Join us at the Dixie Convention Center in St. George, Utah for the 2025 Utah Library Association Annual Conference!Registration is now open. Soon after registering, you will receive a Sched invite to this event so you can plan your conference schedule. See you in St. George!
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Libraries are essential, but ensuring decision-makers recognize their value requires effective advocacy. This hands-on session will equip participants with practical tools to confidently share their “library story” with legislators and community leaders. Attendees learn the importance of different types of advocacy including grassroots, relational, and institutional, while busting common myths, such as whether public employees can engage in advocacy. Through practical, interactive exercises, and peer storytelling, participants will refine their messaging, align their advocacy with policymakers’ priorities, and leave with the knowledge, tools, and confidence they need to take effective action. Whether you're new to advocacy or looking to refine your approach, this workshop will provide the skills, confidence, and strategies needed to champion your library effectively.
Peter has over 30 years of library experience, including stints as a Teen Librarian, a Law Librarian, and an advocate for libraries on local, state, and national levels. As Associate Director for EveryLibrary, he provides pro bono consulting to librarians, boards, associations, ballot... Read More →
Intellectual property (IP) underscores every aspect of our lives. In today's global economy, understanding IP is crucial for knowledge workers and IP-intensive industries employees. IP-intensive industries are vital to our economy with those workers having higher lifetime earnings and more social mobility. With the recent changes in both accessing and searching patents and trademarks in the United States, it is crucial that librarians and library users increase their IP knowledge. This "train the trainer" workshop will include hands-on activities and discussions on the significance and types of IP, searching for trademark and patents, and providing equity-focused resources and opportunities.
Librarian, Head of Faculty Services, Patent and Trademark Resource Center Representative, J. Willard Marriott Library, The University of Utah
Alfred Mowdood M.L.S. is a Librarian at the University of Utah’s J. Willard Marriott Library. He serves as a library liaison to students, staff, and faculty in engineering, science, and health. For over 25 years, he has worked with first-year learning communities in the health... Read More →
PAVE Prevention recognizes that libraries across the United States are experiencing increased public aggression toward their workers, as highlighted in the 2022 Urban Library Trauma Study. To address these challenges, PAVE offers comprehensive training sessions focused on critical skills for library staff. The training covers topics such as building situational awareness, ensuring physical, emotional, and mental safety, and employing de-escalation techniques—both verbal and non-verbal. Participants will also learn grounding techniques, self-care practices, bystander intervention strategies, boundary setting, conflict resolution, and effective intercultural communication. Additionally, the training incorporates principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Accessibility (DEIJA), as well as cultural humility and competency. All PAVE modules utilize adrenalized, real-life scenario learning, which has proven to be one of the most effective training methods for adult learners. PAVE has successfully trained library workers nationwide in trauma-informed, DEIJA-inclusive human safety skills. As part of this initiative, PAVE will deliver a 3-hour workshop for ULA participants, equipping them with the tools needed to navigate their complex working environments.
This workshop is intended to help professionals at all levels understand and put their data to use and enhance their data literacy and analytical skills. No prior experience in data analysis is required. Roughly the first hour of the workshop will be dedicated to sharing best practices, case studies, and success stories to help participants understand the value of the data they collect. Once the basics are covered, participants will be guided through creating goals, and choosing a product to create with their data. Finally, participants will have time to work on their project with guidance from presenters. Ideally, participants will leave this session with an understanding of how data can enhance and enable positive and productive discussions and take home a ready-to-use product of their own design. Participants should bring their own laptops and datasets; discussion, Q&A, and bad jokes will be provided and encouraged throughout the session. Multiple data professionals will collaborate on the presentation.
Josh Johnson is the Director of the Davis County Library in Utah and serves on the Utah State Library Board (currently Chair). He is passionate about data-driven future planning, collaborative decision-making, the importance of middle-mangers, and creating learning organizations... Read More →
Public librarians, get ready for an immersive training workshop where we will explore the exciting new Gale resources available from Utah's Online Public Library. Join us for a deep dive into the vast collections, rich content, and powerful features and tools that will revolutionize the way you serve your patrons. Through interactive activities, you'll gain experience and discover innovative ways to leverage these resources to engage and empower your community. Don't miss this opportunity to unlock the full potential of Utah's Online Public Library's new Gale resources!
Tammi Burke, Gale Senior Training ConsultantBackground: Bachelor of Arts in Education, Early Childhood Minor - ZA Endorsement. Elementary Educator, Reading Specialist, Professional Development Project Manager, Bachelor of Science in Advertising/PR, began Gale career in 2016. You’ll... Read More →
Tuesday May 13, 2025 1:30pm - 4:30pm MDT Sunbrook A
Get ready to embark on an interactive adventure with the Goosechase app! Join the fun as you complete challenges, snap photos, and explore the St. George area—and the conference itself—in a lively scavenger hunt. This is a great way to engage, compete, and discover hidden gems along the way. Missions will begin unlocking on Monday, May 12 and will end Thursday morning. The game winner will be announced at lunch on Thursday. Join and let the chase begin!
Unleash your creativity and unwind after a full day at the ULA Annual Conference! This self-guided craft session is the perfect chance to relax and recharge while mingling with fellow attendees. Whether you're a crafting pro or just in it for the vibes, all materials will be provided. This is a passive activity where you can drop in and participate any time from 5-10pm.
Join us for dinner at the St. George Rib & Chop House! Spend time with colleagues from around the state before the main conference kicks off. Our reservation room has a maximum capacity of 30 people - any additional attendees will be accommodated in the dining room. Vegetarian and seafood options available. (Food is not provided by ULA.)
Location: Rib & Chop House, 1676 S Convention Center Dr, St. George, UT 84790 Time: 5:30-7:30 PM - Meet outside the Convention Center’s main entrance at 5:15 PM – we’ll walk together for our 5:30 reservation.
Looking for a guided hike option? Join us for a 3 mile evening hike with stunning views spanning across the St. George Valley and beyond. Light scrambling required. Ask about carpooling.
