2026 Saskatchewan Libraries Conference: Libraries Open Doors has ended

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2026 Saskatchewan Libraries Conference: Libraries Open Doors

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!!

8:15am CST

Exhibitor Lightning Rounds

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

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

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

20-Minute Sessions

10:30am CST

Nutrition Break

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

20-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

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

Copyright & Scholarly Communications Librarian, University of Regina

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

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

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

20-Minute Sessions

7:30am CST

Breakfast

Friday May 1, 2026 7:30am - 8:15am CST

Friday May 1, 2026 7:30am - 8:15am CST
Capital A Room

20-Minute Sessions

10:30am CST

Nutrition Break

Friday May 1, 2026 10:30am - 11:00am CST

The Nutrition Break on May 1 is sponsored by the University of Saskatchewan's University Library.

Friday May 1, 2026 10:30am - 11:00am CST
Capital A Room

20-Minute Sessions

12:00pm CST

Meet for Lunch at the Library!

Friday May 1, 2026 12:00pm - 12:20pm CST

Prince Albert Room

Discover how lunch at the library each week has become a beloved weekly program. Alongside local partnerships and co-hosts this 1-hour lunch provides:

Community connection: Co-hosts promote initiatives and programming. Participants learn ways to engage and build supportive connections removing barriers;
Resource Awareness: Participants gain knowledge of local resources;
Personal reflection and voice: Participants have time and space to be seen and heard ideas considered, perspectives and experiences valued.

Learn how you can create a similar program at your library!

Speakers

Cheryl Sikora

Director, Lloydminster Public Library

Cheryl Sikora is the Director of Lloydminster Public Library. She loves Jane Austen, her dog, wine, and warm blankets. She is passionate about children’s programming and creating community connections. She’s proud to say she has never shhhhed anyone is in a library.
... Read More →

Kirsten Hnatow

Assistant Director, Lloydminster Public Library

Kirsten Hnatow is the Assistant Director of the Lloydminster Public Library. Huge fan of libraries and promoting the vital role they have in connecting community. She brings curiosity, creativity, and vision to her work, ensuring the library remains a dynamic and welcoming space for all. When she’s... Read More →

Friday May 1, 2026 12:00pm - 12:20pm CST
Prince Albert Room

20-Minute Sessions

12:00pm CST

Supporting Safe Use of GenAI for Legal Information in Libraries

Friday May 1, 2026 12:00pm - 12:20pm CST

Qu'Appelle Room

The public is increasingly turning to generative AI (GenAI) tools for answers to legal questions. While these tools provide fast access to information, their use involves risks and can make it difficult to distinguish credible legal information from misinformation.

What role can libraries play? Learn how information professionals can support safer and more informed use of GenAI for legal information. Drawing on the Saskatchewan Access to Legal Information (SALI) initiative’s newest resource, the Using GenAI Tools to Obtain Legal Information guide, participants will learn practical strategies to help patrons navigate the use of GenAI tools to obtain legal information effectively.

Designed for library professionals in any type of library, this session offers practical tools to address emerging information literacy challenges in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Speakers

Alan Kilpatrick

Co-Director & Librarian, Legal Resources, Law Society of Saskatchewan

Alan Kilpatrick, BA, MLIS, is the Co-Director of the Law Society of Saskatchewan’s Legal Resources Department. He holds a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Western Ontario and a Bachelor of Arts from Vancouver Island University. Alan has served on... Read More →

Friday May 1, 2026 12:00pm - 12:20pm CST
Qu'Appelle Room

20-Minute Sessions

12:00pm CST

Where Library and Archival Metadata Meet: Finding Community in New Places

Friday May 1, 2026 12:00pm - 12:20pm CST

In this session we will discuss how two Métis documents were captured in the University of Saskatchewan’s Archives and Special Collections’ archival finding aid and library catalogue. Taken as a case study, these two documents provide an opportunity to consider these search tools, how they were/are created, the functions they served in the past, and how they can be improved in the present. They also provide an example of how directly interacting with materials can clarify and improve metadata, making collections accessible to Indigenous communities.

Speakers

Alycia Bockus-Vanin

Library Assistant, University of Saskatchewan's Archives & Special Collections

Alycia Bockus-Vanin (she/her) is a Library Assistant at the University of Saskatchewan's Archives and Special Collections. She has a background in museums, libraries and archival work and recently completed her Master of Library and Information Studies. She is interested in improving connections between... Read More →

Sadie Anderson

Indigenous Archivist, University of Saskatchewan's Archives & Special Collections

Sadie Anderson (Bellegarde), (she/her) is a status member of the Peepeekisis Cree Nation and the Indigenous Archivist for the University of Saskatchewan's Archives and Special Collections. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and is currently working towards her Master of Library and Information Science... Read More →

Friday May 1, 2026 12:00pm - 12:20pm CST
Capital A Room

20-Minute Sessions

12:30pm CST

SLA Awards Lunch & SaskPolytechnic Students' Presentation

Friday May 1, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm CST

Presentation of SLA Awards
SaskPolytechnic Students' Presentation

Friday May 1, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm CST
Capital A Room

20-Minute Sessions

2:40pm CST

How Your Library Can Work With CBC/Radio-Canada to Bring Community Stories to Life

Friday May 1, 2026 2:40pm - 3:00pm CST

CBC/Radio-Canada will present on Collab, which has funded library partnership programs since 2021. Collab offers a wide range of in-person activities to help libraries and CBC/Radio-Canada work in concert to connect with Canadians, building community, culture and conversation. People will learn about Radio-Canada’s “Tire-toi une bûche” project, Saskatchewan’s first Collab project that has taken place in various provincial libraries. The workshops give patrons the chance to tell and record their personal stories and anecdotes in their own way, with their own voice, with their final videos celebrated in a wrap-up event. We hope to expand this collaboration to include an English component, as well as work with rural libraries to highlight positive and uplifting stories that celebrate their communities.

Speakers

Janani Whitfield

Community Engagement Producer, CBC Saskatchewan

Janani Whitfield is a community engagement producer with CBC Saskatchewan, and works on projects aimed at building storytelling and connection, ranging from First Person writing workshops to our CBC series highlighting wins of small-town communities.

... Read More →

Nicole Lavergne Smith

Video-journalist, Radio-Canada

Nicole Lavergne Smith has worked for Radio-Canada as a video-journalist for the past 18 years, and has a strong focus on engagement in Saskatchewan’s Fransaskois community. In the last few years, she has enjoyed developing storytelling workshops in partnership with local librar... Read More →

Friday May 1, 2026 2:40pm - 3:00pm CST
Capital A Room

20-Minute Sessions

2:40pm CST

Librarians for Decolonial Research: The TransSask Research Story

Friday May 1, 2026 2:40pm - 3:00pm CST

Qu'Appelle Room

When Tiberius stumbled into being a researcher in 2022, they were challenged by the sheer amount of gatekeeping the academic structures on Turtle Island do. Research had always been in the iron-grip of ivory tower institutions and Tiberius wondered if they'd be able to achieve the goals their community had asked of them. Then, in their moments of desperation, it was the librarians who supported Tiberius on their journey in unconventional ways. Libraries and librarians have the ability and daring to be accomplices to decolonize research and this story highlights some of the ways how.

Speakers

Tiberius Fayant-McLeod

wo-Spirit holistic community researcher & artist

Tiberius (they/them) is a Two-Spirit holistic community researcher and artist who takes on research projects they believe in. They designed and conducted the first ever census of Two-Spirit, trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people in Saskatchewan in 2022. Since then, they have... Read More →

Friday May 1, 2026 2:40pm - 3:00pm CST
Qu'Appelle Room

20-Minute Sessions

2:40pm CST

No Books. Now What?

Friday May 1, 2026 2:40pm - 3:00pm CST

Prince Albert Room

What happens when your library has to dramatically downsize the print collection? Or worse, dismantle the physical space all together? This session discusses pop-up library initiatives that allow libraries to continue supporting the print needs of students, faculty, and library users.

Speakers

Sarah Van Sickle

Resource Management Librarian, Yorkville University

Sarah Van Sickle is the Resource Management Librarian at Yorkville University in Vaughan, Ontario. She previously held roles with the federal government and in law libraries. She graduated from her MLIS from the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario.

... Read More →

Friday May 1, 2026 2:40pm - 3:00pm CST
Prince Albert Room

20-Minute Sessions

3:10pm CST

Libraries as Incubators for Social Innovation: Unlocking Youth Potential Through Engagement

Friday May 1, 2026 3:10pm - 3:30pm CST

Libraries have long been hubs of learning, creativity, and community connection, offering programs and resources that support youth growth. This session explores how libraries can build on their successes by offering programs such as STEM challenges, hackathons, storytelling workshops, entrepreneurship bootcamps, digital learning tools, creative arts programs, and mentorship initiatives to further empower youths as social innovators and community leaders. By acting as incubators for social innovation, libraries can provide safe, inclusive spaces where young people can brainstorm, prototype, and lead projects that address real-world challenges. Participants will learn strategies to expand access, foster collaboration, and design programs that cultivate leadership, social entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning, ensuring libraries continue to open doors to opportunity, equity, and meaningful impact.

Speakers

Shiza Hirani

Student & award-winning youth advocate, Hill School of Business, University of Regina

Shiza Hirani is an award-winning youth advocate, a current student at the Hill School of Business, University of Regina, and the Founder of Youth MentorNet Café, a youth-led initiative dedicated to empowering young people and building the capacity of high-school students across Canada and internationally... Read More →

Friday May 1, 2026 3:10pm - 3:30pm CST
Capital A Room

20-Minute Sessions

3:10pm CST

Libraries Open Doors — For Inclusion and Belonging: How Libraries Act as Community Leaders for Dementia Friendly Community Initiatives

Friday May 1, 2026 3:10pm - 3:30pm CST

Qu'Appelle Room

60 per cent of people living with dementia live in their community. The number one issue they and their care partners face in trying to maintain their quality of life is the stigma associated with dementia. For people living with dementia and their care partners to fully stay well in their communities, they need community spaces that are welcoming and accessible. Spaces such as their local library. We want to share with you some of the simple strategies libraries can follow to make your community library space welcoming to people with dementia and celebrate some of the great dementia friendly work being done by libraries today across Saskatchewan.

Speakers

Erica Zarazun

Public Awareness Coordinator, Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan

Erica Zarazun is the Public Awareness Coordinator at the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan, VP of IABC Regina, and a steering committee member for Age-Friendly Regina. She leads initiatives on dementia education, brain health, and stigma reduction, while promoting equity, diversity, and inclus... Read More →

Friday May 1, 2026 3:10pm - 3:30pm CST
Qu'Appelle Room

20-Minute Sessions

3:10pm CST

Opening the Door to Discovery: An Introduction to the Sask DLC Resource Bank

Friday May 1, 2026 3:10pm - 3:30pm CST

Prince Albert Room

Librarians and teacher-librarians are essential partners in connecting learners, educators, and communities with high-quality educational resources that spark discovery and support literacy, inquiry, and lifelong learning. This session introduces library professionals to the Sask DLC Resource Bank, a province-wide digital library that provides equitable access to curated, curriculum-aligned educational resources for all Saskatchewan learners.
Participants will learn how the Resource Bank can strengthen their school or community library’s capacity to support teaching and learning. Through a live demonstration and guided exploration, attendees will experience navigating the platform, searching and filtering for curriculum-aligned materials, organizing resources through collections and hubs, and supporting patrons in locating reliable digital content.

The session will highlight how librarians can use the Resource Bank to:
• enhance educational programming and digital literacy instruction
• support educators in selecting open, high-quality learning materials
• guide students in finding trustworthy resources for inquiry and research projects
• extend access to educational materials beyond the physical library space

By the end of the session, participants will be equipped to confidently introduce the Resource Bank within their own contexts, support educators and learners in accessing educational resources, and deepen their knowledge through self-directed learning tools, including supports for contributing their own resources in the future.

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 →

Friday May 1, 2026 3:10pm - 3:30pm CST
Prince Albert Room

20-Minute Sessions