ULA Annual Conference 2026

What do you see when you look in the mirror? Is there a superhero looking back at you? There should be! If you have any doubts, this session will help you feel the power of your profession. The first part of the session will focus on the image of the librarian in a vast array of media and over millennia. While the duties of a librarian have expanded and even altered over time, the core value of providing free and equitable access to information has remained constant. The dedication to this guiding principle sets the foundation for superhero status and needs to be celebrated!

However, burnout is a real issue among librarians and concerns for the profession have reached new levels. Tighter budgets and always being asked to do more with less can be deflating and exhausting. Not to mention the fact that it is getting more difficult than ever before to balance work and home life.

There will be a panel discussion about learning to deal with the pressures of being a librarian in today’s world, explore ways to develop a greater appreciation for the library profession, and keep a renewed interest in the job without losing yourself along the way.

This workshop will teach attendees how to be a superhero to both internal and external library patrons. We will take a closer look at how attendees can transform themselves into the librarian they want to be. And we will celebrate this unique creation, the librarian.