Led by the work of the psychology professor Jeffrey Arnet and his article "Emerging Adulthood: A Theory of Development from the Late Teens Through the Twenties," emerging adulthood considers the period from the late teens through twenties as a time of distinct psychological and behavioral development that may result in individuals taking longer to achieve the traditional milestones of adulthood - moving out of their parents’ home, involving themselves in a career, getting married, and having children.

Libraries reach different community groups and develop mutually beneficial partnerships to expand ideas, increase reach, and propel communities toward common goals. Focusing on the fundamentals of how to identify potential community partners and create these relationships, become empowered to reach out to the community to help develop unique programs that bring in new users. Identify common evaluation methods to predict and address challenges, ensuring that the library and the partner organization continue to connect in ways that benefit both.

Climate change is one of the most critical issues of our time. Every library can play a role in communicating accurate information and inspiring action. Enhance climate literacy and climate change awareness of library staff. Empower staff contributions to climate change awareness and education within their communities.

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.

Artificial intelligence (AI) machines think, learn, and perform tasks in a way that resembles human intelligence. ChatGPT, OpenAI, MusicLM – AI is everywhere right now. How are libraries supporting services using AI applications and how will users bring AI into their library experiences? Examine scenarios for AI in the library environment.

All libraries can provide a trans-inclusive respite for transgender community members and their own staff. Move toward a trans-inclusive environment for patrons and staff by learning to create and maintain safe and welcoming spaces, collections, and programs. Develop a feeling for helpful inclusive language and gain confidence with practical tips that can be applied to sometimes difficult real-world scenarios.

Understand sustainability as a set of practices and as a discipline. Explore how various library organizations have adapted practices, created programming, and developed information-literacy learning modules with sustainability learning outcomes. Attendees will articulate how sustainability is interconnected to the development of information literacy and life-long learning skills by drafting a sustainability project plan, which will be presented to the entire class.

Partnerships can be the lifeblood of successful and sustainable programs and services. Engaged community partners help expand services and reach new audiences. Learn to to identify what partners bring to the table and cultivate and activate new and existing partnerships that deliver for everyone invested.