Library Policy Retreat for Boards: Intellectual Freedom and Artificial Intelligence
eLearning
Description
United for Libraries presents a virtual retreat for library Boards/Trustees and those who work with them. This three-hour session is designed for board members and directors to attend individually, or as a group assembled in a library meeting room. The retreat will be held in two parts, with the first session focusing on library policies and intellectual freedom, including best practices for the everyday functions of the library and patron privacy. The second session will address how AI can be strategically implemented in the library, and what boards need to know about AI and policies.
Live Retreat Date/Time
Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025
Start Time: 12:00 pm Eastern | 11:00 am Central | 10:00 am Mountain | 9:00 am Pacific
Duration: 3 hours
Agenda
Part 1: Library Policies & Intellectual Freedom
Speakers: Deborah Caldwell-Stone and Eric Stroshane
One of the most important roles of library trustees is the creation of, and adherence to, the policies that govern our public- and public-school libraries. When challenges arise, policies provide the framework to navigate them and ensure that patron, staff and Trustee rights to privacy and First Amendment access are protected. In this session, ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom staff members will share what policies should be in place, the best practices for the creation of policies and the ways they can be used to support the everyday functioning of every library.
Part 2: Library Policies & Artificial Intelligence
Speaker: Dr. Brandy McNeil
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly being adopted in many organizations, including libraries. This session will address how AI can be strategically implemented in the library, and what boards need to know about AI and policies. Learn why and how to create an AI policy that protects patron privacy. Find out how to address questions and concerns about AI from library staff, patrons, and other stakeholders.
How to Register
FREE Registration for United for Libraries Statewide Partners
Those in MA, MD, MI, MN, ND, NE, OR, SC, and VA receive free registration to attend the live retreat and/or access the on-demand video.
Statewide Partner Registration
Purchase Registration
Registration options include individual and group viewing with deep discounts for United for Libraries personal members. Registration includes the live retreat and on-demand access.
Purchase Individual Registration
Purchase Group Viewing Registration
Speakers
Deborah Caldwell-Stone is Director of ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom and Executive Director of the Freedom to Read Foundation. For over twenty years she has worked closely with library professionals and library trustees on a wide range of intellectual freedom issues related to library service in the United States. She has served on the faculty of the ALA-sponsored Lawyers for Libraries and Law for Librarians workshops and is a contributor to the 10th edition of the Intellectual Freedom Manual. She has contributed articles on law, policy, and intellectual freedom to American Libraries and other publications.
Eric Stroshane is the Office for Intellectual Freedom's (OIF) Assistant Director of Member Services. He has twenty years of experience working in public, special, and academic libraries. At OIF he directly supports school and library professionals defending the freedom to read; maintains the database of banned and challenged materials; assists with publications; and curates a weekly news compilation for ALA’s Intellectual Freedom Blog. He was the news editor for the Journal of Intellectual Freedom and Privacy and is a former president of the Mountain Plains Library Association. He has delivered training and presentations on intellectual freedom issues to a variety of audiences nationwide.
Dr. Brandy McNeil is the President of the Public Library Association and a nationally recognized leader in digital literacy, equity, and public library innovation. As Deputy Director of Branch Programs and Services at The New York Public Library, she has transformed access to technology, knowledge, and opportunity across the system’s 89 branches. Under her visionary leadership, Dr. McNeil has spearheaded groundbreaking partnerships with tech giants such as Apple, Spotify, and Google, and created TechConnect, a nationally recognized model for digital literacy in libraries. She is also a leading authority on artificial intelligence in libraries and learning institutions, speaking globally on how to thoughtfully integrate A.I. for both staff and the public to empower communities and expand opportunity. She was honored with the 2017 Library Journal Movers & Shakers award and is a contributing writer for Public Libraries Magazine as well as a contributor to the book Libraryland: It's All About the Story (2020). Dr. McNeil previously served on the Executive Board of the Black Caucus of the American Library Association. Her expertise extends beyond the library world; she holds a Doctorate in Business and an MBA in Entrepreneurship, with past roles at several Fortune 500 companies.
