McMaster University Libraries are hosting a mini conference next month for Ontario academic library employees to explore teaching and learning within the library setting.

The event takes place on April 26, 2024, at L.R. Wilson Hall on McMaster’s Hamilton campus.

The mini conference aims to create an opportunity for attendees to participate in interactive programming and networking sessions to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange focused on teaching and learning.

“The last few years have challenged librarians and the students we serve in so many ways, from the pandemic to artificial intelligence to reconciliation,” said Anna Flak, teaching and learning librarian at McMaster University Library and a conference organizer. “We want to create an opportunity for staff working at academic libraries to find new ways to share perspectives and common learnings so we can grow together and ensure we are nurturing our campus communities.”

The conference will feature a keynote presentation, entitled Navigating Settler Responsibilities: A Practical Guide for Initiating Library Decolonization by Heather Campbell, curriculum librarian, and Dan Sich, teaching and learning librarian, e-learning, from Western University Libraries.

There will also be panel sessions, lightning talks, and poster presentations. Topics will include perspectives on library instruction in the post-pandemic era, finding support among our common and uncommon experiences, and growing forward together, among others.

The conference is being organized by McMaster librarians including Nicole Doro, Anna Flak, Saman Goudarzi, Katie Harding, Emily Hector, Mahdiyyah Kasmani, Ariel Stables-Kennedy, and Jo-Anne Petropoulos.

Helen Kula, associate university librarian, Teaching and Learning at McMaster University Library says the conference aligns with the mandate of her group.

“Library staff across McMaster Libraries are instrumental in building the critical information, data and other kinds of literacies students need,” said Kula. “We are excited to bring this mini conference to McMaster to share ideas and best practices with library colleagues throughout Ontario.”

Jennifer McKinnell, director of the Health Sciences Library, added: “McMaster is world-renowned for educational innovation and the libraries have always benefited from and contributed to the work of our teaching and learning colleagues. This conference is an exciting opportunity to build a similar community of excellence with our library colleagues from across the province.”

Registration for the conference is free. Lunch and snacks will be provided.

For more information about the mini conference and registration, please visit the event website.