Always working to break barriers and provide more inclusive spaces, libraries enthusiastically promote DEI–in both online and physical spaces. In this panel, academic librarians from four institutions will share their work on curating LibGuides that celebrate diversity and promote social justice. While taking differing approaches to their projects, the librarians share a common goal to promote DEI resources. Learn more, get inspired, and share your library’s DEI initiatives in the open discussion following the panel. 
 

We’ve all been there. From the passive aggressive to the overtly hostile, patrons can challenge us in all sorts of ways. What are some of the challenges you’ve encountered this year? Let’s share stories and brainstorm solutions together for making all our patron interactions successful!

Do you want to go beyond the prevailing training to discuss practical tools for enhancing services to your most vulnerable library patrons? Hear from three different libraries (and their patrons!) where we have aimed to make homeless services a priority through personal care distribution, focus groups, and meaningful outreach. We will share a toolkit with action steps and resources that can be adapted by libraries of any size, population, and budget.

Want a Teen Advisory Board, but don't know where to begin? Hear how to start, market, and run a TAB at your library.

In the face of unprecedented challenges, learn how the book sanctuary movement started in NJ and has rapidly expanded to 15 libraries, the fastest growing book sanctuary state in the country. Panelists from the library, board and municipal sides will offer insight and guidance on how book sanctuaries can fight back censorship and protect the freedom to read for our communities. Special guest Paris-Bourbon County Library (KY) will share their extraordinary journey of receiving over 100 challenges to become the first sanctuary library in the Commonwealth.