Events

Historical fiction draws readers in because it lets them discover something new through story - whether that’s an unfamiliar time period, a new place, or a different perspective on history. Many readers turn to the genre to escape repetitive themes, explore deeper context, or find rich, discussion-worthy titles.

This readers’ advisory webinar will focus on why readers love historical fiction and how library staff can make confident, engaging recommendations. We’ll talk about key appeal factors, strategies for selecting standout titles, and ways to offer variety within the genre from sweeping epics to quieter, character-driven stories.

We’ll also explore how libraries can connect historical fiction to local history and programming with Leigh Thomas, who leads the Past Tense: Historical Fiction Book Club at New Hanover County Public Library. Leigh will share how the book club is structured, how titles are selected, and how historical fiction can spark meaningful community conversations and partnerships.

Attendees will leave with practical readers’ advisory strategies and fresh ideas for engaging readers through the past.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the key appeal factors of historical fiction that draw readers in, including unique time periods, rich context, and compelling perspectives, and use these factors to guide confident readers’ advisory.
• Apply practical strategies to select and recommend standout historical fiction titles, ensuring variety across style, scope, and theme to engage different reader interests.
• Connect historical fiction to local history and library programming, using book clubs, community partnerships, and events to bring the past to life for readers and spark meaningful discussions.

Presenters:

Leigh Thomas, Branch Manager at New Hanover County Public Library and Devon Waugh, Instruction Librarian for NC LIVE

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Hosted by NC LIVE

Many public librarians seek to make career changes by transitioning into academic libraries. This panel will feature four academic librarians that have all also worked for public libraries. During this panel discussion, presenters will discuss their career paths and how their skill sets developed in the public library.

This presentation aims to demystify the process, share valuable insights, and offer practical advice based on our journeys from public to academic librarianship.

Presenters:

Kayla Kuni is the Associate Director of Libraries at the Pasco-Hernando State College Spring Hill campus. She has been with PHSC since 2018. Prior to working with PHSC, she worked at the New Port Richey Public Library for just over 5 years. She has an MLIS (USF), MBA (USF), and EdD (FSU). In addition to working in the library, Kayla also serves as the subject matter expert for the first-year success course at PHSC and is an adjunct for the course as well. 

Andrew Beman-Cavallaro is a Faculty Research and Instruction Librarian for the Social Sciences at the University of South Florida. Andrew earned his bachelor’s degree in Geography from Florida State University, his first master’s degree in Library and Information Science from University of South Florida, and his second master’s from University of Nebraska in History. Andrew was a public librarian before becoming a college library director for a decade. He teaches periodically in USF’s library and information science graduate program and is an affiliate faculty member at USF’s School of Information. Andrew’s research and publications include efforts regarding community college librarianship and AI/information literacy. Andrew’s further work includes research for the U.S. Department of Defense.

Cassandra Baker is a Librarian at the Pasco-Hernando State College Spring Hill campus. She joined PHSC in 2023 after receiving her MLIS (USF) in 2022. Her past experience includes working as a paraprofessional in the USF Libraries ILL department for 3 years and various roles at the Hernando County Public Library System for 4 years.

Mary Beth Isaacson has been the Assistant Director of Libraries at the Pasco-Hernando State College West Campus since 2023. She was previously a Regional Branch Manager for Pasco County Libraries and a Librarian for the Highlands County Library System, with a total of 10 years experience in public libraries. She has an MLIS from the University of South Florida and is a graduate of the Sunshine State Library Leadership Program and the Next Level Library Leadership Program. Mary Beth was the 2023-24 President of the Tampa Bay Library Consortium and is the current Chair of FLA’s Professional Development Committee. 

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Sponsored by FLVC
 

The CARLI Discovery Primo VE Committee meets monthly via Zoom. Contact the committee chair or CARLI staff with questions.

Join your CARLI member library colleagues for a virtual discussion on completing the ACRL Academic Library Trends and Statistics Survey!

Struggling with completing the ACRL Academic Library Trends and Statistics Survey? Would you like to ask colleagues at other CARLI member libraries how they are responding? Join and discuss questions, snarls, and sticky spots in your ACRL survey response. This discussion will be led by Devin Savage, Dean of Libraries at Illinois Institute of Technology and past chair of the ACRL Editorial Board of the ACRL Academic Library Trends and Statistics Survey. Come with your questions or just to listen in. 

With the conclusion of the IPEDS Academic Library Component, the ACRL survey has become the primary source of comprehensive data about the impact and value of academic libraries. 

Your participation in this survey enables effective benchmarking, assessment of impact over time, tracking of emerging trends, and demonstration of library value to your administration. When CARLI members complete the survey, the collective data enhances our ability to demonstrate the consortium's value and supports our ongoing advocacy efforts. 

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