All sessions are in Mountain Standard Time  

9:45-9:55 – Welcome & Opening Remarks

10:00am – 12:30pm Sessions for Interactive Engagement (SIE) 

#1. Title: Blind Date with A Poem - How Academic Libraries Can Bring Their Community Together 

Presenters: Hope Barajas, Pearl Bass, Alexandrea Kord, Alec Millman, Ellie Svoboda 

Abstract 

Many academic libraries develop outreach programs to provide a fun way of helping students overcome library anxiety, while also promoting library resources and positioning the library as a community hub. This SIE presents an example of outreach programming that can be implemented in academic libraries to draw patrons into the library for leisure and community activities rather than purely academic reasons. 

#2. Title: Bibliotherapy: How Books can Open Hearts and Minds 

Presenters: Clarissa Vannier, Laney Jones, Kristen Korfitzen, Meaghan Kelly, Jennifer Villegas 

Abstract 

Bibliotherapy programs showcase librarians as a great resource and collaborators to help therapists find reading materials to support their patients’ needs. This SIE will present an example of a bibliotherapy program that could be used by a children’s hospital library in collaboration with therapists working with children with neurodiversity and their families. 

#3. Title: What Does “Trauma-Informed” Have to Do With Research and Evaluation? (It’s Not a Rhetorical Question)  

Presenters: Debbie Gowensmith, Elizabeth Gregory 

Abstract 

Given the prevalence of trauma in our society, the work of researchers and evaluators intersects with trauma. Session facilitators will share what they have learned about the application of trauma-informed care principles to research and evaluation. Attendees will consider how they can integrate trauma-informed principles into their research and evaluation.  

#4.Title: Action Research on Community Dialogues for Public Libraries and their Communities 

Presenter: Anne Holland 

Abstract 

Learn more about the iterative research being conducted with Community Dialogues in public libraries across the country. Almost 200 libraries have participated in these conversations which allow them to build new partnerships, identify barriers to access in their venues, and create relevant programming for their community. Appropriate for both RMS and LIS students/faculty.  

LUNCH 12:30pm – 1:00pm  

1:00pm – 2:15pm Presentations (Ignite or Pecha-Kucha)  

CONCURRENT SESSION 1

#1. Title: What Libraries Can Do to Help Parents Foster a Lifelong Love of Reading in Their Children 

Presenters: Karen Astorga 

Abstract 

Many public libraries set up Early Literacy Centers in Youth Services or other areas of the library. Visiting these Centers, parents do not always know how to develop reading skills in their children. This paper examines several techniques that can help librarians educate parents on how to instill a lifelong reading habit of and love for reading.   

 #2. Title: Why Would They Want to Read It: Investigating Characteristics of YA Fiction Marketed to Adult Readers 

Presenters: Hope Barajas 

Abstract 

This paper examines the characteristics of Young Adult (YA) fiction marketed to adult readers by media, publishers, and libraries based on the “top” lists found online. The results will help librarians to better understand the socio-cultural and commercial forces that shape readers’ tastes and the major appeal elements of YA fiction for adult readers. 

#3. Title: Readers for Change Special Interest Group 

Presenters: Clarissa Vannier 

Abstract 

Reading and stories have the power to transform individuals and communities in a board range of topics and issues. Librarians with any specialization can use reading to promote positive change in themselves, their patrons, and communities. This presentation will discuss a community engagement and community building program called Readers for Change. 

  #4. Title: Assessing Online Reader Services in Rural Colorado 

Presenters: Lindsay Douglass 

Abstract 

Robust reader services are increasingly difficult to find in many libraries, especially in rural America. This study presents a case study of websites in a sample of rural libraries in Colorado. The websites, related social media pages, and online catalog of these libraries were analyzed for the presence and extent of active and passive reader services and promotional strategies.  

#5. Title: Open Educational Resources are Tools for Increasing Equity in Higher Ed 

Presenters: Ellie Svoboda 

Abstract 

Open Educational Resources (OER) are educational materials that are created with the express intention of lowering student textbook costs and increasing instructor flexibility. This presentation will demonstrate that equity is a byproduct of adopting OER in higher education because OER increases access for all students. 

#6. Title: The High John Experiment: An Analysis of Library Outreach in a Historically Marginalized Community

Presenters: Laurier Cress 

Abstract 

The High John Experiment was an unsuccessful 1967 outreach initiative by the UMD School of Library and Information Services in Prince George’s County. Established to encourage LIS students to work with underprivileged communities, it was eventually terminated, having negatively impacted both community members and students. This presentation builds on a critical historical analysis of the High John experience.

CONCURRENT SESSION 2  

#1. Title: Piracy Could be a Threat to Information Itself 

Presenters: Alec Millman 

Abstract 

Most scholars acknowledge that the current publishing system is broken, which is clearly manifested in a variety of recent developments including pirated, or Black Access, work.  The presentation will show how a culture of pirated scholarly work like Sci-Hub, while not inherently evil, could be dangerous and potentially counterproductive to its ostensible intent. 

#2. Title: The Effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Behavioral Outcomes  

Presenters: Jennifer Thomas 

Abstract 

This study intends to explore the intersection of two vulnerable populations, early childhood development, and risks associated with exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). This study seeks to answer the question: How does age moderate the relationship between the number of ACEs and the risk for internal and external behaviors?  

#3. Title: Observations and Recommendations for the Denver Museum of Nature and Science 

Presenters: Anne Holland 

Abstract 

This session will focus on observations conducted in two courses during the Winter term (Criticism and Connoisseurship and Qualitative Data Collection). This presentation will highlight data collection methods, ways of gaining access to similar venues, and recommendations presented to museum staff.  

#4. Title: Using Openness to Predict Changes to the Zone of Proximal Originality  

Presenters: Mark Leveling 

Abstract 

This study sought to examine the relation between the zone of proximal originality and the personality trait of openness based on a divergent thinking task (DT) using a microlongitudinal design. The goal was to understand how instructional effects might change creative thinking and potential based on a related personality trait.   

#5. Title: Identifying the Needs of Adjunct Faculty in an Online MBA Program  

Presenters: Anne Holland, Jenn Light, Naomi Morishita 

Abstract 

This session will focus on work completed during part 1 and 2 of the Evaluation Practice Course at DU. The teams work focused on identifying the supports needed for adjunct faculty (Course Section Leads) in an online MBA program.

BREAK 2:15-2:30pm 

2:30pm – 3:45pm Posters & Installations 

CONCURRENT SESSION 1 

#1. Title: A Barista’s Guide to Being a Librarian (Installation) 

Presenters: Laney Jones 

Abstract 

The installation is a series of guidebooks for students who are receiving their Master’s degree in Library Science while working in the food and hospitality industry. It provides thought-provoking ideas for responding to customer inquiries about what librarians actually do, as well as spirited retorts to ludicrous notions about librarians. 

#2. Title: Librarians as Sources of Light (Installation) 

Presenters: Ellie Svoboda 

Abstract 

Librarianship is a vital and dynamic profession that provides opportunities for individuals to grow both personally and professionally. Librarians can create new knowledge, be forces for social justice, rewrite inaccurate or exclusive narratives, partner with community organizations, as well as transform their own self-perception. Librarians can become sources of light. This installation combines engineering design and historical facts in librarianship.  

#3. Title: From the Classics to Today: Celebrating Women Writers of the Mystery Genre 

Presenters: Clarissa Vannier 

Abstract 

The mystery genre is one of the most read and celebrated genres on the book market today and one of the most international genres. This poster will showcase the brief history of mystery books and celebrate women writers of the past and present whose work has changed and amplified the popularity of the genre. 

#4. Title: Books and Basketball: An Online Reading Resource 

Presenters: Andy Lawder 

Abstract 

The focus of this presentation will be Books and Basketball, an online reading and leisure resource compiled to serve as a guide that connects those who are passionate about basketball with interesting reading and other media titles . Amid the plethora of fiction guides, Books and Basketball contributes to closing a significant gap in nonfiction reader resources in libraries and in cyberspace.  

#5. Title: Workflow and Challenges of a Large-scale Digitization Project for Physical Space within a Special Library 

Presenters: Maggie Ryan 

Abstract 

A research-oriented special library, supported by two University of Denver MLIS students, has embarked on a project to digitize print materials to remove library stacks and replace them with additional seating and technology options. This unique process has presented challenges along the way, including changing scanning specifications, data storage, workflow practices, and cataloging questions. This poster will demonstrate the challenges experienced throughout this process and explain the multi-departmental custom workflow created specifically for this project.

#6. Title: Mining Memory from Park County, Colorado 

Presenters: Sam Carlson, Karen Butler-Clary, Sarah Beals, Rob Montes, Baylee Suskin 

Abstract 

In the 19th century, in the Colorado Territory mining was often the lure of the journey. Five MLIS students created a digital exhibition from the Park County Local History Archives on mining history. The digital archive is a way to reach people remotely in order to preserve the county’s history. 

#7. Title: Does the style of audio tour matter: a qualitative case study 

Presenters: Margaret Word 

Abstract 

A qualitative case study approach was used to examine the experiences of museum visitors using a new audio tour developed by the Denver Art Museum. Four major themes were extracted that aligned with artifacts and observations collected. This research supports the need for more interactive experiences to engage audiences. 

#8. Title: Examining the Impacting Factors on International Students’ Acculturative Stress 

Presenters: Menglong Cong, Yixiao Dong, Ruth Chao 

Abstract 

Previous literature about international students’ acculturative stress factor indicates mixed findings. The primary purpose of this study was to add clarity to this literature base. Data was collected from different regions of the US. Measurement invariance indicated that acculturative stress score does not differ by education level and gender.  

#9. Title: A Needs Assessment of RMS Students’ Support to Complete the Dissertation or Thesis Process  

Presenters: Jamie Powers, Alexis Nagle, Shannon Maio 

Abstract 

This evaluation project explores the questions “To what extent does the RMS program need a thesis/dissertation support course?” and “What would successful planning and implementation of the course involve? This poster session will explain the multi-method approach to this assessment and planned thematic analysis, and share initial results.  

CONCURRENT SESSION 2 

#1.Title: Is the Reliability of Objective Originality Scores Confounded by Elaboration? 

Presenters: Shannon Maio, Denis Dumas, Peter Organisciak, Mark Runco  

Abstract 

We test the degree to which the reliability of Originality scores from the AUT produced via the GloVe 840B text-mining system is dependent on the variance attributed to Elaboration. We conclude that, even when the variance attributed to Elaboration is partialled out, this method is capable of providing reliable Originality scores. 

#2. Title: Gender Variant of the Interactive Factors Affecting Students Development: From Students’ Perspectives  

Presenters: Cuirong Wu 

Abstract 

The purpose of this study was to find the latent structure of the interactive factors that affect students' development from students’ perspectives and test the latent structure measurement invariance by gender. The results show that boys and girls had different attitude effects on the structure factors of schooling expectation, teacher’s attention, and a schooling climate.  

#3. Title: Afterschool STEM Club Evaluation  

Presenters: Erin B. Haseley 

Abstract 

This evaluation aims to assess the overall quality of the STEM Club at STRIVE Prep (Federal). This is a summative evaluation designed to assess the outcomes associated with the program, the quality of implementation of the program, and the possibility of the program continuing beyond the year in question.  

#4. Title: Examining the Effectiveness of PATHS Program Among Chinese Preschoolers’ SEL by a True Experiment 

Presenters: Menglong Cong, Lin Ma 

Abstract 

The PATHS program is a school-based Social Emotional Learning (SEL) program but its effectiveness for East-Asian peers has not been demonstrated. This study examined the effectiveness of the PATHS program for 3820 Chinese preschoolers. Results showed that preschoolers exhibited significant growth in their social-emotional abilities after the one-year program.  

#5. Title: Mathematics and Executive Function Competencies in the Context of Interventions: A Quantile Regression Analysis 

Presenters: Yixiao Dong, Douglas H. Clements, Julie Sarama, Denis Dumas, Holland Banse, Crystal Day Hess 

Abstract 

To examine the homogeneity of the relation between executive functioning and mathematics and intervention effects, we conducted quantile regression analyses on data from a large study of two prekindergarten interventions: the Building Blocks math curriculum alone (BB), or BB, with scaffolding of play to promote executive function (BBSEF)  

#6. Title: Technology applied in adolescents’ lives: School-based universal social, emotional, and behavioral health intervention 

Presenters: Lin Ma 

Abstract 

This pilot study aims to assess the efficacy of the BASE mental health education preventive intervention with middle school students. Results of randomized controlled trial design indicated students in the BASE condition showed significant development in school engagement over a five-week period whereas the control group showed declines. 

#7. Title: Longitudinal Measurement Invariance of the Behavioral Health Measure in a Clinical Sample 

Presenters: Yixiao Dong, Jeremy J. Coleman, Denis Dumas, Jesse Owen, S. Mark Kopta 

Abstract 

The current study examined whether factorial invariance held when using the Behavioral Health Measure (BHM-20) longitudinally in a clinical sample (n = 12,467). Using multidimensional item response theory (MIRT) based models for the investigation of the BHM-20 factor structure, at a single time point and then longitudinally. 

#8. Title: A Literary Investigation of Mental Health Awareness within the Workplace  

Presenters: Sydney Hindin, Samantha McFarland 

Abstract 

Mental health is as important as physical health, and one of the many reasons’ employees take sick days from work. This presentation explores the awareness of mental health in the workplace and available resources for employees in the work environment. This literature review investigates current research and proposes further studies. 

#9. Title: Service Utilization Impact on Those with a History of Trauma 

Presenters: Jennifer Thomas 

Abstract 

The purpose of this evaluation was to explore the impact of Mental Health Partners (MHP) services on health outcomes for adult clients with a reported trauma history. Psychological distress, social connectedness, and overall health are examined to see if reporting improvement is related to successful completion of services.  

3:45 – 3:50 Thank You and Closing Remarks