MiALA 2026 Annual Conference: Full Schedule

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8:00am EDT

Friday May 8, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT

Friday May 8, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Grandview I

Food/Break/Social

9:00am EDT

MiALA Membership Meeting

Friday May 8, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT

Grandview I

Friday May 8, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Grandview I

Informational

10:00am EDT

Formalizing Systematic Review and Evidence Synthesis Support: Boundary Setting as Self-Care

Friday May 8, 2026 10:00am - 10:15am EDT

Boardman

Feedback Survey

Librarians at Central Michigan University (CMU) Libraries and CMU’s Covenant HealthCare College of Medicine collaborated to summarize, categorize, and publicize the evidence synthesis and systematic review services available to CMU students, faculty, residents and medical education partners, resulting in the creation of a 3-tier service model and accompanying LibGuide. In addition to informing patrons, this formalization allows librarians to proactively set clear boundaries around a growing service to help prevent current and future burnout.

Learning Objective(s): 1) Evaluate 3-tier model for evidence synthesis support, including request form for advanced support; 2) Learn how librarians with little/no systematic review experience/in non-health areas can still support constituents? evidence synthesis efforts; 3) Understand how formalizations of services can help librarians manage expectations, minimize stress, and prevent burnout; and 4) Apply a similar model of evidence synthesis support at attendees’ home institutions.

Presenters

Elizabeth Heitsch

Research and Instruction Librarian, Central Michigan University

Rebecca Hill Renirie

Research and Instruction Librarian, Central Michigan University

Rebecca Hill Renirie is a tenured Associate Professor and Research and Instruction Librarian for STEM and Medicine for Central Michigan University Libraries. She provides research support and information literacy instruction for the College of Medicine as well as the School of Engineering... Read More →

Tamara Sawyer

Knowledge Services Manager, Central Michigan University

Friday May 8, 2026 10:00am - 10:15am EDT
Boardman

Lightning Talk

10:00am EDT

Active Learning Strategies: A Show and Tell

Friday May 8, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

Park

Feedback Survey

Do you have an active learning information literacy activity, lesson plan, or method you’ve used to great effect in class? Do you miss your elementary show and tell? This session gives you a chance to share your great work without putting together an entire presentation. Participants will have the option to spend two or three minutes describing your work in this unconference style session, no slides or preparation necessary.

Learning Objective(s): 1) Participants will connect with other information literacy instructors through sharing active learning techniques; 2) Participants will strengthen their understanding of active learning and why it is a vital tool in teaching and knowledge retention; and 3) Participants will co-create a collection of learning artifacts that they will be able to access and modify for use at their home institutions.

Presenters

Samantha Minnis

Humanities Librarian, Grand Valley State University

Mary Ruge

Liaison and Instruction Librarian, Grand Valley State University

Hello! My name is Mary Ruge and I have over thirteen years of experience working in libraries, both public and academic. I am currently serving as a tenure-track library liaison with Grand Valley State University Libraries in Allendale, Michigan.

My research interests include comics, contemplative pedagogy, and open access resources because they are cool ways to promote equity and inclusion in academia. I've taught many programs about comics and zines for all ages in both public and academic library settings, and am passionate... Read More →

Friday May 8, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Park

Presentation

10:00am EDT

Library of Things: Powered by Enthusiasm, Not Dollars

Friday May 8, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

Front

Feedback Survey

This session will discuss how a mid-sized university launched a Library of Things with no grant funding, only a small portion of the budget, and a lot of enthusiasm and creativity. It will show libraries how to frame a timeline, prioritize purchasing, and market the beginning of a new endeavor.

Learning Objective(s): 1) Evaluate the suitability of implementing a Library of Things within the listener’s institution and determine an appropriate timeframe; 2) Apply and modify the provided marketing plan to develop a customized promotional strategy for their own Library of Things; and 3) Analyze potential challenges associated with launching a Library of Things and design effective solutions to address them.

Public Canva Presentation Link: https://canva.link/9ebbbl435bzyvqu

Presenters

Lauren Vogt

Student Engagement Librarian, Ferris State University

David Scott

Outreach and User Engagement Librarian, Ferris State University

I coordinate FLITE's marketing efforts, work reference, manage our virtual chat service, and just recently retired from officiating high school sports. Want to yell at the ref, at least learn the rules!

[MiALA 2026] LoT Presentation (Final) pdf

Friday May 8, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Front

Presentation

10:00am EDT

The Patchwork Quilt of Reparative Description: Short History and Modern Projects

Friday May 8, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

Courtyard I & II

Feedback Survey

Modernizing gallery, library, archives, and special library (GLAMS) records to include accurate tribal names, replacing derogatory terminology, identifying married women as individuals, giving equal respect (and space) in your classification system to all religions and classes of people, all fall under the umbrella of reparative cataloging in description! Learning about visionary librarians of the past, current reparative projects, with resources, and tips for starting a project today!

Learning Objective(s): 1) Identify Reparative Description projects, discuss the underlying logic and reasoning, and how those changes create more accurate descriptions, dignity, and equity for marginalized people; 2) Communicate how Reparative Description and Conscientious Cataloging embody the ethical standards of libraries; and 3) How to implement changes independently by using local subject headings, authority records, and controlled vocabularies

Presenters

Rebecca R. Daly, MLIS

Metadata and Cataloging Librarian, Northern Michigan University

Rebecca has worked in academic libraries in the Upper Peninsula for over a dozen years. She loves her well-rounded position at NMU: cataloging, instructional sessions, and collection development! A spinster/singleton librarian with two cats, lots of plants, and books. She enjoys researching... Read More →

Reparative Description Resources for Cataloging & Archives pdf

Ramirez ThisIsAmerica 202105 pdf

Start with Conscious or Conscientious Cataloging.docx pdf

Examples of adding a local field.docx pdf

Reparative Description (1) pptx

Friday May 8, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Courtyard I & II

Presentation

10:00am EDT

Library Scholars in Community: A Workshop for Building Connections

Friday May 8, 2026 10:00am - 11:45am EDT

Torch/Leelanau

Feedback Survey

This workshop will connect library folks working on a scholarship or writing project to MiALA’s most valuable resource - its members! If you are working on (or thinking about working on) a scholarly or written work, this workshop is for you. You will get a chance to bounce ideas off of other library folks, connect with your potential audience, leverage the experience of the group, and meet people who share your interests.

Learning Objective(s): 1) Develop and share ideas for scholarship or writing projects with MiALA community members; and 2) Reflect on your writing experiences and create a plan to move forward.

Presenters

Caitlin Benallack

Information Literacy Librarian, Michigan State University

I am an information literacy librarian at Michigan State University. I primarily work with first year composition courses and make instructional videos.

When I am not being a librarian, I like to sew, quilt, and take ballet classes.

Dylan McGlothlin

Humanities Librarian, Western Michigan University

Library Scholars in Community A Workshop for Building Connections pdf

Friday May 8, 2026 10:00am - 11:45am EDT
Torch/Leelanau

Workshop

10:15am EDT

Analysis of Bibliometric Data Reporting Possibilities of Various Research Reporting Systems

Friday May 8, 2026 10:15am - 10:30am EDT

Boardman

Feedback Survey

In an effort to fully represent the research output of our faculty in all departments equally we examined how they are currently being represented within various bibliometric data reporting systems. In this session we will explain why we chose to do this project, how we outlined this work, what challenges we encountered and how we overcame them. We will also talk about what we learned from the experience and our plans for continuing this work.

Learning Objective(s): 1) Attendees will gain an understanding of the reporting capabilities of various scholarly output reporting systems; and 2) Attendees will learn about one way to organize and implement an assessment program to examine the way their faculty output is being reported. .

Presenters

Jeneen Jadallah

Computer Science Student and CIS Mathematics, University of Michigan- Dearborn

Amy Seipke

Engineering, Computer Science, and Mathematics Librarian, University of Michigan- Dearborn

Presentation pdf

Friday May 8, 2026 10:15am - 10:30am EDT
Boardman

Lightning Talk

10:30am EDT

Navigating Tension Between Academic Freedom and Standardization in a LibGuides Streamlining Project

Friday May 8, 2026 10:30am - 10:45am EDT

Boardman

Feedback Survey

As early adopters of SpringShare’s LibGuides, Central Michigan University librarians have been creating guides for nearly two decades. To combat the resulting unwieldy collection of over 400 guides, four librarians formed an ad hoc committee to administer the Streamlining LibGuides Project. While the project made significant headway, it also encountered notable resistance and delays. Presenters will highlight project phases and pitfalls as well as best practices and practical recommendations for others considering similar LibGuides projects.

Learning Objective(s): 1) Learn how one university attempted to streamline their LibGuides collection while managing tension between UX and academic freedom; 2) Discover potential pitfalls of a LibGuides streamlining project; 3) Evaluate a non-prescriptive best practice guide for streamlining LibGuides; and 4) Consider practical recommendations for undertaking a similar LibGuides project.

Presenters

Jennifer J. Rundels

Research and Instruction Librarian, Central Michigan University

Elizabeth Heitsch

Research and Instruction Librarian, Central Michigan University

Friday May 8, 2026 10:30am - 10:45am EDT
Boardman

Lightning Talk

11:00am EDT

More than Crafting: How F.U.N. Committee Fostered Resilience and Collaboration

Friday May 8, 2026 11:00am - 11:15am EDT

Park

Feedback Survey

Academic librarians are no strangers to burnout and workplace siloing. Through its Fundamental Understanding of Needs (F.U.N.) committee, one library re-centered core values of academic librarianship and fostered resilience to burnout and siloing by revitalizing social and wellness-focused events building relationships, belonging, and recognition. This presentation shares strategies for coordinating low-cost activities that reconnect staff across units, normalize wellness, and invite personal expression. It also highlights survey results assessing the committee’s impact.

Learning Objective(s): 1) Attendees will be able to describe the F.U.N. committee’s formation and how it built community, resilience, and connection to core values; and 2) Attendees will be able to adapt F.U.N. committee initiatives to the needs of their own institutions.

Presenters

Lee Parker

Instruction and Outreach Librarian, Central Michigan University

Ariel Wiborn

Course Reserve and Copyright Specialist, Central Michigan University

MiALA Presentation pdf

Friday May 8, 2026 11:00am - 11:15am EDT
Park

Lightning Talk

11:00am EDT

A Critical Analysis of AI Fatigue in Libraries

Friday May 8, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Boardman

Feedback Survey

As AI becomes increasingly embedded in library tools and research support, librarians face growing tension between ethical concerns, environmental impact, and student needs. This panel brings together four librarians with varying relationships to AI, examining how “AI fatigue” shapes daily practice and institutional decision making. Panelists will explore ethical lenses, societal pressures, and approaches to engagement, inviting participants into reflective discussion about their own “True North” in teaching and supporting critical AI use.

Learning Objective(s): 1) Articulate how AI fatigue manifests in library work, including emotional, ethical, environmental and labor related dimensions; 2) Analyze how institutional, economic, and societal pressures shape librarians’ expectations to adapt, resist, or mediate AI technologies; and 3) Reflect on their own positionality and values when supporting student AI use within higher ed and library contexts.

Presenters

Jesus Espinoza

Student Success and Engagement Librarian, University of Michigan

Naomi Binnie

Digital Learning and Engagement Librarian, University of Michigan

Sheila Garcia Mazari

Online Learning Librarian, University of California Santa Cruz

Sheila (she/her) is the Online Learning Librarian at UC Santa Cruz and is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is a former Publicly Funded University Representative of the MiALA Board and currently serves as co-chair of the MiALA Advocacy Committee.

Kelleen Maluski

Engagement Librarian, SAGE Publishing

Friday May 8, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Boardman

Panel

11:00am EDT

Digital Archaeology: Using Artificial Intelligence to Extract and Understand Cultural Heritage Materials

Friday May 8, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Courtyard I & II

Feedback Survey

Much of our cultural legacy remains hidden in documents that traditional OCR cannot read and digital platforms struggle to surface. This session explores how one library is using emerging AI models to extract text from heavily degraded documents and historic handwriting, combined with modern development approaches to present these materials in new ways. Designed for librarians, archivists, and digital humanities practitioners, attendees will gain practical knowledge applicable to their own collections, regardless of technical background.

Learning Objective(s): 1) Identify AI tools beyond chat models, such as vision language models, that can extract text from degraded documents and historic handwriting; 2) Describe modern 'vibe-based' development approaches that lower technical barriers for creating digital collection interfaces; and 3) Evaluate how these emerging tools and techniques might be applied to cultural heritage materials in their own organizations.

Presenters

Paul Gallagher

Associate Dean for Resources and Digital Strategy, Western Michigan University

Friday May 8, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Courtyard I & II

Presentation

11:00am EDT

Reflecting Your Campus: Using Diversity Audits to Inform Collection Development

Friday May 8, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT

Front

In this session, we discuss our process for conducting a diversity audit, and the collection development strategies we developed following the audit. Diversity audits assist librarians in creating data that will inform collection development policies to better fit the diversity of their campus demographics. As centers of campus life, it is crucial that academic libraries reflect the diversity of their student populations, ensuring that everyone on campus feels seen and welcomed in the library space.

Learning Objective(s): 1) Develop practical skills for designing collection diversity audits; and 2) Learn how to use audit data to create and implement concrete collection development strategies.

Presenters

Josie Columbus

Access Services Associate, University of Michigan-Dearborn

Natalie Hagopian

Business & Economics Librarian, University of Michigan-Dearborn

Diversity Audit Presentation pptx

Friday May 8, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am EDT
Front

Presentation

11:15am EDT

Sensory Experiences at the Michigan State University Libraries: Reaffirming Inclusion and Belonging

Friday May 8, 2026 11:15am - 11:30am EDT

Park

Feedback Survey

This lightning presentation will detail the Library's new sensory room and sensory kits, designed and created to better meet the needs of our neurodiverse students and visitors. It will briefly cover our research, planning and process. Equipment selected for the sensory room and kits will be showcased and policies and procedures detailed. Feedback from users will also be shared.

Learning Objective(s): Attendees can expect to 1) Learn about the research, planning, and execution needed to create sensory rooms and kits in libraries; 2) Understand the benefit of sensory experiences for neurodiverse students and visitors; 3) Learn about various types of sensory equipment and tools; and 4) Leave with practical ideas of how their library might increase its sensory experiences/offerings.
Presentation link

Presenters

Heidi Schroeder

Accessibility Coordinator, Michigan State University

Heidi Schroeder (she/her) has been a librarian at the Michigan State University Libraries since 2007 and its Accessibility Coordinator since 2015. In her role, she implements and oversees a variety of library accessibility initiatives/projects and serves as library liaison to MSU's... Read More →

Friday May 8, 2026 11:15am - 11:30am EDT
Park

Lightning Talk

11:30am EDT

The Good Soldier: Understanding Organizational Citizenship Behavior

Friday May 8, 2026 11:30am - 11:45am EDT

Park

Feedback Survey

Join us for a brief session on organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). Known as 'good soldiers,' workers who engage in OCB are the people in our workplaces who take the initiative to engage in behaviors that may not be recognized or part of their job description but are considered essential to cultivating a positive work environment. Learn more about OCB, relevant literature, and how to care for yourself and others engaging in OCB.

Learning Objective(s): Participants will learn 1) The definition of organizational citizenship behavior (OCB); 2) Highlights from relevant literature on OCB; and 3) Considerations for self-care if we are the good soldier, and nurturing others who engage in OCB.

Presenters

Jennifer L. Dean

Library Director, University of Michigan-Flint

I talk a lot but I'm a good listener. Chances are I'm open to talking about anything you are! At work, I like talking about how and why things happen in organizations. I also play and teach bassoon and love animals - I have four dogs and a cat.

2026 MiALA Dean Good Soldier pptx

Friday May 8, 2026 11:30am - 11:45am EDT
Park

Lightning Talk

12:00pm EDT

Boxed Lunch

Friday May 8, 2026 12:00pm - 1:30pm EDT

Grandview I

Menu:

Roast Beef & Cheddar with Lettuce & Whole Grain Wheat Bread
Shave Ham & Swiss with Lettuce, Tomato & Whole Grain Wheat Bread
Turkey Wrap with Crispy Bacon, Roasted Red Pepper, Swiss, Lettuce, Tomato, & Sun-Dried Tomato Tortilla
Veggie Wrap with Herb Cream Cheese, Field Greens, Julienned Peppers & Carrots & Sun-Dried Tomato Tortilla

All boxed lunches include: Package of Potato Chips | Canned Soda or Bottled Water | Cookie | Whole Fruit | Appropriate Condiments (Mayo & Mustard) | Napkin & Flatware

Friday May 8, 2026 12:00pm - 1:30pm EDT
Grandview I

Food/Break/Social

8:00am EDT

9:00am EDT

10:00am EDT

10:00am EDT

10:00am EDT

10:00am EDT

10:00am EDT

10:15am EDT

10:30am EDT

11:00am EDT

11:00am EDT

11:00am EDT

11:00am EDT

11:15am EDT

11:30am EDT

12:00pm EDT

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