Upcoming Program:
Protecting User Autonomy in the Age of Big Tech: Tips for the Reference Interview
Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 12:00-1:00pm PST
Users of all types of libraries have questions about technology, including generative AI. How do we navigate the reference interview to center user autonomy rather than defaulting to big tech? We will talk through common questions that we get in our work in academic and public library settings and how we work through them.
Participants will be able to:
Identify common reference questions about technology in their workplace in order to explore alternative technologies that may meet user needs
Practice reference interview questions that draw out opportunities for on user choice in technology
Presenters
Hannah Cyrus, Digital Media Librarian, Bangor Public Library, Bangor, Maine
Kelly McElroy, Student Engagement & Community Outreach Librarian, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
Registration:
Sponsored by Answerland; the Oregon Library Association’s Reference and Legal Reference Roundtables; and the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the State Library of Oregon.