Tech Days 2024 Presenters
Arnessa Dowell
With more than two decades of award-winning experience in the library field, Arnessa Dowell has worn many hats, starting as a Page and eventually taking on the role of Library Director in five different institutions working at academic, public, and federal government libraries. She earned her Master of Library Science degree from North Carolina Central University with a focus in academic librarianship and special collections. Additionally, she earned her Masters of Business Administration from the University of North Alabama with a concentration of Executive Leadership. Ms. Dowell is a passionate advocate for blending strategic planning with AI to expeditiously achieve the desired outcomes.
Throughout her career, Ms. Dowell has focused on using libraries as dynamic platforms for fostering community engagement, promoting inclusivity, and raising the bar for customer service. Her signature approach involves crafting strategic frameworks that not only adapt to the changing landscape of library services but also position libraries as innovative hubs.
In the ever-evolving library landscape, Ms. Dowell wants to stay at the forefront of driving meaningful change. Her unwavering commitment revolves around solidifying libraries as integral community pillars, powered by the integration of AI technologies and thoughtful strategic planning.
Arnessa's session:
- From Basics to Breakthroughs: AI Strategies for Library Leaders
Tuesday, September 17, 10:00 - 11:30am
Register here
Chris Baker
Chris Baker is a Public Library Consultant and Games & Learning Consultant with the Library Services Team of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Before joining DPI, Chris worked as a Youth Services Librarian at the Spring Green Community Library, and then a Teen Services Librarian (and eventually Adult Services Librarian) and Technology Coordinator at the Portage Public Library; prior to that, Chris enjoyed a robust career in professional theatre, earning a BA in Theatre from UW-Parkside and an MFA in Theatre Pedagogy from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he wrote his thesis about video games, learning, and society. Chris also has his MLIS from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; he is a specialist in library project management, innovation, and collaboration building.
Chris's session:
- Empowering Lifelong Learning: AI Guidance for Enhancing K12 and Library Education
Tuesday, September 17, 3:00-4:00pm
Register here
Delandrus L. I. Seales, MLS, MAT
Delandrus L. I. Seales is a Teaching & Learning Librarian at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She has 15 years of experience in K-12 as a special education teacher and as a school librarian. Delandrus also worked as a public library branch manager in southeastern North Carolina. Ms. Seales earned her MLS degree from East Carolina University as an IMLS Laura Bush Scholarship recipient. Delandrus is currently a doctoral student at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with research interests in learning, design, and technology. She serves on the board of the North Carolina Technology in Education Society as well as several committees involving online learning and instructional technology with the Association of College and Research Libraries, including as an ALA COLA Ecosystem Representative.
Delandrus's session:
- Navigating Artificial Intelligence Through a Public Librarian's Lens
Tuesday, September 17, 1:00 - 2:20pm
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Laura Solomon, MCIW, MLS
Laura Solomon, MCIW, MLS is the Library Services Manager for the Ohio Public Library Information Network and a W3C-certified front-end web developer. She has been doing web development and design for more than twenty years, in both public libraries and as an independent consultant. She specializes in developing with Drupal. She is a 2010 Library Journal Mover & Shaker. She’s written several books about web design and social media, specifically for libraries, and speaks internationally on both these and other technology-related topics. As a former children’s librarian, she enjoys bringing the “fun of technology” to audiences and in giving libraries the tools they need to better serve the virtual customer.
Laura's session:
- Trends in Emerging Tech
Wednesday, September 18, 1:00 - 2:30pm
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Monica Treptow
Monica Treptow started their work as the School Library Media Education Consultant at the DPI in July of 2017 where they enjoy supporting others navigating library planning, Common School Funds, Intellectual Freedom, and all things connecting libraries to the wider school community! Monica’s prior experience includes twelve years as a K-12 library media specialist and district leader. Their roles have included leading development of information and technology plans, instructional coaching, mentoring, and curriculum coordination. Monica has a Master of Arts in Library and Information Science from the University of Wisconsin Madison, as well as a Master of Education. Monica believes school libraries hold critical, irreplaceable value for all students and school communities!
Monica's session:
- Empowering Lifelong Learning: AI Guidance for Enhancing K12 and Library Education
Tuesday, September 17, 3:00-4:00pm
Register here