Thursday, December 10, 2026
The Universities at Shady Grove, 9638 Gudelsky Dr., Rockville, MD 20850
Location Details
8:45 – 9:30 a.m.: Coffee, Pastries, and Networking
Ballroom
9:30 – 9:40 a.m.: Welcome and Opening Remarks
Ballroom
9:45 – 10:45 a.m.: Opening Keynote
Ballroom
Kate Newton, Online Learning Librarian at Loyola Notre Dame Library
This presentation focuses on the fast rise of AI technology, the rush to adopt those technologies to all levels of education, and the need for effective guidance on how our community members can manage the challenges and opportunities of that technology. I will draw from the concept of Human Centered AI and other writings to argue that the only ethical way forward is to maintain an emphasis on AI as a tool to enhance and support human creativity, innovation, and expertise. It is that focus on the human – and a human’s ability to engage in critical thought – that positions librarians as both guides and leaders for our community members.
Kate Newton is the Online Learning Librarian at Loyola Notre Dame Library in Baltimore, MD. As part of the Research & Instruction team, she is responsible for creating and maintaining online learning objects and spaces, and developing innovative AI literacy instruction for students and faculty. Previously, Kate spent 15 years as a reference librarian at the Episcopal High School in Alexandria, VA. Kate lives in Baltimore with her two cats, and spends her free time engaging in medieval living history.
Breakout Sessions
Luddites Unite Updated!
Thomas Vose, Ruth Enlow Library of Garrett County and Sam Eddington, Lyrasis
This session will examine the potential use cases for generative AI and explore the ethical considerations and potential impacts of the technology on the fabric of society. It will ultimately demonstrate that the harms inherent in such a technology and the unequal benefits it will provide to an already heavily unequal society should cause libraries – while instructing patrons on it – to reject it as antithetical to our profession and mission.
Thomas Vose is the director of the Ruth Enlow Library of Garrett County in western Maryland, and is active in the worlds of AI refusal, information literacy, zines, futuring and gaming in libraries, among other interests.
Sam Eddington is an experienced training professional with a background in developing statewide training initiatives, and has worked in academic, public, and regional libraries. He also served on and chaired many national and state library committees.
Using the Public Library to Promote a Love of Numbers
Phil Shapiro, Takoma Park Maryland Library
This session will show and explain the success of the free, recreational math games developed and distributed at Takoma Park Maryland Library. These math games were developed using free tools, including LibreOffice Calc and ChatGPT. Children were successfully invited to be collaborators in designing the games, with some of the games bearing their names. The intent of these “dining room table” games is to reduce math phobia and help students develop a fondness for numbers outside of school. Difficult versions of these games have also been designed for G/T students. Web site at http://www.pairsmathgame.com
For more than 20 years, Phil Shapiro has been helping youth and adults use the public Linux computers at Takoma Park Maryland Library, promoting digital competence and digitall inclusion. He is also a contributor to MAKE magazine, Ars Technica, Computers in Libraries, and Information Today magazine.
How to appeal to and instruct AI enthusiasts, objectors, and everyone in between: Creating and Implementing the AI Literacy Program for Maryland Library Staff
Liz Kupke, Anne Arundel County Public Library and Katie George, Howard County Library System
Whether you are an AI Enthusiast, AI Objector, or AI Newbie, the new AI Literacy program for Maryland library staff is intended to level the playing field and ensure that all library staff have the opportunity to learn about the opportunities, challenges, and potential dangers of AI in a safe learning environment. Learn more about the planning and design of AI Literacy, how the training is organized, and unique components like hands on experiments and “Tech Buddies”.
Liz Kupke is the Digital Experience Assistant Manager at the Anne Arundel County Public Library
Katie George is the Professional Development Instructor at the Howard County Library System
Continuing Accessibility in the UMGC Digital Library – Title II Compliance and Student Resources
Mariette Largess, Colleen Quinn, and Renee Brown, University of Maryland Global Campus
In April 2026, the Title II compliance deadline was extended to April 2027, and the UMGC library has continued addressing our remaining accessibility issues and taken advantage of the additional time to better utilize technology to identify, remediate, train, and review all work to ensure compliance. We will discuss the technologies, planning, and organizational strategies used to meet our compliance goals and inform future initiatives. Achieving Title II accessibility is our first step toward creating a fully accessible library.
Colleen Quinn has been with UMGC since 2018 and is the Assistant Director of Library Services. She helps coordinate the reference service points schedule and actively participated with the UMGC Library Web Uplift project, which included a focus on accessibility. Colleen has a Master’s in Library & Information Science from Rutgers University and a Master’s in Learning Design & Technology from UMGC.
Renee Brown has been with UMGC since 2006 and is the University Archivist. She is part of the Library Accessibility Team and has worked in the UMGC Graduation Accessibility Team since 2010. She has volunteered as archivist for the Lead On Foundation, supporting people with disabilities. She came to UMGC from the University of Missouri, Columbia.
Mariette Largess has been with UMGC since 2019 and is a Reference and Systems Librarian. She helps with a large variety of projects including accessibility, website management, and supporting the libraries various systems. She came to UMGC from a cooperative partnership between the University of Maryland Cooperative Extension and the National Agricultural Library. Mariette has a Master’s in Library and Information Science from the Catholic University of America.
Computing for All with Tactile Coding
Elissa Hozore, Code in the Schools and LaShawn Myles, Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled
Coding can be learned by everyone, though mastering the basics presents challenges for some. Through Tactile Jr. coding blocks, many learners are able to access and explore the foundations of computer science. Join us for hands-on activities as we learn the basics of coding with Tactile coding kits. The presentation will share how campers from the National Federation of the Blind Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning (BELL) Academy utilized these kits, as well as engaging experiences designed for PreK students. Discover inclusive, accessible, and exciting computing education for beginning learners of all ages and abilities.
Elissa Hozore is the Director of Accessible Learning at Code in the Schools, a non-profit that expands access to quality computer science education for Baltimore City youth and provides professional learning opportunities to educators across Maryland. Elissa also leads the CSAccess group which advocates for computer science for all learners and aims to support the CS education community in the intentional design of programs, tools, resources, and training to ensure safe and equitable access for people with diverse physical and neurological abilities.
LaShawn Myles is the Youth Librarian at the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled (LBPD). On a good day, you will find her creating accessible programs, building partnerships, and expanding services for youth with print disabilities across the state. She also leads the Maryland State Library Agency’s Inclusion and Accessibility Community of Practice. Before starting a career with LBPD, LaShawn worked 18 years as an educator and school library media specialist.
Ditching AI: Using Tech Without Big Tech
Elizabeth De Coster, Brittni Ballard, Ernest Anderson, and Tasha Sweitzer, Albert S. Cook Library, Towson University
Sometimes, the AI features in our tech tools can distract rather than assist, but tech companies do not always provide an easy way for users to opt out. This workshop is designed to help library employees take control of their tech experience and discuss generative AI with their user populations. Presenters will reflect on their experiences facilitating a university presentation titled Ditching AI: Using Tech without Big Tech. Participants will receive accessible links to presentation materials and all additional resources.
Elizabeth De Coster is a Research & Instruction Librarian at Towson University. Her research interests include diversity in library collections, library accessibility and inclusiveness, and labor history.
Brittni Ballard is the Learning Technologies Librarian at Towson University. Her research interests include critical digital pedagogy, slow technology, web accessibility, and disability justice.
Ernest Anderson is a Research & Instruction Librarian at Towson University. His research interests include algorithmic bias and how libraries support the queer and trans community.
Natasha Sweitzer is the Evening Circulation Supervisor at Towson University. Her interests include ethics and social responsibility in higher ed.
Search Better: AI Edition
Ryan O’Grady and Mary Ann Francis, University of Maryland
The proliferation of AI-Powered search tools and integration of AI capabilities into search engine user interfaces has exploded in recent years. The gap between overall search literacy and understanding and available education on use of these tools is widening.
High-quality search skills improve the ability to complete tasks central to our lives, from shopping to understanding health conditions, and extend to civic engagement. Using search engines critically and effectively has wide-ranging implications for individuals, groups, and communities. The need for effective search practices now extends to using AI-powered search engines. Even as the technologies continue to evolve, there is an opportunity to proactively educate the public, advancing their search skills and encouraging appropriate use of AI-powered tools for information retrieval.
A project team from the University of Maryland College Park has spent the last six months designing and developing curriculum alongside a group of public librarians at Prince George’s County Memorial Library System for other public librarians and information professionals that work for the general public. Come and join us to learn more about how you can use these materials, tips, and resources in your daily personal and professional life.
Deaf Culture Digital Library 2.0
Brandt Van Unen, Maryland Deaf Culture Digital Library
The Maryland Deaf Culture Digital Library is taking a step into the future with the Deaf Creator Collective, a new approach to collection development designed to meet the needs of the Deaf community and its allies. This session will explore the collection’s benefits, including access to reliable resources for learning ASL and Deaf culture, opportunities to identify Deaf experts in non-ASL fields for library programming, and strategies for building stronger relationships with the community.
Bonus: We will also discuss emerging accessible technologies and how they can benefit your library and its D/deaf customers.
Brandt Van Unen is the Library Coordinator for the Maryland Deaf Culture Digital Library, where he works to empower the Deaf community through accessible information services. He holds an MS in Information Studies and an MA in History. Before relocating to Maryland, he served as an instruction librarian in Texas.
2:45 – 3:45 p.m.: Panel Session
Ballroom
AI at the Crossroads: How School, Academic, and Public Libraries are Shaping the Future of Information Literacy.
Chelsea Kirkland, DC Public Library; Brittni Ballard, Albert S. Cook Library, Towson University; and Kimberly Roberson, Prince George’s County Public Schools
A cross-institutional discussion exploring how libraries are adapting their missions—from K-12 to university to public access—to navigate the rise of Generative AI. This panel will address the crucial policy and practice shifts necessary to serve diverse patrons and students, covering new literacy skills, ethical and equitable access strategies, and the development of values-centered AI guidance.
Chelsea Kirkland, Digital Inclusion Coordinator at DC Public Library, is a diehard public Librarian who currently leads community technology programs, AI upskilling initiatives, and community of practice efforts related to digital inclusion and AI at DCPL. Her work focuses on helping people build practical, actionable digital skills in ways that are inclusive, collaborative, and grounded in real life.
Brittni Ballard is the Learning Technologies Librarian at Towson University. Her research interests include critical digital pedagogy, slow technology, web accessibility, and disability justice.
Kimberly Roberson is student-centered, future-focused: leading the next generation of classroom innovation. With over two decades of experience at Prince George’s County Public Schools, Kimberly Roberson directs district-wide technology integration, spearheading post-pandemic infrastructure upgrades and 1:1 device initiatives. She also co-leads the safe, equitable implementation of generative AI frameworks across the district, drawing on her deep academic background as an instructional technology expert and university adjunct.
3:45 – 4 p.m.: Closing Remarks
Ballroom
Tech Expo
Ezra Engels, Towson University
How to make use of archives of library reference chat data using Python tools to discover high level insights through exploratory analysis.
Katelyn Morey, Washington County Free Library
Memory Lab Technology
Deaf Culture Digital Library
To view the schedule and resources for prior MD Tech Connect events, visit our past events archive.