I am so excited about attending and presenting at TXLA (library conference) this year. I can always find ideas from the various sessions to bring back to my library and try. I do love the author panels, and all of the free books! This year we travel to Austin. It's been a minute since I have been in that convention center, but TCEA (the tech conference) used to be there every year. So I am sure I will remember how to navigate the building.
Pam and I are presenting "Top Ten Tools to Make Your Library POP." We did this presentation back in February for TCEA. We did change it up a bit. I created more content and added Canva live to our presentation. I saw someone use it at TCEA, and it didn't look too difficult. Basically Canva Live is a back channel to keep track of questions and comments so the flow of the presentation is not interrupted. I think "Today's Meet" was a predecessor of the back channel, but now Canva has a version for their platform. I am continually amazed at the amount of content Canva has, and the Pro version is free for educators! So cool.
I downloaded the app yesterday and started going through the sessions starting that Wednesday afternoon. I am travelling to Austin Wednesday morning. If I make it in time, I would love to go to "A Data-Driven Library" session at 12:15. I take usage statistics every 6 weeks and have for a number of years - in fact Pam and I did our presentation last year was on this subject, "What's Your Story: using data to promote your library." However, it is always good to have a fresh perspective from a different source. Maybe I am missing something? If I can't make that session, I hope there is another session about data and the library.
Of course I want to see the session from Duncanville HS. Love those ladies! I'd love to sit in on some Lightning Talks too. I'd also like to discover some programs or digital tools I am not using yet. Definitely going to the author sessions and then going down to the vendor floor for free books. The possibilities are endless! Can't wait to explore the app more and get my agendas set. Austin - here I come!
