Iowa Library Association Conference 2026

The internet can be intimidating, and it's becoming more complex to navigate each year. Opting out of technology is no longer a realistic option, and even those who grew up online may struggle to understand evolving risks or feel too overwhelmed to take meaningful steps to protect themselves. The reality is that much of our personal information is already accessible to potential bad actors, but there are practical strategies we can all take to better manage and reduce our digital footprint.

This interactive workshop will explore the vital role information professionals play in promoting digital safety for both themselves and their patrons. Attendees will gain actionable tools and resources to help identify risks, respond effectively to security incidents when they occur, and take appropriate steps to recover and strengthen their digital security based on their individual risk levels.

Learn how ALA intellectual freedom documents are created, updated, and used as practical tools to guide decisions, strengthen policy, and communicate clearly with staff, leadership, and the community.

Attendees will learn about the structure and purpose of core ALA intellectual freedom documents and how they relate to one another, how interpretations and policies are developed, reviewed, and revised by ALA member groups. They will also learn to apply relevant ALA guidance to real-world library scenarios using a practical decision-making approach and to identify ways to use these resources in policy development, staff training, and professional development.

Learn how small, intentional changes to space design and flexible, low-cost programming can significantly increase teen engagement and participation. This session will share how small, low-cost changes, such as creating flexible seating areas for multiple uses, introducing more permanent passive programming materials, and creating interactive walls/bulletin boards, can transform a teen space into a welcoming and highly used environment. Attendees will leave with practical ideas and strategies for creating spaces that encourage teens to linger, connect, and return.

Get tips on how to create an emerging reader collection and provide programs for young families on a budget. Iowa has a new statewide literacy plan, and Iowa's public libraries are uniquely situated to help schools and communities meet these goals. The reading scores in Iowa, and across the nation, are dismal. Learn how your library can leverage what libraries are already good at to equip the community and align with curriculum standards, no matter the budget.

Attendees will receive practical steps and real-world examples for implementing the Science of Reading at their library.

How can and do libraries serve as catalysts for community resilience? Sustainable Libraries Initiative (SLI) Coordinator Rebecca T. Miller will explore what “resilience” means in this context and share how libraries can work to identify potential hazards and threats to our communities and establish adaptation, mitigation, and recovery plans. Elevating lessons from public, academic, and school library settings from the award-winning Sustainable Library Certification Program, she will share real-life examples of projects, programs, and partnerships that illustrate how libraries can help knit a tighter community fabric and foster deeper social cohesion—making the library and the community more resilient together.