Central Valley Library Camp '26

From Arthur’s Fist to Zoom Fails, memes have become one of the most common forms of digital communication, often going viral and spreading at lightning speed before anyone has a chance to question their validity. These bite-sized bits of information can both fuel misinformation and serve as powerful tools for teaching information literacy. In this session, we’ll explore how to help today’s learners analyze how humor, emotion, and design influence our urge to trust memes. Participants will also leave with creative ways to use memes as an engaging entry point for information literacy instruction.
Audience: K–12 school librarians and other educators. May also interest school administrators.
Future Ready Librarian Alignment: Models Digital Citizenship and Responsibility; Empowers Students as Creators; Builds Instructional Partnerships.

With over a billion active users and an algorithm that adapts to our behavior faster than we can double tap, TikTok has become one of the most powerful sources of information for today’s learners. It is also one of the most persuasive. In this session, we will explore how short-form video blends entertainment, emotion, and perceived authenticity to make even mis-, dis- and mal-information feel true. Together, we will unpack how TikTok’s design turns attention into profit and what that means for developing credibility skills in young people.
Audience: K–12 school librarians and other educators. May also interest school administrators.
Future Ready Librarian Alignment: Models Digital Citizenship and Responsibility; Empowers Students as Creators; Builds Instructional Partnerships.

When adults read, kids win! Plus, making time for books (written for young people) creates another way for you to build relationships, cultivate a sense of community AND demonstrate (through action) that you value reading and literacy. In this session, Jennifer will share some of her favorite (recent) reads for learners of all ages, give away some of her favorites from the list AND share collection development strategies for making sure your shelves are filled with the kinds of books your readers deserve!
Audience: K–12 school librarians and other educators. May also interest school administrators.
Future Ready Librarian Alignment: Inspires Reading Engagement; Curates Digital Resources and Tools; Cultivates Community Partnerships.