SDLA 2026 Pierre: Full Schedule

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10:00am CDT

Amplifying Your Library's Story: From Under the Radar to Through a Megaphone

Thursday October 1, 2026 10:00am - 10:40am CDT

This presentation will focus on our ideas and experiences of learning to share our library story. By overcoming obstacles such as time, hesitancy, or lack of ideas, everyone can become more creative and strategic advocates for our libraries. We will include resources and expert tips of how we can all amplify our library's story. We are school librarians, but our presentation would be useful and applicable to all libraries, such as how we talk to community members.

Speakers

Kris O'Brien

School Librarian

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... Read More →

Jean Kirschenman

Librarian, Brookings High School Library

Thursday October 1, 2026 10:00am - 10:40am CDT
Ramkota Pierre 920 W. Sioux Avenue Pierre, SD 57501

Session

10:00am CDT

Everyday Advocacy and 2027 Legislative Update

Thursday October 1, 2026 10:00am - 10:40am CDT

Ramkota Pierre

TBA

Speakers

Eric Erickson

Lobbyist - South Dakota Library Association Lobbyist, Cutler Law Firm, LLP

Thursday October 1, 2026 10:00am - 10:40am CDT
Ramkota Pierre 920 W. Sioux Avenue Pierre, SD 57501

Session

10:00am CDT

Small Edits, Big Impact: Tips for improving South Dakota content in Wikimedia

Thursday October 1, 2026 10:00am - 10:40am CDT

Ramkota Pierre

Library professionals have the expertise to amplify and sustain the digital visibility of our communities. Join us for an interactive, mini-edit-a-thon designed to introduce you to editing in Wikipedia and Wikidata. With a curated list of South Dakota-specific entries in need of updating, we will focus on some low-barrier but high-impact contributions you can make, such as repairing article references, adding images from Wikimedia Commons to Wikipedia pages without them, enhancing details about local South Dakota topics in Wikidata, and more! Participants will leave with an editor profile, a toolkit that includes some low-barrier editing ideas, and a supportive community of local peers to continue the work.

Speakers

Sara Ring

Continuing Education Librarian, Minitex

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... Read More →

Thursday October 1, 2026 10:00am - 10:40am CDT
Ramkota Pierre 920 W. Sioux Avenue Pierre, SD 57501

Session

11:00am CDT

Creating Strong Teen Connections Through Teen Subscription Bags

Thursday October 1, 2026 11:00am - 11:40am CDT

Ramkota Pierre

Teens can be a difficult group to get into the library because of their busy schedules with school, activities, and work. Teen subscription bags are one thing that we use to bring the library to the teens. In this session, we will talk about how we run our teen subscription bag service at our library. We will talk about how to get started, how we get teens interested and signed up, how we choose books, and how we have adapted based on what we have learned over the years. We will also share ideas about ways to get teens to participate for their bags each quarter by giving something back to the library. Participants will gain access to templates that we use for all aspects of the program from registration to keeping track of books, to tracking participation. You will leave with all the resources you need to start your own teen subscription bag service at your library.

Speakers

Cassi Pietz

Thursday October 1, 2026 11:00am - 11:40am CDT
Ramkota Pierre 920 W. Sioux Avenue Pierre, SD 57501

Session

11:00am CDT

Library Safety and Active Shooter Responses in SD Libraries

Thursday October 1, 2026 11:00am - 11:40am CDT

Ramkota Pierre

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Speakers

TBA

Thursday October 1, 2026 11:00am - 11:40am CDT
Ramkota Pierre 920 W. Sioux Avenue Pierre, SD 57501

Session

11:00am CDT

Creating Connections through Community Reads

Thursday October 1, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

Ramkota Pierre

Discover how community's wide reading programs can spark meaningful conversations around challenging topics, shine a light on underrepresented voices, and build lasting partnerships with local organizations. Kim will share insights from Siouxland Libraries' One Book Siouxland initiative, while Cara will highlight K.O. Lee Aberdeen Public Library's "All Aberdeen Reads," two powerful examples of how reading together can bring a community closer.

Speakers

Kim Koblank

Supervising Librarian, Siouxland Libraries

Cara Perrion

Thursday October 1, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
Ramkota Pierre 920 W. Sioux Avenue Pierre, SD 57501

Session

2:00pm CDT

Selecting and Cataloging in the Age of AI

Thursday October 1, 2026 2:00pm - 2:40pm CDT

Ramkota Pierre

Join us to learn and share tips in recognizing AI-generated materials available from common vendors. A discussion of collection development policy and cataloging methods to address AI will follow.

Speakers

Laura Kroeker

Courtney Ludwig

Thursday October 1, 2026 2:00pm - 2:40pm CDT
Ramkota Pierre 920 W. Sioux Avenue Pierre, SD 57501

Session

2:00pm CDT

Strong School Libraries: The 3 Pillars in Action

Thursday October 1, 2026 2:00pm - 2:40pm CDT

Ramkota Pierre

What does it truly mean to be a "strong" school library in South Dakota? In this practical and inspiring session, participants will explore a clear framework built around three essential pillars: The Professional, The Program, and The Place. Through reflection, real-world examples, and ready-to-use tools, attendees will identify strengths already present in their libraries and uncover strategic next steps to amplify impact.

Speakers

Scottie Bruch

School Library Coordinator, South Dakota State Library

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... Read More →

Thursday October 1, 2026 2:00pm - 2:40pm CDT
Ramkota Pierre 920 W. Sioux Avenue Pierre, SD 57501

Session

2:00pm CDT

The Heart of Hospitality

Thursday October 1, 2026 2:00pm - 2:40pm CDT

Ramkota Pierre

In this interactive 50-minute course, we'll explore how hospitality goes beyond service to create memorable, meaningful experiences for our guests. Through discussion, real-life examples, and practical insights, we'll examine the difference between transactional service and true hospitality-- where connection, empathy, and excellence intersect.

Participants will:
… Reflect on personal and observed hospitality wins.
… Discover how small actions, like using a guest's name, can leave a lasting impression.
… Explore strategies for balancing efficiency with genuine care.
… Learn core principles, including "The Siouxland Way" and how they shape our culture.

We'll also dive into practical techniques such as First Contact Resolution, effective roving, and the importance of merchandising to create a welcoming environment. Whether you're new to the concept or just need a refresher, this session will equip you with the tools to consistently deliver exceptional experiences. Come ready to participate, reflect, and share!

Speakers

Daniel Neeves

Leah Tanis

Thursday October 1, 2026 2:00pm - 2:40pm CDT
Ramkota Pierre 920 W. Sioux Avenue Pierre, SD 57501

Session

3:30pm CDT

Children's Book Awards Committee

Thursday October 1, 2026 3:30pm - 4:10pm CDT

Ramkota Pierre

The South Dakota Children's Book Awards are our own annual "kids' choice" literature awards. The books are chosen to encourage reading and fill information gaps. Divided by reading level - Prairie Bud (PreK-1st), Prairie Bloom (2nd-3rd), and Prairie Pasque (4th-5th)- students vote on nominated titles to find THE BEST BOOK in SOUTH DAKOTA! In less than an hour, we'll showcase all 30 2026-2027 titles across the Bud, Bloom, and Pasque categories with SDCBA BINGO! We'll also discuss ways to build excitement around these books, potential programming, and refresh your reader's advisory toolkit. This session will leave you inspired - and ready to share these books in a whole new way.

Speakers

Lisa Martin

Madison Public Library

Thursday October 1, 2026 3:30pm - 4:10pm CDT
Ramkota Pierre 920 W. Sioux Avenue Pierre, SD 57501

Session

3:30pm CDT

Partnering for Strong Communities: SDPB and Libraries

Thursday October 1, 2026 3:30pm - 4:10pm CDT

Ramkota Pierre

Join SDPB to discover how our free educational tools and community engagement resources can help you build a "South Dakota Strong" library. In this session, we will explore free, high-quality educational resources and outreach opportunities from SDPB and PBS on topics like SD history and culture, Native American studies, local art, science, literacy, and more. We will discuss practical ways SDPB can collaborate with your library on events and programming to maximize your impact for patrons of all ages and interests. Learn how to leverage statewide resources to meet your local needs and strengthen the connection between your library and your community.

Speakers

Steven Rokusek

Education Specialist, South Dakota Public Broadcasting

Steven develops resource materials for specific content areas and then provides in-service training (workshops) at schools and education conferences across the state for both educational staff and parents. He also creates a weekly electronic education newsletter for teachers/pare... Read More →

Marcy Drew

Brittany Neiles

Thursday October 1, 2026 3:30pm - 4:10pm CDT
Ramkota Pierre 920 W. Sioux Avenue Pierre, SD 57501

Session

3:30pm CDT

Starting a Podcasting Studio in an Academic Library

Thursday October 1, 2026 3:30pm - 4:10pm CDT

Ramkota Pierre

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Speakers

TBA

Thursday October 1, 2026 3:30pm - 4:10pm CDT
Ramkota Pierre 920 W. Sioux Avenue Pierre, SD 57501

Session

4:30pm CDT

"We Value Your Privacy/Accept All Cookies:" How to Inoculate Yourself and Your Patrons from Online Trackers

Thursday October 1, 2026 4:30pm - 5:10pm CDT

Ramkota Pierre

Today's Internet is overflowing with advertisements, cookies, account sign-ups, spam, and other seemingly innocuous items that end up tracking your every move. Safely navigating the online sphere without sacrificing your data may seem impossible, but with a short set-up and some helpful tips, you can become a pro-privacy pro! By attending this session, you will: (1) learn and understand how websites attain user information and track movements; (2) be able to set up any computer with privacy-focused web browsers and ad-blocker tools; and (3) become capable of teaching basic cybersecurity to patrons and coworkers. (Attendees, please bring your work laptops and/or phones with you for quick, in-person setup.)

Speakers

Abbie Steuhm

Research & Scholarship Librarian, Dakota State University

Thursday October 1, 2026 4:30pm - 5:10pm CDT
Ramkota Pierre 920 W. Sioux Avenue Pierre, SD 57501

Session

4:30pm CDT

Planning with Purpose: Programming and Community Partnerships

Thursday October 1, 2026 4:30pm - 5:10pm CDT

Ramkota Pierre

In recent years, the Yankton Community Library has had great success with a few of our program series, including Neighborhood Walking Tours, Planning with Purpose, and Adult Field Trips. Neighborhood Walking Tours allowed us to visit and learn more about the history of older and unique structures in several Yankton neighborhoods. We covered several steps involved with end-of-life planning with our Planning with Purpose series. And weâ€™ve been able to get behind-the-scenes tours of larger locations in Yankton with our Adult Field Trips. These low to no-cost programs were possible through community partnerships and helped our participants develop a better idea about the resources and services available in our community. These partnerships make the library more visible and improve program attendance and social media engagement.

Speakers

Kelly O'Dea

Library Assistant, Yankton Community Library

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

Linda Dobrovolny

Thursday October 1, 2026 4:30pm - 5:10pm CDT
Ramkota Pierre 920 W. Sioux Avenue Pierre, SD 57501

Session

4:30pm CDT

“Let’s Get Sociable”: Programs to Beat the Loneliness Epidemic

Thursday October 1, 2026 4:30pm - 5:10pm CDT

Ramkota Pierre

Many of our patrons are lonely, and the library is the perfect place to get them socializing. This presentation will cover the impact of the loneliness epidemic, as well as four low-budget program ideas that bring community members together in an entertaining way. These programs will focus on both active and more passive social opportunities, allowing your library to cater to the introverts, extroverts, and everyone in between. (The programs I will be discussing are Speed Friending, BINGO Mingle, Silent Book Club, and Bring Your Own Craft Night!)

Speakers

Mikaela Neubauer

Community Services Coordinator, Brookings Public Library

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... Read More →

Thursday October 1, 2026 4:30pm - 5:10pm CDT
Ramkota Pierre 920 W. Sioux Avenue Pierre, SD 57501

Session

9:00am CDT

State Library Update

Friday October 2, 2026 9:00am - 9:40am CDT

Ramkota Pierre

The South Dakota State Library is going to do a live state library update. That's right, not over Zoom, but in-person!! The update will give attendees a chance to hear about the current doings regarding programs and services of the state library from the people who do the work. Plus, there will be ample opportunity to ask questions and really grill or stump the team.

Speakers

George Seamon

State Librarian, South Dakota State Library

Friday October 2, 2026 9:00am - 9:40am CDT
Ramkota Pierre 920 W. Sioux Avenue Pierre, SD 57501

Session

9:00am CDT

South Dakota Teen Choice Awards 2026-2027

Friday October 2, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT

Ramkota Pierre

Get ready to book-talk to your teens! Discover and explore the South Dakota Teen Choice books from the 2026-2027 list. Presented by the Young Adult Reading Program Committee.

Speakers

Jayde Hart

Library Associate, Siouxland Libraries

Friday October 2, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Ramkota Pierre 920 W. Sioux Avenue Pierre, SD 57501

Session

9:00am CDT

What lies beyond the OPAC? Boldly going where the patrons are!

Friday October 2, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT

Ramkota Pierre

As patron expectations shift towards intuitive, app-driven interfaces, the traditional OPAC is no longer the Final Frontier for discovery of your collection. This session explores how the Online Dakota Information Network (ODIN) is moving beyond traditional catalog searches to create a dynamic, patron-first digital ecosystem. We will fly over Undiscovered Country and dive into our recent implementation of Vega Discover and Mobile, illustrating how these tools modernize the user journey and provide more intuitive search experiences, merges physical with digital, and aims to meet patrons where they are. On oue Journey Home, we will discuss other tools and services we are working on to create a personalized experience for patrons while also providing library staff with better data on there collections and patrons. So set your phasers to 'discover' and join us as e step into the transporter and beam up a new patron experience!

Speakers

Jason Bedsaul

ODIN Director, ODIN, NDSL, & SDSL

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).

Lynn Wolf

Friday October 2, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
Ramkota Pierre 920 W. Sioux Avenue Pierre, SD 57501

Session

10:00am CDT

Friday October 2, 2026 10:00am - 11:10am CDT

Ramkota Pierre

This program will address the changing copyright environment as AI is used in creating everything from student papers to reference answers to images to some really creepy videos (and less creepy videos). What is copyrighted? Who owns that copyright? What can you use for personal use or in class? How do you cite AI created material? There are so many question, I will address as many as I can acknowledging that answers are still changing.

Speakers

Elizabeth Fox

Government Documents Librarian, H M Briggs Library, South Dakota State University

I have been a librarian for over 30 years and still love going to work. Outside of work, I have a cat and dog, I love to read, and I knit, crochet, and spin yarn.

Friday October 2, 2026 10:00am - 11:10am CDT
Ramkota Pierre 920 W. Sioux Avenue Pierre, SD 57501

Session

10:00am CDT

Engaging Unattended Youth in the Library: Building a Positive Library Environment for All

Friday October 2, 2026 10:00am - 11:10am CDT

Ramkota Pierre

Working in a public library next to public schools brings many opportunities. Having dozens of unattended elementary aged students and teens in the library also poses unique challenges to keeping the public library an inviting space for all guests. Amy and Claire have worked together to implement procedures and programs with proven results to create a library space for everyone. This presentation will focus on building relationships and planning programs. It will also address the importance of staffing levels, strategically positioning staff during the afterschool hours, and the need for staff to present a united front in consistency and expectations. Additionally, the presentation will touch on ways to meet the needs of adult patrons during the busy afterschool time as well. Implementing these successful measures has allowed the library to celebrate being a cornerstone of the active neighborhood for all patrons.

Speakers

Claire Jeanson

Library Associate, Siouxland Libraries

Amy Larsen

Friday October 2, 2026 10:00am - 11:10am CDT
Ramkota Pierre 920 W. Sioux Avenue Pierre, SD 57501

Session

10:00am CDT

OER in Practice: Small Grants, Local Work, and Building Capacity

Friday October 2, 2026 10:00am - 11:10am CDT

Ramkota Pierre

In 2025-2026, three South Dakota institutions participated in the first year of the Minitex Network for Open & Affordable Practices (MNOP) OER Pathfinder Grant program, a regional microgrant initiative designed to support locally driven open education and affordability efforts. This session brings together librarians from Augustana University, South Dakota State University, and the University of South Dakota to examine the development, implementation, and outcomes of these locally-defined projects, highlighting their impact on institutional capacity for open education and affordability initiatives. Presenters will offer brief, practical overviews of their projects, including faculty stipends, student engagement initiatives, resource development, marketing campaigns, platform evaluation, and efforts to raise the awareness and profile of OER- highlighting both successes and challenges. In addition to these project snapshots, attendees will gain insight into how the Pathfinder program was launched and how similar opportunities may continue to support institutions across the state. The session will conclude with an open discussion focused on building a more connected and sustainable open education ecosystem in South Dakota. Participants will be invited to share ideas, identify needs, and explore opportunities for collaboration across institutions.

Speakers

Danielle De Jager-Loftus

Fine Arts Liaison and Technology Librarian, University of South Dakota, University Libraries

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... Read More →

Greg Argo

Open Education & Affordable Content Librarian, Minitex

Greg Argo is the Open Education & Affordable Content Librarian at Minitex, where he supports libraries and educators working to make course materials more accessible, affordable, adaptable, and sustainable. He leads regional initiatives related to open educational resources (OER), affordab... Read More →

Kelly Thompson

Digital Initatives Librarian, Augustana University

Shari Theroux

Systems & Discovery Librarian, H.M. Briggs Library

Friday October 2, 2026 10:00am - 11:10am CDT
Ramkota Pierre 920 W. Sioux Avenue Pierre, SD 57501

Session

11:30am CDT

Lightning Round: Reconnecting Families Through Reading: A Partnership Between Rapid City Public Library and Pennington County Jail

Friday October 2, 2026 11:30am - 11:40am CDT

Ramkota Pierre

In 2025, Rapid City Public Library partnered with Pennington County Jail's IGNITE program to create Reconnecting Families Through Reading, an initiative designed to strengthen family bonds despite physical separation. In this session, we will look at the development of this collaboration, lessons learned through the process, and the future of this unique program.

Friday October 2, 2026 11:30am - 11:40am CDT
Ramkota Pierre 920 W. Sioux Avenue Pierre, SD 57501

Session

11:30am CDT

Lightning Round: SDCF Grant Opportunities

Friday October 2, 2026 11:30am - 11:40am CDT

Ramkota Pierre

The South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) offers a variety of grants to support the work of nonprofits across the state to help them realize their dreams and continue investing in their communities. SDCF Grant Programs include: South Dakota Fund, Nonprofit Savings Account, Community Savings Account, and in partnership with the Bush Foundation, Beyond Idea Grant and Bush Prize: South Dakota. Grant opportunities address program and project needs, sustainability for nonprofits by partnering with organizations and their donors to build endowment funds, partnering with local communities to create and grow endowed funds within their community, community-based problem solving and celebrating organizations that are highly valued within their communities and have a track record of transformational impact through creative solutions.

Speakers

Ginger Niemann

Friday October 2, 2026 11:30am - 11:40am CDT
Ramkota Pierre 920 W. Sioux Avenue Pierre, SD 57501

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