2026 Saskatchewan Libraries Conference: Libraries Open Doors: Full Schedule

Welcome to the 2026 Saskatchewan Libraries Conference! We are thrilled to have you joining us for this incredible professional development and networking opportunity.

Registration Desk
Make sure you check in to the conference at our registration desk before heading off to any meals or sessions! Here you can pick up your name tag and ask any questions you might have. The registration desk will be open from 6:45 am to 3:00 pm on Thursday, April 30, and from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm on Friday, May 1.

Using the Sched App
Use this app to build your personalized conference schedule! You will find some things have already been added to your schedule (such as meals and key speakers), but everything else is up to you.

We also encourage you to turn on the "Public Profile & Schedule" option under the "My Account" tab. This will add you to the public attendee list, helping you to connect with other delegates and helping them connect with you. This is optional.

Conference Sponsors
SLA gratefully acknowledges our many event sponsors! Without their generous support, this conference would not be possible! We gratefully acknowledge all sponsors in the "Sponsors" Tab.

Exhibitors
Make sure to visit the Exhibitor Hall located in the Gallery B! The Exhibitor Hall will be open on Thursday, April 30, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, with the Exhibitor Social taking place from 3:00 to 4:00 pm. Join us at the Social to visit with the exhibitors while enjoying appetizers and non-alcoholic drinks, and the chance to win great prizes!!

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6:45am CST

Registration Desk Opens

Thursday April 30, 2026 6:45am - 3:00pm CST

Capital A Room

Thursday April 30, 2026 6:45am - 3:00pm CST
Capital A Room

Registration Desk Hours

7:30am CST

Breakfast

Thursday April 30, 2026 7:30am - 8:30am CST

Capital A Room

Thursday April 30, 2026 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Capital A Room

Meal

8:15am CST

Exhibitor Lightning Rounds

Thursday April 30, 2026 8:15am - 8:45am CST

Capital B Room

Participating exhibitors are CUPE Saskatchewan...

Thursday April 30, 2026 8:15am - 8:45am CST
Capital B Room

20-Minute Sessions

8:30am CST

Exhibitor Hall is Open

Thursday April 30, 2026 8:30am - 4:00pm CST

Capital B Room

Thursday April 30, 2026 8:30am - 4:00pm CST
Capital B Room

20-Minute Sessions

9:00am CST

Conference Opening & Keynote Speaker

Thursday April 30, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am CST

Capital A Room

Carol Radford-Grant has been the Provincial Archivist of Saskatchewan since September 2021. She leads a team that preserves and provides access to the province’s historical records of the government, as well as individuals, organizations, businesses and associations. In addition, the Archives also provides expertise and advice to government
about information management, policy standards and effective record keeping practices in the public sector.

Before joining the Provincial Archives, Radford-Grant worked as a leader in the archives field for over 20 years in Toronto in various organizations, including the City of Toronto, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, the Archives of Ontario, and the Ontario College of Teachers.

Carol holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and Philosophy and a Graduate Diploma in Public Administration from Western University, an Archives Technician Diploma from Algonquin College, and a Masters in Information Studies from the University of Toronto.

Speakers

Carol Radford-Grant

Provincial Archivist of Saskatchewan, Provincial Archives of Saskatchewan

Thursday April 30, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am CST
Capital A Room

Special Event

10:30am CST

Nutrition Break

Thursday April 30, 2026 10:30am - 11:00am CST

Capital A Room

The morning nutrition break on April 30 is sponsored by the United Library Services (ULS)

Thursday April 30, 2026 10:30am - 11:00am CST
Capital A Room

20-Minute Sessions

11:00am CST

Branching Out: Community Outreach at Winnipeg Public Library Branches

Thursday April 30, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CST

Swift Current Room (2nd Floor)

In 2023, a team of librarians at the Winnipeg Public Library came together to ask the question: How can our library branches make community outreach a priority with limited time, staffing, and resources? Since then, the WPL Outreach Working Group has developed several tools, including a new Outreach Toolkit and staff surveys, to look at how staff can be supported and encouraged to “branch out” to build meaningful connections in their neighborhoods.

As members of this working group and branch head librarians serving very different communities, Sarah and Austin will discuss these tools, their strategies to help staff engage effectively beyond library walls, and the partnerships and outreach opportunities that they have developed at their branches.

Speakers

Austin Matheson

Branch Head Librarian, Westwood Library

Following the completion of his Master of Information Studies degree in 2017, Austin Matheson held positions in BC as a Children’s Librarian, Community Engagement Librarian, and Manager of Collections & Technology, before starting with the Winnipeg Public Library in 2022. Now a Branch Head Librarian at the Westwood Library, Austin is passionate about developing creative... Read More →

Sarah Giesbrecth

Branch Head Librarian, St. John’s Branch, Winnipeg Public Library

Sarah Giesbrecht is the Branch Head Librarian of the St. John’s branch of the Winnipeg Public Library. She began her current role in October 2022. Before switching to public libraries, she worked in Data Services at University of Winnipeg Library and University of Northern BC Library and as an... Read More →

Thursday April 30, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CST
Swift Current Room (2nd Floor)

50-Minute Sessions

11:00am CST

Portals to Community and Self-Discovery: Tabletop Roleplaying at the Library

Thursday April 30, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CST

Prince Albert Room

Learn about how the Saskatoon Public Library makes Tabletop Roleplaying Games (TTRPGs) accessible and how staff with no specialist knowledge can use these resources to support patrons in lifelong learning. Through RPG kits and patron-led programming, SPL patrons have expanded their social networks and gained skills, confidence, and self-knowledge. The presenters will show you how you can support patrons in their own gaming endeavours, without having to become a master of dungeons or wizard of the stacks.

Speakers

Neil Jones

Saskatoon Public Library

Neil Jones (they/them) has been working at the Saskatoon Public Library for 11 years and playing tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) for over 30 years (off and on). They developed the idea of RPG kits while working on the Book Club in a Bag service. They enjoy strategic and tactical gameplay leav... Read More →

Eli Hartman

Programmer, Saskatoon Public Library

Eli Hartman (they/them) has been working with Saskatoon Public Library as a programmer for 3 years and playing tabletop games for 14 years. Their passion for all things storytelling is the driving force behind their programs, and when they aren’t working, they can be found in countless table... Read More →

Thursday April 30, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CST
Prince Albert Room

50-Minute Sessions

11:00am CST

Start Smart: Building Assessment into Your Projects

Thursday April 30, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CST

Qu'Appelle Room

In the excitement of starting a new project, program, or service it can be easy to just jump right in and begin, but when time comes for renewals and funding there is a scramble to build a case for your successes. Don’t stress! Make your project stand out from the crowd. Building assessments into your project from the beginning doesn’t have to be complicated and has both ongoing and long-term benefits.

This session will show you strategies to integrate assessment processes into all sorts of library projects from the very beginning of the planning process, so you are able to reduce time spent on data gathering, capture the most impactful information, and give evidence-based backing to your successes.

Speakers

Linnea Richards

Library Assessment Coordinator, Dr. John Archer Library & Archives, University of Regina

Linnea Richards is dedicated to fostering evidence-based decision-making in library services. She is currently the Library Assessment Coordinator at Dr. John Archer Library and brings a wealth of experience from her years working in public libraries of all sizes across Canada. Drawing on this diverse... Read More →

Thursday April 30, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CST
Qu'Appelle Room

50-Minute Sessions

11:00am CST

Unlocking Archival Materials: Utilizing Zooniverse to Create More Accessible Collections

Thursday April 30, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CST

Capital A Room

Gladys Arnold, a teacher turned journalist, worked for the Regina Leader-Post before travelling to Europe in 1935. After working as a freelance journalist for the Canadian Press, she became their Paris correspondent, ultimately serving as the sole Canadian correspondent in France during the start of the Second World War. Her correspondence and memoirs, now preserved at the University of Regina’s Dr. John Archer Library & Archives, offer a vivid picture of a time of great historical significance.

Yet, for all this primary source material, the door is not fully open. While these materials have been digitized, they have not been made publicly available due to the lack of transcription and metadata. Making Arnold’s work more discoverable is essential to ensuring that her voice can be heard, and that these first-person accounts can be studied and shared. While open source machine learning tools can generate preliminary transcripts, human review is essential to correct errors and omissions, and the volume of material makes in-house review impractical. 

To address this challenge, we explored Zooniverse, a collaborative platform supported by the University of Oxford, University of Minnesota, and Adler Planetarium. With nearly 3 million volunteers worldwide, Zooniverse enables community volunteers to transcribe text, tag images, and classify content.  For the Gladys Arnold Collection, the platform presents an opportunity not only to transcribe many of Gladys Arnold’s letters, but also to engage with a broad community and raise awareness of this significant Saskatchewan resource.

Speakers

Caitlin Bakker

Discovery Technologies Librarian, University of Regina

Caitlin Bakker, MLIS, PhD, is the Discovery Technologies Librarian at the University of Regina, where her portfolio includes the Library Services Platform, discovery and publishing systems, metadata, and authentication services. Her interests include research and publishing ethics, open science and schol... Read More →

Crista Bradley

University Records & Information Management Archivist, Adjunct Professor in History, University of Regina

Crista Bradley, MA (Archival Studies), is the University Records & Information Management Archivist and an Adjunct Professor in History at the University of Regina. She oversees the Archives’ outreach, instruction and records management programs and collection development for university records. Her research interests relate... Read More →

Alyssa Hyduk

University Archivist, University of Regina

Alyssa Hyduk has been involved in the archival community in Canada since 2015 and is the University Archivist at the University of Regina where she oversees private records, collection development, reference and research. Her interests include cultural memory acquisition, digitization and preservatio... Read More →

Thursday April 30, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CST
Capital A Room

50-Minute Sessions

12:00pm CST

AI for the Rural Librarian

Thursday April 30, 2026 12:00pm - 12:20pm CST

Prince Albert Room

Being a rural librarian, you are the one making things happen at your branch. With very limited hours, likely with little help from anyone, you have to come up with innovative programming. All kinds of great ideas out there but no one to actually create the program. Well, AI can assist you with this and it isn't a big learning curve. It is just a matter of trying it out. This session will help you feel more confident about trying out AI. No long-winded manuals to read. Just a practical way to get started.

Speakers

Julia Byrnes

Librarian, Lafleche Branch Library

Julia Byrnes trained as a computer hardware technician during the initial phase of desktop computers. After 18 years working in Vancouver and progressing to Network Analyst she left computing and went to work with dogs. Running her own training and dog daycare business for five years she found her... Read More →

Thursday April 30, 2026 12:00pm - 12:20pm CST
Prince Albert Room

20-Minute Sessions

12:00pm CST

From Prompt to Prototype: Building Custom Library and Archives Tools with Generative AI (No Coding Required?!)

Thursday April 30, 2026 12:00pm - 12:20pm CST

Swift Current Room (2nd Floor)

As library and archives workflows become increasingly digital and data-intensive, the gap between specialized needs and available budget or technical resources often widens. While "off-the-shelf" software provides general solutions, it does not always address the specific needs that staff (and users) may encounter on a day-to-day basis. This presentation demonstrates how Generative AI, specifically Google AI Studio, can bridge this gap, transforming staff from software consumers into citizen developers capable of creating specialized web apps on demand.

Attendees will learn a practical workflow for "coding with conversation" to translate an idea into a working prototype. The presentation will discuss what kind of projects are possible with Google AI Studio and demonstrate real-world web apps created with it, such as a LibGuides analysis dashboard, a PubMed query helper, an archival photo description app, a citation verification tool, and more, Ultimately, this presentation shows how AI can lower the barrier to entry for library staff looking to build their own solutions to local problems in real-time.

Speakers

Dale Storie

Associate Dean (Research), Dr. John Archer Library & Archives, University of Regina

Dale Storie is the Associate Dean (Research) at the Dr. John Archer Library and Archives, University of Regina, where his portfolio includes Archives, Data Services, Discovery Technologies, Copyright, and Scholarly Communication. His research interests center on the human aspects of informatio... Read More →

Thursday April 30, 2026 12:00pm - 12:20pm CST
Swift Current Room (2nd Floor)

20-Minute Sessions

12:00pm CST

Métis STEM/STEAM

Thursday April 30, 2026 12:00pm - 12:20pm CST

Qu'Appelle Room

Speakers

Tekeyla Friday

Community Services Librarian, Chinook Regional Library

Tekeyla Friday is Métis author, artist, storyteller and cultural educator. She has had nineteen years of experience in Library Services as the Children's Program Co-Ordinator for the Chinook Regional Library. She is currently taking a diploma course in Social Media Marketing through Sundance College... Read More →

Thursday April 30, 2026 12:00pm - 12:20pm CST
Qu'Appelle Room

20-Minute Sessions

12:00pm CST

Opening Doors to Nutrition - How Libraries and Public Health Nutritionists Can Work Together to Strengthen Food Literacy in Communities

Thursday April 30, 2026 12:00pm - 12:20pm CST

Capital A Room

In early 2025, Public Health Nutrition reached out to Southeast Regional Library to learn more about food programming in libraries in the area. From this linkage both sides realized there was a great opportunity for partnership to connect the public to credible health information and increase food literacy in communities.

This session will cover what Public Health Nutritionists do and how they can support libraries. Libraries offer excellent spaces for accessing food programming, and with the help of Public Health Nutritionists, both current and non-library users can access reliable health information, even in rural areas.

Learning Outcomes--3 skills/ideas/concepts that participants will take away from the session:

1. Learn about the role of Public Health Nutrition in Saskatchewan
2. Learn how your local Public Health Nutritionist can support food literacy within your library’s programming and public information sharing
3. Learn how libraries can support health promotion initiatives in their communities

Speakers

Morgan Kelly

Community Services Manager, Southeast Regional Library

Morgan Kelly is the Community Services Manager for Southeast Regional Library and has been in this role since 2019. She coordinates programming and regional resource kits for Southeast's 46 branches, which includes working with several community organizations to build partnerships. Morgan has... Read More →

Dana Klapak

Public Health Nutritionist, Saskatchewan Health Authority, Networks SE 6-9

Dana Klapak, RD, CDE is the Public Health Nutritionist for Saskatchewan Health Authority Networks SE 6-9 and is based in Weyburn, Saskatchewan. She has been working as a Registered Dietitian for over 22 years and has been in her current position in the southeast since April 2024. Part of Dana's role... Read More →

Andrea Toogood

Public Health Nutritionist, Saskatchewan Health Authority

Andrea Toogood, RD is the Public Health Nutritionist for Saskatchewan Health Authority covering the Regina area. Andrea has worked with in various roles in urban and rural communities throughout Saskatchewan since becoming a Registered Dietitian in 2001. Her current focus is on promoting prenatal... Read More →

Thursday April 30, 2026 12:00pm - 12:20pm CST
Capital A Room

20-Minute Sessions

12:30pm CST

Lunch & Exhibitor Hall Visits

Thursday April 30, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm CST

Capital A Room

Thursday April 30, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm CST
Capital A Room

20-Minute Sessions

1:30pm CST

Beyond Access: Collaborative Curation and Contribution in the Resource Bank.

Thursday April 30, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CST

Swift Current Room (2nd Floor)

This session is designed for librarians and teacher-librarians who already have some experience using the Sask DLC Resource Bank and want to deepen their practice to support their libraries. Rather than focusing on basic searching, participants will explore strategies for endorsing high-quality resources, sharing favourite educational materials, and creating new resources to support teaching, learning, and inquiry. The session will also highlight ways to leverage groups and collections to amplify the reach and impact of shared content and invite collaboration on collections and Resource Bank hubs.

Attendees will gain practical insights on how to support educators and students by promoting valuable resources, fostering collaborative use of digital materials, and contributing to province-wide initiatives that strengthen library services.

For participants who are new to the Sask DLC Resource Bank, or those who would benefit from a refresher prior to the session, a short pre-session resource is provided HERE. This training will include brief videos and a suggested scope and sequence covering core features such as navigation, searching, collections and hubs. A guided exploration checklist will also be provided. Reviewing these materials in advance will help ensure all participants can fully engage in the session content and discussions.

Speakers

Melissa Lander

Resource Bank Consultant, Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre (Sask DLC)

Melissa Lander is an experienced learning consultant with a strong commitment to equity in education. She currently serves as the consultant for the Resource Bank at Sask DLC, bringing a particular interest in structured literacy and numeracy to her work. Melissa was recently appointed to the Multitype... Read More →

Thursday April 30, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CST
Swift Current Room (2nd Floor)

50-Minute Sessions

1:30pm CST

Beyond the Horizon: AI and Emerging Directions for Libraries

Thursday April 30, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CST

Capital A Room

Artificial intelligence is reshaping information ecosystems, public expectations, and the core workflows that sustain libraries and library employees. This panel brings together senior leaders from academic and public libraries to examine how AI is influencing current practices and shaping emerging directions across the profession. They will discuss what these shifts mean for libraries’ roles and services and how the field can approach these developments with intention and strategic clarity.

Representing the full spectrum of the library landscape, our speakers include:

A University Librarian leading AI-responsive academic research services and digital infrastructure.
A Public Library CEO/Library Director advancing community-facing innovation and equitable access to emerging technologies.
A second Public Library CEO/Library Director, formerly University Librarian at two universities, who brings deep insight into AI’s implications across institutional contexts.

Together, they will explore the opportunities, risks, and responsibilities arising from AI adoption; share examples of how their institutions are navigating technological change; and reflect on the evolving competencies, values, and leadership approaches taking shape across the profession, including the roles that will be essential as libraries adapt to an AI-infused future.

Speakers

Christina Hwang

Associate Dean (Academic), University of Regina

Christina Hwang is Associate Dean (Academic) at the University of Regina’s Dr. John Archer Library and Archives, supporting academic initiatives that advance teaching, learning, and research, with a focus on innovation and AI-enabled discovery.

Brett Waytuck

Dean, University Libraries & Archives at the University of Regina

Brett Waytuck is the Dean, University Libraries and Archives at the University of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. He also has responsibility for the development and management of the President’s Art Collection. Prior to joining the University in 2016, Brett Waytuck worked in public, special, go... Read More →

Jeff Barber

Library Director & CEO, Regina Public Library

Jeff Barber is the Library Director and CEO of Regina Public Library.

He holds a Master of Library and Information Studies, a Master of Business Administration, is a Chartered Director, and is currently taking the slow road to a Master of Laws. He began his library career at the Southeast Regional Library (SK) and then moved briefly to a position at... Read More →

Carol Shepstone

Director of Libraries & CEO, Saskatoon Public Library

Carol joined the Saskatoon Public Library in the fall of 2024 as Director of Libraries & CEO, returning home to Saskatoon to lead the dynamic and community-focused SPL team. She brings extensive leadership experience from academic libraries across the country where she has focused on lea... Read More →

Thursday April 30, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CST
Capital A Room

50-Minute Sessions

1:30pm CST

Beyond the Stacks: Addressing Burnout in Librarianship Through Compassion and Self-Care

Thursday April 30, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CST

Qu'Appelle Room

Librarianship is a profession built on service, connection, and intellectual care — yet behind the calm and helpful demeanor, many library professionals face increasing demands, emotional strain, and invisible stressors that can lead to burnout. From public service pressures and information overload to the emotional labor of supporting diverse communities, librarians are often so focused on helping others that they neglect their own well-being.

This presentation explores the unique challenges of burnout and compassion fatigue within the library field, offering insight into how sustained empathy without replenishment can erode mental health and job satisfaction. Participants will learn to recognize early warning signs of burnout and explore practical, evidence-based approaches for cultivating resilience. Topics include mindfulness in the workplace, boundary setting, peer support, and developing a culture of self-compassion within library teams.

By reframing self-care as both a personal and professional responsibility, this session invites librarians to nurture their own well-being as a foundation for sustainable service. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to help them balance compassion for patrons with compassion for self—reigniting purpose and joy in their work.

Speakers

Katharine Carter

Owner, Carter's Counselling Services

Katharine Carter is the owner of Carter's Counselling Services, which has been operating since 2020. Katharine has a strong passion for families and is one of the co-founders of the Martensville Youth Connection in Martensville. Katharine is the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Me... Read More →

Thursday April 30, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CST
Qu'Appelle Room

50-Minute Sessions

1:30pm CST

Uncensored: Intellectual Freedom in Children's and YA Collections

Thursday April 30, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CST

Prince Albert Room

As talks of book bans and fears of "inappropriate" children's and YA materials rise, so do challenges in your library. Patrons often expect library staff to ignore (and sometimes jeopardize) the intellectual freedom of kids and teens. This presentation will discuss the importance of preserving diversity, equity, and inclusion in the children's and YA collections, and will cover the challenges of doing so in smaller, rural libraries.

Speakers

Meagan McNaney

Consultant Librarian, Peace Library System

Meagan McNaney (she/her) is a Consultant Librarian for Peace Library System, serving communities in northwestern Alberta. Her library career so far has taken her to academic libraries, urban public libraries, and small town/rural public libraries. Meagan is passionate about helping libraries develop... Read More →

Thursday April 30, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm CST
Prince Albert Room

50-Minute Sessions

2:30pm CST

Building Resilient Communities: Digital Literacy and Disaster Preparedness Through Library Services

Thursday April 30, 2026 2:30pm - 2:50pm CST

Prince Albert Room

Digital literacy is increasingly recognized as essential for enhancing community resilience in the face of disasters and climate change. As extreme weather events, technological disruptions, and environmental hazards intensify, individuals and communities must be able to access reliable information, interpret risk, and use digital tools to make informed preparedness and response decisions. Libraries, as trusted, inclusive, and community-centered institutions, are uniquely positioned to strengthen these capabilities. This presentation examines the evolving role of libraries in advancing digital literacy to support disaster preparedness and climate resilience.

Speakers

Shela Hirani

Professor, University of Regina

Dr. Shela Hirani is a Professor at the University of Regina. She is a neonatal, maternal and child health expert, researcher, lactation consultant and an advocate of baby-friendly initiatives. Dr. Hirani has first-hand experience of working with the disaster affected and equity denied families within... Read More →

Thursday April 30, 2026 2:30pm - 2:50pm CST
Prince Albert Room

20-Minute Sessions

2:30pm CST

Full Bellies & Full Minds: Advocating for Public Libraries With Free Food & Solidarity

Thursday April 30, 2026 2:30pm - 2:50pm CST

Swift Current Room (2nd Floor)

Combat food insecurity, foster community and solidarity, and increase patronage in your library by starting a Little Free Pantry.

Speakers

Madilyn Hollingshead

Public Librarian, Esterhazy Branch Library

Madilyn Hollingshead is a public librarian, early childhood educator, and community activist from Esterhazy, Saskatchewan.

Thursday April 30, 2026 2:30pm - 2:50pm CST
Swift Current Room (2nd Floor)

20-Minute Sessions

2:30pm CST

Sesquicentennial Stories – 150 Years of the Saskatchewan Legislative Library

Thursday April 30, 2026 2:30pm - 2:50pm CST

Capital A Room

The Saskatchewan Legislative Library’s roots can be traced back to 1876 when the seat of the Territorial Government moved from Manitoba to the area of present-day Saskatchewan. The first collection was established for the use of the officers of that government, and from these humble beginnings, its size and role has expanded. Join us for a fascinating look at the history of the Legislative Library and its continuing relevance to the democratic process and the people of Saskatchewan.

Speakers

Catherine Hana

Director of Support Services, Saskatchewan Legislative Library

Catherine Hana is the Director of Support Services at the Saskatchewan Legislative Library and an Instructor in the Library and Information Technology Program at Red River College Polytechnic. She has worked in special and academic libraries since 1995, first as a library technician, and since... Read More →

Shana Hay

Reference Librarian, Saskatchewan Legislative Library

Shana Hay is a Reference Librarian at the Saskatchewan Legislative Library. A Regina native, Shana worked at the Civic Museum of Regina while earning her bachelor’s degree in history at the University of Regina. After obtaining her MLIS in 2020, Shana worked as a media librarian for the... Read More →

Thursday April 30, 2026 2:30pm - 2:50pm CST
Capital A Room

20-Minute Sessions

2:30pm CST

Welcoming Students: Building Community in the Library is More Than One-Shot

Thursday April 30, 2026 2:30pm - 2:50pm CST

Qu'Appelle Room

This presentation will describe a key pillar of the Archer Library and Archives’ strategy for building community with new undergraduate students. In 2023 a new team was formed to foster community and conversation with students by going beyond the traditional staffing a table during orientation week to creating a year-round plan to connect with students and make them feel welcomed by the library.

Speakers

Brad Doerksen

Student Success Librarian, University of Regina

Brad Doerksen is the Student Success Librarian at the University of Regina. This role includes a wide range of activities including support for undergraduate students and connecting the library to other student support units at the University of Regina.

Christina Winter

Christina Winter is the Copyright and Scholarly Communications Librarian at the University of Regina.

Thursday April 30, 2026 2:30pm - 2:50pm CST
Qu'Appelle Room

20-Minute Sessions

3:00pm CST

Exhibitor Social & Nutrition Break

Thursday April 30, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm CST

Capital A Room

Thursday April 30, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm CST
Capital A Room

20-Minute Sessions

4:00pm CST

Supper Break

Thursday April 30, 2026 4:00pm - 7:20pm CST

20-Minute Sessions

7:30pm CST

Mary Donaldson Lecture

Thursday April 30, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm CST

Capital A Room

Mary Donaldson Lecture is proudly sponsored by Library Bound Inc.

Danny Ramadan is a Syrian-Canadian author and LGBTQ+ refugees’ advocate. His memoir Crooked Teeth received raving reviews and was nominated for the Governor General’s Award for Non-Fiction. His latest novel, The Foghorn Echoes, won the Lambda Literary Award for Gay Fiction and was nominated for both the BC & Yukon Book Prizes and the City of Vancouver Book Award. His debut novel, The Clothesline Swing, won the Independent Publisher Book Award, was longlisted for Canada Reads, and has been translated into multiple languages.

Ramadan is also the author of the award-winning Salma children’s series, which has received the Nautilus Book Award, the Publishing Triangle Award, the Middle East Book Award, and numerous other accolades.

Since arriving in Canada, he has raised over $300,000 to support LGBTQ+ refugees, securing safe passage for more than two dozen queer and trans individuals. He holds an MFA in Creative Writing from UBC and an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Adler University.

He lives in Vancouver with his husband and two dogs — and when he’s not writing, he’s probably playing video games.

Speakers

Danny Ramadan

Syrian-Canadian author & LGBTQ+ refugees’ advocate

Danny Ramadan is a Syrian-Canadian author and LGBTQ+ refugees’ advocate. His memoir Crooked Teeth received raving reviews and was nominated for the Governor General’s Award for Non-Fiction. His latest novel, The Foghorn Echoes, won the Lambda Literary Award for Gay Fiction... Read More →

Thursday April 30, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm CST
Capital A Room

Special Event

8:30pm CST

Mary Donaldson Reception

Thursday April 30, 2026 8:30pm - 9:30pm CST

Hotel Lobby

Mary Donaldson Reception is proudly sponsored by Saskatoon Public Library

Thursday April 30, 2026 8:30pm - 9:30pm CST
Hotel Lobby 1975 Broad Street, Regina, SK, Canada

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