Message from the Board of Directors
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
I am excited to invite you to join us for our 53rd annual conference running from May 7-8, 2026. This year, our conference will be held onsite at both the Kingston Frontenac Public Library and Queen's University Libraries in Kingston Ontario. Our Conference Committee has worked hard to prepare and to integrate all that we have learned from both our onsite and virtual conferences over the last number of years.
Our sessions on Thursday will be at the Kingston Frontenac Public Library Central Branch with and Friday at the Queen's University Stauffer Library. Our sessions will run from approximately 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. This year, we will be running two sessions at the same time.
Our Annual General Meeting will be held separately on Saturday May 23rd, 2026. Please see our website for additional details here: https://oaltabo.on.ca/conference/annual-general-meetings-minutes/
We also understand the need to spend time together as we once did at our in-person conferences, to socialize with old friends, and meet new ones. Our annual banquet, that will take place during the lunch period this year is a great way to do this.
I would like to extend my thanks to Janna Munkittrick-Colton, the Conference Committee, and our Board of Directors for all of their hard work in planning this wonderful event. Volunteers are also an essential part of a conference’s execution, so I would like to express my gratitude for our LIT students and volunteers this year who are helping to ensure the sessions run smoothly. If you are interested in joining our volunteer team, please reach out to our Conference Team at conference@oaltabo.on.ca.
Conference details and a full schedule will be posted on our website (https://oaltabo-new.s1.yapla.com/en/2026-conference), and social media accounts shortly. Please share these widely with your colleagues and networks.
Regards,
Vincent Elit
President, Board of Directors | Président, Conseil d’administration
Message from the Conference Coordinator
I would like to invite everyone to enjoy our 53rd Annual Conference.
We are in the great city of Kingston, the former capital of Canada. It is located on Lake Ontario.
It was established in 1673 (as Fort Cataraqui; later renamed Fort Frontenac).
Kingston is located on Lake Ontario, at the mouth of the Cataraqui and St. Lawrence rivers. It's known as the "Limestone City" for its grand 19th-century buildings, including the lakeside Kingston City Hall. The grand house and gardens of the Bellevue House National Historic Site commemorate Canada's first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. It is the home of the Kingston Penitentiary; Millhaven and Collins Bay.
The Kingston Frontenac Public Library has agreed to host us for a day and Queen’s University for the other. We have arranged for accommodations at the Residences.
We have arranged for some very interesting workshops – quite the variety.
We are going back to a double stream of workshops so that you can make choices depending on your interests. It will all be onsite.
We have arranged for rooms at Queen’s University or you can come in for the day and find your own accommodations. There is parking ($15.) at Queen’s and we will post a map of the parking lots in the Downtown area. (using Honk)
We are excited to offer you a Trolley Bus tour of Kingston following our day at the Kingston Frontenac Library. It will be a one-hour Historical tour of the city ending up at Queen’s where we will be providing Pizza and drinks in a common room at the residence.
We hope that you enjoy this year and be motivated to do a presentation next year.
If interested in spending the weekend touring you can access https://www.visitkingston.ca/ for tours/highlights/historical buildings.
Regards,
Janna Munkittrick-Colton
Conference Coordinator, Board of Directors | Coordinatrice de la conférence, Conseil d’administration
Conference Code of Conduct
The Ontario Association of Library Technicians/Association des bibliotechniciens de l’Ontario uses the annual conference as a venue to promote the association’s mandate to:
- Define clearly the role of the library and information technician and to make this definition widely known.
- To publicize the value of library and information technicians and promote a wider understanding and acceptance of their status.
- To institute recognized standards operating on the provincial level.
- To work to liaise with related professions and institutions and to promote effective communication among library and information technicians and others in closely related fields.
- To be receptive and aware of the constant changes and needs in the field of library and information technology, and the community.
- To disseminate information relating to Library and Information Technicians.
So that the annual conference is a positive reflection of the Association and its mandate, conference attendees, speakers, volunteers, and staff of the venues are required to show respect and courtesy throughout the duration of the conference. The Association values the ideas, thoughts, and expression of all those that gather in the Association’s name.
Discriminatory language and imagery are not appropriate for any event be that online or in person. The Association will not tolerate harassment in any form. Harassment is understood as any behavior that threatens another person or group, or produces an unsafe environment. It includes offensive verbal comments or non-verbal expressions related to gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, age, religious beliefs, sexual or discriminatory images in public spaces (include online), deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention.
If at any time a conference attendee, speaker, volunteer, or staff of a venue feels that they have been harassed or that this code of conduct has been breached, it is important that this person report it the OALT/ABO’s President (president@oaltabo.on.ca). The President will complete a review of all reported violations of the code of conduct. The Board of OALT/ABO will be notified of any reviews.
Adapted from Ontario Library Association’s Code of Conduct for OLA Events and Code4Lib Creative Commons Conference Code.
Contacts:
Vincent Elit – president@oaltabo.on.ca
Janna Munkittrick-Colton – conference@oaltabo.on.ca
Our entire team : info@oaltabo.on.ca
Schedule
Thursday May 7, 2026 / jeudi le 07 mai 2026
Location : Kingston Frontenac Public Library - Central Branch
130 Johnson Street, Kingston ON K7L 1X8
*This location is wheelchair accessible, accessible washrooms and accessible parking.
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9:00 AM – 9:30 AM |
Opening Remarks & Registration |
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9:30 AM – 11:00 AM |
Tour of Kingston Frontenac Public Library |
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11:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
Uke Can do it | Meredith Westcott |
Sculpting with Plasticine | Sarah Emtage |
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12:00 PM – 1:45 PM |
Lunch |
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1:45 PM – 2:45 PM |
Kanyenké’ha at Kenhtè:ke (Mohawk Language at Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory) | Callie Hill |
School Age STEM (sometimes STEAM) Engagement | Meredith Westcott |
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3:00 PM – 4:00 PM |
Jane Austen: Her Life, Works and Impact | Sarah Emtage |
Get Creative | Sarah Balint |
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4:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
Tour of Library and/or walkarounds |
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5:00 PM - 6:00 PM |
Trolly Tour of Kingston (will take everyone back to Queen’s University) Social at Queen’s University |
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Friday May 8, 2026 / vendredi le 08 mai 2026
Location : Queen's University - John S. Stauffer Library
101 Union Street, Kingston ON K7L 2N9
*This location is wheelchair accessible, accessible washrooms and accessible parking.
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9:00 AM – 10:00 AM |
Queens University Libraries - Tour |
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10:00 AM – 11:00 AM |
Generative AI and the Research Process | Cory Laverty and Jesse Baker |
Small Town, Big Expectations: The Unspoken Realities of Rural Library Leadership | Julie Lane |
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11:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
Beyond the Desk: Navigating Complex Security Realities in Public Library Spaces | Richard Sleightholm |
Books Make a Difference | Holly Hiscoe |
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12:00 PM – 2:00 PM |
Lunch & Awards Banquet |
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2:00 PM – 3:00 PM |
Understanding and Cataloguing Accessible Metadata | Paul King |
Storytime That Sticks: Keeping Families and Staff Engaged | Amy Kay |
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3:00 PM – 4:00 PM |
The Joe Chithalen Memorial Musical Instrument Lending Library | Denis Leroux |
How Clerk Work Can Shape Graduate Studies | Russel Arbic and Emily Croft |
Session Descriptions
Thursday May 7, 2026 / jeudi le 07 mai 2026
Location : Kingston Frontenac Public Library - Central Branch
130 Johnson Street, Kingston ON K7L 1X8
Opening Remarks & Registration
Vincent Elit (President, Board of Directors), Janna Munkittrick-Colton (Conference Coordinator)
Join us beginning at 9:00 AM to start your day. The formal opening reception and remarks will begin at 9:15 AM with remarks from the Board of Directors.
Tour of Kingston Public Library
Tour the oldest and newest library in Kingston. Kingston has had a lending library since 1812. In 1834, when the Kingston Mechanics Institute was established, it absorbed the Kingston Library and it moved several times in the 1800s. In 1911 it moved to the Milk Trust building at the corner of Bagot and Brock streets. Eventually, the Central Branch moved into a newly built library in 1978 which adjoins the former residence of Bishop Alexander Macdonnell (later the Notre Dame Convent), a limestone structure built circa 1812.
Uke Can Do It | Meredith Westcott
Do music programs and instruments have a place in libraries? A hands-on ukulele workshop that includes information on the importance of music and brain development in children and the importance of creating and nurturing neural pathways for adults. This workshop will also provide the logistics of how to get music-based programs up and running in your community. No musical knowledge required to attend the workshop.
Sculpting with Plasticine | Sarah Emtage
An introduction to sculpting with plasticine. This workshop will include colour mixing, basic shapes, combining shapes, and adding details.
Kanyenké’ha at Kenhtè:ke (Mohawk Language at Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory) | Callie Hill
The Mohawk Language remains threatened and endangered but numerous language revitalization efforts have been working to reverse the decline in the community. At the foundation of programming, cultural identity and intergenerational transmission are important aspects of language revitalization. This session will explore the history of language loss and the efforts that are in place which are making a difference for the future generations.
School Age STEM (sometimes STEAM) Engagement | Meredith Westcott
A workshop designed to explore and promote engaging STEM activities for school age children ages 6-12. Why is STEM programming important in library settings? How do staff keep children engaged? Plus create idea boards that inspire engaging STEM based programs that both facilitators and participants will enjoy. From magic to K-pop, STEM is everywhere, if you know where to look!
Jane Austen: Her Life, Works and Impact | Sarah Emtage
An exploration of Jane Austen, her books, and cultural influence. This session will attempt to answer some vital questions such as "How did Jane Austen's teenage nephew respond when he learned that his aunt was secretly the author of Pride and Prejudice?", "What's the difference between a Curricle and a Barouche?", and "Why are there so many murder mystery spin-offs of Austen's work?"
Get Creative! | Sarah Balint
Feel like stimulating the other side of your brain?
Gather in a supportive, art studio setting to do collage.
We’ll take our inspiration from some of the best contemporary illustrators of picture books and then, ... mess about, experiment and make something beautiful!
Tour of Library and/or Walkarounds
Explore downtown Kingston, or meet with other conference attendees. City Hall and Confederation Basin Marina are approximately a 5-minute distance for those who may be interested. The Kingston Public Market (the oldest and longest-running public market in Ontario) is also available.
Trolly Tour of Kingston
Join Conference attendees on a guided Trolley Tour through downtown Kingston covering all of the city’s historic old town and downtown shopping district.
The tour will end at Queen’s University for those who are staying at the University, and will return to Kingston Frontenac Public Library for those who would prefer.
Friday May 8, 2026 / vendredi le 08 mai 2026
Location : Queen's University - John S. Stauffer Library
101 Union Street, Kingston ON K7L 2N9
Queen’s University Libraries – Tour
[Description to be added shortly]
Generative AI and the Research Process | Cory Laverty and Jesse Baker
This workshop will be offered in a library classroom by two departmental Queen's liaison librarians. The session will provide an overview of how GenAI models process information and invite participants to share examples of GenAI tools and strategies that help them in their respective library environments.
Small Town, Big Expectations: The Unspoken Realities of Rural Library Leadership | Julie Lane
This session will uncover some of the quiet complexities of leading a library where everyone knows your name, and the weight of all your decisions can weigh heavily on your shoulders. We will explore tips and tricks to navigate small-town dynamics, operational pressures, and community expectations, while maintaining not only the library’s mission, but standing strong in your own leadership.
Beyond the Desk: Navigating Complex Security Realities in Public Library Spaces | Richard Sleightholm
This presentation offers an in-depth look at the complex security challenges and shared experiences faced by frontline staff in dynamic public settings. Drawing on real- world scenarios from the library and art gallery environment, we will explore the nuances of managing safety risks, address escalating patron behaviour, and foster a culture of staff preparedness, inviting reflection rather than simply offering a prescriptive” how-to”.
Books Make a Difference | Holly Hiscoe
This Session will outline the mission of the country-wide program Book clubs for Inmates. The Librarian at Millhaven Maximum Security Institution will describe the challenges and rewards of encouraging reading, and tailoring the library collection to appeal to a wide variety of readers. Can a prison book club fostering redemption and positive growth? Find out here.
Understanding and Cataloguing Accessible Metadata | Paul King
Interest in and availability of accessibility metadata has increased with the European Accessibility Act. In this session we will look at how accessibility metadata is being provided by publishers and libraries, interpreting that metadata, and how to catalogue accessibility features for eBooks and Audiobooks.
Storytime That Sticks: Keeping Families and Staff Engaged | Amy Kay
Storytime magic doesn’t just happen—it’s built through connection, creativity, and consistency. In this practical and encouraging session, we’ll explore ways to design engaging Storytimes that keep families coming back and keep staff energized. Discover easy-to-implement strategies for sustaining programs, sparking joy in your team, and creating lasting community impact without losing your spark.
The Joe Chithalen Memorial Musical Lending Library | Denis Leroux
This session will provide an overview of the creation of Joe’s Music Mill, their mission, and a hands-on demonstration with some of the instruments in their collection.
How Clerk Work Can Shape Graduate Studies À Russel J. Arbic and Emily Croft
This session will discuss how working as a library technician has shaped my experience as a graduate student, and look at why so many of my colleagues are also engaging in both pursuits. It will touch on the ways in which an in-depth knowledge of a library's resources and systems, as well its partner networks and AUL specializations, have all impacted what I have been able to accomplish as a Ph.D. candidate. Of particular interest here will be the pieces of transferable knowledge I have found most useful during visits to other university libraries and archives and my recent collaborations with other members of our library's staff.
Annual General Meeting
The 53rd Annual General Meeting of the Ontario Association of Library Technicians/Association des bibliotechniciens de l’Ontario will be held separately from our annual conference. It will take place on Saturday, May 23rd, 2026 at 12 PM remotely via Zoom.
Members in good standing, who are unable to attend the meeting in person may by means of proxy appoint a proxy holder, or one or more alternative proxy holders, who need not be members, as the member’s nominee to attend and act at the meeting in the manner, to the extent and with the authority conferred by the proxy. A member wishing to appoint by proxy, a proxy holder(s) is required to complete the following form, signing and dating it, and giving it to the proxy holder to return to the Chair of the Annual General Meeting, the President of the Association, prior to the call for order on Saturday, May 23rd, 2026.
Proxy forms must be sent via email before Saturday, May 23rd, 2026 to info@oaltabo.on.ca.
Further information and documentation will be sent out when available, as well as being posted to our website at: https://oaltabo.on.ca/conference/annual-general-meetings-minutes/.
Conference Pricing
Full Conference
- Member - $125.00
- Member - Student/Retiree - $100.00 *
- Non-Member - $165.00
- Non-Member - Student/Retiree - $125.00
*A student is any individual currently enrolled in a full-time or part-time library & information diploma, or post diploma certificate program or those who have graduated from an aforementioned program to a period of six months after their graduation.
** Become a member or renew your membership before registering to get the member price!
Accommodations and Travel
Accommodations
Looking to reserve a room for the OALT/ABO conference, please email the Queen’s University Event Reservations at event.reservations@queensu.ca, and include the following information:
- Our Group Code: #144502
- Your Name:
- Date of check in:
- Date of check out:
All accommodations are 2-bedroom units. Guests will reserve the full 2-bedroom unit with a private bathroom. Find out more details at https://www.queensu.ca/eventservices/accommodations/summer
Queen’s Event Services will confirm your reservation within 24 hours (Monday – Friday).
Have a question about the accommodations – please reach out to event.reservations@queensu.ca.
Have a question for our Conference Team – reach out to conference@oaltabo.on.ca.
Driving
- From Toronto: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MQn9J2PmVgav2EQj6
- From Ottawa: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gPCdSvhtR2S5Uc127
- From Sudbury: https://maps.app.goo.gl/eXYj5tJTQukvCnkD7
Transit
- Via Rail Canada: https://viarail.ca
- Kingston Transit: https://www.kingstontransit.ca/
Registration
- 2026 Conference Registration Form
- Note: Members should login to their account before registering to view member pricing.
- 2026 Membership
