Technology evolves at an exponential pace—a concept that can be challenging to grasp. Modern public libraries play a vital role in helping patrons navigate and adapt to these rapid societal changes. We provide access to digital literacy tools, cutting-edge technology, and resources for cultural adaptation and inclusion.
As artificial intelligence continues to advance, the coming decade could bring transformations comparable to those witnessed over the past century. To prepare, it is crucial to understand the various types of AI models and their applications. Equally important is a shift in our perspective: from focusing solely on local issues and linear projections to embracing a global outlook that acknowledges exponential growth. Such growth will transcend national borders and impact humanity on a universal scale.
MIT Predicts society will fall by 2040, futurist Ray Kurzweil predicts we will be living in abundance. Either way, I think we are in for a wild ride.
Date Recorded: 1/29/2025
Format: Archived YouTube Video
Presenters: Michael Acsbok, Associate Director of Information Technology and Nicaris Daniels-Porter, IT Support Technician / East Chicago Public Library
Recent property tax reform will have a significant impact on library budgets. But, what is that impact, exactly? And, how can we make a plan if we don’t know what we’re planning for? This presentation will detail how you can ensure your library’s financial stability by staying informed and having a clear course of action when reality hits. We will start with a brief overview of gathering data for expected revenue streams. Next, we will touch upon specific evaluation measures to help determine if the return is worth your investment. Finally, we’ll look within each major budget category to share specific suggestions for realizing actual cost-savings.
This webinar is an overview of the in.gov websites. Information covered is how to begin, the process of building your website and a library who has already made the switch.
The Fort Ben Branch of the Indianapolis Public Library was given the opportunity to become a Certified Autism Center through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) in 2023 when the branch first opened. Branch Manager, Shelby Peak, and Children’s Librarian, Sarah Tadsen, both disability advocates in their community, will share Fort Ben’s story of pursuing accreditation and the impact this process has had on the branch staff, the local community, and the entire IndyPL system.
Objectives of this webinar are to learn how grief affects children at different developmental stages. The Do’s and Don’ts of trauma informed responses. And how to best support grieving youth and families.
Hear about the programs that have influenced one library’s community, including diversifying collections, creating spaces for different age groups, implementing food security programs, getting outside of library walls, implementing 24-hour book pickup, and offering take-home crafts, all on a small budget in a small building. You’ll look at how some of the programs were planned and work together as a team to share successful programs and identify other ways to make big changes with small adjustments.
Learn how AI tools assist with data analysis, research automation, and text summarization. Demonstrate AI applications like ChatGPT, semantic search engines, and data visualization tools to streamline workflows.
Explore how AI enhances library services, including automated cataloging, AI-driven search tools, and personalized recommendations. Discuss ethical considerations and best practices for implementation.
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.