MiALA 2026 Annual Conference

Academic librarians support course materials through OER, course guides, and reserves. This lightning talk shares a case study in which a newly hired instructor partnered with library staff to create a zero-cost, multimedia set of course resources. By combining open textbooks, library ebooks, podcasts, and expert video content, the collaboration supported Universal Design for Learning, broadened perspectives, and improved access while reducing student costs.

Learning Objective(s): 1) Describe the pedagogical value of incorporating podcasts and video alongside traditional course readings; 2) Explain how multimodal resources support Universal Design for Learning and undergraduate engagement; and 3) Apply a scale-able approach for expanding course materials beyond a single-textbook model while reducing student costs.

This lightning talk introduces the AI Literacy Compass—a values-first, harm-aware framework for working with AI instruction as a librarian. Beginning at True North (learning, equity, integrity, environment, labor), then moving through literacy, boundaries, and practice, the session addresses complex librarian and campus attitudes, from principled refusal to uncritical, shortcut-focused use. Attendees will leave with language and decision tools to support critical, ethically grounded engagement in their own AI-related work.

Learning Objective(s): Articulate a values-first definition of AI literacy that supports both critical use and principled refusal of generative AI tools

The use of AI tools in evidence synthesis is expanding rapidly, and librarians are frequently asked by researchers for guidance on selecting the best AI tools to enhance their work. This session will introduce some of the available AI tools and where they fit in the evidence synthesis process, resources for critically appraising their use, and the possibilities and potential pitfalls of integrating AI tools.

Learning Objective(s): 1) Participants will identify how artificial intelligence could be used in evidence synthesis; 2) Participants will evaluate AI tools for use in evidence synthesis to determine effectiveness and use in their own research; and 3) Participants will critically appraise AI tools for use in evidence synthesis.

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.

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. .

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.

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.

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

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.