When: Friday, April 25, 2025, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: Schultz Center, Jacksonville, Florida
Agenda
Please click on the toggle buttons to see Keynote and Concurrent Session descriptions.
9:00 – 9:30: Check-in and Networking
9:30 – 9:45: Welcome and Review of the Day
9:45 - 10:45: Keynote Speaker - Lee Rainie
Keynote Session: “Another Darn Crossroads: How Libraries Can Function in the Emerging World of Generative Artificial Intelligence”
Presentation Slides
Keynote Speaker Lee Rainie will discuss how the lessons learned by libraries by prior digital disruptions caused by broadband connections, mobile connectivity, and social media can be applied by librarians to the challenges posed by GenAI. Rainie, a longtime library analyst at the Pew Research Center, will cover the latest research trends and invite librarians to ponder how they can help patrons navigate this new world.
Before that, he was founding Director of Internet and Technology research at the Pew Research Center, a non-profit, non–partisan “fact tank” that studies the social impact of the internet. He founded the Project in 2000. It was described by the American Sociological Association as the “most authoritative source of reliable data on the use and impact of the internet and mobile connectivity” and the ASA awarded him and the Internet Project its award for “excellence in the reporting on social issues award.”
11:00 - 11:45: Concurrent Session 1
Main Ballroom
Defining the Library’s Relationship with AI
Presenter: Nick Tanzi, The Digital Librarian
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a technology that carries enormous possibility and peril. It is widely unregulated, even as it becomes increasingly omnipresent on the web and in common software applications! As information specialists, our users are looking to us for guidance–making it critical that libraries define an appropriate relationship with a technology that comes fraught with ethical concerns–particularly from a library perspective! We’ll identify some of the lines of friction, communication challenges, and matters of digital equity as we seek to define a balancing act and plan for the future.
Room 159
Stetson University’s New LibGuides Website: Evolving from Bootstrap 3 to 5 with Neuroaesthetic Design in the Age of ChatGPT
Presenter: Mike Wells, Stetson University
Presentation Slides
After more than a decade, the duPont-Ball Library recognized the need to replace its aging WordPress website. Before hiring their new Web Services and Research Librarian, the library administration chose Springshare’s LibGuides as the platform for the new site. In February 2024, design and implementation began under the leadership of Mike Wells, the new Web Services Librarian. With over 20 years of experience in IT, web design, and library administration, Mr. Wells launched this large-scale project, aiming for completion by December 2024. In this presentation, Mike will outline the design process and how he incorporated neuroaesthetic principles while leveraging tools like ChatGPT’s Bootstrap Buddy GPT. He will also discuss bridging the gap between Springshare’s new interface updates and the integration of Bootstrap 5. Additional topics will include the use of Google and Matomo Analytics to inform future UX improvements, as well as plans for LTI integration within Stetson’s Canvas LMS.
Room 162
Tech Kits Through the Mail
Presenter: Amanda Sweet, Nebraska Library Commission
Presentation Slides
As the Technology Innovation Librarian for a state with a very spread out population, the Tech Kits Through the Mail service has helped more communities gain access to emerging technology tools like robotics, artificial intelligence, data science, and virtual reality. In this session, I will talk about how I developed this service including: 1) Setting goals & target audiences; 2) Choosing tech gadgets and activities; 3) Staff and facilitator training; 4) Marketing and outreach; 5) Updating and maintaining equipment; 6) Circulation & reservation systems; 7) Policies; and 8) Budgeting & Funding. This session will help you develop a tech loan system for your individual library, regional or state library system.
Room 163
Avoiding Digital Burnout
Presenter: Diana Silveira, Novare Library Services
Presentation Slides
Explore strategies to manage screen time, set healthy boundaries, and maintain work-life balance in an increasingly digital world. This interactive session provides practical tips to help you prioritize well-being, reduce stress, and stay productive without feeling overwhelmed by technology.
12:00 – 1:00: Lunch in Ballroom
1:00 - 1:45: Concurrent Session 2
Main Ballroom
Cyborg Life: How Humans and Digital Tools will Merge in the Coming Years
Presenter: Lee Rainie, Elon University
Presentation Slides
Lee Rainie will discuss the impact of new digital intelligence and how people will operate in with AI agents, sidekicks, and friends. He will also explore what could go right or go wrong as the co-intelligence relationship evolves.
Room 159
Enhancing Library Services with an FAQ and Chatbot Integration for College Students
Presenters: Victoria Slaughter and Dr. Brittnee Fisher, St. Johns River State College
This session outlines the development and implementation of a library FAQ and chatbot system to enhance support services for college students. Both tools were created using Springshare products, with the FAQ serving as a foundation for a more dynamic, student-centered chatbot. College students often need quick, accessible information regarding library services, resources, and policies. By developing a comprehensive FAQ and integrating it into a chatbot, the library can: 1. Improve response time to student inquiries. 2. Provide 24/7 access to accurate information. 3. Alleviate the workload of library staff by addressing repetitive questions automatically. Springshare’s LibAnswers platform was used to create and maintain the FAQ, offering easy access to frequently asked questions through a searchable interface. Springshare’s chatbot capabilities (via LibChat or other Springshare tools) use the FAQ content to power automated responses, ensuring students receive consistent, reliable answers.
Room 162
Helping Customers (and Family and Friends) with Technology
Presenter: Maurice Coleman, Coleman & Associates
Presentation Slides
Want to empower yourself to deal with any new device or program? Do you want to know how to help almost anyone with almost any technology? Want to reduce your tech stress and anxiety? Come and discover simple principles, strategies, and techniques that will help you help your customers, members, family, and friends better understand and use technology.
Room 163
Uncharted Together: Navigating AI’s New Frontiers in Libraries
Presenter: Brian Pichman, Evolve Project
Presentation Slides
Journey into the heart of innovation where the collaborative spirit between information professionals, technologists, and researchers illuminates the path forward through AI’s uncharted territories. Join Brian Pichman as we explore the the history of Artificial Intelligence, how its evolved over the years, and how its transforming today’s frontiers. We will explore a variety of tools and strategies that leverage AI including some new ideas that may enhance cataloging, unlock personalized user experiences, or pioneer new ways to access specialized research. As with any frontier exploration, we will confront shared ethical challenges and explore how joint efforts can not only navigate but also shape AI’s impact on equitable access and information integrity in our libraries.
2:00 - 2:45: Concurrent Session 3
Main Ballroom
Communicating Library Value in a Digital Era
Presenter: Nick Tanzi, The Digital Librarian
Our libraries remain an incredible investment in the year 2024, but are we sure our communities know this? In our digital era, we tend to equate high-tech with high-cost, but this needn’t be the case! We’ll explore budget-sensitive techniques you can use to adapt to technological change, communicate value to library stakeholders, and wow your users.
Room 159
Innovative Tech Events for Libraries: Engage, Educate, and Inspire
Presenters: Lea Cason and Alex Griffin, Florida State College at Jacksonville
Presentation Slides
Handout
This workshop will introduce four engaging technology-driven events for libraries and schools: Speed Chess using a Smartboard to promote strategic thinking, creating a weather sensor for temperature and humidity as a hands-on science project, Sphero Bolt races to foster engagement, and 3D printing an organization’s mascot. Participants will gain practical knowledge, receive a comprehensive supplies list, and access resources to successfully implement these events in their settings, ultimately inspiring community engagement and learning.
Room 162
Tech Solving the World
Presenter: Amanda Sweet, Nebraska Library Commission
Libraries are rising to the occasion to introduce communities to artificial intelligence, data science, virtual reality, and other emerging technologies. This session takes the next step to help libraries leverage these technology tools to solve community problems like affordable housing and food insecurity. We will run through the following steps, paired with support resources: 1) Build a shared understanding of the problem & identify stakeholders; 2) Identify high-impact technology tools & support organizations; 3) Develop library services to introduce stakeholders to high-impact technology tools. This session you offer examples of Maps of Impact to highlight organizations already addressing affordable housing, then offer a curated collection of tech guides and activity resources to help libraries replicate the process on a state or local level. It’s time to use tech for good in the library.
Room 163
Getting the Word Out and About: Academic Librarian Podcasting on Library Databases, Instruction Services, and Virtual Reality Applications
Presenters: Lauren Odom and Beryl White-Bing, University of North Florida
In the session, Lauren Odom, the Instruction Librarian, and co-presenter Beryl White-Bing, the Virtual Learning Librarian, will discuss the Instruction Request podcast. This podcast features two academic librarians that discuss library services, resources, and virtual reality applications at the Thomas G. Carpenter Library located at the University of North Florida. In each episode which is published bi-weekly, the librarians review research questions, databases, VR experiences, and interviews with faculty that have engaged with Virtual Learning Center and/or have incorporated VR into their instruction. The target audience is faculty and students. The podcast has served as an innovative channel to promote library initiatives and encourage engagement with the library. Lauren and Beryl will share methods of disseminating the podcast, various ways to engage the audience, and ideas for starting a podcast at other institutions.
3:00 - 3:45: Concurrent Session 4
Main Ballroom
Fact or Fiction? Exploring Student Perceptions of Citation Quality from Generative AI
Presenters: Kaylee Erdos, William Bowman, Chelsea Carroll, Suzanne Odom, and Wanda Perez; Florida Institute of Technology
Many users are under the impression that generative AI models like OpenAI’s ChatGPT are “answering” questions when given a query. In reality, these models operate probabilistically, calculating the “most probable” words that would belong in a response to the query. This means that generative AIs can often “hallucinate” when asked for specific, real items such as citations. Our study tested students enrolled in the Florida Tech course COM 2012: Navigating the Information Landscape this Fall 2024 semester. We used a survey and a course assignment to explore their understanding of the nature of generative AI and these potential pitfalls. We analyzed the results for hallucinated sources and citation accuracy and compared the students’ perceptions of AI reliability before and after the assignment. This presentation will discuss the study, methodology, findings, and next steps. Our survey and course assignment will be available for other libraries to adapt to their specific needs, allowing for broader application and generalization of the results.
Room 159
CES 2025: Tech Trends and Gadgets for Libraries and Beyond
Presenter: Brian Pichman, Evolve Project
Presentation Slides
Join Brian Pichman, Director of Strategic Innovation at Evolve Project, for an insightful presentation about the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). This session will explore the cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of consumer electronics that was unveiled at CES. Brian will share his thoughts on the latest trends, innovations, and their implications for businesses and consumers. Attendees will better understand how these advancements can be leveraged to drive growth and innovation in their own organizations. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and be inspired by the possibilities of tomorrow’s technology today.
Room 162
Helping Staff & Customers Ease into New Technologies
Presenter: Maurice Coleman, Coleman & Associates
Presentation Slides
Not another update?!! Oh no, another interface update?!? Why did they change it when I just got used to it? Sound familiar? Come to this workshop and learn how to effectively work with your staff to ease them into digital change. Bring an open mind ready to learn, and take away tools to help your staff (& customers) ease into software or hardware changes.
Room 163
AI in Libraries
Presenter: Diana Silveira, Novare Library Services
Presentation Slides
Discover how AI can transform your library’s operations in this lively, interactive workshop. We’ll explore hands-on examples of integrating AI into daily tasks, from enhancing reference services to streamlining workflows. Gain practical tips and tools to confidently implement AI and improve your library’s efficiency and user experience.