Category Archives: Educational Ops

Educational Opportunities

VLA Program-Smarter, Not Harder: Upgrade Your Library Workflows with the Power of AI!

When: March 23, 2026 10:00, EDT
Where: Hartland Public Library   153 US Route 5, Hartland VT

or on Zoom https://vermontlibraries.wildapricot.org/event-6552941

$10 VLA Members                 $15 Non-Members

Librarians wear a lot of hats — and AI might just be the one that ties them all together. This practical, two-hour session is designed for library professionals who want to cut through the AI hype and get straight to work with what’s actually useful. You’ll see AI tools demonstrated in real library scenarios — drafting PR assets for your next program, fielding a tricky reference or tech support question, developing policies or writing monthly reports, analyzing datasets, creating slideshows, and so much more. No jargon. No coding. No tech background required. 

We’ll explore low-barrier, budget-friendly AI tools that fit the pace and values of library work — and we’ll be honest about their limits. Conversations about privacy, bias, accessibility, and patron trust are built right into the session, because responsible AI use isn’t an afterthought in libraries. It’s the whole point.

Mark Glisson is the Assistant Director of the Hooksett Library in Hooksett, NH, bringing nearly 24 years of experience in public librarianship. He specializes in technology support, digital literacy, and staff training, helping both patrons and colleagues navigate an ever‑changing tech landscape. Mark also serves as Co‑Chair of the NHLA‑ITS Section, where he contributes to statewide conversations on innovation and infrastructure. His professional passion lies in staying ahead of emerging technologies and fostering positive, accessible user experiences—especially in areas such as cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

You can attend in person, or register to attend through zoom.

Webinar: Digital Decluttering for Your Mind and the Planet

𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐭
𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐅𝐞𝐛. 𝟐𝟔, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
𝟐 𝐩.𝐦. 𝐄𝐒𝐓
𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚: 𝑺𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒉 𝑻𝒓𝒊𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒏, 𝑺𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑺𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝑳𝒊𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒏, 𝑺𝒂𝒏 𝑫𝒊𝒆𝒈𝒐 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝑼𝒏𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒚
Building on the Sustainable Libraries Initiative webinar regarding AI and the environment, Sarah Tribelhorn will explore how personal digital habits directly impact the world around us. Storing vast amounts of data requires significant energy; by deleting unnecessary files and emails, you can reduce energy consumption and lower your carbon footprint. Furthermore, reducing the amount of data we store lessens the need for the massive hardware housed in data centers, helping to minimize e-waste and extend the lifespan of your personal devices. In addition to environmental sustainability, this webinar will focus on how a “digital detox” supports your mental well-being. A cluttered digital environment often leads to feelings of overwhelm, whereas clearing out digital “junk” can reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus, and boost mental clarity. We will guide you through simple, actionable steps to start your journey, such as deleting unused apps, organizing and deleting duplicate photos, and clearing out downloads, documents and trash folders to free up space. By the end of this session, you will have the tools to foster sustainable digital habits that benefit both your productivity and the planet. Details and registration are at this link: https://www.sustainablelibrariesinitiative.org/event/digital-decluttering-your-mind-and-planet-18706

AI and the Environment Webinar

The Sustainable Libraries Initiative presents “AI and the Environment,” a Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, webinar with Sarah Tribelhorn, Sciences and Sustainability Librarian at San Diego State University, exploring the environmental impacts of artificial intelligence (AI). Tribelhorn will provide a foundational overview of AI: what it is, how it works, and how it’s increasingly integrated into everyday life. Then she will discuss the environmental footprint of AI technologies, including energy consumption, data center demands, and electronic waste. Participants will gain insights and practical knowledge to help foster informed conversations with their community about responsible technology use and its role in a sustainable future. The webinar begins at 2 p.m. EST. Register at AI and the Environment Webinar.

Vermont Library Association (VLA) members are eligible for one year’s free membership in the Sustainable Libraries Initiative, thanks to a memorandum of understanding between the two organizations. VLA Government Relations & Advocacy Committee Chair Margaret Woodruff says the membership includes free access to programming and a 20 percent discount for the Sustainable Libraries Certification Program (SLCP).

To receive your free membership:

1 – Visit the Sustainable Libraries Initiative Vermont Library Association Membership page.

2 – Choose your membership type and complete the form.

3 – At the “How did you hear about us?” prompt select “Other,” and then enter your VLA membership number in the notes field to waive the membership fee.

For information about the 20 percent discount for the Sustainable Libraries Certification Program, email sliadmin@suffolknet.org

12.11.25 sl

Vermont Public Library Trustees & Friends 2013 Annual Conference

Saturday November 2   9:00 am   —  3:00 pm
Vermont Statehouse State Street Montpelier, VT

Registration is now open: http://libraries.vermont.gov/libraries/trustees (DEADLINE October 25)

Plan to join us at the Statehouse for an energy-filled day of inspiring and informative speakers and networking to help the board, staff and Friends with effective governance, fundraising,  advocacy, social media and more.

Keynote Speaker:
Stuart  Comstock-Gay, President and CEO of the Vermont Community Foundation. 

  • Breakout sessions for trustees and friends (and librarians!) on a variety of topics throughout the day, including:
  • Paul Gillies on Vermont libraries and the law. One of the authors of The Law of Public Libraries, former Deputy Secretary of State and a Montpelier attorney, Mr. Gillies has many years’ experience in municipal law and is well-versed in topics of interest to public library trustees and directors.
  • Rob Fish of the Vermont Council on Rural Development and the Vermont Digital Economy Project on social media tools for libraries.
  • And wait, wait, don’t forget the Annual Trivia Contest with prizes!
  • And of course there will be coffee, lunch, networking with your peers from around the state and more.

    • 20% discount for each attendee when 3 or more attend from one library

    Read more→

    Making Connections & Cultivating Community

    Dartmouth’s October Conference for New England Academic Librarians
    Friday, October 18, 2013
    Alumni Hall in the Hopkins Center at Dartmouth College

    This year’s conference focuses on the collaborative role that academic libraries can play within their communities. Presentations will include examples of library-IT collaborations, libraries that work with young people in the community, multi-type library collaborations, projects in which librarians and faculty work together, a town-gown event, and more. See the program for details.

    Read more→

    Outreach Coordinator Meet & Greet

    Hello Fellow Outreach Coordinators,

    I am the Outreach Coordinator at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.  I’ve been thinking for quite a while that I’d love the opportunity to gather with other Outreach folks to find out how other libraries provide outreach and also to exchange ideas.  I am taking a page from the book of our children’s librarian, Jane Napier.  She coordinates a state-wide meeting of children’s librarians twice a year.  I am proposing to meet on Tuesday, October  9th, here at the Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier from 10 – 12:30.  We could continue the discussion over lunch at one of Montpelier’s fine eateries.

    Please let me know if you can attend by September 28th.  My email is: khloutreach@kellogghubbard.org  or phone – 223.4665

    Looking forward to meeting and exchanging ideas!

    All the best,
    Rachael Grossman