At ALA’s LibLearnX: A focus on the pioneering work from Texas library leaders

CHICAGO – LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience will spotlight the innovative work being pioneered in the Lone Star state of Texas. 

Texas is home to 29 million people, three of the largest cities in the U.S, and one of the most diverse populations in the country. At LibLearnX, you’ll hear from Texas library leaders about the innovative approaches libraries in the state are using to meet the needs of their communities. “Innovative Approaches to EDI in Texas Libraries,” Sunday, Jan. 23, 10:45 a.m. – noon Central, is a newly added Main Stage session that will be streamed LIVE from San Antonio, Texas. ALA President Patricia (Patty) Wong and ALA Executive Director Tracie D. Hall will moderate the session, in person, with our colleagues on the ground in the Lone Star state. Panelists will include: Tamiko Brown, library coordinator, Fort Bend Independent School District; Dean Hendrix, dean of libraries, University of Texas at San Antonio; Shirley Robinson, executive director, Texas Library Association; and Ramiro Salazar, San Antonio Public Library director.

An additional Texas highlight includes “Being a Queer Librarian in Texas: Expectation vs. Reality,” Monday, Jan. 24, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Central, a panel discussion presented by the ALA Rainbow Round Table. Participants will hear from LGBTQIA+ librarians working in various types of libraries and communities across Texas. Panelists will discuss their experiences compared to the public assumption of being an out, queer professional in a southern, mostly conservative state. Panelists include: Israel Favela, collection development and cataloging manager, Houston Public Library, Houston; Nancy Jo Lambert, librarian, Reedy High School, Frisco, Texas; and Steph Noell, special collections librarian, University of Texas at San Antonio. The panel will be moderated by Dr. Arro Smith, library division manager, technical services, San Marcos Public Library, San Marcos, Texas.

Additional conference speakers will be announced soon.

LibLearnX is a virtual, four-day learning conference that invites ALA members, ALA Student members, and international members to contribute to the conversation and participate in real-time learning and networking activities. Designed as an active learning experience, LibLearnX offers a variety of “session types” in assorted “topics” that support a range of instructional methods. You will explore experiential learning — “learning by doing.” From hands-on workshops to “bite-sized” informal offerings, attendees can create a schedule to match your learning style and objectives. Explore the list of more than 120 live and on-demand education sessions, with more to be added.

The LLX Marketplace will host exhibitors offering the newest titles, leading technologies and core services for ALA Members and Spotlight Exhibitor Sessions.

Additional learning features include ShopTalks, Learning Labs and Accelerators and will support a range of instructional methods to give attendees control in setting priorities and choosing the right content, materials and methods that match their learning styles and objectives. More than 120 education sessions will be hosted in a wide variety of subject matter topics, including Books and Authors; Equity, Diversity and Inclusion; Career Development & Leadership; Community Outreach & Partnerships; Digital Equity; Mental Health, Technology Innovation; and more.

Get updates from the 2022 LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience website and follow the hashtag #LibLearnX and social media: ALA Twitter, ALA Facebook, and Instagram. 

Media interested in registering for the session may contact Macey Morales, deputy director, ALA Communications and Marketing Office at [email protected].

About the American Library Association
The American Library Association (ALA) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the ALA has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government, and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit ala.org.