2026 NDLA Conference: Full Schedule

10:00am PDT

SMART Goals Get Results: Think SMARTer, not Harder

Thursday October 8, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT

Grand Oasis Hotel Minot - Grand Ballroom

Creating SMART goals is an effective tool that provides clarity, focus, and motivation to achieve your goals. North Dakota Coordinating Council members Mary Soucie and Andrea Placher will focus on using SMART goals when applying for and writing Library Vision Grants. However, this session will be useful for all library staff in many facets of their work.

Speakers

Andrea Placher

Library Director, Williston Community Library

Andrea Placher started working at the Williston Community Library as the children’s librarian in 2011. In 2017, she took on the role of director with guidance and support. She is dedicated to creating a welcoming environment for everyone in the community. During her time in Williston... Read More →

Mary Soucie

State Librarian, North Dakota State Library

Mary Soucie has served as the State Librarian of North Dakota since 2014. She believes that libraries serve as community centers, connecting all the parts of the community that they serve. When she's not traveling for work, she loves to read, ride her e-bike, and be creative in... Read More →

Thursday October 8, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Grand Oasis Hotel Minot - Grand Ballroom 1505 N Broadway, Minot, ND 58703, USA

Concurrent Session, Academic

11:00am PDT

Strategic Alignment of Student Success With Innovative Library Services and Programmes In Academic Libraries

Thursday October 8, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT

Grand Oasis Hotel Minot - Grand Ballroom

Speakers

Myrna A. Douglas

Librarian-in-charge, University of the West Indies (Mona Campus)

Ms. Myrna Douglas is Librarian-in-charge of the Law Branch Library at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus. She is also Coordinator of the Technology, Innovation Support Centre - Intellectual Property (TISC-IP) Helpdesk which is a strategic partnership between The... Read More →

Thursday October 8, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Grand Oasis Hotel Minot - Grand Ballroom 1505 N Broadway, Minot, ND 58703, USA

Concurrent Session, Academic

3:30pm PDT

Alliterative Legislative Landscape: Looking at a Litany of Library Laws

Thursday October 8, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT

Grand Oasis Hotel Minot - Grand Ballroom

Join us for a look at the bills and laws that are reshaping librarianship across the country. This session will cover noteworthy legal decisions, proposed and/or passed legislation, and other, similar governmental actions. This session is intended to be informational with updates on the status of each action and what it might mean for libraries in ND.

Speakers

Online Dakota Information Network

ODIN Director, NDUS CTS - ODIN, NDLA

The Online Dakota Information Network (ODIN) supports a consortium of libraries serving academic, public, school, and special libraries across North Dakota with two shared library management systems (Alma & Polaris). In addition, ODIN participates in collective eResource purchasing... Read More →

Thursday October 8, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Grand Oasis Hotel Minot - Grand Ballroom 1505 N Broadway, Minot, ND 58703, USA

Concurrent Session, Academic

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1:30pm PDT

Legislative Bootcamp: The Who, What, When, Where, and Why of the North Dakota Legislative Process and How libraries can be involved

Friday October 9, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT

Grand Oasis Hotel Minot - Grand Ballroom

Legislative processes can be convoluted at the best of times and downright enigmatic at the worst. This session’s goal is to provide an overview of the ND legislative process and what can be expected at each step along the way. Approaches libraries can take to help advocate for themselves, as well as keep patrons informed on pending legislation without violating anti-corruption laws, will also be discussed.

Speakers

Dylan Gonser

Adult Services Librarian, Grand Forks Public Library

Dylan is an adult services librarian and has worked for the Grand Forks Public Library since 2021. Originally from Dickinson, he received his B.A. in History from Dickinson State University and after starting at GFP_, earned his MLIS from Louisiana State University. Dylan has been... Read More →

Friday October 9, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Grand Oasis Hotel Minot - Grand Ballroom 1505 N Broadway, Minot, ND 58703, USA

Concurrent Session, Academic

2026 NDLA Conference

10:00am PDT

Andrea Placher

Mary Soucie

11:00am PDT

Myrna A. Douglas

3:30pm PDT

Online Dakota Information Network

1:30pm PDT

Dylan Gonser

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