Digipalooza 2021 (Tuesday, Aug. 3 – Thursday, Aug. 5) is just around the corner, and we’ve got all the details educators need to get a head start on their program planning.

In addition to the announcement of Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden as our keynote speaker, we have a full schedule of general and K-12 Education track sessions prepared for K-12 educators looking to stay on top of the latest and greatest trends in digital content.

Get a sneak peek at some of the sessions below, then head on over to the Digipalooza program page to check out the full lineup. Plus, keep reading to learn how you can register and receive a free swag box!

General sessions:

Digital Access for All: How Government Investments for Libraries & Schools in 2021 are Succeeding (Tues., 1:15 p.m., 30 minutes)

One of the biggest and most consequential issues of our time is access to the Internet. Join this session to get current information on how the CARES ACT and other government initiatives are bringing everyone online. Our panelists will provide a national perspective as well as recent local wins and best practices on navigating the maze of funding.

Keynote: Dr. Carla D. Hayden, 14th Librarian of Congress (Tues., 1:45 p.m., 30 minutes)

Dr. Carla Hayden, nominated in 2016 by President Barack Obama as the 14th Librarian of Congress, will join us for an intimate one-on-one interview covering the important and unique role that libraries play in the community, plus the impact of the digital shift, and a vision for a post-pandemic future.

10 Creative Outreach Tips to Get More of Your Community Reading (Thurs., 1:30 p.m., 30 minutes)

Join OverDrive’s Outreach Services team to hear best practices and innovative ideas to connect with your community and get the word out about Libby or Sora. Learn how the Resource Center can help support your marketing and training efforts, plus see practical examples from libraries & schools across the globe who have found new ways to engage readers, even during the most challenging times.

K-12 track sessions

How Your School’s Collection Can Support DEI for Students (Tues., 2:15 p.m., 30 minutes)

Join this experienced group of educators to learn best practices for building, curating, supporting and promoting a digital collection that celebrates all members of your community. Learn how a diverse collection supports inclusion and equity, SEL, MTSS and individualized learning.

How One Large District Adapted to a Digital Curriculum (Wed., 2:45 p.m., 30 minutes)

With the digital shift accelerated in 2020, many schools expanded the scope beyond libraries and into the classroom. Learn how one district made this shift, including tech integrations and PD, to provide students effective and efficient access to digital books.

6 Ways to Maximize Budget with Digital Books (Thurs., 1:05 p.m., 25 minutes)

Attend this session to learn the practical skills savvy educators use when they buy digital books for their schools. Where do digital books come from, and what factors impact their cost? How do you develop your strategy and budget for digital? How do you plan for multiyear adoptions, and how do Education Stabilization Funds (pandemic relief/CARES Act/ESSER, etc.) impact your buying decisions? You’ll emerge from this discussion with a better understanding of digital books, ready to tackle the future of reading with an analysis of newer access models such as Digital Class Sets and Limited Concurrent Use.

Register now for free swag & professional development credit

digip register now CTA adHaven’t yet registered for Digipalooza? There’s still time! Registration is just $39 for all three half-day sessions – and if you need some convincing, check out these five reasons why you won’t want to miss out! Plus, not only will you get the chance to earn professional development credits*, but there are benefits to registering early – the first 1,000 registrants will receive a free swag box, including a commemorative Digipalooza t-shirt, a wireless charging pad, sunglasses and snacks.

Click this link to register today and get access to all the sessions mentioned in this blog – plus more! Can’t make every session? No problem – recordings will be available for 60 days following the event!

We can’t wait to see you there!

*Note regarding professional development: We anticipate that each Digipalooza session will translate 1:1 into professional development hours. However, because professional development and continuing education credits vary by state, country or even library or school, please be sure to consult those at your organization responsible for crediting professional development hours.