Session 2
11:25 - 12:10
Embedded Files
Available sessions are listed below with locations. Scroll down for session descriptions.
Beyond the Hype: Practical AI Applications for Libraries Today
Rm# 2028
Lindsey Brewer-Munoz (HISD)
Turning History Into Games
Rm# 2042
Shannon Woods (FBISD)
Graphic Novels
for the Win
RM# 2039
Jessica Taylor (CFISD)
Creating and Maintaining Student Book Clubs
Rm# 2010
Marva Coney (PISD)
Where are the People? Using passive programming to bring staff and students into the library
RM# 2044
Nancy Limmer, Elizabeth Herndon, Rebecca Gruen (KISD)
Prompting is the new Programming and other STEMformation: Keeping up with STEM While Nurturing Innovation in the Intermediate School Library + OPEN MAKERSPACE!
Rm# 2041
J'aime Garcia (Maker Maven)
Session Descriptions and Presenter Bios
Session Descriptions and Presenter Bios
Title: Beyond the Hype: Practical AI Applications for Libraries Today (Lindsey Brewer-Munoz, HISD)
Session description: This session cuts through the hype and dives into the concrete ways libraries can use AI today to improve services, engage patrons, and stay ahead of the curve. We'll explore real-world examples of AI in action across various library functions. Leave this session equipped with actionable strategies and real-world examples to start using AI in your library today!
Presenter bio: Lindsey Brewer-Munoz is a Library Coordinator I for Houston ISD. She previously served as a secondary librarian and middle school teacher (English language arts, magnet creative writing, and teen leadership). She received her Masters in Library Science at Sam Houston State University. She enjoys memes, her cats (Sadie and Moira), her dog (Agnes), most things Disney, and traveling. Lindsey is available to answer all of your questions and share her experiences. You can reach her at lindsey.brewermunoz@houstonisd.org.
Title: Turning History into Games (Shannon Woods, FBISD)
Session description: How can you interest in students in library lessons? Turn the content into games. Learn how you can use the second-most intensive reading subject (history) to engage students in learning.
Presenter bio: Shannon is A book nerd that loves to inspire learning no matter what it looks like.
Title: Graphic Novels for the Win! (Jessica Taylor, CFISD)
Session description: Explore the wonders of graphic novels, a valuable addition to middle school libraries! Delve into a world where stories come alive through vivid illustrations, catering to a diverse range of readers - from those facing reading challenges to the gifted and talented. Join me in this session as we navigate through a curated selection of graphic novels, perfect for enhancing your middle school library. Together, let's discover stories that connect with every reader and add a touch of literary charm to your library!
Presenter bio: Detroit, Michigan born and raised, Jessica Taylor is in her 4th year as a middle school librarian and media specialist at Truitt Middle School in Cypress Fairbanks ISD. This is her 1st year as a campus technology liaison, 2nd year on the district graphic novels committee, and 17th year in education. When she is not knee-deep in books, Jessica can be found on the CFISD Mobile Library bus as the secondary-level librarian, attending and teaching step aerobics classes at her gym, running her son and daughter to all of their activities, reading next to her sports-loving husband and giving tummy rubs to our pup.
Title: Creating and Maintaining Student Book Clubs (Marva Coney, PISD)
Session description: Book clubs are great ways for students to positively interact with books and their peers. We will share creative ideas for student-led book clubs such as student roles and responsibilities, how to structure the club, and keeping students engaged.
Presenter bio: Marva is a graduate of University of Houston Clear-Lake and has been an educator for 17 years with the last 7 as a school librarian at Jackson Intermediate in Pasadena ISD. She is passionate about creating lasting positive memories of reading books for her students. She believes that when you replace negative sentiments about reading with happy feelings derived from fun literacy activities, you encourage students to give books a chance and to become lifelong readers.
Session description: Learn about the benefits of adding passive programming to your library. Passive programming includes all kinds of activities that can be set-up and left alone, allowing patrons to participate without direct monitoring or supervision. Any type of library can easily implement these programs to build engagement and community. Walk away with a multitude of ideas to get started right away. For the busy librarian, these activities are a great way to provide an interactive, welcoming environment with little prep and on a budget.
Presenter bio: Nancy Limmer has spent 20 of her 29 years in education as the librarian at West Memorial Junior High in Katy ISD. She recevied her MLIS from the University of North Texas in 2003 and has never looked back. Coding, writing, and exploring the love of reading have been her passions. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram at @wmjhlibrary. Elizabeth Herndon is currently the Library Media Specialist at Beck Junior High in Katy ISD. She holds an MLS from Texas Woman’s University. Since graduating in 2016, she has worked as a junior high librarian, an elementary librarian and a young adult services public librarian. She loves teaching about new tech tools and making the library collection accessible and exciting for all to use! You can find her on Twitter at @LibrarianERH. Rebecca Gruen is the Library Media Specialist at Haskett Junior High. She holds an MILS from San Jose State University and received her School Library Certification through University of Houston, Clear Lake. This is her third year working in school libraries and her ninth year in Texas education. She is passionate about building community and a passion for all kinds of learning through library programs and lessons, and is most often found reading romance and manga. You can find her on Twitter & Instagram @MsGs_Library, and @msgslibrary.bsky.social on BlueSky
Title: Prompting is the new Programming and other STEMformation: Keeping up with STEM While Nurturing Innovation in the Intermediate School Library + OPEN MAKERSPACE! (J'aime Garcia, Maker Maven)
Session description: Today's students will be employed in job fields that have yet to be created. How do you teach something that doesn't exist? Discover what is new in the TX STEM landscape and the future of STEM Education for your library. Explore new STEM tools through a pop-up makerspace and learn new ways to bring innovative STEM programming to your library.
Presenter bio: J'aime Garcia is the founder of Maker Maven and the owner of Literacy for Texas. In 2016, she launched Maker Maven to support Texas Librarians and works alongside her husband Matt and a team of STEM specialists. J'aime's passion lies in empowering school librarians and fostering collaboration across the curriculum. Maker Maven provides a platform for librarians to access and share ideas, enrich educational experiences, and connect through STEM in their library. J'aime is a recent mom to a budding reader and enjoys spending time plotting restaurants in google maps in her spare time.
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