New To Libraries Conference

Description

Registration Fees: Member* $150 | Non-member $300

*In order to qualify for the member rate, the registrant must be an individual member of the Ohio Library Council.

Registration deadline: 9/5/25

Conference Overview: This conference will focus on developing new library staff and helping them gain a better understanding of the library's mission, their role within it and intricacies of library operations.

What is included: Morning refreshments and lunch. All handouts, provided by presenters, will be available online through the OLC app. Print them prior to the workshop, view them from your personal device during the event or view/download them after the event. The handouts will be available in the OLC app for 30 days following the program. 

Continuing Education Credits: For those working toward their Ohio Public Librarian or Ohio Public Library Staff re-certification, this conference will count as six (6) contact hours of credit. 

Hotel Accommodations: A room block has been reserved at the Marriott at the University of Dayton on Thursday, Sept. 11. To reserve a room at the reduced rate of $169/night (plus fees and taxes). Reserve your room online or call (888) 236-2427 and ask for the OLC Group Rate. Hotel reservation deadline: August 21 at 4 p.m.

Agenda and Session Descriptions

9:15 a.m. | Registration, Networking and Continental Breakfast

9:45 a.m. | Welcome and Introductions    

Presenters: Michelle Francis, Executive Director, OLC and Kaya Burgin, Conference Chair and Branch Manager, Cincinnati and Hamiliton County Public Library 

10 a.m. | A Whole-Library Approach to Readers' Advisory

Presenter: Mary Olson, Medina County District Library

Core Competency (CC): Reader’s Advisory

11 a.m. | Break

11:15 a.m. | Breakout Sessions (choose one)

A. Confident Collection Management

Presenters: Amanda Walter, Chris Weaver-Pieh and Catie Taylor, Medina County District Library

CC: Collection Management

B. Teen Advocacy: A Guide for Library Staff

Presenters: Celeste Swanson, The Lane Libraries; Christine Pyles, Euclid Public Library; and Julie Gannon, Greene County Public Library

CC: Staff Development

12:15 p.m. | Lunch and Networking

1 p.m. | Breakout Sessions (choose one)

A. Challenging Situations: A Roadmap

Presenters: Rachelle Via, DeMarcus Moody and Andrea Wackler, Troy-Miami County Public Library    

CC: Customer Service

B. Alleviating Acronym Acrimony

Presenters: Evan Struble, State Library of Ohio and Don Yarman, Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN)

CC: Organizational Awareness

2 p.m. | Break

2:15 p.m. | Breakout Sessions (choose one)

A. Most Common Youth Services Reference Questions - Answered!

Presenters: Christine Pyles, Euclid Public Library; Julie Gannon, Greene County Public Library; Celeste Swanson, Lane Public Library

CC: Reader’s Advisory

B. Programming for Intentionality for All Ages 

Presenters: Laura Chamberlain and Allison Knight, Dayton Metro Library

CC: Programming

3:15 p.m. | Break

3:30 p.m. | How to Stay Calm During Difficult Situations

Presenter: Jenn Eyer, Worthington Libraries

CC: Customer Service

4:30 p.m. | Closing Remarks and Adjourn

Conference Planning Committee:

Kaya Burgin, Chair, Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library

Andrea Green, Pickaway County District Public Library

Jennifer Riley-Johnson, MidPointe Library System

Katie Indoe, Dayton Metro Library

Karen Pierce, PDC Liaison, Henderson Memorial Public Library