Learn with LiRN 2024 Conference

 

 

 

 

 

2024 Programme

A quote overlaying an image of a library. The quote reads: Bad libraries build collections, good libraries build services, great libraries build communities - R. David Lankes

Registration is now open for Learn with LiRN 2024 — 1.5 days of PD customized for Ontario Courthouse library staff!

This year’s theme is Mentoring: Connection, Collaboration & Community, highlighting the great sense of community in the network. The conference will feature a mentoring circle, giving long-time and new staff a chance to learn from each other.

The Ontario courthouse library network is an unique ecosystem and one of its best features are the staff who have formed OCLA. Your colleagues are very willing to help you.  It’s part of a librarian’s DNA  to not only help people, but genuinely like to help people.  New staff and veterans alike can benefit from mentoring – either as mentor or mentee!

LiRN will be hosting an hour for mentors and mentees to share this knowledge in an informal setting during the conference.  Details about the structure for this to come this fall!

Please consider if you would be willing to be a mentor to a colleague or would like to be mentored.  We think you will find it rewarding and mutually beneficial … and you might be surprised at how often the mentor learns from mentees, who have new ideas, perspectives and tools to share!  Please indicate your selection on the Conference Registration Form (more info below).

Discover the Emotional Intelligence Advantage

EQ-i Model

Emotional intelligence is the ability to manage both your own emotions and understand the emotions of people around you.

Why EI is important? We live in an ever-changing world; it can be difficult for everyone, and EI can help us better understand what people are feeling and why they feel that way. This can help us to strengthen communications, decision-making, and relationships between library workers, team members, and other people in general.

EI is becoming a key resource to help us provide the support needed by team members during challenging / stressful times or during the introduction of changes in the library workflow. Emotional intelligence has an important effect on an individual’s experience of the workplace, mediating burnout and correlating with job success.

In this presentation, Linda Marshall will deep dive in the themes of Emotional Intelligence. She will also share practical applications and tips throughout the program.

Emotional Intelligence Workbook for library staff only!  Note:  We did not have permission to record this session.

Linda Marshall is a renowned author and expert in emotional intelligence. She has empowered countless individuals and organizations to cultivate strong leadership, build effective teams, and enhance overall well-being. Learn more:  https://www.marshallconnects.com/site/home

Moderator:  Pia Williams, Waterloo Law Association.

Let’s Get Loud with Data Storytelling

Program attendance, gate count, circulation, reference quA data story is an adept combination of data, narrative, and visuals that seeks to explain, enlighten and engage.estions … libraries collect a lot of data, but when it comes to extracting meaningful findings from that data, we can struggle.

This session will teach you how to approach the process of telling data-stories – finding shortcuts to more efficiently collect the data you need, extracting data from vendors, and analyzing data – to tell a story that makes a difference.

Our speaker Alison Clarke also provided some additional resources after the conference:

Pivot Table Resources

Data Visualization

This site is all about data visualization. So many great tips & if people don’t love online learning, there are also a few books now, including apparently a children’s book on data viz!  https://www.storytellingwithdata.com/

Alison Clarke is the Business Performance and Data Analyst at Brampton Library. Alison designs data collection systems, and is currently working on a system to determine branch capacity. She also finds joy in showing people how to use a pivot table. Alison has discovered other data-loving colleagues on the Ontario Public Library Association’s Research & Evaluation Committee.

Moderator:  Sheri Proulx, Renfrew County Law Association

Maximizing Library Patron Engagement: Strategies and Success StoriesPicture of shelving at one of the Ontario courthouse libraries

Join us for an insightful presentation on “Maximizing Library Patron Engagement: Strategies and Success Stories,” presented by your colleagues from the Jo-Ann McQuillan, Peel Law Association and Pia Williams, Waterloo Region Law Association. This session will explore innovative and practical approaches to enhancing user involvement and satisfaction in libraries.  Moderator:  Justin Ball, SDG Law Association.

The Art of Collection Development

Developing your library collection is an art, especially when balancing limited grant funds. Learn more about the Core List: an essential, regularly updated tool designed to keep your collection relevant and vibrant. Discover the strategic insights your colleagues use to craft their budgets each year, deftly navigating rising costs while enhancing and maintaining collections that meet your user needs. Get ready to elevate your library with innovative approaches and practical tips! Helen Heerema, Thunder Bay Law Association and Chris Wyskiel of Brant Law Association will be our speakers on this important topic!  Moderator:  Michelle Gerrits, Lambton Law Association.

e-LiRN Vendors Q & A Forum

e-LiRN vendors will be updating the network of their future innovations as well as available for one-on-one discussions.   Visit their Vendor booths to chat with your reps in person for more substantive discussions on
Thursday ONLY.    This session was not recorded.  Moderator:  Heather Mayberry, Dufferin County Law Association.

LFO Innovations Knowledge Sharing Session

Cartoon image of three people brainstorming with a lightbulb illuminated above them.

Building upon the great success of last year’s session, we will share success stories from the Innovation and Equity of Access to Resources project funded by the Law Foundation of Ontario. Building upon many of the great ideas presented last year, LiRN would like to facilitate additional group discussions to generate new ideas for Year 2 Grants from Innovation Sandbox that are still available.  Moderator:  Vicki Whitmell, LiRN Board Chair.

Innovations accomplished or in progress include:

LiRN Update

Theresa Leitch, LiRN’s Managing Director, will provide an update of future plans for the network building upon the Key Network Processes consultations and other updates from LiRN.  LiRN Nov. 2024 Update delivered by Vicki Whitmell, LiRN Board Chair.

Expense Form / Travel

Cartoon image of a traveler looking at her phone and dragging a wheelie bag behind her.

LiRN will cover the hotel and travel expenses for 1 person from each Association if travelling from outside Toronto (50 km radius).

Please complete the 2024 LiRN Expense Form after the conference.  We have updated the form from previous years to be easier to use.

  • Please scan and attach all your receipts with your completed expense form into 1 combined PDF for reimbursement.  This makes it very efficient for us to approve and submit so that you get your cheque quickly.
  • How to combine and merge your files into one PDF: Open Acrobat to combine files: Open the Tools tab and select “Combine files.” Add files: Click “Add Files” and select the files you want to include in your PDF. You can merge PDFs or a mix of PDF documents and other files.

Deadline for Expense Form completion is Nov. 25, 2024 (to have it completed for year-end).

Note:

  • Transportation includes mileage, air / rail (including GO), parking, public transportation, TTC / taxi / rideshare. You can now swipe your credit or debit card at TTC stations. If you use your credit card on the TTC you will not get a receipt. In that case provide a written or typed note listing the travel details and amount(s). One way fare is $3.30 with a 2 hour transfer.
  • You may claim up to $40 total for dinner on Wednesday and/or  Thursday evenings.  Breakfast, break and lunches are part of the conference schedule, as well as a reception, with food, hosted by vLex on Thursday evening. Itemized receipts must be attached and alcohol is not reimbursable. Food receipts must show the itemized food choices (i.e., do not submit the credit card receipt that only shows the total). If your receipts total more than $40, you will only be reimbursed to a maximum of $40.
  • Accommodation includes hotel costs for the individual participating in the conference if from outside the GTA.
  • Expense form submission deadline is November 25, 2024. Questions? Email Susan at [email protected].
  • See the FAQ for more information.

Hotel

This year Learn with LiRN 2024 will be held at the Toronto Hilton, 145 Richmond St. West.

Book your Room:  Hilton Toronto Hotel Room Reservation Link

Conference Rate is $ 329. / night + 19.78% taxes ($788.15 for 2 nights)

Cancelation Date for Hotel:  Oct. 7, 2024.

The Hilton is conveniently located steps from Osgoode Hall subway station as well as the Great Library, 130 Queen St. W.  The Hilton has a pool, fitness centre and complimentary Wi-Fi.  Our meeting room is the Governor General Room on the 2nd floor.

Who can attend?

Graphic of the word WHO

All courthouse library staff are encouraged to attend the conference either remotely or in person. LiRN will reimburse the cost of the hotel and travel expenses for one person from each association to attend this conference, if travelling from outside of the GTA.

It is beneficial opportunity to meet your colleagues and learn from their best practices as well a customized professional development sessions for library staff. We will once again offer the hybrid option for those who wish to attend the conference virtually.  The Zoom link will be published with the Agenda this fall.

Registration

Conference Registration Form.

LiRN needs to know if you will be attending and any dietary needs that you may have. Please notify LiRN if you register but can no longer attend.

Sign up as a mentor or mentee on the registration form, where you can also suggest questions for the mentoring circle to address!  If inspiration strikes you later, no worries, just drop Jacquie a note with your question, suggestion, etc.!

FAQs

Our FAQs provides a map &  information about business attire, Wi-Fi, travel expenses, and much more!

An Agenda for the conference will be shared this fall.  The conference will end with the Friday lunch.  We have reserved the room for the afternoon in case you need a place to stay while awaiting your train, etc.  We are not responsible for anything left in the conference meeting room during the afternoon.

Map of Hotel and Area