8:30am – 9:45am

Introduction to non-MARC Metadata
(Meeting Room A)
Have you been asked to create metadata for a digital collection?  This session will provide a basic introduction to metadata schemas and concepts for digital projects, geared toward catalogers and technical services librarians.  Topics will include structure and content standards, an overview of metadata types and schemas commonly used in the cultural heritage community, as well as a discussion of shareable metadata characteristics and crosswalks.  Presented by the MLA Technical Services Section.

Speaker: Chrissy Watkins Rissmeyer, Digital Projects Metadata Coordinator, Boston Public Library

Painless Public Relations for a Strong Future
(Meeting Room B)
This program will provide the library community with instruction and advice from members of the Massachusetts Library Association’s PR Committee.  Topics will include creating your distribution list, formatting a press release, when/how/why to promote, managing relationships for successful PR, and social networking as a promotional tool.  This program will be presented in conjunction with the unveiling of an online PR Toolkit within the MLA members’ website.  Presented by the MLA PR Committee.

Speaker(s): Laurie Lessner, Assistant Director for Technology Services, SAILS; Olivia Melo, Director, Lakeville Public Library; Anna Popp, Advisory, Massachusetts Library System; Janet Stupak, Community Relations Coordinator, Springfield City Library

Apps, Apps, Everywhere!  Apps for Kids, Tweens and Teens (and their Parents)  
(Meeting Room C)
What apps should youth librarians be using and why?  How can we coordinate smartphones and technology into programming, storytimes and readers’ advisory?  Join tech guru Linda Braun to learn all about the world of apps in libraries.  Attendees will uncover the best apps for use in their library plus a rundown of apps recommended for their users from kids, tweens, teens, and their parents.  Presented by the MLA Youth Services Section.

Speakers: Linda Bruan, Librarians & Educators Online; Erin Daly, Young Adult Librarian, Chicopee Public Library.

Paralibrarian Inspirations & Annual Meeting
(Meeting Room D)
Following a brief annual meeting, join the Paralibrarian Section for an opportunity to talk to inspirational paralibrarians who are leading libraries and building successful careers as library directors and division heads.  Hear their stories and ask your questions.  Presented by the MLA Paralibrarian Section

Speakers: Barbara Diamond Goldin,Director, Edwards Public Library, Southampton; Robin Demas, Head of Circulation, Concord Free Library.  Moderated by Gerry Deyermond and Allison Sloan, Paralibrarian Section Co-Chairs

8:30am-9:45am

Reading Women
(Meeting Room A)
Women’s fiction covers numerous topics of importance in the lives of women – friendship, love, personal growth, and familial relationships.  For this reason, the genre is a hotbed of engaging subjects for book group discussions.  Nanci Milone Hill, the author of Reading Women: a Book Club Guide for Women’s Fiction, will discuss her book, talk about the state of women’s fiction publishing, and discuss recent titles that make good discussion books.  Each participant will leave with a list of titles and discussion questions for their book groups.

Speaker: Nanci Milone Hill, Director, Boxford Town Library.

Random House Book Buzz
(Meeting Room B)
Library marketing reps from Random House will unveil the upcoming titles for Fall 2012 to prepare librarians for the hottest upcoming titles. More information coming soon!
Speakers:  TBA

MassLNC: Collaborating to Ready Evergreen for Massachusetts Libraries
(Meeting Room C)

Three years ago, three Massachusetts library networks decided to change the way they were doing business by working together to implement an open-source integrated library system. After many months of "kicking the tires" of the system and directing LSTA and network funds to areas that needed the most improvement, all three networks will be live on Evergreen by the end of this spring. Evergreen isn't just a new system for these networks, but offers the opportunity to provide a new way of delivering service. In this presentation, Project Coordinator Kathy Lussier will provide an overview of how this open-source system enables the networks to take control of their software and will discuss future plans for this collaboration.

Speaker:  Kathy Lussier, Project Coordinator, Massachusetts Library Network Cooperative

iPad Pilot Projects at Framingham State University:  Three Use Cases
(Meeting Room D)
Framingham State University has embraced the use of iPads in the library and in the classroom.  In collaboration with the Educational Technology Office, the curriculum library and reference department are supporting three pilot projects:  e-textbooks and apps for two biology courses, a small scale iPad lending program for the education students, and the use of iPads and apps within reference.  The presenters will share their lessons learned from each project.  The session is geared toward academic libraries, but informative for school and public libraries as well.

Speakers:  Clair Waterbury, Instructional Technologist, Framingham State University; Kim Cochrane, Curriculum Librarian, Framingham State University; Millie Gonzalez, Reference and Electronic Resources Librarian, Framingham State University

11:30am – 12:45pm

Making Next-Generation Technical Services a Reality with a URM System
 (Meeting Room A)
In the evolving research and learning environments, users’ needs have changed and will continue to change.  At the same time, budgets are shrinking and greater efficiencies must be realized.  Libraries are increasingly looking for new ways to deliver improved services to users.  This is an occasion to see how Ex Libris’ next-generation resource management system Alma provides a platform for the library of the future.  Some of the key concepts behind Alma will be discussed, followed by a live demonstration.  Presented by the MLA Technical Services Section.

Speakers:  Andrew French, Solution Architect, Ex Libris North America   

Speed Dating with Massachusetts Must-Read Authors
 (Meeting Room B)
Join the Massachusetts Book Awards Committee and the Massachusetts Center for the Book in a lively session with some of the best writers of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and children’s/young adult literature for this second annual program.  You will hear from 6 to 8 of this year’s Must-Read authors and then have a chance to sit with each of them up-close and personal for a quick Q & A about their books.  Get answers to the questions you have always wanted to ask, see which authors you think would be great guests in your libraries, have fun with your tablemates as you meet and greet this wealth of talent.   Last year’s session was a huge hit and we are delighted to offer it earlier in the day this year so more of you can attend a wonderful author program!  Sponsored by the Massachusetts Center for the Book.

Speaker(s):  Authors to be announced in April!

Teen Volunteers: Inspire, Innovate, and Embrace Teen Volunteers @ your Library 
(Meeting Room C)
Volunteers can be invaluable to libraries, especially in times of tight budgets, so why not tap into your local teen community’s enthusiasm to create a teen volunteer program?  Join a panel of local librarians to learn everything from the theory to the nitty-gritty details of how to recruit, manage, and successfully deploy teen volunteers in your library.  Bring your own stories of success (and lessons learned from disappointments) to share.  Attendees will leave with practical advice and resources for building a core group of volunteers in their own work space.  Presented by the MLA Youth Services Section.

Speakers:  Dan Barbour, Young Adult Librarian, Shrewsbury Public Library; Susan Beauregard, Young Adult/Reference Librarian, Reading Public Library; Sharon Colvin, Teen Librarian, Chelmsford Public Library;  Shelley Mastalerz, Children’s/Teen Library Assistant; Samantha Sednek, Teen Librarian, Haverhill Public Library, Brenda Wettergreen, Children’s Librarian, Reading Public Library. 

Children’s Authors:  Writing for Future Readers
(Meeting Room D)
Meet the children’s authors who use your library to research the books they will write for future readers in your town.  Talented writers step up to the Circulation and Reference desks of Massachusetts libraries every day.  You help them find the materials they need to write marvelous children’s literature.  Meet the authors and illustrators, and find out how they do it, why they like your library, and how you helped them publish their work!  Co-presented by the MLA Paralibrarian and Youth Services Sections.

Speakers:  Barbara Diamond Goldin, author of The Best Hanukkah Ever and Cakes and Miracles: a Purim Tale;  Jeff Mack, author of Hippo and Rabbit in Three Short Tales; Amy Gordon, author of Return to Gill Park, and The Gorillas of Gill Park; Dennis Nolan, author of Sea of Dreams; Carol Gordon Ekster, author of Ruth the Sleuth and the Messy Room.

10:45am-12:00pm

Applying Universal Course Design to Libraries
 (Meeting Room B)
Educators and their students across the country are reaping the benefits of Universal Course Design when planning their teaching and instruction.  These principles are beneficial not only to students with disabilities, but to users with all different types of learning styles.  Is your library providing services and instruction to the patrons that adhere to these principles?  Lean how your library can be more inclusive and deliver information that appeal to all types of learners.  For academic, school and public librarians. 

Speakers:  Eric Poulin, Coordinator of Library Services, Greenfield Community College; Liza Harrington, Librarian, Greenfield Community College.

The Future of Libraries: The Next Generation
(Meeting Room B)
Last year’s Future of Libraries panel was the standing-room only surprise hit of the conference.   This year features a terrific twist on the future-facing theme when Maureen Sullivan returns to moderate a panel of librarians who have only been in the profession for fewer than five years.  They will discuss their collective views of the future of libraries.  

Speakers: Gaelen Adam, Learning Commons Librarian, Roger Williams University;  Stephanie Buck, Adult Services Librarian, Dover Town Library; Danielle Pucci, Digital Projects Librarian, Boston Public Library; Jeremy Shaw-Munderback, Beatly Library, Simmons College; Ashley Waring, Children’s Librarian, Reading Public Library; Heather Wilkinson, Children’s Librarian, Goodnow Library, Sudbury  Moderator:  Maureen Sullivan, President-Elect, American Library Association

Making the Most of Your Library’s Facebook Page
 (Meeting Room C)
If you are responsible for maintaining your library’s Facebook page, this program is for you.  Running out of ideas for updates to post?  Want to get your audience more engaged?  Learn tips and best practices from two social media award-winning librarians see successful pages from both in- and out-side of the library world, and walk away with concrete ideas for connecting with your audience.

Speakers:  Brandy King, Knowledge Linking Information Services; Christi Showman Farrar, Former Librarian, Woburn Public Library

The Patriot Act:  An Update
(Meeting Room B)
So, do you think that the FBI would never show up at your library seeking patron information by invoking the Patriot Act?  As we go along each day with our concerns about budgets, staffing, e-books, and the library’s plumbing, we may have lost sight of the threats that still exist to our constitutional rights under the Patriot Act.  The presenting librarians know first-hand what the Patriot Act can mean for libraries.  Representatives of “The Connecticut Four,” librarians who, in 2005, were served with a National Security Letter and issued a gag order by the Federal Government, will speak about their experiences and about the current state of the Patriot Act and its library provisions.  Find out where the Patriot Act is now, and how librarians are still actively engaged in the debate.  Presented by the MLA Intellectual Freedom Committee.

Speakers:  Peter Chase, Director, Plainville (CT) Public Library & Chairman of the Connecticut Library Association’s Intellectual Freedom Committee; Barbara Bailey, Director, Welles-Turner Memorial Library, Glastonbury, CT; Jan Nocek, Director, Portland (CT) Library

1:45pm - 3:00pm

E-books Change Everything:  Let’s Make It Work!
 (Meeting Room A)
Both academic and public libraries allocate an increasing proportion of their budgets to e-books.  There are many options, as different vendors support various functionalities.  The business models, growing number of providers, and the inclusion of consortia arrangements add complexity to the puzzle.  How do free and open access e-books fit into this?  Bring your insights and questions to this lively session featuring an academic-librarian-turned-publishing-consultant, and the interim director of the New York Public Library.  Presented by the MLA Technical Services Section

Speakers: October Ivins, Principal, Ivins eContent Solutions; Ann Thornton, Andrew W. Mellon Director, New York Public Library.   

Participating in the Creative Commons
 (Meeting Room B)
With the debate over copyright raging, some are calling for the end of the all rights reserved regime, and libraries are feeling like they’re caught in the middle.  What are the alternatives?  Creative Commons (CC) is the most respected alternative available today with its idea of some rights reserved as set by the content creators themselves.  This presentation will focus on the principles of CC, show how you can easily apply them to your creations today, and how you and your patrons can use CC to find materials that can be legally reused in the creation of new content. 

Speaker: Michael Sauers, Technology Innovation Librarian, Nebraska Library Commission

MLA Youth Services Section Annual Meeting & Author Presentation with Cynthia Lord 
(Meeting Room C)
Join the MLA Youth Services Section for their Annual Meeting and catch up on what they’ve been up to in the last year.  The section will also announce their new officers.  After a brief meeting, welcome Cynthia Lord to MLA!  Cynthia is the author of the Newbery Honor award-winning book Rules, Touch Blue, and Hot Rod Hamster picture books.  After Ms. Lord’s presentation there will be time for questions and book signings. 

Speaker:  Cynthia Lord, Award-winning Author.

Retirement: A New Beginning
(Meeting Room D)
Retirement does not have to be a scary time.  With preparation and forethought it can be a time of re-invigoration and renewal.  This program will examine the issue with professionals to explore the possibilities that await.  John Spoto, a professional financial planner, will discuss some of the best ways to plan for a more comfortable future in uncertain economic times.  John’s aim is not to sell a product, but to provide information.  He is well versed in municipal retirement programs and the needs of retiring library professionals.  Nancy Rea will discuss the need for experienced librarians as both mentors and advocates for libraries across the Commonwealth, and Kelly Joe Woodside, an Advisor for the Massachusetts Library System, will discuss the potential for extra income through the Bibliotemps program developed and administered through the MLS.  Presented by the MLA Personnel Issues Committee.

Speakers:  John Spoto, Financial Planner, Sentry Financial Planning; Nancy Rea, Consultant; Kelly Jo Woodside, Advisor, Massachusetts Library System 

3:00pm - 4:00pm
Exclusive Exhibit Break

1:30pm-2:45pm

The Future Through the Eyes of Science Fiction and Futurist Writers
(Meeting Room A)
Some authors spend a lot of time thinking about the future. In particular, science fiction authors ask themselves the question, “what will life be like in the future?” For some people, the Internet still seems like a futuristic idea, while for others, it’s been around forever.

MLA has invited two authors to come and talk about the future from their respective points-of-view. John Scalzi is the author of several SF novels including the bestselling Old Man’s War sequence, comprising Old Man’s War, The Ghost Brigades, and the New York Times bestselling The Last Colony. He is a winner of science fiction’s John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer, and he won the Hugo Award for Your Hate Mail Will Be Graded, a collection of essays from his popular blog Whatever. His latest novel, Fuzzy Nation, hit the New York Times bestseller list in its first week on sale.

Andrew Blum is a correspondent at Wired magazine and a contributing editor at Metropolis. His work has also appeared in the New Yorker, The New York Times, Business Week, Slate, and Popular Science, among many other publications. His book, Tubes: a Journey to the Center of the Internet combines deep reporting and lucid explanation into an engaging quest to understand the everyday world we live in and where we may be going.

Speakers: Andrew Blum, Author John Scalzi, Author

The Future of Library Leadership: A Panel Discussion on the 2011 New England Library Leadership Symposium
(Meeting Room B)
This program, moderated by Maureen Sullivan, will provide an overview of the 2011 application process and symposium to foster new library leaders in New England.   Topics include being a mentor, the importance of building relationships, and connecting with peers in the field.  The idea of leadership, what that means for the future, how things have changed, how they will change and what we have learned are all topics that will be touched on at this provocative program.

Speakers:  Jennifer Grant Blakely, Manager of Borrower Services, Cambridge Public Library; Clayton Cheever, Network Administrator/Project Manager, Boston Public Library; Jill Graboski, Children’s Services Supervisor, Newton Free Library; Jennifer Jones, Manomet Branch Librarian, Plymouth Public Library; Zach Newell, Humanities Librarian, Salem State College; Peter Struzziero, Head of Teen Services, Scituate Town Library.  Moderator: Maureen Sullivan, President-Elect, American Library Association

Privatization of Public Libraries: How it Works and What You Can Do
(Meeting Room C)
An increasing number of communities are entering into discussions about privatizing management of public library service to the private sector.  This controversial issue has raised concerns and issues throughout the library community.  Learn about ALA’s recent study of this phenomenon including the history of and reasons given for privatization, how it is biased toward the vendor, case studies where privatization has worked and where it has been rejected, and the key questions to ask if the issue arises in your locality.  

Speaker: Nancy Bolt, President, Nancy Bolt & Associates

Teach Them Where They Are: Online Learning for Patrons
 (Meeting Room D)
Learning for Life Online at the Boston Public Library is a free, ongoing online learning community platform that helps users develop a framework for a lifetime of learning and exploration.  Based on four powerful tools – a WordPress website, Twitter, Facebook, and the library’s social discovery platform – the program has been a learning experience for both patrons and the library.  Learn more about creating an online learning environment, and come away with a checklist to start online patron training programs at your library.  

Speakers: Jennifer Koerber, Web Services Librarian, Boston Public Library

2:45 – 3:30pm

Exclusive Exhibit Time!

3:30 - Exhibits Close

3:30pm – 4:30pm

Closing Keynote
(Meeting Room )  

Speakers:  Maureen Sullivan, President-Elect, American Library Association; Keith Fiels, Executive Director, American Library Association

5:30pm – 6:30pm

Book Cart Drill Team Competition
(Jr. Ballroom)
You Choose!  Audience votes for the winner!  Bigger & better than you’ve ever seen!  MLA Book Cart Drill Teams to the future!  Four fantastic teams from Arlington, Newton, Reading, and back again for a special vendor performance, Playaway Team Orange!  Seasoned and practiced performers are ready to rock your socks off!  Celebrity Emcee to entertain and introduce the teams.  How much fun can you pack into a 3-minute routine?  Be there and make your vote!  Presented by the MLA Paralibrarian Section. 

6:30pm - 7:30pm

President’s Reception
(Hilton; Garden A&B)

7:30pm – 10:00pm

Pizza Party, Trivia & Auction!
(Hilton; Perennials A&B)
(Pre-paid ticket required for dinner.   Dinner will begin at 7:30.)
(Tickets required for the Trivia event, available in advance or the night of the event. Trivia will begin at approximately 8:30. )

This is your opportunity to show off your boundless knowledge of trivia and bid on some fabulous items in our live auction!  This event is the primary way MLA raises funds for the continuing education fund.  You can try answering questions on your own, or form a team of trivia-loving friends and combine your areas of knowledge into one unstoppable trivia-answering machine!  We’re happy to welcome trivia master extraordinaire, Keith Fiels, Executive Director of ALA back again for 2012!

Cost of admission to the trivia event is $25 per player.  Register your team early by going to: http://www.masslib.org/conference/2012Conference/trivianight.htm