2025 Saskatchewan Libraries Conference: Grow With Your Library: Full Schedule

Welcome to the 2025 Saskatchewan Libraries Conference! We are thrilled to have you joining us for this incredible professional development and networking opportunity.

Registration Desk
Make sure you check in to the conference at our registration desk before heading off to any meals or sessions! Here you can pick up your name tag and ask any questions you might have. The registration desk will be open from 6:45 am to 3:00 pm on Thursday, May 8, and from 6:45 am to 3:00 pm on Friday, May 9.

Using the Sched App
Use this app to build your personalized conference schedule! You will find some things have already been added to your schedule (such as meals and key speakers), but everything else is up to you.

We also encourage you to turn on the "Public Profile & Schedule" option under the "My Account" tab. This will add you to the public attendee list, helping you to connect with other delegates and helping them connect with you. This is optional.

Conference Sponsors
SLA gratefully acknowledges our many event sponsors. Without their generous support, this conference would not be possible! Here is the list of our sponsors:

Platinum Level: Library Bound Inc. and Regina Public Library
Gold Level: Saskatoon Public Library
Silver Level: CVS Midwest Tape, University of Saskatchewan - University Library, and United Library Services
Bronze Level: Bravo Tango, Britannica Digital Learning, Clarivate, OverDrive, Palliser Regional Library, Southeast Regional Library, University of Regina, Wheatland Regional Library, and Wintergreen Learning Materials

Exhibitors
Make sure to visit the Exhibitor Hall located in the Gallery A! The Exhibitor Hall will be open on Thursday, May 8 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, with the Exhibitor Social to follow from 3:00 to 4:00 pm. Join us at the social for appetizers, drinks, and a chance to learn more about our exhibitors!

Here is the list of our exhibitors:

Carr McLean Ltd.
Creative Kids Saskatchewan
CVS Midwest Tape
Law Society of Saskatchewan, Legal Resources
Lung Saskatchewan
Prison Library Sub-committee
Provincial Library & Literacy Office, Government of Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan Council for Archives & Archivists Inc.
Saskatchewan Council for International Cooperation
SaskBooks
Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism
Shadowpaw Press
Turning the Tide Bookstore
United Library Services
University of Regina Press

1:00pm MDT

Building Bridges: Neurodiversity in the Library Space

Wednesday May 7, 2025 1:00pm - 4:30pm MDT

Murray Library, Room G26, University of Saskatchewan

The Multitype Library Board is excited to support this pre-conference session Building Bridges: Neurodiversity in the Library Space.

Presented by Christine van der Merwe

Join us on May 7 at the University of Saskatchewan for an engaging and thought-provoking workshop that reimagines the library as an inclusive haven for neurodiverse patrons and staff.

The afternoon includes presentations, an opportunity to network and a tour of the Murray Library’s innovative low-sensory room. Let’s work together to build a library culture that values diversity and fosters belonging for all.

Registration for this event will be limited to 70 participants.

For more information or to register, please visit: https://www.saskla.ca/professional-development/conference/

Speakers

Christine van der Merwe

ADHD Coach, PCAC & Academic Strategist, Learning Disabilities Association of Saskatchewan

Wednesday May 7, 2025 1:00pm - 4:30pm MDT
Murray Library, Room G26, University of Saskatchewan 3 Campus Dr, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A4, Canada

Special Events

6:45am MDT

Registration Desk Opens

Thursday May 8, 2025 6:45am - 2:30pm MDT

Gallery Foyer

Thursday May 8, 2025 6:45am - 2:30pm MDT
Gallery Foyer 35 22 Street East, Saskatoon, SK, Canada

7:30am MDT

Breakfast

Thursday May 8, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am MDT

Galleries B & C

Thursday May 8, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am MDT
Galleries B & C 35 22 Street East, Saskatoon, SK, Canada

Meal

8:15am MDT

Exhibitor Lightning Rounds

Thursday May 8, 2025 8:15am - 8:45am MDT

Galleries B & C

Participating exhibitors are Lung Saskatchewan and CVS Midwest Tape.

Thursday May 8, 2025 8:15am - 8:45am MDT
Galleries B & C 35 22 Street East, Saskatoon, SK, Canada

Special Events

9:00am MDT

Conference Opening & Keynote Speaker

Thursday May 8, 2025 9:00am - 10:30am MDT

Galleries B & C

Sponsored by Regina Public Library

Greetings and opening prayer by Elder Julie Pitzel
Greetings from the Government of Saskatchewan: Alison Hopkins, Executive Director, Provincial Library & Literacy Office, Ministry of Education
Greetings from the City of Saskatoon: Ward 6 Councillor Jasmin Parker
Keynote Speaker: Omayra Issa, award-winning anchor

Omayra Issa is an award-winning anchor, who has built a rich and diverse portfolio over the course of 15 years in broadcasting. She began her career at Radio-Canada creating compelling content on television, radio and digital platforms, and then for CBC News.

A former national reporter for CBC News, Omayra served as a correspondent on flagship show The National. She co-created, co-produced and led the Black on the Prairies series, which received international recognition, reached an audience of millions worldwide, and is integrated in museums and public libraries across the prairie provinces. A leading
expert in community powered journalism and inclusive journalism, Omayra’s work led to impactful changes in education policy and garnered several RTDNA Canada Awards, celebrating the best in Canadian journalism.

Omayra brought her strong vision to CPAC in 2024, as part of its on-air team connecting Canadians to their democracy. Her work guiding national conversations around inclusion and diversity in newsrooms has set her apart as an innovator and changemaker. She has been recognized with the Reelword Trailblazers Award for inspiring others by blazing a trail of excellence through her constant and committed efforts to improve and diversify the film and television industry. Fluent in five languages, Omayra has been named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2024, one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch and been nominated for a YWCA Woman of Distinction.

Speakers

Omayra Issa

Omayra Issa is an award-winning anchor, who has built a rich and diverse portfolio over the course of 15years in broadcasting. She began her career at Radio-Canada creating compelling content on television,radio and digital platforms, and then for CBC News.A former national reporter... Read More →

Thursday May 8, 2025 9:00am - 10:30am MDT
Galleries B & C 35 22 Street East, Saskatoon, SK, Canada

Special Events

9:00am MDT

Exhibitor Hall is Open

Thursday May 8, 2025 9:00am - 4:00pm MDT

Gallery A

Thursday May 8, 2025 9:00am - 4:00pm MDT
Gallery A

Special Events

10:30am MDT

Nutrition Break

Thursday May 8, 2025 10:30am - 11:00am MDT

Galleries B & C

Sponsored by United Library Services

Thursday May 8, 2025 10:30am - 11:00am MDT
Galleries B & C 35 22 Street East, Saskatoon, SK, Canada

Meal

11:00am MDT

Building Bridges: Libraries, Literacy, and Lifelong Learning through Community Partnerships

Thursday May 8, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am MDT

Gallery Suite 1

Presented by Rachel Sutherland & Jo Ann Murphy

The session will explore the collaborative partnership between the University of Saskatchewan Library and Foundations Learning & Skills Saskatchewan’s Spark program, showcasing how we worked together to offer meaningful volunteer opportunities for students. Participants will learn how the partnership engages students in community based service-learning through supporting literacy in the community, while encouraging critical reflection on literacy, privilege, and citizenship. The session will include information on the volunteer opportunity offered, success stories from the organizations and student perspectives, and the challenges encountered and how these were overcome.

Attendees will leave with practical insights on how to create impactful community service-learning opportunities in their own library that benefit the library as well as partners, students, and the wider community.

Speakers

Jo Ann Murphy

Librarian, Unibersity of Saskatchewan Library

Jo Ann holds a BA from the University of Lethbridge (1991) and an MLIS from the University of Alberta (1994). She began her academic librarian career at the University of Alberta in 1994 and held positions at Utah State University in Logan, Utah and University of Northern British... Read More →

Rachel Sutherland

Program Manager, Foundations Learning & Skills Saskatchewan

Rachael is a Program Manager at Foundations Learning & Skills Saskatchewan, overseeing Child and Family Literacy programming. Rachael has a BA in Community Education from the University of Edinburgh (2008) and a PG(Cert) in Citizenship and Human Rights (2012). Rachael has 20 years... Read More →

Thursday May 8, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am MDT
Gallery Suite 1

50-Minute Sessions

11:00am MDT

Communal Liberation: Building Diverse Libraries and Strong Communities

Thursday May 8, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am MDT

Gallery D

Presented by Ariana Giroux

Ariana Giroux will explore the concept of communal liberation as the ultimate “growth mindset” framework. Utilizing lived experiences of queer and disabled people, case studies, and the social enterprise known as Their Collective as examples, this session will highlight strategies for building diverse libraries and strong communities through inclusive and purposeful community engagement.

This session champions libraries, social enterprises, and community-led approaches as transformative tools for liberation, empowerment, and mutual education.

Thursday May 8, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am MDT
Gallery D

50-Minute Sessions

11:00am MDT

Growing into Controversy: The Failure and Salvation of Intellectual Freedom in Post-Neutrality Libraries

Thursday May 8, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am MDT

Galleries B & C

Yuri Forbes-Petrovich is the Branch Manager for the Yorkton Public Library. Yuri has served in a variety of academic and professional posts, including post-secondary education in Sociology and Philosophy where he taught technology studies, social theory, and environmental ethics and has published and presented research on public ethics, environmental sociology, social theory, and the philosophy of phenomenology and religion.

Speakers

Yuri Forbes-Petrovich

Branch Manager, Yorkton Public Library

Thursday May 8, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am MDT
Galleries B & C 35 22 Street East, Saskatoon, SK, Canada

50-Minute Sessions

12:00pm MDT

Adapt or Die: Revitalization of the Saskatchewan Electronic Resources Partnership

Thursday May 8, 2025 12:00pm - 12:20pm MDT

Galleries B & C

Sponsored by OverDrive

Presented by Regan Gunningham

The Saskatchewan Electronic Resources Partnership (SERP) program, formerly the Multitype Database Licensing Program, was established in 1998 to support equity of access to online library resources for Saskatchewan residents but even pillars of the Saskatchewan library community can begin to crumble. This long-running database licensing program has undergone a five-year revitalization process to shore up its foundation. The process impacted program funding, governance, decision-making and training.

This session is ideal for current SERP program partners who want to learn more about the revitalization and how it affects their library. Not a SERP partner yet? Attend the session to learn more about the program and connect with Provincial Library and Literacy Office staff.

Thursday May 8, 2025 12:00pm - 12:20pm MDT
Galleries B & C 35 22 Street East, Saskatoon, SK, Canada

20-Minute Sessions

12:00pm MDT

Books by Their Covers: Challenging Bias in Readers and Reading

Thursday May 8, 2025 12:00pm - 12:20pm MDT

Gallery D

Presented by Phaedra Hitchings

Presenter will focus around a central question of “what makes a ‘good reader’?” and explore ways of identifying this (spoiler: it doesn’t have to be reading lots of (tough) books, or even any books.

Speakers

Phaedra Hitchings

Executive Director, Saskatchewan Literacy Network

Phaedra Hitchings has been working in collaboration to combine community and learning for over 17 years. Currently the executive director for the Saskatchewan Literacy Network, her previous work and volunteer experience took her from university to shelter, to provincial literacy programming... Read More →

Thursday May 8, 2025 12:00pm - 12:20pm MDT
Gallery D

20-Minute Sessions

12:00pm MDT

Trauma-Informed Workplace Practices

Thursday May 8, 2025 12:00pm - 12:20pm MDT

Gallery Suite 1

Presented by Alanna Carlson

Implement trauma-informed strategies to create a supportive and resilient work environment with improved job satisfaction and service delivery.

Speakers

Alanna Carlson

Lawyer, Consultant & Instructor, Usask College of Law

Alanna Carlson Sinclair, BA, JDAlanna is a Lawyer, Consultant, and Instructor at the Usask College of Law who lives in Saskatoon, Treaty 6 Territory.Alanna Carlson brings a valuable suite of skills and a deeply compassionate understanding to her work. Drawing on her experience as... Read More →

Thursday May 8, 2025 12:00pm - 12:20pm MDT
Gallery Suite 1

20-Minute Sessions

12:30pm MDT

Lunch

Thursday May 8, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT

Galleries B & C

Sponsored by CVS Midwest Tape

Thursday May 8, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT
Galleries B & C 35 22 Street East, Saskatoon, SK, Canada

Meal

1:30pm MDT

Artificial Intelligence in Libraries: Game-Changer or Gimmick?

Thursday May 8, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm MDT

Gallery D

Presented by Ann Liang

Explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming libraries and empowering professionals to streamline daily tasks—but at what cost? This session delves into evaluating AI's potential in your work while highlighting its strengths and weaknesses and it will also touch on how AI has affected publishers and databases, and the pressing ethical concerns around privacy, misinformation, copyright, and licensing agreements. Delve into all the issues you need to know about when considering policies for the use of AI while balancing innovation with integrity and ensuring AI supports your library’s mission while fostering trust and accountability with stakeholders.

Speakers

Ann Liang

Business Librarian, University of Saskatchewan

Ann Liang is a Business Librarian at the University of Saskatchewan, where she specializes in teaching marketing research, analyzing data sets, and exploring emerging technology trends. With a background that bridges science and the humanities—holding a B.Sc. in Biology and a B.A... Read More →

Thursday May 8, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm MDT
Gallery D

50-Minute Sessions

1:30pm MDT

Public Libraries: Valuable Partners in Growing Age-Friendly Communities in Saskatchewan

Thursday May 8, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm MDT

Gallery Suite 1

Sponsored by Palliser Regional Library

Presented by Wendy Thienes

Age-Friendly is a global movement of communities where policies, services, settings and structures support and enable people to age actively in their home and/or communities of choice. An Age-Friendly Community views significant aspects, or domains, of their community through the lens of older adults’ experience and wisdom to identify ways to support better health, improved safety and greater participation of all members of the community. Session participants will hear examples of community collaboration on Age-Friendly initiatives with specific examples of public library engagement and will have the opportunity to provide ideas for ways that libraries are currently supporting Age-Friendly concepts and brainstorm additional opportunities for collaboration and support.

Speakers

Wendy Thienes

Age-Friendly Communities Staff, Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism

Wendy Thienes is the Age-Friendly Saskatchewan Coordinator with the Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism (SSM). As a caregiver for aging parents, Wendy began to realize the importance of aging in place. Her involvement in the initial stages of the development of Age-Friendly Shaunavon led... Read More →

Thursday May 8, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm MDT
Gallery Suite 1

50-Minute Sessions

1:30pm MDT

Safe and Welcoming at Regina Public Library

Thursday May 8, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm MDT

Galleries B & C

Presented by Taylor Soderberg, Amber Christensen, Brian Klenk, Janna Ferris & Rachael Kaseke

Safe and welcoming is a core focus at the Regina Public Library. This has lead to the library taking an approach that is collaborative, empathy-led and involves many moving parts to facilitate a safe and welcoming environment. Engaging staff, and through engaging services of outside agencies as well as engagement with community social service groups, RPL, with a focus on Central Library has taken steps to make a change to address the diversity of needs involved in responding to a changing community. Some of these changes have included working with Family Services Regina first through a pilot and now with a contract for two full time Library Outreach and Crisis Workers at Central, a change in security teams that included a re-focus of requirements requested by the Library in our RFP process, and a key RPL staff position created to connect staff, guards and crisis workers together --- the Safe and Welcoming Specialist. The RPL presentation team will discuss the process and the steps that we took to develop, implement and the outcomes, successes and challenges of this approach. Pieces of this approach have also been taken into the way they report incidents and their suspension guidelines and reviews as well as how they work with youth. The community around public libraries continues to change and evolve with new challenges and we see this approach as a response to that changing community.

Speakers

Amber Christensen

Executive Director, RPL's Central Library

Amber Christensen is the Executive Director of RPL's Central Library, her responsibilities include the public service units at Central including literacy, digital media studios, accessibility services, adult and children's services. Her portfolio also includes supporting the Dunlop... Read More →

Brian Klenk

Director of Facilities Infrastructure & Services, Regina Public Library

Brian Klenk is the Director of Facilities Infrastructure and Services, he is responsible for the planning, design, implementation and on-going maintenance of the facilities infrastructure. Brian is a current member of the Building Owners and Managers Association of Saskatchewan (BOMA... Read More →

Janna Ferris

Library Outreach Worker, Regina Public Library’s Central branch

Janna is a Library Outreach Worker with Family Service Regina and works at the Regina Public Library’s Central branch. She acquired her Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Regina, and is a Registered Social Worker with the Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers... Read More →

Rachael Kaseke

Library Outreach Worker, Regina Public Library’s Central Branch

Rachael is a Library Outreach Worker with Family Service Regina and works at the Regina Public Library’s Central Branch. Rachael earned her Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Regina and a Certificate in Reconciliation Studies at the First Nations University of Canada... Read More →

Taylor Soderbergh

Safe & Welcoming Specialist, RPL

Taylor is the Safe and Welcoming Specialist at the Regina Public Library. She is a Métis woman and obtained a Bachelor of Human Justice through the First Nations University of Canada. She has worked in many youth-focused organizations around Regina. Taylor decided to go into this... Read More →

Thursday May 8, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm MDT
Galleries B & C 35 22 Street East, Saskatoon, SK, Canada

50-Minute Sessions

2:30pm MDT

Forgotten Patrons: Building Library Services for Saskatchewan's Incarcerated Population

Thursday May 8, 2025 2:30pm - 2:50pm MDT

Galleries B & C

Presented by Marika Hunter & Alan Kilpatrick

Libraries are fundamental for incarcerated individuals. Literacy activities and reading materials positively affect their lives and experiences and serve an essential role in reintegration, providing a connection to and mirror of the outside world, and preparing individuals for release.

Unfortunately, incarcerated individuals in Saskatchewan are an underserved segment of our province's population who do not have adequate access to library services. Many prisons lack formal libraries and recreational, cultural, and educational reading materials.

The Saskatchewan Library Association (SLA) established a Prison Library Sub-Committee (PLSC) in 2021 to address the deficit of reading materials available to incarcerated youths and adults in Saskatchewan's correctional facilities. For over two years, the PLSC has been providing books to Regina’s incarcerated population at Regina Correctional Centre, White Birch Remand, and Paul Dojack Youth Centre. However, more still needs to be done. How can you and your library help? Take advantage of this must-see session to learn about how you can get involved.

Thursday May 8, 2025 2:30pm - 2:50pm MDT
Galleries B & C 35 22 Street East, Saskatoon, SK, Canada

20-Minute Sessions

2:30pm MDT

Graphic Novel Collections Crash Course!

Thursday May 8, 2025 2:30pm - 2:50pm MDT

Gallery D

Presented by Jessica Dinan

Are you curious about the differences between graphic novels, comics, and manga? Are you seeing an increase in the popularity of your graphic novel collections? Would you like to feel more knowledgeable on how to grow and promote these collections? Do you secretly (or not so secretly) question whether reading graphic novels is even "real reading"? Join Jessica for a crash course in graphic novel collections and come away with helpful collection development and merchandising tips, and graphic novel advocacy resources.

Speakers

Jessica Dinan

Consultant Librarian, Parkland Regional Library System, Alberta

Jessica Dinan (she/her) is a Consultant Librarian for Parkland Regional Library System in Central Alberta and works to support its' 49 member libraries with everything from collections management to training new staff. She grew up in the greater Toronto-area but has been living in... Read More →

Thursday May 8, 2025 2:30pm - 2:50pm MDT
Gallery D

20-Minute Sessions

2:30pm MDT

Tour of the SPL Frances Morrison Central Library

Thursday May 8, 2025 2:30pm - 2:50pm MDT

TCU Place Main Door

Tour of the SPL Frances Morrison Central Library
(Meet at the front door of TCU Place)

Thursday May 8, 2025 2:30pm - 2:50pm MDT
TCU Place Main Door 35 22 Street East, Saskatoon, SK, Canada

Special Events

3:00pm MDT

Exhibitor & Sponsor Social

Thursday May 8, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm MDT

Gallery A

Thursday May 8, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm MDT
Gallery A

Special Events

3:00pm MDT

Supper Break

Thursday May 8, 2025 3:00pm - 7:30pm MDT

Meal

7:30pm MDT

Mary Donaldson Lecture

Thursday May 8, 2025 7:30pm - 8:30pm MDT

Galleries B & C

Sponsored by Library Bound Inc.

Ry Moran is Canada’s inaugural Associate University Librarian – Reconciliation at the University of Victoria. His role within UVic Libraries focuses on building and sustaining relationships to introduce Indigenous approaches and knowledge into the daily work of the libraries and more broadly across the campus community.

Ry’s life-long passion for the arts and music continues to be an important part of his life as he continues to write and produce original music. Ry is a distinguished alumnus of the University of Victoria and was awarded a Meritorious Service Cross by the Governor General. On May 29, 2024, Ry received an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of British Columbia. Ry is a proud member of the Red River Métis.

Ry came to this position from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation hosted by the University of Manitoba. Prior to the NCTR, he served with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. On the TRC’s behalf, he facilitated the gathering of nearly 7,000 video/audio-recorded statements of former residential school students and millions of pages of
archival records.

Speakers

Ry Moran

Speaker at Mary Donaldson Lecture

Ry Moran is Canada’s inaugural Associate University Librarian – Reconciliation at the University of Victoria. His role within UVic Libraries focuses on building and sustaining relationships to introduce Indigenous approaches and knowledge into the daily work of the libraries... Read More →

Thursday May 8, 2025 7:30pm - 8:30pm MDT
Galleries B & C 35 22 Street East, Saskatoon, SK, Canada

Special Events

8:30pm MDT

Mary Donaldson Reception

Thursday May 8, 2025 8:30pm - 9:30pm MDT

Gallery A

Sponsored by Saskatoon Public Library

Thursday May 8, 2025 8:30pm - 9:30pm MDT
Gallery A

Special Events

6:45am MDT

Registration Desk Opens

Friday May 9, 2025 6:45am - 3:30pm MDT

Gallery Foyer

Friday May 9, 2025 6:45am - 3:30pm MDT
Gallery Foyer 35 22 Street East, Saskatoon, SK, Canada

7:15am MDT

Breakfast

Friday May 9, 2025 7:15am - 8:15am MDT

Galleries B & C

Sponsored by the University of Saskatchewan Library

Friday May 9, 2025 7:15am - 8:15am MDT
Galleries B & C 35 22 Street East, Saskatoon, SK, Canada

Meal

8:15am MDT

SLA Annual General Meeting

Friday May 9, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am MDT

Galleries B & C

Friday May 9, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am MDT
Galleries B & C 35 22 Street East, Saskatoon, SK, Canada

Special Events

9:30am MDT

"Teach a man to fish": Using proverb to explore “Information Privilege”

Friday May 9, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am MDT

Galleries B & C

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" ;)

Friday May 9, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am MDT
Galleries B & C 35 22 Street East, Saskatoon, SK, Canada

50-Minute Sessions

9:30am MDT

Developing Community Partnerships in a Public Library

Friday May 9, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am MDT

Gallery D

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.

Speakers

Jenny Ryan

Community Librarian, SPL

Miali Rakotondravah

Program Manager, Core Neighbourhoods at Work Program

Makenzie Murdock

Zone Settlement Coordinator, Saskatoon Intercultural Association

Meg Schmieder

(Former) Youth Leadership Specialist, WILD Outside Saskatoon

Friday May 9, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am MDT
Gallery D

50-Minute Sessions

9:30am MDT

Treasure Mapping Open Education Resources (OER) for Schools, Public and Specialty Libraries

Friday May 9, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am MDT

Gallery Suite 1

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).

Speakers

Donna Thiessen

Scholarly Communications Librarian, Saskatchewan Polytechnic

Donna Thiessen is a lifelong library fanatic, but only a more recent librarian. She has divided her library career in working for specialized libraries, public libraries and academic libraries in both managerial and coordination roles. Currently she is the Scholarly Communications... Read More →

Darryl Isbister

Lead, Indigenous Education Initiatives, University of Saskatchewan

Darryl Isbister is a Métis citizen whose family comes from the Kinistino area of this land called Saskatchewan. Darryl spent 25 years with Saskatoon Public Schools as a secondary social science teacher, learning leader, education consultant and Coordinator for First Nation, Inuit... Read More →

Friday May 9, 2025 9:30am - 10:20am MDT
Gallery Suite 1

50-Minute Sessions

10:30am MDT

Nutrition Break

Friday May 9, 2025 10:30am - 11:00am MDT

Galleries B & C

Sponsored by Clarivate

Friday May 9, 2025 10:30am - 11:00am MDT
Galleries B & C 35 22 Street East, Saskatoon, SK, Canada

Meal

10:30am MDT

Understanding Governance Legal Frameworks & Governance Models

Friday May 9, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MDT

Gallery A

Speakers

Irene Seiferling

Consultant, Board Dynamics

Friday May 9, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MDT
Gallery A

Special Events

11:00am MDT

Art Starts at the Library: Bringing Professional Arts Programming to Rural Communities

Friday May 9, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am MDT

Gallery Suite 1

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.

Speakers

Morgan Kelly

Community Services Manager, Southeast Regional Library

Morgan Kelly is the Community Services Manager for Southeast Regional Library, and has been with the region since 2019. Her work at Southeast includes program coordination for regional events at 46 library branches, development and creation of regional resource kits, as well as work... Read More →

Amber Andersen

Community Development Consultant, South East Sport, Culture & Recreation District

Amber Andersen (she/her) is a Community Development Consultant with South East Sport, Culture & Recreation District, whose mission is to provide capacity building to communities within the southeast district comprised of 72 urban municipalities, eight bands, and two cities in Treaty... Read More →

Friday May 9, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am MDT
Gallery Suite 1

50-Minute Sessions

11:00am MDT

Beyond the Books: A Cultural Journey Through Mexico City’s Libraries

Friday May 9, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am MDT

Gallery D

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.

Speakers

Chasity Berast

Indigenous Ways of Knowing Facilitator, Instructional Leadership & Development Centre (ILDC), Saskatchewan Polytechnic

Chasity Berast (she/her) is an educator and researcher with a MLIS and is currently pursuing her Indigenous Ed.D. where her research focuses on developing a model for virtual land-based learning. Currently working at Saskpolytech, she specializes in promoting innovation in teaching... Read More →

Becky Szeman

Program Head, Library and Information Technology Program

Becky Szeman (she/her) has been working with Saskatchewan Polytechnic for more than ten years with her recent role being the Program Head of the Library and Information Technology Program. Becky is a passionate educator dedicated to supporting adult learners in their personal and... Read More →

Jaydan Harrison

Collections & Digital Assets Officer, Ukrainian Museum of Canada in Saskatoon

Jaydan Harrison (he/him) was born and raised in the tiny village of Dysart, Saskatchewan, and moved to Saskatoon to attend the Library and Information Technology program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic and graduated in May 2024. A life-long learner, Jaydan is currently taking distance... Read More →

Friday May 9, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am MDT
Gallery D

50-Minute Sessions

11:00am MDT

Braving Your Boundaries: A Framework for Self Protection

Friday May 9, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am MDT

Galleries B & C

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!

Speakers

Ashley Breland

Counsellor/Owner, Breland Counselling & Support

Ashley is a dedicated Métis social work therapist and owner of Breland Counselling & Consulting. With a strong commitment to fat positivity and body neutrality, she empowers individuals to embrace their inherent strength and navigate their unique challenges through collaborative... Read More →

Friday May 9, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am MDT
Galleries B & C 35 22 Street East, Saskatoon, SK, Canada

50-Minute Sessions

11:30am MDT

Define Trustees’ Roles & Key Responsibilities

Friday May 9, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm MDT

Gallery A

Speakers

Irene Seiferling

Consultant, Board Dynamics

Friday May 9, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm MDT
Gallery A

Special Events

12:00pm MDT

Branching Out: How Free Trees Helped Grow a Partnership and Patron Engagement

Friday May 9, 2025 12:00pm - 12:20pm MDT

Gallery D

Sponsored by Southeast Regional Library & Wheatland Regional Library

Presented by Morgan Kelly & Mariam Salvador

In 2024, Wheatland Regional Library and Southeast Regional Library joined the Neighborhood Forest program, a non-profit organization that distributes free trees to children across North America for Earth Day. Typically a program hosted in schools, Neighborhood Forest has expanded significantly to libraries, and was brought to x number of communities in Saskatchewan in April 2024 and 2025.

What do tree saplings have to do with increased engagement in public libraries? Be-leaf it or not, more than you might think! This session will cover the process of registering families for trees, coordinating deliveries, and unexpected impacts of the program on our libraries, communities, and the Neighborhood Forest organization.

Speakers

Morgan Kelly

Community Services Manager, Southeast Regional Library

Mariam Salvador

Program Manager, Wheatland Regional Library

Mariam Salvador is Program Manager for Wheatland Regional Library. She is a graduate of the Library and Information Technology Diploma Program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. Since late 2024, she has coordinated programs and events within Wheatland’s 45 library branches which includes... Read More →

Friday May 9, 2025 12:00pm - 12:20pm MDT
Gallery D

20-Minute Sessions

12:00pm MDT

Cree Language Kits Introduction

Friday May 9, 2025 12:00pm - 12:20pm MDT

Gallery Suite 1

Presented by Samara Jackson & Wendy Sinclair

Introducing the Cree Language Kits available at the public libraries of Saskatchewan. These kits are available to be borrowed from your public library and include many books and tools to build a strong Cree vocabulary! We have kits in three dialects of Cree including Plains Cree (Y-dialect), Woodland Cree (TH-dialect) and Swampy Cree (N-dialect). In each of these kits are books varying on different topics grouped by language keepers in collaboration with the Regina Public Library. These kits are designed to help libraries create programming around Cree languages, or for individual learners to build their language skills. Learn more about these kits, what is available in the kits and how you can get your hands on them yourself!

Speakers

Samara Jackson

Indigenous Library Services Coordinator, Public Library Planning, Ministry of Education

As a member of Cowessess First Nation, Samara Jackson has always felt a need to share her knowledge and experience with people around her. As a teacher at Regina Public Schools for seven years, with a focus on art and music. Samara would spend her time bringing Indigenous art and... Read More →

Wendy Sinclair

Indigenous Services Advisor, Regin Public Library (RPL)

Wendy Sinclair is of Cree descent and a member of the George Gordon First Nation in Treaty 4 Territory. Wendy has worked for Regina Public Library for over 38 years. Most of this time, she has focused on library services for Indigenous peoples on a local and provincial level. As RPL’s... Read More →

Friday May 9, 2025 12:00pm - 12:20pm MDT
Gallery Suite 1

20-Minute Sessions

12:00pm MDT

Saskatchewan Premium Legal Resources Pilot Launched!

Friday May 9, 2025 12:00pm - 12:20pm MDT

Galleries B & C

Presented by Alan Kilpatrick & Ken Fox

Saskatchewan residents can now register for free online access to premium legal eBooks and databases through the Law Society of Saskatchewan's new "Premium Legal Resources" program! These premium resources will help members of the public gain a basic understanding of the law and learn about their legal rights and responsibilities. They may also enable members of the public to identify the range of legal options available within the legal system and potential next steps.

The Law Society of Saskatchewan (via its Legal Resources library) connects members of the public with legal information resources through its physical courthouse libraries and online resources. Our team strives to provide the greatest possible public access to our digital resources in response to the needs demonstrated in the 2021 Legal Needs Assessment for Saskatchewan. Unfortunately, providing public access to online legal resources is challenging, as commercial vendors have restrictive licensing terms, making access difficult. As collection shifts away from print legal resources to commercial online legal resources, public access to online legal resources is increasingly threatened.

Over the past five years, our team has worked with Canada's commercial legal information vendors to develop a solution and agree on a framework to provide reasonable public access to their resources in a way that met our need to provide public access to resources and respected the vendors' needs to sell their products. In 2024, our team finalized this work and launched the Premium Legal Resources program, providing temporary free access to legal eBooks and databases. We hope this project represents an enduring way to connect members of the Saskatchewan public with legal information.

Alongside this project and in tandem, we built a new online portal on the Law Society website called For the Public: Get Legal Information, Resources, and Options for Assistance to help centralize free sources of legal information and assistance sources understandably. Saskatchewan's many sources of legal information and assistance can be confusing for those unfamiliar with the law and legal sector. This portal helps make it easier for members of the public to learn about the law, research the law, register for the premium legal resources we've just presented, find options for legal assistance, and obtain legal information.

Speakers

Alan Kilpatrick

Library Director, Law Society of Saskatchewan

Alan Kilpatrick, CD, BA, MLIS is a library director and an information professional with experience in legal, government, and academic libraries. With a proven ability to build relationships and collaborate with a broad range of stakeholders, he skillfully brings together information... Read More →

Ken Fox

Reference Librarian, Law Society of Saskatchewan

Ken was awarded a Bachelor of Applied Science from University of Regina in 1996 and a Master of Library and Information Science from UBC in 2004. He has worked as Reference Librarian with the Law Society of Saskatchewan Library since 2008, and served as Librarian at Tapper Cuddy LLP... Read More →

Friday May 9, 2025 12:00pm - 12:20pm MDT
Galleries B & C 35 22 Street East, Saskatoon, SK, Canada

20-Minute Sessions

12:30pm MDT

Awards Lunch

Friday May 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT

Galleries B & C

Presentation of SLA Awards

Friday May 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT
Galleries B & C 35 22 Street East, Saskatoon, SK, Canada

Meal

1:30pm MDT

Explore Governance Skills & Exchange Best Practices

Friday May 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Gallery A

Speakers

Irene Seiferling

Consultant, Board Dynamics

Friday May 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Gallery A

Special Events

1:40pm MDT

Role of Public Libraries in Supporting Breastfeeding Practices of Mothers: A Call to Action

Friday May 9, 2025 1:40pm - 2:00pm MDT

Gallery D

Presented by Dr. Shela Hirani

Breastfeeding is an ideal nutrition for young children that has nutritional, developmental, psychological, environmental, and economic benefits. In the long term, breastfeeding reduces the likelihood of a child developing obesity, type 1 diabetes, asthma or severe lower respiratory disease and contributes to healthy neurological development. Compared with the use of breastmilk substitutes (formula milk), breastfeeding is the safest mode of infant feeding because breastmilk has several beneficial bioactive agents, is readily available at the right temperature, does not require supplies for its preparation, and has low chances of contamination.

Saskatchewan has shown the sharpest decline in maternal breastfeeding rates. Statistics depict that in Saskatchewan 94.9% of mothers initiate breastfeeding soon after childbirth but then 15% of mothers stop breastfeeding within a month, 22% of mothers stop breastfeeding between 1 and 6 months, and only 38.8% of mothers exclusively breastfeed their babies for at least 6 months. This indicates the importance of improving maternal and child healthcare in this province through informational and tangible support using non-traditional avenues, like public libraries.

Public libraries can play an essential role in promoting, protecting and supporting breastfeeding practices of mothers using the baby-friendly approach, offering need-based culturally appropriate innovative programs, and serving as a hub of informational support for all mothers. In this presentation, Dr. Shela Hirani will share a call to action and an insight into the ways public libraries can support the breastfeeding practices of mothers using innovative strategies and resources.

Speakers

Shela Hirani

Associate Professor, University of Regina

Dr. Shela Hirani is an Associate Professor at the University of Regina, Canada. She is a maternal and child health nursing professional, researcher, lactation consultant and an advocate of baby-friendly initiatives. Dr. Hirani is actively involved in breastfeeding advocacy and health... Read More →

Friday May 9, 2025 1:40pm - 2:00pm MDT
Gallery D

20-Minute Sessions

1:40pm MDT

Disable is a Verb: Using the Social Model of Disability to Improve Library Service

Friday May 9, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm MDT

Galleries B & C

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.

Speakers

John Buckmaster

Systems Analyst, Chinook Arch Regional Library System

John is a multiply disabled activist and IT person. They have a particular interest in helping small libraries do big things, and making sure marginalized people have the same access as everyone else, regardless of where they live. They grew up in rural Saskatchewan and have worked... Read More →

Friday May 9, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm MDT
Galleries B & C 35 22 Street East, Saskatoon, SK, Canada

50-Minute Sessions

1:40pm MDT

Quest Accepted: what libraries can learn from online gaming

Friday May 9, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm MDT

Gallery Suite 1

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!

Speakers

Julie Arie

Director, Public Library Planning, Provincial Librarty & Literacy Office, Ministry of Education

Julie Arie is seasoned online gamer as well as being a Saskatchewan librarian since 2001. While she is the Director of Public Library Planning in the Government of Saskatchewan, she also takes a keen interest in online game communities and online skill development.

Friday May 9, 2025 1:40pm - 2:30pm MDT
Gallery Suite 1

50-Minute Sessions

2:00pm MDT

Grab N' Go Cookies

Friday May 9, 2025 2:00pm - 2:30pm MDT

Meal

2:30pm MDT

Collaboration & Knowledge Transfer Between Peers

Friday May 9, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm MDT

Gallery A

Speakers

Irene Seiferling

Consultant, Board Dynamics

Friday May 9, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm MDT
Gallery A

Special Events

2:40pm MDT

Glitter, Grit, and Community: Inclusive Drag and Wrestling History Events with the Neil Richards Collection

Friday May 9, 2025 2:40pm - 3:00pm MDT

Gallery Suite 1

Presented by Lindsay Stokalko & Ann Liang

In this session Ann Liang and Lindsay Stokalko will review the community outreach strategies utilized, events hosted, and resulting educational materials created as tools to increase awareness and access of the Neil Richards Collection, housed at the University of Saskatchewan Archives and Special Collections. With a specific focus on Drag History and Wrestling History, they have partnered with individuals in the community to create informative and unique events that draw on the extensive archival collection.

Speakers

Lindsay Stokalko

Archives Specialist, University Archives & Special Collections, University of Saskatchewan

Lindsay Stokalko holds a BA, Hons. and MA from the University of Saskatchewan and has been involved in the heritage field and memory institutions in Alberta and Saskatchewan for more than a decade. She currently works in the University Archives & Special Collections as the Archives... Read More →

Friday May 9, 2025 2:40pm - 3:00pm MDT
Gallery Suite 1

20-Minute Sessions

2:40pm MDT

Growing the Academic Library Through Informal Learning Opportunities to Enhance the Student Experience

Friday May 9, 2025 2:40pm - 3:00pm MDT

Galleries B & C

Sponsored by Dr. John Archer Library & Archives, University of Regina

Presented by Christena McKillop & Kathleen James

For many university students attending an institution for post-secondary education mostly experience formalized learning throughout their courses and program areas. The presenters will examine how opportunity for informal learning can exist in the current academic library environment that also enhances the student experience. This presentation will focus on specialized programming that two librarians created that carved out a space for informal learning and enhancing student experience. The presenters will also discuss informal learning strategies that can be applied in public and school libraries.

Speakers

Christena McKillop

Librarian for English and Gender & Sexuality Studies, University of Calgary

Christena McKillop is the librarian for English, and for Gender & Sexuality Studies at the University of Calgary.Her professional practice focuses on teaching information and primary source literacies. Christena’s research explores librarian instructional practices that concentrate... Read More →

Kathleen James

Librarian, Taylor Family Digital Library, University of Calgary

Kathleen James is a librarian at the University of Calgary Taylor Family Digital Library. She is the liaison librarian for the Faculty of Science as well as the Department of Communications, Media, and Film housed in the Faculty of Arts. Kathleen also coordinates the High School Outreach... Read More →

Friday May 9, 2025 2:40pm - 3:00pm MDT
Galleries B & C 35 22 Street East, Saskatoon, SK, Canada

20-Minute Sessions

2:40pm MDT

Small library, big vision: positioning your library for future growth and added capacity;

Friday May 9, 2025 2:40pm - 3:00pm MDT

Gallery D

Presented by Lisa Worobec

We know libraries deliver crucial services for their communities. This session will review making the case for library staffing increases in a growing community, including the crucial role of formalized long-term planning, and working with your board to determine community growth needs.,

Growing your library is dependent on major funders, and in Ontario this is largely the municipality. Making the case for growth also means speaking to the municipality and their strategic priorities, and this session will also review the importance of being at the table. This session will also briefly review the Ontario library governance context, including provincial data sets and funding models.

Speakers

Lisa Worobec

CEO, Petawawa Public Library, Ontario

Lisa Worobec has been working in libraries for 15 years, starting her library journey at the Public Library in Saskatoon. She has served as a kickstart to participation member with the Ontario Public Library Association Council and worked there to support the creation of an informational... Read More →

Friday May 9, 2025 2:40pm - 3:00pm MDT
Gallery D

20-Minute Sessions