This year’s conference on Libraries and the Future is focused on understanding the changing habits and issues related to reading in society.  The program will address the science of reading through the research and work of  our speakers. The first speaker, Joanna Christodoulou is a researcher at the Massachusetts General Hospital and connected with MIT and Harvard University.  Kathy Inman Berens and Rachel Noorda are academics from Portland State University and will focus on their research of reading habits of the latest generation. Carol Ann Tack will close the program with her work on engaging readers in the library.

Registration and Breakfast begin at 8:00am

Joanna Christodoulou, EdD, Director of the Beam Lab (Associate Professor) MGH Institute of Health Professionals

The Reading Brain

This presentation will review the science of reading through the lens of cognitive neuroscience. We will explore what is known about the brain basis of reading ability and disability. Neuroimaging has revealed how plasticity in the child’s brain supports learning to read, and how differences in brain structure and function are associated with reading disabilities, such as dyslexia. We will build on this foundation with conceptual and practical knowledge for librarians including considerations of reading options for struggling readers.

Kathi Inman Berens, PhD, Interim Director, Book Publishing; Publishing and Digital Humanities at Portland State University (Associate Professor) and Rachel Noorda, PhD, Director of Publishing at Portland State University (Assistant Professor)

The Reading Habits of Gen Z and Millennials

The nature of reading--what is read, how it is read, and where it is read--is changing. The reading transformation is especially stark for Gen Z and millennials, 92% of whom check social media daily, and who read emails, text messages, and chats in games alongside more traditional reading like print books, ebooks, and audiobooks. Media consumption researchers and Portland State University professors Drs. Kathi Inman Berens and Rachel Noorda discuss their data on Gen Z and millennial reading habits and library use, including format preferences, media identities, and social aspects of reading.

Carol Ann Tack, Adult Fiction Librarian and Podcaster, Merrick Library

Adventures in RA!

Explore the plot twists brought about by COVID-19, the remarkable resilience of readers, librarians, and what tomorrow may bring.  Join us for an exploration of the past, present, and future of reading as we navigate the ever-changing landscape.

Code of Conduct

Early Bird Registration though September 6, 2024. 

For questions, please email Eliscia Cirrone, ecirrone@lilrc.org.

Professional Development Hours: 3 (.3 CEUs)

Program Recording:  No 

FOR OUR PARTICIPANTS -

1. If you do not receive a confirmation email after registering, please contact Eliscia Cirrone, ecirrone@lilrc.org to check your registration.

2.  If you have any questions regarding this program or registration and program access, please contact Eliscia Cirrone, ecirrone@lilrc.org