It was a great Internet Librarian Conference for SPLAT representation this year! A total of four current and former SPLAT members were in attendance and gave presentations.

Two women standing in a conference hall

Deana Brown and Crystal Miller at Internet Librarian 2016

Current members Deana Brown and Crystal Miller shared their experiences with SPLAT’s Summer Adventures on a panel, “Engagement Strategies: Different problems, similar solutions”. They shared how these face-to-face interactions strengthened connections across the state, and provided opportunities to learn and listen. Deana and Crystal were both attending Internet Librarian for the first time, thanks in part to being awarded funding from ICfL through an LSTA First Time Conference Grant.

 

Another presentation that focused on the power of conversations was from former SPLAT member, Memo Cordova. His presentation, “Empowering Conversations: Libraries and THATCamp” shared his experiences organizing an unconference that focuses on bringing the humanities to the masses.

Three people standing

Amy Vecchione, Deana Brown, and Memo Cordova at Internet Librarian 2016

Amy Vecchione, one more SPLAT alumni, discussed “Designing Library Spaces”. She shared insights gained through her research and experiences centered around using design thinking skills as a way to engage users in designing spaces. Makerspaces serve as a pilot for changing library space and design based on user needs, and can be used to help librarians own entrepreneurial skill sets.

 

The fact that SPLAT and Idaho were so well represented speaks volumes to the great things we are doing, and will continue to do!