Sessions
Welcome to SWAN Expo & the State of SWAN
A welcome from the Moraine Valley Community College and a "State of SWAN Address."
Keynote
Presented by Jon Chrastka, EveryLibrary Institute
BLUEcloud Analytics Q&A Drop-in Sessions
Presented by Sam Dietel and Michael Szarmach, SWAN
In this open forum, SWAN staff will be available to answer questions about BLUEcloud Analytics. This session will be driven entirely by the participants, so bring your questions and scenarios.
Circulation Services: Workflow Improvements through Technology
Presented by Jasmina Lapo, St. Charles Public Library District
Implementing the right technology can make circulation services more efficient, reducing workload, improving workflows, and minimizing reliance on paper reports. This session will highlight how St. Charles Public Library has integrated new tools to streamline processes and support circulation staff in their daily tasks. Key objectives include:
- MobileStaff app for faster, more flexible library card registration.
- RFID readers to improve material check-ins and reduce repetitive tasks.
- Digital reporting to eliminate paper-based processes
By the end of this session, attendees will:
- Identify opportunities to improve circulation workflows through technology.
- Learn best practices for implementing new tools and training staff.
- Explore strategies for reducing repetitive tasks and transitioning to digital processes.
Discover More with Aspen
Presented by Cynthia Romanowski and Tara Wood, SWAN
Aspen offers a host of features to support you and your patrons, and it is getting new features and updates every month. This session will cover what is new in the Aspen catalog and app over the past year, as well as hacks, customization options, and hidden features to get the most out of your catalog. We will also share a sneak peek at what is coming up over the next year.
Essential Library Tools: Illinois Statewide EBSCO Database Access and Features
Presented by Olivia Montolin, SWAN
Learn to effectively use Illinois' statewide EBSCO database collection in this focused presentation. We'll explore key access methods, highlight essential features, and address common issues. This overview will cover the most important tools and techniques to get you started with this comprehensive database package available to all Illinois residents.
Opening Doors: Embracing Patron-Focused Practices
Presented by Cindy Maiello Gluecklich, Indian Prairie Public Library District, Andrew Riis, Eisenhower Public Library
Want to build a library environment that truly welcomes and serves everyone? This session highlights the impactful shift towards patron-centered practices. We'll examine how libraries are actively working to eliminate barriers and create deeper community bonds. Let’s explore concrete examples of how libraries are re-evaluating their processes and launching innovative services with user needs in mind.
RAILS Delivery: Bins, Bags and Beyond!
Presented by Mark Hatch, RAILS
Have you wondered how items requested items reach your library? RAILS delivery spans the entire SWAN region, and this session will illuminate how Illinois has one of the most robust library delivery networks in the world.
So You Want to Host a Mini ComicCon at Your Library
Presented by Elaina Dague and Jenny Yasecko, Oak Lawn Public Library
Running a large-scale program can be incredibly rewarding, but getting started can be daunting. This session will explore the key phases of planning a comic con: from the program proposal to project management. Hear best practices for activity planning, budgeting, partnerships, and marketing. Learn from librarians who have found success celebrating pop culture at the library. Presenters will share what worked for their community and solutions to problems that came up along the way.
Services to Immigrants and New Arrivals 2.0
Presented by Esmeralda Bueno, Chicago Public Library
Chicago Public Library staff will share how the recent immigration to the City of Chicago and suburban area have impacted library services. They will share information about the services library newcomers are seeking and how Chicago Public Library adapted to meet the needs of our new community members now living in the Chicago area.
SWAN Notifications from the Ground Up
Presented by Michael Szarmach, SWAN
Join SWAN staff for an overview of patron notifications. Two years ago, we migrated to the MessageBee notification platform to send attractive, customizable messages about overdue items, bills, and available holds. This session will give participants a look into patron notifications from the logic and scheduling in Symphony to the MessageBee platform. We will review customization options and demonstrate tools to follow up on notification questions from patrons.
SWAN Support: How We Can Help
Presented by Ahren Sievers and Vickie Totton, SWAN
Designed for those new to a SWAN library or who simply want a review, this session will provide a survey of the SWAN member support landscape. We will showcase our support site, documentation, and ticketing system. Then we will review some common support scenarios to give participants an idea of the services SWAN has to offer.
Symphony Inventory Demystified: The Purpose and Process
Presented by Joy Anhalt, Tinley Park Public Library
Proper inventory management ensures that the records in the library’s database accurately reflect the physical collection, helping to identify discrepancies, locate misplaced items, and correct call number inaccuracies. At the Tinley Park Public Library, a streamlined approach was taken to inventory the main library collection using just six Technical Services staff members. This session will explore the methods, strategies, and tools used to conduct a comprehensive inventory efficiently and successfully with a small team.
WorkFlows Detectives: Mysteries from the Stacks
Presented by Sam Dietel, Helen Pinder, and Crystal Vela, SWAN
What happened here? SWAN experts are your guides revealing tools and strategies you can use every day. Follow the clues in WorkFlows and BLUEcloud Analytics to unravel real world service conundrums from the common to the bizarre.
Roundtables
How are you using AI in your library?
Artificial intelligence tools are increasingly at our fingertips at home and at work. Some library staff have embraced these tools and used them to assist in their library work, while others may be more reticent. This roundtable is an opportunity to have an open discussion with your colleagues about how you have used AI on the job, the level of success you have seen, and to ask questions that can help you make a decision about whether AI tools are a good fit for your workflow.
Library of Things: Share, Discover, and Reimagine Your Collection
Is your library looking to launch a Library of Things collection - or expand an existing one? Whether you're just getting started or refining your collection, this interactive roundtable is your chance to brainstorm, troubleshoot, and swap ideas with fellow SWAN libraries.
- What should you add? (Tools? Board games? Toniebox/Yoto players? Surprise us!)
- How do you make items circulate smoothly? (Packaging? Cataloging? Circulation and hold policies?)
- What's worked (or flopped)? Bring your wins, challenges, and lessons learned.
This is a participant-driven discussion - you set the agenda! Walk away with fresh inspiration, practical tips, and connections to help your Library of Things thrive. Bring your curiosity - and your favorite "Things" success story!