September 9
Oxford - Oxford Conference Center
September 10
Pearl - Clyde Muse Center, Hinds Community College - Rankin Campus
September 11
Hattiesburg - R.C. Cook University Union, The University of Southern Mississippi
Conference Speakers
Alex Watson
Research & Instruction Librarian and Associate Professor at
The University of Mississippi Libraries
Hallucinated Sources : AI Generated Citations
An analysis of “hallucinated” (i.e., created using generative AI like ChatGPT) sources submitted to the University of Mississippi during spring 2023 by students with an emphasis on educating staff who may have to deal with information requests for nonexistent sources.
Ally Watkins
Research & Instruction Librarian
Assistant Professor at The University of Mississippi Libraries
What’s the Issue (or the Trade, or the Graphic Novel)?: Comics and Graphic Novels for Everyone
What’s next beyond Raina Telgemeier, Dogman, and every Babymouse adventure ever written? Comics and graphic novels are high-interest kid-bait, and many of us can never keep enough on the shelves! In this session, we will discuss general tips & tricks for identifying and collecting comics, then highlight ways to use them in your library. And, of course, enthusiastically booktalk titles you may not be familiar with!
Cedric Threatt
Author / Poet / Public Speaker
The IMPACT of Being an IMPACT
Our communities are only as strong and as sound as our schools, and our schools are only as strong and as sound as our teachers. Unfortunately, due to things like a lack of support, stress, conflict (with students and parents), burnout, and a loss of trust in the system and school administration, many of our great educators are deciding to leave the profession. Coaches and Counselors, Music Teachers and Media Specialists, Principals and Professors are leaving at an alarming rate. Cedric is on a relentless mission to encourage and increase teacher retention through inspiration, motivation and a whole lotta love. His goal is to help teachers rediscover their “WHY” and realize that none of us would be where we are or who we are today without them. When teachers feel supported and appreciated, we all win. Teachers’ well-being leads to students’ well-being, which in turn leads to a healthy school, community, and society. See how a little appreciation can go a long way and not just help you make an IMPACT, but to BE an I.M.P.A.C.T.
Elizabeth Simmons
Director of Instructional Materials & Library Services at the Mississippi Department of Education
School Library Updates: Copyright, Recycling, and Assessments - Oh My!
Elizabeth will discuss updates for the 2024-2025 school year. The topics will include using assessments in the school library, recycling library books, and copyright and fair use.
Mikayla Johnson
Magnolia Outreach Coordinator at
Mississippi Library Commission
Elementary Session: MAGNOLIA in the Elementary Classroom and Library
Review the resources available specifically for Pre-K-5th grade students including
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Explora
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Britannica Fundamentals
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Britannica School Elementary
Middle/High Session: MAGNOLIA for Middle and High School Classrooms and Libraries
Explore specialty databases curated just for grades 6-8 and grades 9-12. This includes
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History Reference Center
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Science Reference Center
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Read It
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LearningExpress Library with a focus on ACT and other test prep