Explore how AI enhances library services, including automated cataloging, AI-driven search tools, and personalized recommendations. Discuss ethical considerations and best practices for implementation.
Presenter Bio: Dr. Treg Hopkins is the Co-Founder of Connectable, an Indiana-based nonprofit committed to enhancing adult education programs across more than 20 states through advanced data systems and artificial intelligence. As a Certified Quantitative Methodologist, his research focuses on neurodiversity, aging, and the role of technology in these areas. Hopkins has extensive leadership experience, serving on multiple boards and advising nonprofits and government entities on strategic planning. His expertise in library innovation includes serving on a long-term library planning board and previously delivering a keynote address at the Indiana Library Federation’s FOIL conference.
Date Recorded: 7/30/2025
Format: Archived YouTube Video
Presenter: Dr. Treg Hopkins / Co-Founder of Connectable
Resources:
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- AI in Libraries Transforming Information Access presentation pdf
- The Evolution of AI in Library Sciences
- Connectable website
Join us for a 45-minute conversation about the theories and thoughts about building a digital collection. We will explore questions about what and what not to digitize, the importance of provenance, copyright issues, and how to determine whether it adds value to the vast number of collections out there in the digital universe. We will also look at and evaluate examples of well-curated collections versus a lot of “space junk” filing a void, all from the Indiana State Library’s Digital Collections and Hosted Collections. (Please note: this program will not focus on fund-raising nor the actual building of a digital collection.)
As we all know, some of the only constants in life are change and the passage of time. Academic librarians are also constantly asked to improve utilization of library services. Fostering communication and collaboration between faculty, students, and academic librarians to achieve shared success is an ongoing challenge. Our classroom instruction can often have a secret audience, the teaching faculty. By demonstrating expertise in subject matter and research techniques librarians can increase the chances of teaching faculty reaching out for support. With a panel of librarians from various disciplines, this talk will highlight several strategies that can be used to engage with students and faculty, supporting their work both inside and outside of the classroom.
ILF Advocacy Committee co-chairs, Vanessa Martin and Julie Wendorf will talk about the importance of advocacy and will give updates for the coming 2025 legislative session. Vanessa Martin – ILF Advocacy Committee, co-chair & Director, Greensburg Decatur County Public Library.
Indiana Disability Resource FINDER, administered by the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community (IIDC), is a FREE 24/7 online state-wide disability-related database designed to connect individuals to providers, resources, and events across Indiana. We will explore program features and demonstrate how to use FINDER to help individuals with disabilities and family members connect with services and resources in Indiana.
Hear success stories of how the School Care Team has helped libraries in Indiana strengthen their impact on youth, provide community support, and support library staff well-being. Attendees will learn about programs and training offered through these partnerships and how to bring them to their own libraries. Leave with research-based practical tools to foster personal and community well-being.
Are you looking to spice up your library programs? Does the thought of cooking classes make you blanch? This session focuses on cooking programs for preschoolers through teens. We will introduce the basics of adding cooking programs to your list of library activities, sharing resources, recipes, techniques, and tips for success. Let us make cooking a whisk you’ll be willing to take!
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Material challenges are at an all-time high and public libraries are facing pressure from multiple avenues. The Allen County Public Library recently undertook an effort to train our staff (17 departments in 14 locations) in handling challenges to materials. This presentation is a chance to learn how we did this and what we learned from it.