Seeking a keynote speaker for your library or organization? In need of a professional development webinar? I’m comfortable talking technology in libraries, having engaged with it on many levels; as the founding member of a Digital Services Department, a library administrator, a columnist for Public Libraries Magazine, and the author of two books.
I cover emerging technologies, staff training, tech trends, tech on a budget, and change management, all at the intersection of libraries and technology.
Below is a sampling of current topics; I am happy to customize content and format to best suit your needs! If you’re interested in arranging an appearance, please use the contact form. For more ideas, have a look at my past/upcoming speaking events.
Artificial Intelligence and the Library: The Current Landscape
More and more we hear about artificial intelligence (AI), but what is it exactly? What program and service opportunities does AI present for libraries? Our speaker will explore the many ways this technology has already begun to impact our organizations and our patrons, before preparing attendees for what advancements lie just around the corner.
State of Technology In Libraries
What were the technology trends of the past year? What new emerging technologies lie ahead? A library professional talks tech with a mind towards how it all impacts our organizations.
Evaluating Your Library’s Makerspace
What metrics can libraries use to assess their makerspaces? An exploration of the questions we should seek to answer, the data we can collect, and ways to use this information when engaging with stakeholders.
Introducing Emerging Technologies to Your Community
The words “emerging technology” can inspire excitement and dread among staff in equal measure. I discuss strategies for overcoming staff resistance, developing policies, and training staff as you work to incorporate new technologies into your library’s programs and services.
Teaching Tech to Library Patrons: The Current Landscape
Staff have long served as technology instructors to our communities; what does that role look like in the year 2022 and beyond? This presentation will explore current topics, suggested curriculum, and best practices. A variety of approaches will be covered, including one-on-one, small group, drop-in, and passive instruction. With the right preparation, libraries can continue to help our patrons navigate the rapidly changing tech landscape!
Making the Most of Your Library’s Digital Collection
While 95% of public libraries lend eBooks, 60% of our patrons indicate a lack of awareness of eBook availability as a barrier to use; this according to a recent Library Journal/School Library Journal poll. As we continue to add streaming movies, music, digital magazines and other formats to our collection, our need to effectively train staff and promote these services grows. This presentation takes a comprehensive approach to maximizing your investment in library digital media.
Fixing your Facebook: Easy to implement strategies for improving your social media presence
Sometimes managing your library’s Facebook page can feel like shouting into the void! This presentation pulls back the curtain on Facebook’s algorithm and explores proven methods for increasing engagement with your public using easy-to-follow strategies. Stop struggling and achieve social media success!
Fostering Entrepreneurship in the Library Makerspace
Traditionally, libraries have not allowed businesses and individuals from using the library as their place of business. Makerspaces have now blurred the lines. How do libraries balance those old policies with modern Makerspaces and excited patrons who see business opportunities? How can libraries best support this spirit of entrepreneurship with equipment and staff resources?
Maintaining the Accuracy of Your Digital Presence
For libraries, the accuracy of the information we provide is of paramount importance. While we work to maintain our own websites, patrons searching for library information online are likely to encounter 3rd party sites which often contain inaccuracies! Learn how to identify and correct these sources of misinformation and maintain the accuracy of your digital presence!
Jumpstart 3D Printing at Your Library!
Thinking of purchasing your first 3D printer but not sure where to start? Already own one but feel it’s underutilized? This talk is dedicated to ensuring that 3D printing at your library is successful and sustainable! This short presentation offers tips for training staff, developing programs and services for the public, marketing your library’s 3D printer and communicating value to your stakeholders.
Implementing Augmented & Virtual Reality at Your Library
As public interest in AR & VR grows, what is their place in the library? Our speaker will explore strategies for implementing these technologies, including staff training and programs for the public, before moving into a discussion of what the future holds
Making the Most of Virtual and Augmented Reality at Your Library
Once viewed as cutting-edge technologies, virtual reality and augmented reality are seeing increased adoption by libraries. Even as we work to provide our public with basic access to equipment, AR & VR continue to evolve. Our speaker will examine ways for libraries to use these technologies to their fullest potential, including making the leap from content consumer to content creator.
Serving Our Mobile Users
More than ever, our users are interacting with the library digitally. Where once this activity occurred via computer, it is increasingly being done using tablets and smartphones. With this in mind, what are the trends in mobile, and what can libraries do to make themselves mobile friendly in the year 2022 and beyond?
Your Digital Collection & Increased User Demand
Libraries are seeing a rapid increase in use of our digital collections. What are the best practices to both meet user needs while working within a budget?
Managing Your Digital Branch Today & Into the Future
More than ever, our users are flocking to the library’s digital branch. As such, your virtual presence can no longer remain an afterthought! With this in mind, what should a library’s digital branch look like today, and what might it look like in the future?
Assessing Virtual Programming
Many libraries have turned to virtual programming as we practice social distancing. While it is vital that we engage patrons in virtual environments, how can we measure the impact and success of these programs? A discussion of what data we can collect and how to interpret it.
Libraries & Technology in the Post-Pandemic Landscape
COVID-19 has seen libraries rapidly integrate a variety of technologies into their organization to better serve their communities. While some of these changes may be temporary, it is clear that the pandemic will have a lasting impact on our organizations. Glimpse into the future at the intersection of libraries and technology!
Virtual Library Programs: Picking your Platform
A key piece of planning a virtual program is choosing the platform you will use to host your event. What are the considerations that should inform your decision-making? Our speaker will examine different platforms, from video conferencing software to social media, and outline the pros and cons of each.
Marketing in Our Current World: A Tech Perspective
We live in a time of rapid technological change! This presentation will examine the current tech landscape, and explore practical solutions for maximizing your library’s marketing efforts.
Creating Virtual Outreach That Works!
Successful library outreach involves going where your patrons gather. In an increasingly digital environment, just what does that look like? Our speaker will identify virtual spaces ripe for outreach, and discuss the best ways to utilize them, providing case studies along the way.
Fostering Tech-Savvy Staff
In this time of rapid change, staff tech training can feel like a daunting task. In this program, our speaker identifies the skills needed to thrive in our present environment, and outlines strategies for effectively, and efficiently training tech savvy staff. Learn how to build an organizational culture that views emerging technologies with anticipation rather than dread!
The State of Library Digital Collections
Library digital collections have grown by leaps and bounds since the early days of e-book lending. This presentation will examine the current state of library digital collections, before addressing the unique challenges and opportunities that lay ahead of us.