MSLA 2025 Conference: Full Schedule

10:30am EST

Hot Topics in Law for Libraries

Sunday March 2, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST

This session will cover First Amendment issues facing libraries and also touch on privacy and general legal information using case studies nationally and locally. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of free speech, limited public forums, and how best to manage procedure and policy to work within the law while promoting the library mission. Come with questions!

Speakers

Jennifer Guerin

W.E.B. Du Bois Regional Middle School in Great Barrington, MA.

Andrea Fiorillo

Chair MLA, Intellectual Freedom/Social Responsibilites Commitee, Head of Public Services, Reading Public Library

Tricia London

School Librarian, Abington Middle / High School Library

This is Tricia London’s fourth year at Abington Middle/High Library serving students in grades 5-12. Tricia is also the advisor to the National Honor Society and S.A.M. (the Student Art Magazine.) Prior to working in Abington, she spent 13 years at the Avon Middle High School Library... Read More →

Sunday March 2, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 104 Four Points by Sheraton Norwood

Advocacy & community

Audience MS, ES, HS

1:30pm EST

School Librarians and Imposter Syndrome: Why We Doubt Ourselves and Why We Shouldn’t!

Sunday March 2, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm EST

Room 101

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.

Speakers

Jennifer Varney

Librarian, Cambridge Public Schools

Jennifer Varney (she/her) has been a school librarian for 17 years. She currently works at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School (K-5) in Cambridge, MA. She is the Past President of the Massachusetts School Library Association.

Sunday March 2, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm EST
Room 101 Four Points by Sheraton Norwood

Advocacy & community

Audience MS, ES, HS

10:30am EST

A Head Start on Building a School-wide Community Reading Program

Monday March 3, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST

Room 103

In this session, participants will learn about implementing a One School, One Story program, as well as the challenges and triumphs that such a program can offer. Participants will be invited to share their own experiences and brainstorm ways such a program can provide equitable access to materials and build a stronger community. Benefit from all I have learned and bring your ideas back to your own school library!

Speakers

Dana Gauthier

Librarian, Cambridge Rindge and Latin School

Monday March 3, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 103 Four Points by Sheraton Norwood

Advocacy & community

Audience HS, MS

10:30am EST

Getting Active in Your Union

Monday March 3, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST

Room 101

TBD

Monday March 3, 2025 10:30am - 11:20am EST
Room 101 Four Points by Sheraton Norwood

Advocacy & community

Audience MS, ES, HS