MSLA 2025 Conference

Discover how the genrefication project helped me: involve students in the process, create a collection development plan, streamline operations, improve access for ELL and special education students and increase circulation by 14%. Learn from my missteps and discoveries as you consider how genrefication might work for your collection.

For ten years, school librarians in Cambridge have partnered with Instructional Tech Specialists to teach 5th graders how to examine advertising and other media. As social media has exploded, the landscape has changed - but many of the persuasion techniques and critical skills remain the same. Come see sample lessons using humorous media, old and new, that empower a new generation of savvy consumer-creators.

Imposter Syndrome (doubting one’s own skillset, experience, and/or expertise) is pervasive in librarianship. Whether you’re new to the school library or an old pro, chances are good that you’ve experienced imposter syndrome at some point. In this session, we’ll examine some of the reasons why that is. We’ll also break down some reasons why, in actuality, school librarians are equipped to do almost anything! Finally, we’ll start trying to change our mindset about what we are qualified to do and why.

Explore how creating Anti-Bias Bookshelves are essential and highlight some guiding principles–possibilities when leaning into this work of creating stories that can be a mirror, window, or sliding door for others to see themselves or other identities and communities through a more just lens. Being conscious of the identities we hold can help us understand our proximity to the power we have in different spaces, specifically when we are telling stories. Explore how creating Anti-Bias Bookshelves are essential and highlight some guiding principles–possibilities when leaning into this work of creating stories that can be a mirror, window, or sliding door for others to see themselves or other identities and communities through a more just lens.

Come and hear how Dr. Bishops language of windows and mirrors can anchor a library program in the important work of fostering an environment belonging and compassion.