Don Latham, a professor at the School of Information (iSchool), presented at the 2024 Association for Library and Information Science Education (ALISE) Conference, where he shared insights on the evolving role of public librarians and the importance of Library and Information Science (LIS) education in preparing students for the profession. He was joined by fellow iSchool professor Melissa Gross, who also presented at the conference.

“I hope the audiences gained a greater understanding of how the roles of public librarians are changing and how being involved in LIS education can help prepare students for those roles,” said Latham.

The ALISE Conference remains a key event for professionals in LIS education, offering a platform for discussions on the future of librarianship and collaboration among experts in the field. The annual gathering brings together educators, researchers, and practitioners to exchange ideas, share research, and explore innovations shaping the library and information science profession.

During the 2024 ALISE Conference, Latham and Gross participated in the following presentations: “Drawing the Line Between Social Work and Librarianship: Public Library Administrators Talk”, “Understanding Information Literacy Instructional Practices: Implications for Preparing Pre-Service Librarians”, “Preparing Students for the Workplace: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly”, and “Navigating the Modern Libraryscape: The Changing Roles, Labor, and Education of Public Librarians”.

Latham was particularly impressed with the quality of topics discussed throughout the conference. Having attended the ALISE Conference for 25 years, he emphasized the event’s welcoming atmosphere and value in fostering professional connections.

“I continue to find it a stimulating and friendly conference. It’s always great to have an opportunity to connect with old friends and to make some new ones,” added Latham.