2025 Saskatchewan Libraries Conference: Grow With Your Library

Presented by Lydia Moss

To have privilege means that we have advantages that others do not. Those without privilege -- those who experience disadvantages -- often do so as a result of systemic barriers.

Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime. Seems simple enough, right?!! Join Lydia Moss as she prepares participants for a fishing trip, through the eyes of marginalized communities. Using real-world contexts, this presentation seeks to address the following:

- What is information privilege? What factors influence access to information?
- What experiences/biases/privileges do we have that affect our ability to serve our patrons effectively and equitably?
- What is the Saskatoon Public Library doing to try and reduce some of the barriers to information access?

Lydia hopes this description has you "hooked" ;)

Sponsored by Bravo Tango

Presented by Jenny Ryan, Miali Rakotondravah, Makenzie Murdock & Meg Schmieder

Most libraries know that one of the keys to developing and fostering an engaged community is developing and fostering engaged community partners. But what is a "partner" anyway, and what does a partnership look like? How do you start it, how do you maintain it, and how do you end it? Join Jenny Ryan, a Community Librarian at Saskatoon Public Library and representatives from three of SPL's partner organizations. Together, we'll explore the ways partnerships can be very active or more passive and learn what expectations partners may have of the library. At the end you will leave with a better understanding of how to develop and maintain partnerships with organizations, groups, and individuals in your community.

Presented by Donna Thiessen & Darryl Isbister

The treasure maps of OER are well known to post-secondary education, although some search Oak Island and others track R.L. Stevenson. The wealth of resources that are shared openly and can be copied, printed, disseminated, revised, and sometimes even sold is not as well known in other types of libraries. Join an academic librarian with a passion for public libraries and an academic lead/school teacher with a passion for equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) as they navigate the seas of OE and provide guidance on the use of OERs as textbooks, reference sources and a cache of non-fiction waiting to be discovered (as well as a source and support for EDI initiatives; perhaps the real treasure).

Presented by Morgan Kelly & Amber Andersen

Since 2019, Southeast Regional Library (SRL) and South East District for Sport, Culture, and Recreation (SED) have had an ongoing partnership to provide libraries with the means of introducing patrons to new and exciting programming. This partnership was expanded in 2023, after community visits conducted by SED revealed that many recreation staff felt their communities lacked arts and culture programming. A proposal to bring professional artists into rural communities led to the development of the Art Starts at the Library Program, where community partners can book artists and borrow the necessary materials for the artistic practice of their choosing from their local library branch.
This session will cover the development of our Art Starts kits, how we’ve connected with professional artists, and how partnerships between towns, villages, RMs, and libraries play a key role in the success of arts and culture programming.

Presented by Chasity Berast, Becky Szeman & Jaydan Harrison

This session will showcase the experience of taking eight Library and Information Technology students to Mexico City, where we explored a variety of libraries and immersed ourselves in Mexican culture. Two LIT instructors and one student will highlight the trip's activities, the learning opportunities they encountered, and how the experience contributed to both their academic and personal growth.

Presented by Ashley Breland

In an age where selflessness is often celebrated, many individuals struggle to navigate the complex landscape of personal boundaries. “Braving Your Boundaries: A Framework for Self-Protection” offers an engaging and transformative session designed to empower participants to enhance their relationship with themselves, master the art of saying no, and protect the moments that truly matter. This interactive workshop will explore the profound consequences of lacking boundaries, including self-abandonment, emotional burnout, and strained relationships while emphasizing that these struggles are often rooted in societal norms, gender roles, and cultural pressures.

Participants will discover that setting boundaries is not synonymous with selfishness but rather a vital act of self-care that opens the door to authentic connections, personal growth, and meaningful engagement in their communities. Through practical strategies and reflective activities, attendees will learn to discern true boundaries from false ones, recognize the impact of their decisions, and articulate their needs confidently and respectfully. Join us in fostering a growth mindset as we empower each other to reclaim our “yes” moments and navigate our roles as community builders, learners, and leaders in the library and information services landscape.

Mark your calendars for May 8-9, 2025, at the TCU Place in Saskatoon, SK, and embrace the opportunity to grow with your library community through this enlightening session!

Presented by John (Jock) Buckmaster

In this session, we’ll look at the ways ingrained Ableism affects our outlook, equipment, and our service to patrons. Focus will be on practical advice to address these problems, and provide better service.

Presented by Julie Arie

Have you ever wondered why millions of adults dedicate hours to hunting dragons, building alliances, and exploring digital worlds? For many "gamers", online gaming is not just a hobby - it's a gateway to their communities and to developing their digital and technical literacies.

Join an experienced librarian and guild leader as she explores the skills that gamers cultivate through immersive online experiences. Using the Massive Multiplayer Online game The Elder Scrolls Online as a case study, the session will explore how gaming communities foster collaboration, critical thinking, and technical competencies. Learn how libraries can tap into the world of gaming to connect with diverse audiences and create innovative programming.

Come on a literacy adventure!