ULA Annual Conference 2026

We will relate our small library’s successes turning outward. Partnering with local organizations and non-profits, our library team shows up to support their events, creating lasting relationships and having tons of fun. This strengthens social networks, builds the library’s relevance and fosters library advocacy. We will demonstrate how libraries can contribute to the development of resilient communities by cultivating connections.

The Health Outreach Librarian for the Salt Lake County Library reflects on his first year in a brand-new position. He will share lessons learned from the outreach, partnerships, programs, and training opportunities he had in his first year. The Engagement Specialist from the Network of the National Library of Medicine will share the benefits of the Consumer Health Information Specialization training and certification in public library service.

Hear about ideas, challenges, creative solutions, and successes for public library outreach to elementary and secondary schools! We will provide general overviews and best practices for school outreach, including Salt Lake County Library's systemwide programs and how they can be scaled down for small library systems. We will also explore the challenge of getting in the door and making connections with schools in your area.

This panel brings together librarians from academic and public libraries to provide a broad perspective on outreach efforts. We define outreach as connecting with library users outside the physical space of the library or outside the ways that library users typically interact with the library. As such, outreach is a huge undertaking. In this panel we will focus on how building connections and working relationships with individuals, organizations, and groups both within and outside the library is central to successful outreach efforts. Attendees at the panel will gain practical tips for who to partner with and how to begin and strengthen those working relationships.