Preconference Programs


Pre-Conference MORNING SESSIONS  9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Lunch for Pre-Conference 1/2 Day Sessions is NOT included in registration fee

Rethinking Dewey

Presenter: Emily O’Neal
“It is the way we’ve always done it” – it is a common response to so many questions. It is a response that many of us cringe when we hear it. Yet it is the exact response we give when we ask, why do you use the Dewey Decimal System. It is the way we’ve always done it. And what if there is another way? What if you could make a system that was easily understood by the masses? A system that is equitable and easily browsable? I’m here to say, there is a way, and it isn’t the “way we’ve always done it.” After an presentation at the conference center, attendees of this preconference will provide their own transportation to the Deschutes Public Library to see this work in action. Session organizers will help connect anyone without a car at the conference to carpooling options. 
Sponsored By: Technical Services Round Table.


Book Mending

Presenter: Connie Edgar
Learn how to assess a book that needs to be repaired, go over the various vendors that supply book repair items, and provide hands-on time to actually repair a book. Learn what type of supplies to keep on hand and how to use them and different ways you can protect your books as you are processing them to help them last longer. Bring a few books from your library to mend during the session. Participants will also be given a supply kit with basic sample supplies to help them with book repairs. It will be a great time of learning more about an important skill that you can use in your library. Sponsored By: Support Staff Division.


Pre-Conference AFTERNOON SESSIONS 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Lunch for Pre-Conference 1/2 Day Sessions is NOT included in registration fee

Rethinking Dewey

Presenter: Emily O’Neal
“It is the way we’ve always done it” – it is a common response to so many questions. It is a response that many of us cringe when we hear it. Yet it is the exact response we give when we ask, why do you use the Dewey Decimal System. It is the way we’ve always done it. And what if there is another way? What if you could make a system that was easily understood by the masses? A system that is equitable and easily browsable? I’m here to say, there is a way, and it isn’t the “way we’ve always done it.” After an presentation at the conference center, attendees of this preconference will provide their own transportation to the Deschutes Public Library to see this work in action. Session organizers will help connect anyone without a car at the conference to carpooling options. Ends at 4:00 p.m. 
Sponsored By: Technical Services Round Table

Tribal History/Shared History: Inviting Indigenous Voices into Libraries

Facilitator:       Mia Jackson, Outreach Coordinator, UO Museum of Natural and Cultural History

Presenters:     Brent Spencer, Indian Education Coordinator, Oregon Department of Education
                           Jennifer Belle, Assistant, Oregon Department of Education

                         Cheyanne Heidt, Curriculum Specialist, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde

                         Deana Dartt, Founding Director, Live Oak Consulting

All Oregonians can benefit from understanding the vast diversity of the Oregon Native American experience. K-12 schools statewide are implementing the new Tribal History/Shared History curriculum that offers historically accurate, culturally embedded, contemporary, and place-based curricula developed in partnership with the nine federally recognized Tribes in Oregon. How can your programs and materials align with and support this effort? Join your peers to learn how libraries can partner with, better serve, and celebrate Indigenous people and cultures.

Topics covered include an overview of the new curriculum and available resources; how to approach culturally responsive collection development for public and school libraries; and how to provide informal education opportunities that support authentic Indigenous voices and welcome all community members to gain a deeper understanding of our shared history.  Attendees will also have the opportunity for a sneak preview of the Museum of Natural and Cultural History’s new traveling exhibit, Native Innovation, which will tour Oregon’s libraries beginning later this year.   

Sponsored By: Children Services Division and Oregon Association of School Libraries



To attend anyone of these pre-conference sessions you will need to login to the OLA 2023 Conference Registration form and make the selection(s) from there.