Events

Events

Tue, Feb 17, 2026 / 1:30pm to 2:15pm

These monthly, informal, agenda-free meetings provide a platform for you to talk with other directors about topics on your radar and/or updates from your library. CARLI usually provides updates as well. CARLI rotates the meetings (day of the week, time of day) to accommodate busy calendars. We do our best to avoid conferences, holidays, and other conflicts. Please let me know about times/days that never work for you. If you cannot attend, you may send a representative. We look forward to seeing you all for conversation and updates!

Check your CARLI Governing Directors email for connection information.

The meetings are recorded. The recordings are posted for 30 days here: https://www.carli.illinois.edu/membership/directors#

Tue, Feb 17, 2026 / 2:00pm to 3:00pm

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. 

Register to attend.

Sponsored by FLVC
 

Wed, Feb 18, 2026 / 10:00am to 12:00pm

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

Wed, Feb 18, 2026 / 10:00am to 11:00am

The Public Services Committee meets monthly.

This virtual meeting is held via Zoom / Conference Call.

Contact  for attendance details.

Thu, Feb 19, 2026 / 11:00am to 12:00pm

Technology Loan Programs are fundamental for supporting distance, online learners, and others who need access to the tech. The upside? They are evidence of an equitable and accessible campus culture. The downside? They are challenging to manage.

Join us for a panel discussion about library policies related to technology lending.
Come ready with your questions, and sharing is encouraged!

Our panelists include:

  • Julia Venetis, Manager of Public Services at College of DuPage Library
  • Marissa Ellermann, Head of Access Services, Morris Library at Southern Illinois University Carbondale

The panel portion of this discussion will be recorded and posted to the CARLI website.

To Register: Use the "Register" tab at the top of this page.

Thu, Feb 19, 2026 / 12:00pm to 1:00pm

In this webinar Ninh Tran and Greta Bahnemann share their experiences using AI transcription for digital collection items. TranscribeAI is a new tool developed at Minitex that uses Google Gemini to transcribe typed, handwritten, and mixed-text documents. By automatically downloading items from digital repositories (e.g., Minnesota Digital Library) and using metadata to provide context, TranscribeAI produces highly accurate transcripts while reducing staff time and costs. This session will highlight the challenges of traditional OCR and manual transcription, demonstrate how TranscribeAI addresses them, and share best practices for integrating AI-generated transcripts into library workflows. Attendees will learn how AI-driven transcription enhances accessibility, improves discovery through keyword-searchable text, and preserves the cultural integrity of historical documents. We will also discuss lessons learned from recent pilot projects, including the importance of human review and quality assurance. Join us to explore how TranscribeAI can transform your library’s digital collections by increasing discoverability and broadening access for all users.

Register to attend

Hosted by Minitex
 

Thu, Feb 19, 2026 / 1:00pm to 2:30pm

The CARLI OER Committee invites institutions to share with their teaching faculty this opportunity to attend a webinar to learn about open educational resources including open textbooks.

This workshop will identify:

  • what are open educational resources (OER);
  • benefits and motivations for using OER;
  • how to find and evaluate OER;
  • how to integrate OER into your class.

After attending, CARLI-member teaching faculty will be invited to write a short review of an open textbook in the Open Textbook Library.

Presenters:
Joslyn Allison, City Colleges of Chicago
Robin Harris, Northeastern Illinois University
Elizabeth Clarage, Michele Leigh, and Nicole Swanson, CARLI

Register to attend.

Thu, Feb 19, 2026 / 2:00pm to 4:00pm

The Instruction Committee meets monthly. This virtual meeting is held via Zoom / Conference Call. Contact for attendance details.

Fri, Feb 20, 2026 / 10:00am to 11:00am

Save the date; more details TBA.

Fri, Feb 20, 2026 / 1:00pm to 2:00pm

Are you working on open educational resources (OER) or curious about what others are doing in your field? Join us for a lively virtual meet-up designed to spark ideas, share experiences and tips, and explore opportunities for cross-institutional OER partnerships.

This session is all about connection and inspiration. We’ll: 

  • Hear about current OER projects in development or use;
  • Discuss concerns / problems you have encountered;
  • Share tips on possible solutions;
  • Discuss areas of interest for future collaboration;
  • Create space for teaming up on shared goals and initiatives

Whether you’re just getting started or already deep into OER work, this meet-up is a chance to learn from peers, build new relationships, and imagine what’s possible together.

Facilitator: Lauren Kosrow, College of DuPage

Register to attend. 

Sponsored by the CARLI OER Committee

Pages