Illinois School Library Workers Symposium 2026

As AI transforms the information landscape, libraries must balance innovation with responsibility. This session introduces library professionals to practical AI tools, key security and ethical considerations, and innovative approaches to enhancing library services and engaging patrons in meaningful ways.

Getting today's teens motivated to read can be a struggle at times.  One thing that can work is by appealing to their competitive nature.  Book Battles and other bookish events can be a great way to accomplish this.  This session will explore key components of organizing a successful event, from book selection and funding to logistics and student engagement. Hear about how high school librarians worked together to bring the book battle to the secondary level for the first time. 
Learn how to navigate common obstacles like scheduling conflicts, technology issues, and resource limitations while discovering creative solutions and best practices. Whether you're looking to start a new competition or improve an existing one, this session will provide actionable strategies to take back to your library or school. Join us to gain insights, share experiences, and leave with the tools to create an engaging and impactful literacy event in your community!

The library is one of the most expensive classrooms in the school, and where and how we spend our funds reflects what we value.  As collaborative school partners, we often want to say yes to every request for books or materials, and yet we also know that we have to prioritize or else we will run out of funds by October.  How do we make these decisions fairly?  How can we justify these decisions with our stakeholders without it seeming like we are just playing "favorites" with students or staff? In this presentation, we will discuss FREE methods to track spending and purchases as well as FREE resources and ideas for obtaining resources to secure "extra" items that you know your students and staff have been craving.  Attendees will learn how to leverage local resources and consider potential opportunities for collaboration and community partnership.