and equity. The graphics, language, or format selected for communications provide an opportunity to create more welcoming spaces which reflect and represent your community’s diversity, including—but not limited to—race, gender, or neurodiversity. Explore the importance of inclusion and representation in design and take a fresh look at how your library’s signage, marketing materials, and online communication can contribute to a sense of belonging for all.
Learning Objectives:
Define the concept of neurodiversity and recommend strategies for improving web presence to support inclusivity,
Explore the importance of representation in design and consider options for including diverse representation,
Consider the impact language can have on both online and in-person communication and propose tools for improvement.
Presenter:
Mollie Peuler is the Elearning librarian at Appalachian State University. In this role, Mollie works to curate, design, and assess online learning objects and tools that support the flexible teaching and learning of information literacy concepts. Her research interests include instructional design, design justice, and inclusive design. Mollie received her MLIS from Florida State University and a Master of Education in Training and Development from North Carolina State University.
Do you have a makerspace? Are you thinking about creating a makerspace? Here is an opportunity to talk with your peers to share ideas, successes and challenges. This meeting will be held through Zoom which is user friendly for all devices. You will receive a link in your confirmation email and a reminder 2 hours before the meeting. We hope you will join us. Please send agenda items/questions to Melissa Lattanzi.
Quiet leadership challenges the extroverted norms and expectations. As an extension of the popular webinar Quiet Leadership, Quiet leadership 2.0 takes it a step further by discussing healthy and successful working environments for the quiet leader. Participants will be challenged to build their leadership skills and aspirations to further inhibit leadership confidence. This webinar will focus on implementing leadership models according to type and is ideal for the emerging or intermediate leader.
Learning Objectives:
Apply introvert types such as social, thinking, anxious, and restrained
Acquire pathways of support via mentorship and partnership
Advance your skill in implementing leadership models
Increase your quiet leadership strengths by identifying and applying growth areas
Presenter:
Jennifer Blair is the Head of User Services and Assistant Professor at Azusa Pacific University. Her role is dedicated to the user experience, including marketing the library, and teaching. She has extensive experience teaching online courses in design and computer literacy. Jennifer holds a B.A. in Graphic Design, a M.A in Education with an emphasis in Educational Multimedia, and a M.S. in Library and Information Studies. Her experience in academic and public libraries as well as work experience in art and design allow her to employ visionary strategies to enrich progress and enhance advancement for students. more info...
Whether you’re a newly minted library staffer responsible for the budget for Summer Reading, a Director concerned with making the most of your budget, or have budgeting responsibilities somewhere in between, budgeting can be intimidating. Join Wendy Bartlett, Collection Development & Acquisitions Manager for Cuyahoga County Public Library, and learn basic budgeting do’s and don’ts, how to be ready for unexpected decreases in funding, how to cope if you mess up, and how to educate yourself about the bigger budgeting picture. You’ll leave with practical ideas (and tools!) that will make working with the budget a pleasure rather than a chore.
Learning Objectives:
Basic budgeting do’s and don’ts
Prepare for the unexpected
How to handle a mistake
Understanding the bigger budgeting picture
Presenter:
Wendy Bartlett serves as the Collection Development & Acquisitions Manager for Cuyahoga County Public Library, a position she has held since 2009. Before that, Wendy was the branch manager for the Beachwood Branch of CCPL, and before that, the Assistant Director of the Kent Free Library. Wendy was the Regional Manager of the Cleveland-Pittsburgh Borders stories before joining the library world. She also served as a Councilperson for the Village of Lodi, her hometown in her twenties, where she first learned about budgeting for government agencies.
Modeled off the Chicago-area Adult Reading Round Table, the Guided Reading Round Table (GRRT) will lead library staff through an in-depth genre study. Over the course of a year, we will explore historical fiction, with a specific focus on the biographical, fantasy, literary, mystery, and romance subgenres. This antepenultimate session will explore historical romance through guided discussions to identify popular authors, titles, tropes, & trends. A reading list & questions will be supplied; while it is not required, it is recommended to read through some of the titles and questions. The GRRT is dedicated to the development of readers’ advisory skills and the promotion of reading for pleasure.
Modeled off the Chicago-area Adult Reading Round Table, the Guided Reading Round Table (GRRT) will lead library staff through an in-depth genre study. Over the course of a year, we will explore historical fiction, with a specific focus on the biographical, fantasy, literary, mystery, and romance subgenres. This penultimate session will explore historical literary fiction through guided discussions to identify popular authors, titles, tropes, & trends. A reading list & questions will be supplied; while it is not required, it is recommended to read through some of the titles and questions. The GRRT is dedicated to the development of readers’ advisory skills and the promotion of reading for pleasure.
Modeled off the Chicago-area Adult Reading Round Table, the Guided Reading Round Table (GRRT) will lead library staff through an in-depth genre study. Over the course of a year, we will explore historical fiction, with a specific focus on the biographical, fantasy, literary, mystery, and romance subgenres. This final session will explore historical fantasy through guided discussions to identify popular authors, titles, tropes, & trends. A reading list & questions will be supplied; while it is not required, it is recommended to read through some of the titles and questions. The GRRT is dedicated to the development of readers’ advisory skills and the promotion of reading for pleasure.
Melissa Lattanzi, Continuing Education Coordinator, Northeast Ohio Regional Library System
Rachel Stevenson is a programming librarian in northwest Pennsylvania. She credits her ability to create fun programs for adults to her years as an event planner for colleges and universities. She received her MLIS from the University of Pittsburgh and her Master of Arts in Arts Administration from Goucher College where her thesis focused on programming in museum libraries. She has presented at the Pennsylvania Library Association's annual conference and at other conferences in Pennsylvania as well as teaching classes to librarians in New York.
Nick Tanzi is the Assistant Director of the South Huntington Public Library. He is an internationally recognized library technology consultant and the author of the books Making the Most of Digital Collections Through Training and Outreach (2016) and the coauthor of the Best Technologies for Public Libraries: Policies, Programs, and Services (2020). Nick is a past column editor for Public Library Magazine’s “The Wired Library," and his work on the intersection of libraries and technology has been featured in publications including Computers in Libraries, Library Journal, and Marketing Library Services.
Jennifer Blair is the Head of User Services and Assistant Professor at Azusa Pacific University. Her role is dedicated to the user experience, including marketing the library, and teaching. She has extensive experience teaching online courses in design and computer literacy. Jennifer holds a B.A. in Graphic Design, a M.A in Education with an emphasis in Educational Multimedia, and a M.S. in Library and Information Studies. Her experience in academic and public libraries as well as work experience in art and design allow her to employ visionary strategies to enrich progress and enhance advancement for students.
Catherine Soehner, MLS, BSN, is the Associate Dean and Executive Director of the Eccles Health Sciences Library at the University of Utah. She has 36 years of experience in librarianship with 26 of those years spent in leadership positions. Her research reflects her interests in change management and leadership with publications and presentations on systems thinking, managing change, and assessment of library programs. She has given over 70 presentations and published two books, one on effective difficult conversations and the other on strategic planning. Previously, Catherine served in academic libraries at the University of Michigan and the University of California, Santa Cruz, as well as the National Library of Medicine.
Ris Labib, Collection Development Manager, Portage County District Library, believes in the power of a good book. She has been talking with others about books -- in a professional and personal capacity -- since middle school and was even on NPR! One of the (many) books she is currently reading is “Book of Love” by Kelly Link. 
County Public Library whose areas of specialty are cookbooks, fashion & folklore, and general trivia. She is the co-leader of specialty book clubs like: Romance Book Club and Speculative Fiction Book Club. Her favorite read of 2024 was “Funny Story” by Emily Henry. 
Kim DeNero-Ackroyd has been the Deputy Director of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library for 13 years. In this role, she supervises eight public service managers directly, as well as leads all public service activities. She currently serves on as the chair of ALA’s Committee on Organization, is a member of PLA’s Continuing Education Advisory Group and is on the OLC Board of Directors. Prior to her current role, she has twice been a branch manager, in addition to other supervisory positions. In all of her positions, effective time management has been one of the critical components of success. She is passionate about helping to develop future and current library leaders.
Wendy Bartlett began her library career in 2000 as the assistant director of the Kent Free Library in Kent, Ohio. In 2006, she joined Cuyahoga County Public Library as the manager for the Beachwood branch. In 2009, she became the Fiction Buyer for CCPL, and in 2012, she became the Collection Development & Acquisitions Manager, centralizing selection for the system, launching a floating collection, and developing merchandising solutions. Prior to becoming a librarian, Wendy was the Regional Manager for the Cleveland and Pittsburgh Borders Books & Music stores.
Mary Schreiber is the branch manager of the Brooklyn Branch of Cuyahoga County Public Library, near Cleveland, OH. Prior to that, she worked in collection development for 13 years as a youth and world languages materials selector. An avid reader and book evaluator, she served on the 2016 Newbery Award and the 2021 Caldecott Award Committees. Her latest book with Bloomsbury Libraries Unlimited, Curating Community Collections: A Holistic Approach to Diverse Collection Development, published in 2024.
Mist Alvaro has worked in academic, public, and special libraries, but public libraries are their forever home. They worked in every possible public services department and technical services before landing their perfect gig as a cataloging and processing manager at Columbus Metropolitan Libraries. They are a member of CML's DEI Committee and are passionate about equity, inclusion, and representation in library collections. Most importantly, Mist loves answering questions!
Kristin Casale spent the bulk of her career in children's services, and is now the collection development manager at The Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library.She has presented programs for NEO-RLS through the years, and is excited to present about collection development for the first time.
Gerry Vogel is assistant director of Avon Lake Public Library and a NEO-RLS trustee.
Mark Swaim-Fox, President and CEO, The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio
Presenter: Katie Jenkins, Executive Director, NAMI Greater Cleveland
Mollie Peuler is the Elearning librarian at Appalachian State University. In this role, Mollie works to curate, design, and assess online learning objects and tools that support the flexible teaching and learning of information literacy concepts. Her research interests include instructional design, design justice, and inclusive design. Mollie received her MLIS from Florida State University and a Master of Education in Training and Development from North Carolina State University.