MD Tech Connect 2023

The Universities at Shady Grove, 9638 Gudelsky Dr., Rockville, MD 20850
Location Details

8:45 – 9:30 a.m.: Continental Breakfast and Networking

9:30 – 9:40 a.m.: Welcome and Opening Remarks

9:45 – 10:45 a.m.: Opening Keynote

Deshjuana Bagley, Director, SCF Coding Academy and Founder of TechPlayzone®
“This keynote will illuminate the parallels between the sense of wonder and limitless potential I experienced as a child receiving my first library card and the incredible promise I now see in AI as a tool to empower underrepresented youth. Much like that library card unlocked a universe of knowledge beyond my imagination, AI has the power to expand horizons for students still facing barriers today. I’ll share my personal journey, from a curious child guided by patient librarians to becoming an innovator in the forefront of STEM. Throughout, libraries served as my sanctuary, the catalyst enabling me to harness the power at my fingertips. My vision is for libraries to harness AI, robotics, and other technologies, inspiring the next generation of creators, thinkers, and change-makers, especially those who may doubt these possibilities are within their reach. Given the freedom to explore and experiment, guided by mentors who nurture their interests, student potential is bound only by their imagination.”

11 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Breakout Session 1

Marylanders Online: Bringing Digital Literacy Resources to every Marylander
Alison Harding, Jane Behre, Uhjin Sim, and Mega Subramaniam, University of Maryland
Ballroom

This session will provide an overview of the Marylanders Online project undertaken by the University of Maryland. The Marylanders Online project consists of a digital literacy repository that can be accessed by every Marylander and digital literacy providers in the state, customizable train-the-trainer content that the team can provide for Maryland digital literacy providers, and a Digital Navigator hotline. We will share our development process, and will demonstrate how we embedded the voices of Marylanders and digital literacy stakeholders into these resources.

Ali Harding is a PhD student at the University of Maryland in the College of Information Studies where she studies the information practices of rural youth as they relate to their identity creation and recreation. She works with the Marylanders Online project as a graduate research assistant. Jane Behre is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Maryland in the College of Information Studies. She studies the secret information needs and practices of LGBTQ+ young adults. She works with the Marylanders Online project as a graduate research assistant. Dr. Mega Subramaniam is a Professor and the Associate Dean for Faculty at the College of Information Studies (INFO) at the University of Maryland and serves as co-PI in the Marylanders Online project. Her research focuses on enhancing the role of public and school libraries in fostering the mastery of digital literacies among youth.

Creating an Inclusive Makerspace for Adults with Disabilities
Candace Birger, Carroll County Public Library
Room 2052

While teens may seem like the obvious choice for a targeted audience in a makerspace, Exploration Commons at 50 East has found a substantial foothold within our local adults with disabilities groups. Since opening, EC50 has partnered with several nonprofit groups specifically catering to adults with disabilities, providing us with a consistent attendance to design specialized programming aimed at empowering this subgroup. We will discuss the tools, resources, and class structures that have improved access for these groups as well as answer questions related to our experiences through this ever-changing adaptive programming.

Candace Birger is the manager of Exploration Commons at 50 East. She holds various Bachelor’s Degrees and is a professional costume designer in her spare time. She is an educator with an emphasis in tech in both her cosplay career and through the Carroll County Public Library.

Crossing That Bridge: More Self-Directed Learning, More Intentionally Designed
Brittni Ballard and Amelia Gossman, Towson University
View the presentation for Crossing That Bridge

This session explores one academic library’s use of communities of practice (CoP) for technology adoption, specifically the interactive content creation tool H5P. The presenters reflect on the decision-making process, technological implementation, and CoP facilitation. They’ll discuss how emerging interests and needs shaped COP gatherings and future implementation. H5P is a versatile tool with free and paid plans available that anyone can learn. It has potential for engaging students, student workers, faculty, and colleagues. Participants can expect a brief demo of H5P content.

Brittni Ballard earned her MLIS from University of Maryland, College Park, in 2019. She was then hired by Towson University as the Learning Technologies Librarian and is an Executive Member of the ACRL Distance & Online Learning Section. Amelia Gossman is the Library Services Specialist for Student Success at Albert S. Cook Library. She earned a BFA in Illustration from MICA in 2013 and is an MFA candidate (2023) at Towson University. Amelia has worked in both public and academic libraries with young adults and children.

Technology for the Blind and Print Disabled
John Owen, Joseph Beckett, Jordan Wohlfort and Jerry Price, Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled
Room 1042

The staff of LBPD will give an overview of services at the Library, specifically discussing the new technologies and applications of technology being used by the Library including distributing electronic braille reading devices, converting textbooks to accessible formats for college and university students, using the SwellForm machine to create tactile graphics. We’ll talk about the challenges we face in connecting with the community and ensuring equity in access “That All May Read.”

John Owen is the Director of the Maryland State LBPD. Joseph Beckett coordinates the Maryland Accessible Textbook Program, which converts textbooks for blind and print disabled students at Maryland colleges and universities. Jordan Wohlfort is the Collection Development Librarian at LBPD and works with the Braille e-reader. Jerry Price is the Assistive Technology Education Program Coordinator at LBPD, working with patrons on using assistive technology devices and software as well as accessibility features built into devices.

12 – 1:25 p.m.: Lunch and Tech Expo

1:30 – 2:30 p.m.: Breakout Session 2

How Baltimore County Public Library is Using Technology to Build Bridges and Help Marginalized Populations
Alexandra Houff, Baltimore County Public Library
Room 1052

Learn how BCPL fostered inclusivity by repurposing existing equipment, partnering with outside agencies, and leveraging existing technology.

Create your own mobile ACP Event Kits for branches to borrow.
Develop and fund a Long-Term Lending that loans internet equipment for up to six months for qualifying households.
Best practice for device distribution events
Leveraging outside partners to address language barriers without spending internal dollars.
Train and engage outside Digital Navigators through partnerships with county agencies to supplement staff

Alex Houff, Digital Equity and Virtual Services Manager at BCPL, has made closing the digital divide a departmental priority. BCPL has led the way in ACP promotion and adoption with long-term lending, ACP kits, and a year-long outreach initiative.

Leveraging Public Library Partnerships To Increase Student Digital Use and Access
Brooke Fakunmoju and Jessica Stith, Baltimore City Public Schools
View the slides for Leveraging Public Library Partnerships to Increase Student Digital Use and Access (PDF)

In this session, presenters will describe how they leveraged partnerships with the Enoch Pratt Free Library to provide additional resources and technology, including ebooks, hotspots, and computers, for students in Baltimore City Schools. Presenters include librarians at two high schools who serve the community. The session will include an opportunity for participants to ask questions.

Brooke Fakunmoju is a librarian at the “Historic” Frederick Douglass High School with 33 years of experience in helping students and staff become effective users of information and ideas. Specializing in meeting the needs of students in a densely populated area with a diverse population, Brooke uses that experience to build relationships with community partners to seek support for students and their families. Jessica Stith has been an educator with Baltimore City Public Schools for 13 years and is currently the Library Media Specialist at Mergenthaler Vocational Technical High School. She has a Masters in Educational Technology and one in Gifted and Talented Education.

Using Digital Literacy to Bridge Divided Communities
Jaleen Walker, Yassin Kargbo and Jahmiel McBride, Prince George’s County Memorial Library System
View the slides for Using Digital Literacy to Bridge Divided Communities (PDF)

Do you plan on preparing your customers for an IT career, or do you simply want them to become more efficient in digital literacy? If yes, the IC3 Digital Literacy Certification (Internet Core Competency) is a great place to start! We provide a 4- 6-week course hosted by CETAT (Center for Technology Access and Training) to help our customers gain skills to increase their ability to navigate the digital world. Skills learned through this course will increase their marketability in the workforce.

Yassin Kargbo is a Public Services Specialist II, at the Beltsville Branch Library overseeing the Life Lab. He is the Youth, Technology, and Outreach lead for the Workforce and Community Development team and lead agent of Career Online High School at Prince George’s County Memorial Library System. He has worked in libraries for over 8 years and is also a Certified Career Service Provider. Jahmiel McBride is a Library Associate II and Microsite Lead for the Workforce and Community Development Team at Prince George’s County Memorial Library System. Jahmiel works closely with the CETAT program and is instrumental in the design of the workforce teams’ Award-winning microsite. Jaleen Walker is the Staff Development Coordinator and Organizational Lead for the Workforce & Community Development Team at Prince George’s County Memorial Library System. Additionally, she co-chairs the EDI and Workforce Community of Practice groups for Maryland State Library. She also is a Certified Career Services Provider for the National Career Development Association and is currently one of the Northstar Proctors for her library in collaboration with Maryland State Library. She has worked in libraries for 11 years and in public service for almost three decades.

Creating Inclusive Digital Spaces at the Pratt Library
with Erin Kelly and Candice Zhu, Enoch Pratt Free Library
View the Slides for Creating Inclusive Digital Spaces at the Pratt Library (PPT file)
View the Resource Guide for Creating Inclusive Digital Spaces at the Pratt Library (PDF)

This session will share strategies from Pratt’s experience, focusing on web accessibility and assistive technology. We will discuss ways to improve the accessibility of your library’s website and other digital resources. We will review assistive technology options for the library (including free and built-in options). We will also share recommendations for staff training on digital accessibility.

Candice Zhu is a highly accomplished and innovative digital transformation leader in educational settings, currently serving as the Chief of Digital Transformation at Enoch Pratt Free Library/Maryland State Library Resource Center. Candice is skilled in web and software development, data management, and system integrations. With a PMP certification, she fosters a culture of innovation, leveraging advanced technologies to drive digital initiatives and promote digital equity. Erin Kelly is Accessibility Coordinator for the Enoch Pratt Free Library, with a focus on accessibility and reasonable accommodations for library patrons, ensuring compliance with ADA guidelines, training for staff, and more. Erin has taught classes about service to patrons with disabilities for library staff statewide and also has 20 years of experience as a public service librarian.

2:45 – 3:45 p.m.: Closing Keynote

James Neal, Institute of Museum and Library Services