Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia, has come a long way since its 2001 launch. As source evaluation experts, librarians have long been suspicious of Wikipedia's credibility. It's time to take another look at Wikipedia and consider how it can be used in our day-to-day reference interactions as well as in information literacy instruction. Please join Bryant University's Allison Papini as she shares her experiences attending and organizing Wikipedia meetups as well as the successes and opportunities she has encountered trying to encourage increased use of Wikipedia at Bryant University.

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Summer 2017 was a great year for Adult Summer Reading Programs, and we hope to make 2018 even better. At this meeting, OLIS will share results and conclusions from 2017's summer reading survey and provide information about prize vouchers, program models, and the future of the summer reading program. This workshop will also focus on generating ideas for programming and connecting with presenters, performers and speakers related to the 2018 Collaborative Summer Reading Theme of Libraries Rock!

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In an effort to make our libraries more welcoming and inclusive spaces for our diverse communities, the Office of Library and Information Services (OLIS) is partnering with Dorcas International Institute to provide a series of workshops on the topic of Cross-Cultural Competency. The second of three workshops, this session builds on the introduction to the language of cross-cultural competency. Moving on from the basics, we will discuss how to apply this information in thinking critically about the spaces, environments, and interpersonal situations in which you operate every day.

Brandon Lozeau, Community Relations Manager at Dorcas International Institute, will lead this discussion. Dorcas International Institute provides refugee resettlement, U.S.Citizenship, ESOL, adult education classes, and other programs designed to build a stronger and more connected community in Rhode Island.

Materials from Session 1 - Cross-Cultural Competency: The Language will be made available before this workshop for those unable to attend the entire series.

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Many libraries are jumping on the virtual reality train, and bringing this popular and exciting technology into their library programs. This workshop will focus on using virtual reality in a purposeful and meaningful way to enhance library programs, so that you are next left asking, "now what?" once you acquire this technology. This workshop will also provide hands-on opportunities to try out virtual reality systems and develop potential program ideas to bring back to your library.

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From the news that earth surface temperatures hit a record high in 2016, to a presidential administration that denies the effect fossil fuels play in climate change, we are inundated with stories and images about climate change. And yet authentic face-to-face conversations about climate change (with family, friends, neighbors, colleagues) are rare. According to the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, “more than half of those who are interested in global warming or think the issue is important ‘rarely’ or ‘never’ talk about it with family and friends.”

In this experiential, interactive training, participants will learn why dialogue about climate change is critical to creating a brighter future, and how librarians can facilitate dialogues that empower our communities to be better equipped to respond, adapt, and mitigate the effects.

You will be guided through the creation of a “Climate Communications Toolbox” to facilitate dialogue and host “Climate Conversations” within your library community.

You will:

• Learn how to create and host “Climate Conversations” at your library.
  
• Share ideas for archiving and exhibiting artifacts created in workshops.
  
• Brainstorm ideas for building community partnerships.
  
• Learn why resilience and social capital are critical for communities to thrive and endure, and how libraries can help communities build both.
  
• Experience mindfulness exercises as a tool for “re-wiring” the brain to stabilize the nervous system.
  
• Explore your own thoughts and feelings about climate change through storytelling and reflective writing

*This event will break for 1-hour for lunch

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Join fellow programming librarians for this sharing session on how to take your community partnerships to the next level. Hear from colleagues that have worked with community groups to develop programming, extend services, and strengthen relationships for a win-win. Cassie Patterson, the Assistant Director for Greenville Public Library, will moderate the discussion.

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