The library has its idea for a project or service – and even has a funder in mind. But writing the grant proposal, tracking all the required forms and documents, and aligning to the funder’s priorities can be a daunting task. Get started on the right path with guidance for planning and organizing the elements of the proposal; analyzing and embedding funder priorities across the application; designing the plan with successful management built in from the start. The best practices shared reflect experience administering grant programs, serving as a grant reviewer, and winning competitive grants.

This informative introduction to Hyku, the powerful open-source repository solution tailored for small- to medium-sized libraries, will demonstrate its uses as both an institutional repository and a digital repository for cultural heritage items, open educational resources, and theses and dissertations. Hyku offers intuitive upload processes and robust bulk import/export capabilities. Its shared search functionality across multiple Hyku libraries can enhance discoverability and collaboration.

Gain the knowledge and skills needed to effectively categorize and organize resources in a library or information system. Explore the principles and techniques of subject analysis, including the application of standardized subject headings and thesauri. Learn how to create accurate and consistent subject descriptions, improving the discoverability of materials for library users. Attendees need to have an introductory understanding of classification and experience with cataloging materials.

Libraries are dynamic hubs of innovation and support for local entrepreneurs and small business owners. Empower librarians and library staff to play a vital role in the growth and success of their local small business communities. Connect library users to resources from business plans to business marketing.

Neurodiversity recognizes that people experience and interact with the world in many ways. While there are many dimensions to neurodiversity, it is often used in the context of the autism spectrum as well as other neurological or developmental conditions. By developing a better understanding of neurodiversity, library staff can create more inclusive library environments through interactions, spaces, services, and programs that welcome and respect neurodiverse patrons.

A vibrant and relevant library collection doesn’t just happen – there are strategies and techniques behind this work. Taking in the evolving landscape of digital acquisitions, open-access materials, and subscription models, this course will review the principles and methods for collection acquisition and selection with careful consideration of resource allocation and budgets. Balancing the information needs of library users with the diversity of formats and acquisition models, libraries can build collections that work for their communities.

A collection development policy is the heart of every great collection. Based on a library's mission and values, it explains the library's process and guides budgeting, acquisitions, weeding, gifts, and challenges to equitably serve all patrons. Understand the importance of a collection development policy, what a policy should address, and how to use it to guide library services.

While offering expert guidance and support across complex information landscapes, library staff also navigate their own legal and ethical responsibilities in the provision of reference services. Detailing the most pressing legal and ethical considerations for reference services - digital literacy, equity of access, patron confidentiality, intellectual freedom, and copyright - library staff can balance their professional responsibilities at the reference desk.

While most people are familiar with a dictionary or encyclopedia, knowing when to use the right resource for the right question may still be a mystery – and that doesn’t even cover the more specific uses of handbooks, serials, and databases. With an overview of the most popular reference formats and their uses, this session will help staff connect the right resource to the right questions at the reference desk.

Whether print or digital, users expect a library's reference collection to be ready to address their questions, whether simple or complex. Acquiring and maintaining a reference collection is essential in offering reference services to library users. Learn how to appraise reference resources, develop a sustainable reference collection development policy, and organize and make accessible print and digital resources for users.