Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Donald Julian Reaves Student Activities Center
Winston-Salem State University
The Triad Area Library Association (TALA) Conference is an annual gathering of academic library staff from the North Carolina Triad area. The conference is a full day of informative relevant library topics led by staff and faculty from North Carolina universities. Attending the conference will provide an opportunity to paraprofessionals to converse with other library colleagues, network with presenters, and see the host institution’s library.
Download a PDF version of the conference information
Program Schedule
All presentations including lunch are being held at Winston-Salem State University
8:15am-9:00am: Registration and Light Continental Breakfast
9:00am-10:15am: Welcome and Keynote speaker, Denice Lewis DJR- Room 100 A
The Evolving Edge: Is AI Reshaping the Work in Libraries?
Over the past three years, artificial intelligence (AI) tools have rapidly advanced offering new possibilities and raising new questions regarding the work in libraries. Let’s take a quick peek at the evolution of AI in libraries and explore how emerging AI technologies are transforming core areas of librarianship. From research support and instruction to collection development and daily workflows, we’ll look at current use cases and wrap up with how we can thoughtfully adapt, lead, and thrive in an AI-enhanced future.
10:15am-10:30am- Break
10:30am- 11:30am: Concurrent Session
1) X’ers, Zoomers, Boomers, Oh My! Generational Dynamics in Library Work
Jemma Johnson and Laura Milcarzyk (Wake Forest University) DJR- Room 100
This panel will explore the dynamic and ever-evolving workforce in libraries, with a focus on the intergenerational perspectives that shape work culture today. We’ll bring together representatives from multiple generations—from the Silent Generation to Gen Z—to discuss how different generational worldviews and experiences have influenced their approaches to library work. Additionally, we’ll discuss the impacts of larger societal shifts, such as DEI initiatives, changing expectations around appearance and communication, and external pressures like COVID-19 and political polarization, in the workplace. This panel aims to provide a space for library workers to reflect on how our diverse generational backgrounds inform workplace interactions, the challenges we face, and the opportunities for collaboration and growth. Attendees will leave with actionable insights on how to bridge generational divides, promote inclusive policies, and build a more cohesive, forward-thinking work environment in libraries.
2) Broaden Your Reach: Facilitating Relationships for Effective Library Outreach
Bryan Nicholls (High Point University) DJR- Room 203
This session will address how librarians can cultivate relationships with offices across campus to provide effective library outreach to students. Talking points include working with other academic offices to provide academic programming opportunities for students, working with student life offices to advertise and execute additional library events, and sharing social media content with other campus offices to maximize visibility of planned events.
3) Words with Friends — a panel covering Collecting, Marketing, and Programming for Popular Reading
Jesse Akman, Ellen Cline, Heidi Garcia, and Jennie Goforth (Elon University) DJR- Room 205
Join us for an engaging session dedicated to exploring the numerous opportunities available through NCLA and The Roundtable on Ethnic and Minority Concerns (REMCo). Delve into the historical significance of REMCo and uncover the diverse outreach initiatives and engagement prospects we’ve embarked on together. Our aim is to inspire staff members to become active participants in NCLA, facilitating the enhancement of their professional capabilities and unveiling potential pathways to a fulfilling career in librarianship. With each of us bringing unique experiences and viewpoints from our work across North Carolina, this session serves as a platform for exchanging insights and fostering collaboration.
11:30am-11:40am: Break
11:40am-12:30pm- Networking tables discussion and share out DJR- Room 100 A
Topics include: Student Workers, Staff Engagement, Remote Work, Public Services, Facilities, Late Night Operations, and other library subjects
12:30pm-2:00pm: Lunch
Lunch will be held DJR- Room 100 A
1:30pm-2:30pm: Guided Tour of library and campus at Winston-Salem State University
After lunch, please stick around and tour the beautiful library and campus at Winston-Salem State University!