SDLA 2026 Pierre

I am the Director of ODIN (Online Dakota Information Network), where I oversee library management system support and technical operations for a consortium of 69 libraries across North Dakota. I also serve as the current president of NDLA (North Dakota Library Association). 

Scottie Bruch is the South Dakota State Library Training Coordinator. She has experience in both the public and school library and also in the classroom with a history as a middle school reading and social studies teacher, the Assistant Director and Teen Services Coordinator at the Sturgis Public Library, and the Head Librarian for Meade School District, managing two middle school libraries and one high school library. In her current role for the SDSL, Scottie provides training, support, and services for South Dakota librarians.      

Danielle Loftus is Associate Professor at the University of South Dakota and liaison to the College of Fine Arts in Art, Music, and Theatre.  She is chair of the University Libraries Arts and Exhibits committee. As technology librarian, Danielle manages USD’s institutional repository, as well as other digital initiatives.

Danielle De Jager-Loftus is Associate Professor at the University of South Dakota, and liaison to the College of Fine Arts.  She manages USD’s digital library and institutional repository, as well as other digital programs. De Jager-Loftus has led presentations and published articles not only about digital initiatives, but also about collaborating with other librarians and the greater community. De Jager-Loftus has held several association positions at the local, state, national, and international level, such as IFLA Art Libraries Section, past president of the South Dakota Library Association... Read more

Lynn Klundt is a reference and instruction librarian who manages the electronic resources and provides reference services and information literacy instruction for Williams Library. She is the library's liaison to the School of Education and coordinator for the library's creation lab.
Lynn graduated from NSU in 2005 with a degree in English and earned a master's degree in library and information science from the University of North Texas in 2012. Lynn has worked as a librarian at NSU since 2012.

My name is Mikaela Neubauer and I've been the Community Services Coordinator at the Brookings Public Library for the last 3 years. I'm in charge of adult programs (and of course other duties as assigned) and I am increasingly interested in ways that I can incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion into my work. I am in my third semester of grad school through Emporia State University, pursuing my MLS. When I'm not immersed in the library world, you can find me outdoors, hiking, fishing, and camping, or hanging out at home with a good book and my cat, Freyja.

Kris O'Brien was an English teacher for 30 years but often dreamed of being a librarian.  When the opportunity arose at Watertown High School, she jumped at the opportunity.  Because she was the English chairperson for over 15 years and worked intricately with curriculum development even after becoming librarian, Kris is always looking for ways to support English teachers in a way that the library is integral to their success.

[she/her]
I have a dog and a hedgehog.
Love fantasy, horror, and modern history.

Sara Ring is Continuing Education Librarian at Minitex where she develops and presents training for libraries and other cultural heritage organizations on standards for building digital collections and preserving them. AI applications in libraries, Linked data, library history, and digital accessibility are also special areas of interest. In 2022 she helped launch 23 Linked Data Things, a self-paced online learning program for staff. This work led to receiving a 2024 Mover and Shaker award from Library Journal. She holds an M.A. in Library and Information Studies from the University of Wiscons... Read more