Description:

How can we provide better access to information and library services to the thousands of South Carolinians who live in an institution and are unable to visit a traditional public library? Join us for a day of learning and networking focused on institutional library services in correctional facilities, psychiatric hospitals, nursing homes, and other long-term care facilities. Access to a library in these settings can have a profound impact by providing a space for community, creativity, curiosity, relaxation, and growth. Come ready to share challenges, swap strategies, and leave with new partnerships and ideas to expand access.

Lunch will be provided.  This event will not be recorded.

Audience:

This event is for library workers, activity coordinators, and education staff within institutions, as well as their partners and supporters.

Keynote Presenter: 

Karen Gavigan is a Professor Emerita and former Interim Director in the School of Information Science at the University of South Carolina. Her work has focused on innovative literacy practices, including the use of graphic novels to engage incarcerated youth and support literacy development in institutional settings. She is co-editor of the book, Fostering Literacy Behind Bars: Successful Strategies and Services for Incarcerated Youth and Adults (Rowman and Littlefield, 2017). Also, Karen and Clayton Copeland co-authored the article, "Examining Inclusive Programming in a Middle School Library: A Case Study of Adolescents Who are Differently-and Typically-Able" (2015). Prior to working at USC, Karen served as an academic, school, and public librarian. 

Location:

This event will be held in person at the South Carolina State Library, 1500 Senate Street, Columbia, SC 29201.

Reserved parking will be arranged with instructions sent prior to the event.  

For attendees unable to travel, a Zoom link for virtual attendance will also be available. In-person attendance is encouraged to allow full participation in discussion and networking activities.

Accessibility:

FM Auditory Assistance, large print materials, and other accessibility accommodations are available by request. If you need a reasonable accommodation in order to participate, please contact the program organizer at least two weeks in advance. 

Questions about the event? Contact: 

Caroline Smith, Facilities & Access Consultant
South Carolina State Library 
803-734-7067
jcsmith@statelibrary.sc.gov

This event is offered in partnership with the Accessibility Leadership Lab (ALL) at the School of Information Science, University of South Carolina. This project is made possible in part by a Library Services and Technology Act grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the South Carolina State Library.