Strand Description
As school librarians, we are facing an uncertain, yet hopeful, future due to a variety of factors. We will work together on some of them, while realizing that other variables in our profession are beyond our control. Technology in the library is always changing and evolving. The ubiquitousness of AI can not be ignored, rather it should be explored and harnessed to help meet our instructional and managerial needs while also arriving at necessary criteria for use of AI by students of all ages. Budgets are always in flux and certification requirements change from time to time.
Discussions and activities will be built around topics related to anticipating and improving the future of school librarianship.
Strand Outcomes
As a result of this workshop, school librarians will:
Strand Leaders
Laura Capobianco | Technology Coordinator and Instructional TEchnology Coach | Immaculate Conception School, Newburyport, MA
Laura Capobianco brings over 15 years of experience as a Technology Coordinator and more than a decade as a Technology Integration Coach in Pre-K through Grade 8 educational settings. She has a passion for leveraging technology to enhance teaching and learning.
Laura holds a B.A. in History from Caldwell University and an M.Ed. in Instructional Technology, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Computational Thinking, from the University of Maine. In addition to supporting faculty with technology integration, she teaches technology and STEM classes, emphasizing hands-on, project-based learning that nurtures problem-solving and creativity.
As part of a dynamic team effort, she helped launch the Innovation Lab at Immaculate Conception School in Newburyport, MA. . The team identified a space and requested permission to renovate and equip it with flexible seating, green screen wall, STEM supplies, and 3D printers, laying the foundation for a hub of creativity, problem-solving, and exploration.
Laura is working with the Archdiocese of Boston Catholic Schools Office as part of the AI Integration Team.
Paula Boyce | Literacy Leader/Librarian | University of Maine
Orono, ME
Email: paula.boyce@maine.edu
X: @PaulaBoyce2
Paula Boyce has taught students of all ages and grade levels from Kindergarten to college. She earned an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from the University of Maine, a Master’s Degree in Exceptionality from University of Southern Maine, a CAS in Literacy Education from University of Southern Maine, and a Master’s Degree in Library Media Science from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. Paula began her career as an elementary classroom teacher, then focused her instruction on literacy by teaching in roles including Title 1 Reading Specialist, District K-12 Literacy Specialist, Middle School ELA Teacher, Middle School Librarian, District Library Coordinator and ELA Consultant. She teaches Library Science as well as Literacy classes at USM and UMaine for graduate and undergraduate students in both online and face-to-face formats and volunteers at her local public library as the ‘Story Lady’ for the Preschool Storytime. With two adult children and two grandchildren of her own and the experience of teaching hundreds of students over the years, she knows firsthand the importance of a strong literacy foundation and enthusiastic, positive role models for students. Integrating technology in her teaching to enhance learning has become a priority and a passion. Paula has advocated for and implemented many initiatives promoting books, best practices, literacy, and technology in classrooms and libraries. She loves sharing her experience and expertise in education with other adults.
