Know & Go: Writing Effective Alternative Text

Writing effective alternative (alt) text is a key component of creating accessible documents and websites. For beginners or those with limited experience, knowing exactly what to write can be difficult. Explore best practices for writing alt text for different types of images, both information and decorative, and learn some common mistakes to avoid. Active participation in hands-on practice examples will be strongly encouraged.

Know & Go: Welcoming Adult Learners to Your Library with Bilingual Programming

Wondering how to offer bilingual programs for adult learners at your public or academic library? In this session, we will discuss how to create programs that are welcoming, enjoyable, and bring adult learners together. We will focus on programs that serve adults interested in learning a new language, healthy aging, citizenship classes, and earning a high school equivalency certificate.

Beyond Accessibility Basics

For libraries already on their accessibility journey, identifying that next step can be difficult. Any library can become a more welcoming and functional space for all users by revising existing content to meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) standards and empowering staff to develop quality content. Learn best practices for creating and maintaining a usable web presence and identify ways to design materials for a wide variety of users. Session content builds on a foundation of accessibility knowledge and is intended primarily for content creators.

Serving the Neurodiverse Library User

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.

Know & Go: Diversity and Inclusion Activities for Library Meetings

Successful library meetings begin with reflection and intention. Beyond well-crafted agendas, libraries can utilize diversity and inclusion activities to strengthen empathy, communication, and expectations within library organizations. Applying these continuously to library meetings can open dialogue and empower greater voices. Discover ten diversity and inclusion activities to use in library meetings.

Know & Go: EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Organizational and Individual Self-Assessment Tools for Libraries

EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) organizational self-assessment tools provide ways for libraries to examine and assess EDI initiatives for adoption and improvement. These resource tools help staff identify and develop personal areas for EDI growth. This session focuses on 10 current organizational and individual EDI self-assessment tools for application in libraries.

Excellence in Library Services to Older Adults

The older adult population is a diverse and fast-growing population in the United States, with a range of interests and levels of engagement. Older adults are often a driving force behind support and participation with the public library and library staff can design programs and services with older adults in mind. Discover what older adults want from their local library. Explore programs and resources for older adults. And consider the possible challenges inherent in serving older adults.

Understanding and Assisting Library Patrons on the Autism Spectrum

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is estimated to affect 1 in 44 children in the U.S. and to be present across racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. Librarians will benefit from learning about modifications that can enhance the library experience for individuals on the autism spectrum. This workshop will provide librarians across settings with a greater understanding of ASD as well as strategies for communicating more effectively with such patrons.

Understanding Needs of Patrons with Mental Disorders and Improving Self-Care for Library Professionals

The National Alliance of Mental Illness estimates that one in five children, teens, and adults suffer from a mental illness. With libraries functioning as a hub of the communities they support, library professionals must be prepared to serve patrons struggling with mental health needs.

Website Accessibility for Everyone

Websites are accessible when all visitors — regardless of abilities or impairments — can access the presented information. The broad term web accessibility refers to a series of international standards that define website usability. Understand the fundamentals of web accessibility and the regulations, laws, and standards surrounding accessibility design. Utilize tools and technologies for better design and best practices for content development.
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