MiALA 2026 Annual Conference: Full Schedule

11:30am EDT

Exploring Autonomy in Academic Librarianship: Strategies from Early Career Librarians

Thursday May 7, 2026 11:30am - 12:15pm EDT

Academic librarians with high autonomy generally view it as a key benefit of their role. For new librarians moving from a structured LIS program to an autonomous academic role, adjusting to this independent reality takes time. In this session, early career academic librarians will discuss their experiences with autonomy in their positions and provide ideas for pushing through the discomfort and growing into your autonomy as an academic librarian.

Learning Objective(s): Attendees will be able to 1) Build a sense of validation among early career librarians with different experiences of autonomy in their roles; 2) Identify opportunities and challenges that post-Covid hybrid work environments have created for academic librarian autonomy; and 3) Develop strategies to be productive and fulfilled in librarianship roles.

Presenters

Michelle Rau

Assistant Professor, Medical Librarian, Oakland University, William Beaumont School of Medicine

Michelle Rau is an Assistant Professor and Medical Librarian at Oakland University's William Beaumont School of Medicine, in Rochester, Michigan.

Janelle Lyons

Librarian for English Language and Literature and Student Success, Wayne State University

Delaney Jorgensen

Assessment Librarian, Grand Valley State University

Exploring Autonomy Academic Librarianship pdf

Thursday May 7, 2026 11:30am - 12:15pm EDT
Boardman

Presentation

11:30am EDT

Fit to Print: How to Create a Student-Led Research Journal

Thursday May 7, 2026 11:30am - 12:15pm EDT

Torch/Leelanau

Feedback Survey

The Journal of Student Research at Indiana University East (JSRIUE) was initially founded in 2017. In 2025, I had the option to turn the production of the journal into an honors-level class and lead students through the process of bringing articles to publication. This presentation will provide a model for other librarians who choose to launch a research journal on their campuses, as well as lessons learned for strengthening the class in the future.

Learning Objective(s): By the end of this presentation, participants will 1) Identify necessary foundational steps for ensuring a smooth publication process; 2) Discover what tasks are needed to create a polished journal, including editing, communication and preparatory coursework; and 3) Learn how a student journal serves as a morale-boosting tool for students and provides unexpected outcomes for students enrolled in the class.

Presenters

KT Lowe

Associate Librarian for Instruction and Outreach, Indiana University East

I'm an instructional librarian with a deep interest in how people access and process information, especially from nontraditional sources. I look at fake news, sure, but I also look at how protest music carries messages to various communities. I also love chocolate and can talk... Read More →

Thursday May 7, 2026 11:30am - 12:15pm EDT
Torch/Leelanau

Presentation

11:30am EDT

Illuminating Digital Learning: A Library-Led Faculty Development Journey

Thursday May 7, 2026 11:30am - 12:15pm EDT

Park

Feedback Survey

This session explores the design and implementation of a year-long, library-facilitated faculty learning cohort focused on digital literacy and digital learning. Co-led by a librarian and a campus administrator, the cohort supported faculty across various disciplines in designing multimedia assignments using Adobe Express. The presenter will share insights on the planning, collaboration, funding, and outcomes of the cohort, while highlighting the libraries’ role in fostering meaningful faculty connections and professional growth.

Learning Objective(s): 1) Understand how to support faculty at your institution through a learning cohort; 2) Understand how to design, market, and coordinate a year-long learning cohort; and 3) Discuss planning structure and learning outcomes of individual learning sessions.

Presenters

Katie Edmiston

Arts, Media & Design Librarian, Central Michigan University

Illuminating Digital Learning pptx

Thursday May 7, 2026 11:30am - 12:15pm EDT
Park

Presentation

11:30am EDT

Navigating Rough Terrains: Empowering Liaisons in Collection Decisions

Thursday May 7, 2026 11:30am - 12:15pm EDT

Courtyard I & II

Feedback Survey

This session explores strategies to increase subject liaison engagement in collection development decisions through data-driven approaches. Librarians from both mid-size and large institutions will share strategies to help subject liaisons make informed collections decisions using data, collaborative discussion, and subject expertise. We will discuss challenges that librarians may face while doing collection development in addition to their other job duties and open the discussion up for the audience to speak from their own experiences.

Learning Objective(s): 1) Identify common challenges subject liaisons face in balancing collection development with other responsibilities; 2) Develop practical approaches to data driven decision making into liaison workflows; and 3) Collaborate with peers to share ideas and solutions for increasing liaison engagement in collection development.

Presenters

Tiler Jewell

Research & Collection Development Librarian, Saginaw Valley State University

Alex Hauser

Business Librarian, Michigan State University

EmpowerLiasions Presentation pptx

Thursday May 7, 2026 11:30am - 12:15pm EDT
Courtyard I & II

Presentation

1:20pm EDT

MeL Map: 20 Years of Connections Between Wayne State and Michigan Libraries

Thursday May 7, 2026 1:20pm - 2:05pm EDT

Park

Feedback Survey

For 20 years, the Michigan eLibrary (MeL) has united Michigan libraries from coast to coast, big to small, and public to academic. As IMLS funding finds itself staring down the barrel of a gun, it's more important than ever that we share the impact that funding has on our patrons. The MeL map is a showcase of MeL transactions since 2006 between Wayne State University libraries and its statewide partners.

Learning Objective(s): 1) Examine the role of data visualization in strengthening library partnerships across diverse sectors, and how these tools can foster a deeper understanding of library impact on local and statewide communities; and 2) Assess the power of storytelling through statistics in library advocacy, understanding how libraries can creatively represent their value and demonstrate their contributions, especially in the face of the IMLS crisis.

Presenters

Vaughn Xavier Haynes

Graduate Student Assistant, Wayne State University

Graduate Student Assistant at Wayne State. Please hire me!

Theresa Hovey

Library Associate Senior, Wayne State University

MiALA Presentation Compressed pptx

Thursday May 7, 2026 1:20pm - 2:05pm EDT
Park

Presentation

1:20pm EDT

The CAPS Matrix: A Values-Driven Framework for Strategic Alignment in Academic Libraries

Thursday May 7, 2026 1:20pm - 2:05pm EDT

Front

Feedback Survey

The CAPS Matrix provides a values-driven strategic planning framework for academic libraries navigating rapid change. By mapping strategic priorities (rows) against four operational domains, Collections, Authorship, Programming, and Spaces (columns), libraries can ensure all functional areas align with core values. This flexible, adaptable structure helps libraries maintain their 'True North' while responding to evolving circumstances, fostering organizational coherence and facilitating stakeholder communication about how library work embodies institutional mission and values.

Learning Objectives: 1) Analyze the structure and logic of the CAPS Matrix framework; 2) Identify potential strategic priorities for their own institutional context; 3) Develop sample strategies for at least two matrix cells; and 4) Evaluate the applicability of the CAPS Matrix to their library's planning processes.

Presenters

Mary O'Kelly

Associate Dean (MiALA President-Elect), Western Michigan University

I am the Associate Dean of Libraries at Western Michigan University and serve as Vice President and President-Elect of MiALA. I am almost finished with a doctorate in organizational change leadership, focusing on change resistance and paradox mindset. My research interests range from... Read More →

Thursday May 7, 2026 1:20pm - 2:05pm EDT
Front

Presentation

1:20pm EDT

When Cost-Per-Use Isn’t Enough: Solving the Small Department Dilemma

Thursday May 7, 2026 1:20pm - 2:05pm EDT

Courtyard I & II

Feedback Survey

We all want to ensure departments across campus have access to the resources they need. And using data to make resource allocation decisions is responsible. But how do you ensure smaller departments aren’t placed at a disadvantage when metrics like cost-per-use are utilized? This presentation explores one academic library’s experience setting up a rubric to evaluate electronic resources that incorporates weight to equalize data across departments of various sizes.

Learning Objective(s): 1) Analyze the challenges of using raw data to make collections decisions; 2) Identify metrics for their own evaluation rubric; 3) Apply similar formulas to weigh criteria within the rubric; and 4) Develop strategies to communicate collection renewal decisions effectively and transparently to stakeholders outside the library.

Presenters

Johanna Boyle

Collections Management Librarian, Grand Valley State University

I joined GVSU in February 2025, coming from a background in public libraries. I'm an Returned Peace Corps Volunteer in Morocco (2013-2015, youth development) and I like gardening, my dog, and playing French horn (not very well).

Marcia Masters

Acquisition & Collection Data Analysis Librarian, Grand Valley State University

Mi ALA 2026 Presentation When Cost Per Use Isn't Enough Solving the Small Department Dilemma pptx

Thursday May 7, 2026 1:20pm - 2:05pm EDT
Courtyard I & II

Presentation

2:15pm EDT

Connecting Library Work to the Dimensions of Belonging

Thursday May 7, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT

Boardman

Feedback Survey

This presentation explores the TIES Center's ten dimensions of belonging: Present, Invited, Welcomed, Known, Accepted, Involved, Supported, Heard, Befriended, and Needed, providing a foundation to advance campus belonging initiatives. This presentation provides an introduction to belonging in higher education before going through the ten dimensions, connecting them to library work. With this inspiration jumpstart, participants will reflect and brainstorm applications to their own work. Sharing ideas with fellow attendees will foster connections and reinforce learning.

Learning Objective(s): Attendees of this session will 1) Understand belonging work within the context of higher education; 2) Name the ten dimensions of belonging; and 3) Connect dimensions of belonging to their work.

Presenters

Jon Jeffryes

Associate Dean for Curriculum, Research, and User Services, Grand Valley State University

Jon Jeffryes is the Associate Dean for Curriculum, Research, and User Services at Grand Valley State University Libraries in Michigan. In this role Jon also acts as Strategic Lead for Communications for the University Libraries and the Coordinator of the Libraries IDEA Exchanges... Read More →

Thursday May 7, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Boardman

Presentation

2:15pm EDT

Reparative Work in Academic Special Collections and Archives: An Ethnographic Case Study

Thursday May 7, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT

Front

Feedback Survey

Over the past few years, reparative work has become a topic of discussion in library and archival work, largely in the context of metadata and description. This ethnographic study interrogates what reparative work looks like in a broader sense, as it may impact the work of collection development, reference and technical services, preservation and conservation, as well as description and metadata—using a case study of a large midwestern academic research collection.

Learning Objective(s): 1) Understand the concepts and definitions of reparation and reparative work; 2) Learn about the scope of reparative work as it may be seen and implemented in an academic archival & special collections; and 3) Learn about possible applications of reparative archival work beyond description and metadata practices, which may be formative in organizational policy as well as library and archives management.

Presenters

Jesse Johnston

Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Michigan School of Information

Nazelie Doghramadjian

PhD Candidate, University of Michigan School of Information

Thursday May 7, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Front

Presentation

2:15pm EDT

The Packaging Reuse Project: Creating Connections with Mutually Beneficial Partnerships

Thursday May 7, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT

Courtyard I & II

Feedback Survey

The Packaging Reuse Project is a collaboration between the library’s resource sharing department and eight different locations on campus, allowing for a unique connection between different departments. This presentation will discuss how the project was started, issues we encountered, and how the project currently operates, as well as highlight ways that attendees can collaborate and connect across campus, even if they are not part of a resource sharing department.

Learning Objective(s): 1) Attendees will be able to identify potential partners for a packaging reuse program or other collaboration; and 2) Attendees will be able to identify benefits as well as potential issues and/or roadblocks when implementing a similar program at their own institutions.

Presenters

Brenna Wade

Public Services Librarian, Hillsdale College

I am a Public Services Librarian at Hillsdale College. My main job responsibilities include resource sharing, reference, library instruction/information literacy, and outreach/marketing. I am very interested in seeing how all of the different aspects of librarianship interact and... Read More →

Thursday May 7, 2026 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
Courtyard I & II

Presentation

4:15pm EDT

'Baby Bargain Basement Librarians' and 'Has Beens': Surveying Ageism in Research Libraries

Thursday May 7, 2026 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT

Park

Feedback Survey

This presentation is a preliminary analysis of survey data (n = 550) gathered on ageism in academic and research libraries. The survey tries to tease out details of people’s experiences with ageism by investigating responses to general questions, including whether people self-reported experiencing ageism or specific forms of ageism, and an analysis of comments. This initial survey snapshot can highlight areas where we can improve inclusiveness within libraries.

Learning Objective(s): 1) Understand the basic premise and methods behind this survey, including: goals and objectives, creation of the survey questions, need for the survey, limitations of the survey; and 2) Understand initial response to general questions on ageism from the survey participants.

Presenters

Jodi Coalter (she/her)

Life Sciences Librarian, Michigan State University

Jodi Coalter is the Life Sciences Librarian at Michigan State University. She holds her Masters in Library and Information Science, a Graduate Certificate in Data Management, both from Wayne State University, and a second Masters in Applied Entomology from the University of Maryland... Read More →

Gennifer Iverson

Communication, Media Studies, and Journalism Librarian, Michigan State University

Evalyn Stow (she/her)

Archivist for Collections, Michigan State University

Evalyn Stow is the Archivist for Collections at Michigan State University, where she works in both the Special Collections and the University Archives. She holds an MS in Information Studies and an MA in Women's, Gender, & Sexuality Studies from the University of Texas at Austin... Read More →

Eli Wachter (they/them)

Data Visualization Librarian, Michigan State University

Eli Wachter joined the Michigan State University Libraries as the university’s first Data Visualization Librarian in July 2025. They provide consultation services, workshops, and course-embedded instruction sessions on topics related to data visualization and immersive content creation... Read More →

Thursday May 7, 2026 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
Park

Presentation

4:15pm EDT

Ask Us: Creating an Auto-Triaging Contact Form

Thursday May 7, 2026 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT

Courtyard I & II

Feedback Survey

Presentation Slides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vQPMwiKqLHpuWDXYrn_YTqZsBkcvxpLK4_NKubbBWnJFMJg-ylO3rpRJA9AM0ZsyIMIhUj8aABVqPPL/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=60000

This presentation will describe the process the MSU Libraries undertook to create an auto-triaging contact form using Drupal Forms and the LibAnswers API, effectively combining the workflows of two previously distinct units. We will cover how we designed the form, technical considerations and troubleshooting, and policies we implemented to ensure further triage once the form is submitted. Attendees will leave with tools to create a similar form at their own libraries.

Learning Objective(s): 1) Attendees will learn how the LibAnswers API can be used to create a self-triaging contact form; 2) Attendees will explore the process for creating a library contact form using Drupal Forms; and 3) Attendees will examine policies and workflows for effective reference/technical support triage in an academic library setting.

Presenters

Emilia Marcyk

Head, Reference & Discovery Services, Michigan State University

Sruthin Gaddam

User Experience & Accessibility Librarian, Michigan State University

Pronouns: he/him/his

Cameron Johnson

Operations Manager, Reference & Discovery Services, Michigan State University

Thursday May 7, 2026 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
Courtyard I & II

Presentation

4:15pm EDT

FLITE BITES: Fueling Study and Combatting Food Insecurity

Thursday May 7, 2026 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT

Torch/Leelanau

Studying hungry is hard! This session will explore the academic library space moving from information center to active engagement in combatting a known issue on college campuses: food insecurity. It will discuss the proposal development, need for cross-campus collaboration, and the reception and obstacles along the way.

Learning Objective(s): 1) Understand the challenges of food insecurity among college students and explore how libraries can serve as active partners in promoting student wellness; 2) Analyze the planning, funding, and marketing strategies used in developing a grab-n-go food pantry; and 3) Evaluate the effectiveness of a proposed grab-n-go pantry by assessing student reception, identifying implementation challenges, and recommending improvements for future sustainability.

Public Canva Presentation Link: https://canva.link/zicuwnfktspefc6

Presenters

Lauren Vogt

Student Engagement Librarian, Ferris State University

[2026 MiALA] FLITE BITES Pantry Presentation pdf

Thursday May 7, 2026 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
Torch/Leelanau

Presentation

4:15pm EDT

Reimagining Reference: Training Undergraduates as Peer Research Consultants

Thursday May 7, 2026 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT

Front

Feedback Survey

Our institution’s library developed a training program for peer research consultants: undergraduate students who assist their peers with library research. This presentation shares our process for designing the training curriculum, including how we adapted reference skills for peer-level delivery, challenges encountered, consultant feedback, and lessons learned. Attendees will gain practical frameworks and tools for implementing similar peer consultant training programs that expand library services while providing experiential learning opportunities for students.

Learning Objective(s): 1) Participants will be able to identify key components of an effective peer research consultant training program for academic libraries; 2) Participants will understand/grasp strategies for adapting professional reference and instruction skills into curriculum appropriate for undergraduate peer consultants; and 3) Participants will gain practical tools and resources that can be adapted to develop peer consultant training programs at their own institutions.

Presenters

Malyn Berger (they/them)

Applied Sciences Librarian, Western Michigan University

Malyn is the Temporary Applied Sciences Librarian at Western Michigan University, holding an MLIS from Wayne State and an English BA from Albion College. After beginning in law school, they traded litigation for literacy following a work-study position in Drexel’s legal library... Read More →

Micaela Carignano (she/her)

Natural Sciences Librarian, Western Michigan University

Carrie Leatherman (she/her)

Social Sciences Librarian, Western Michigan University

Reimagining Reference Final pptx

Reimagining Reference Session Resources pdf

Thursday May 7, 2026 4:15pm - 5:00pm EDT
Front

Presentation

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

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
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