RFS Conference Session Descriptions

Web 2 Point Ohhhhh!: Moving From Core Competencies to Technology Training Wheels to Infinity (and Beyond!)
Beth Duttlinger, Library Development Consultant, Alliance Library System
Core competencies identify the knowledge and skills library employees need to provide superior service. In this program, Beth will identify ways core competencies can benefit libraries before transitioning to the origin, creation, and development of the ALS pathfinder, Technology Training Wheels. She will then demonstrate innovative ways library staff members are using Web 2.0 technologies to streamline tasks, market library resources, or introduce new services.

Ditch the Workout; Join the Party!
Jill Kennedy-Broughton, ACE Gold Certified Fitness Professional and Certified Life Coach
Find your motivation with an evening of active/healthful living advice followed by a Zumba Fitness demonstration - be ready to be pulled into movement by the irresistible Latin rhythms.

How do you stay focused and productive in these challenging times? Having looked at this issue weekly in her phenomenally popular blog On a + Note, Kitty will engage the Reaching Forward South audience in an animated discussion of the fundamental factors and passion that go into being a great library worker (and mom!!) in these difficult times.

Transform Yourself, Transform Your Library
Yvonne R. Beechler Bergendorf, Director, Wood Dale Public Library
Is your library being asked to do more with less? Is your head spinning trying to keep up with all of the changes? This workshop will provide practical and affordable examples of changes you can make at your library to provide better services to your patrons while at the same time helping you learn to 'keep your head above water!'

Haragei Body Language
Leslie Kuhn Boedicker
Haragei is the art of using the hara - a visceral communication style among the Japanese that defies Western logic. In this class, we will be looking at one aspect of Haragei: mirroring and the use of nonverbal communication to improve our work environment and our relationships with co-workers, friends, relatives & patrons.

Diversity Cafe: Eye Exam
Vandella Brown, Diversity Program Manager, Illinois State Library
This workshop offers a new way to work with a library's diversity initiative. Take a new approach to discussing diversity by using the Diversity Cafe Dialogue method for group discussions. Participants will engage in a cultural vision exam film and a sample assimilation test. For professional development learning, the techniques of the diversity cafe dialogue will add power, exploration and creativity for any library group, book, coffee chat, or film discussion. Participants will learn ways to facilitate, participate, prepare for a cafe discussion, and the history and definition of the conversation cafe discussion.

Be Red Cross Ready
Anthony Doll, Red Cross Volunteer, Springfield, Office
Learn to be proactive and self-sufficient. Prepare your library for the unexpected: disasters, fires, tornadoes, or winter storms. Are you Red Cross Ready?

Using Social Media to Market Your Library
Beth Duttlinger, Library Development Consultant, Alliance Library System
Libraries are using Facebook, Twitter, and blogs to market their libraries. How are they doing it? Join Beth as she reviews what social media sites are being used, how libraries are reaching patrons, and where library staff members are getting ideas for posts.

Turning a Good Grant into a Great Grant
Karen Egan, LSTA Grants Consultant, Illinois State Library
Grant writing is an essential skill for every librarian. Learn 10 simple strategies for success that you as a grant writer can use to improve your grant application and explore web-based resources to find grant opportunities.

DIY After-School Programs
Paula Lopatic, Children's Librarian, Vespasian Warner Public Library and
Lori Weaver, Director, Weldon Public Library
Simple, do-it-yourself ideas for after school programs using books, crafts, and games with K-5th Graders. The session will include a list of groups and organizations to utilize for possible programming.

Families and Fandoms: Sharing the Story
Linda Lowery, storyteller, & Amber Lowery, professional crafter
The imagination is a powerful thing. The greatest dreamers discovered a whole World Wide Web, wrote books about killer cars, and wondered if people could walk on the moon. By sharing with our children a story that appeals to multiple generations, whether it is an amusing family story or a heated discussion of the last Harry Potter book, stories bring families together.

Circulation: Trying to Move Forward While Going in Circles
Dr. Madelyn J. Nelson, Circulation Supervisor, Northern Illinois University Founders Library
Join in a discussion on current issues in circulation, both the continuing and resurfacing problems. This is a chance to identify best practices and find those illusive permanent solutions.

I'm the Supervisor: Now What?
Dr. Madelyn J. Nelson, Circulation Supervisor, Northern Illinois University Founders Library
Explore information essential to new supervisors and come away with solutions to difficult situations that all supervisors face.

College Students Care: It's Our Library!
Daniel Schneider, Marketing Specialist with Schneider Reflections
Come ask questions of a live panel of college students about how they interact with libraries. What areas are effective? What would improve their interaction? Pick their brains to help your library be the best that it can be.

Preparing to Work With Youth Service Volunteers
Judy Taylor, Youth Development Educator, University of Illinois Extension, Springfield Center
Many schools, religious organizations, and youth organizations today require young people to complete community service hours for graduation or other program requirements. With proper thought and preparation, this can be a win-win situation for organizations, such as libraries, and young people. This session will help participants consider the challenges and benefits of such a partnership and to assess their readiness to provide positive community service opportunities for youth.