These are my current available talks, webinars, and workshops. I speak at national and international library and information technology conferences as well as library consortia, and many other venues. I offer 60-90 minute technology talks, as well as half, full, and 3-day workshops, and live webinars.  I also have a large online audience – over 300,000 views of my online presentations on Slideshare.

Webinars Available for Fall/Winter 2025-2026

From Tombs to Tablets: 3D Modeling & Printing for Libraries

Explore how 3D modeling and printing can bring history to life in your library! This hands-on webinar introduces the fundamentals of 3D creation using photogrammetry, LiDAR, and modeling from scratch—no experience required. Learn how to digitize real-world artifacts, design original creations, and turn them into physical objects patrons can hold, explore, and even display. Inspired by ancient Egypt, the session features program ideas for all ages, including Reconstruct an Ancient Egyptian Tomb, Scarab Amulet Design, Ancient Board Game Recreation, Artifact Modeling, and even Curate a Mini Museum Exhibit in 3D. Whether you’re tech-savvy or just curious, you’ll leave with tools, workflows, and inspiration to get started right away.

Participants will be able to:

1. Identify the key tools and techniques for creating and printing 3D models in a library setting, including photogrammetry, LiDAR scanning, and modeling from scratch.
2. Understand how 3D modeling can support cultural heritage education, community storytelling, and hands-on STEAM learning.
3. Design or adapt 3D printing programs for a variety of age groups using historical themes and accessible tools like Tinkercad and Polycam.

Game On: Using Archaeogaming to Engage Patrons with History and Culture

Games aren’t just fun—they’re a gateway to cultural exploration, critical thinking, and creativity. This engaging webinar introduces the concept of archaeogaming, where archaeology and play intersect to spark discovery and connection. Learn how libraries can harness both digital and tabletop games to bring the ancient world—and cultural interpretation—to life for patrons of all ages. We’ll explore standout titles like Never Alone, Assassin’s Creed, Heaven’s Vault, No Man’s Sky, Civilization VI, and Pentiment, alongside a variety of program-ready ideas such as Play & Learn Game Nights, Virtual Digs and Alien Archaeology, Decode the Past: Ancient Language Challenges, and History vs. Game Night. Whether you’re a gamer or not, you’ll leave with hands-on ideas and accessible tools to build engaging, culturally rich programs rooted in play. By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Define archaeogaming and identify its educational potential for cultural and historical engagement in library settings.
2. Evaluate a range of games for their cultural content, design potential, and relevance to different audiences.
3. Develop archaeogaming programs that blend storytelling, history, and critical thinking—no gaming expertise required.

Stepping Into History: Creating Cultural VR Tours and Virtual Exhibits

Step into the past—literally! This hands-on webinar introduces the tools and techniques libraries can use to create immersive cultural heritage experiences through 360° video, photo tours, and virtual exhibits. Whether you’re showcasing a historic district, digitizing a community exhibit, or offering a behind-the-scenes look at library life, VR tools can help patrons explore history like never before. No 3D modeling required—just a camera, storytelling, and a little creativity. Featured program ideas include Local History Walkthroughs, Create a Virtual Exhibit, Library Orientation in VR, Teen Curators, Immersive Storytelling Galleries, and more. Walk away with practical workflows, real library examples, and everything you need to get started—even if you’re brand new to VR.

Participants will be able to:

1. Identify the essential tools and software for capturing, editing, and publishing cultural heritage VR content using 360° photos and video.
2. Understand how VR tours and virtual exhibits can enhance access to local history, cultural storytelling, and library services.
3. Design immersive programs that engage patrons through virtual exhibits, recorded walking tours, oral histories, and interactive displays.

Ancient Worlds, New Tech: Bringing History to Life with AR and MR in the Library

Bring the past into the present with immersive technology! This webinar explores how libraries can use Augmented and Mixed Reality (AR/MR) to activate cultural stories, build layered exhibits, and engage patrons of all ages. Learn how to design interactive experiences using tools like Adobe Aero, BlippAR, and ZapWorks—no coding required. We’ll spotlight successful library case studies and walk through accessible workflows to create your own programs. Featured ideas include Myth in Motion: AR Poster Series, Augment the Exhibit, Time Travelers’ Map, History on a Cube, Voices in the Stacks, and Smells of the Past. Whether you’re working with a single display or developing full immersive zones, this session will help you start small, think big, and connect your community through technology and story.

Participants will be able to:

1. Distinguish between AR and MR and identify key tools for each that are accessible in public and academic libraries.
2. Apply practical workflows to create spatial, visual, and auditory exhibit layers using beginner- and intermediate-friendly tools.
3. Design interactive programming that brings cultural heritage to life through multisensory experiences such as AR posters, Merge Cube artifacts, soundscapes, and tactile installations.

 

Mastering AI Risk Management: The NIST AI RMF, EU AI Act, and Custom Frameworks for Libraries

Join Ellyssa Kroski for an in-depth exploration of AI governance and risk management tailored specifically for libraries. This engaging session focuses on two cornerstone frameworks — the NIST AI Risk Management Framework (AI RMF) and the EU AI Act — offering a detailed breakdown of their principles and applications. Learn how these global standards can inform responsible AI practices and ensure compliance with ethical and legal requirements.  Participants will walk away with:

• A comprehensive understanding of the NIST AI RMF and EU AI Act, including practical implications for libraries.
• Step-by-step guidance on developing a custom AI Risk Management Framework (RMF) for their organization.
• Access to five downloadable worksheets designed to streamline risk identification, assessment, and mitigation strategies.

This session is a must-attend for librarians, information professionals, and decision-makers committed to navigating AI opportunities responsibly while safeguarding against ethical and operational risks. Equip your library with the tools and knowledge to lead in the evolving AI landscape.

Prompt Engineering & Chatbots in Libraries

This webinar will discuss prompt engineering techniques for general large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and Claude AI. Focusing on prompt engineering techniques for interacting with retrieval augmented generation (RAG) models within library databases, this webinar will also discuss how to train and build custom chatbots based on LLMs for internal research, marketing, current awareness, and more. 

 

15 Ways Libraries can use Generative AI

Explore the transformative power of AI in libraries with this engaging webinar. This essential session is designed for librarians, information specialists, and enthusiasts eager to harness the latest in AI technology. Highlights include:

• Basics of Generative AI: A straightforward primer on generative AI and its relevance today.
• Key AI Tools: Explore ten cutting-edge generative AI tools and how they stand to benefit library environments.
• 15 Practical Uses of AI in Libraries: Learn how generative AI can be applied in various library functions, including research assistance, instructional design, language learning, library programming design, automating grant writing, professional development, enhancing metadata, and much more.
• Navigating AI Challenges: Insights into the challenges and ethical considerations of using AI, with strategies for effective management.
• Skill Building: Tips for writing effective AI prompts and an introduction to the most useful ChatGPT plugins for libraries.

This webinar is your gateway to integrating generative AI into your library’s offerings, improving efficiency, and engaging your community in new and exciting ways.

Papercrafting for Mindfulness and Well-Being in Libraries

Libraries are uniquely positioned to foster creativity, connection, and mindfulness in their communities. In this engaging webinar, Ellyssa Kroski shares how papercrafting programs can be powerful tools for promoting mental well-being and creative expression.

From calming bullet journaling workshops to gratitude-filled cardmaking events, you’ll discover a variety of papercrafting ideas that are easy to implement and adapt for diverse audiences. Learn how to design programs that encourage mindfulness and reflection, create inclusive spaces for relaxation, and inspire patrons of all ages to embrace their creativity.

Join us to explore how papercrafting can transform your library into a haven for well-being, creativity, and community engagement.

Key Takeaways:

• Discover papercrafting’s role in promoting mindfulness and mental well-being.
• Explore programming ideas that blend creativity with emotional wellness.
• Gain actionable insights for creating inclusive, impactful library events.

 

Free and Low-Cost Library Programming

Engage patrons while saving your budget by using free and low cost resources. This timely webinar provides inspiration for showstopping library programs for all audiences from seniors to children along with makerspace and passive programming resources. Tools and materials range from free resources to teach financial responsibility to toddlers to STEM lesson plans from NASA to resources to host an Earth Day event incorporating a ‘free trees for kids’ program. Discover resources to host an amateur radio program at the library to contact the crew of the International Space Station, host a free retro game night, or host a financial protection workshop for senior patrons. Jam-packed with where to get free lesson plans, printables, downloadables, online learning resources, collaborative library programs, program grants, and donation resources, this webinar will show participants where to find a large collection of resources for costless library programming including resources for program planning, marketing, and assessment.

Legal Research for Beginners

Learn about the process of legal research in this beginner webinar on law librarianship. This informative session will discuss where to find the law including primary sources such as constitutions, statutes, court opinions and case law, regulations, and administrative decisions as well as important secondary and scholarly sources which may be cited as persuasive authority such as treatises, law reviews, specialized periodicals, annotations, and restatements, as well as legal encyclopedias. Both free and commercial sources will be demonstrated and discussed.

Webinar participants will learn: 

• How to track down a legal citation
• How to distinguish between statute and case law citations
• Where to find both Federal and State statutes
• Where to find both Federal and State court opinions
• Where to find specialized legal materials such as regulations, dockets, forms, and reporters
• How to check the validity of a case before citing it

 

Empowering Creativity: Exploring Makerspaces and Engaging STEM Programming in Libraries

NOTE: Updated Makerspaces presentation for 2024 with maker-related library programs based on my 4 books on the topic.

Makerspaces are creative, DIY spaces where people can gather to create, invent, and learn. In libraries they often have 3D printers, software, electronics, craft and hardware supplies and tools, and more.  Forward-thinking libraries are already building their own dedicated makerspaces and developing valuable STEM programming based on the tools and technologies found therein.  Learn all about the essential tools and technologies found in makerspaces and how you can host engaging STEM programming using tech such as Raspberry Pis, wearable electronics, virtual reality, and robotics in your library whether you have a dedicated makerspace or not!

 

Sustainable Living Library Programs Webinar

I am one of many who opted for the freedom of building a self-sufficient and sustainable way of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn just what it takes to plan, organize, and run sustainability programs for patrons in libraries, both rural and urban. Programs range from gardening topics to teaching pioneer crafts, to homesteading events, and to hosting preservation programs.  Based on my book 25 Ready-to-Use Sustainable Living Programs for Libraries, ALA 2022.

 

DIY Escape Rooms and Other Immersive Experiences in the Library Webinar

Escape rooms are immersive, live-action games in which a group of participants enter a room where they must solve puzzles and collect clues in order to “escape” or win the game. These engaging and captivating games can be designed around nearly any theme from zombies to pirates to detective dramas and are being used by libraries in a multitude of ways. They can be employed simply for outreach and to engage library patrons, for incorporating instruction and experiential learning outcomes, as well as for internal staff team-building and training. You too can create this type of captivating programming for your own library for both promotion and education!
Webinar participants will learn: 

• How to host ready-made escape rooms in their library
• How to design their own escape rooms from scratch, including puzzle creation
• How other libraries are using escape rooms
• Multiple programming ideas based on escape room games and immersive experiences

 

How to Create Free Digital Breakout Games in Libraries Webinar

Digital breakouts are immersive online experiences not unlike their wildly popular counterparts, escape room games. These interactive diversions pose exciting challenges for players to overcome and along with them, opportunities for libraries to impart learning outcomes and skill sets. Explore the ins and outs of setting up these engaging games for patrons and students. This webinar discusses all of the details of how to set up Google sites to host games, Google forms for creating virtual locks to challenge patrons, what types of puzzles to create, how libraries are already using them, etc.

Cosplay in Libraries Webinar

Cosplay, comics, anime, and geek culture have exploded into the mainstream over recent years and have resulted in a thriving community of costume enthusiasts and pop culture fans.  Libraries on the leading edge are already embracing this new worldwide sensation by integrating cosplay into their programming and events. Learn all about the world of cosplay and how you can host cosplay events, workshops, makerspaces, clubs, and more in your library!  Workshops for librarians and/or library patrons of all ages!

 

 

 Speaking Engagements

2026

• March 2026: Empowering Creativity: Exploring Makerspaces and Engaging STEM Programming in Libraries – American Library Association (ALA)
• June 2026: Legal Research for Beginners – American Library Association (ALA)
• July 2026: Legal Research for Beginners – Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS)
• September 2026: Empowering Creativity: Exploring Makerspaces and Engaging STEM Programming in Libraries – American Library Association (ALA)

 

 Speaking Engagements

2025

• February 2025: Rock Star Online Platforms for Librarians – LILRC Long Island Library Resources Council (LILRC)
• February 2025: Empowering Creativity: Exploring Makerspaces and Engaging STEM Programming in Libraries – American Library Association (ALA)
• March 2025: Legal Research for Beginners – LILRC Long Island Library Resources Council (LILRC)
• April 2025: Legal Research for Beginners – American Library Association (ALA)
• April 2025: 15 Ways Libraries can use Generative AI – Central NY Library Resources Council (CLRC)
• April 2025: Rock Star Online Platforms for Librarians – Florida Libraries
• April 2025: How to Create Free Digital Breakouts for Libraries – Tennessee State Library
• June 2025: Managing Your Online Presence for Librarians – American Library Association (ALA)
• July 2025: 3D Printing 101 – American Library Association (ALA)
• July 2025: AR & VR Tools for Cultural Programming in Libraries – American Library Association (ALA)
• August 2025: Empowering Creativity: Exploring Makerspaces and Engaging STEM Programming in Libraries – American Library Association (ALA)
• September 2025: Ancient Worlds, New Tech: Bringing History to Life with AR and MR in the Library – Tech Days Wisconsin
• September 2025: Game On: Using Archaeogaming to Engage Patrons with History and Culture
  – LILRC Long Island Library Resources Council (LILRC)
• October 2025: Ancient Worlds, New Tech: Bringing History to Life with AR and MR in the Library – LILRC Long Island Library Resources Council (LILRC)

2024

• January 2024: Secrets to a long running Graphic Novel Book club – Northern New York Library Network
• February 2024: Free and Low-Cost Library Programming for Libraries – Central NY Library Resources Council (CLRC)
• March 2024: Free and Low-Cost Library Programming for Libraries – LILRC Long Island Library Resources Council (LILRC)
• March 2024: Sustainable Living Library Programs – Southeast Florida Library Network (SEFLIN)
• April 2024: Free and Low-Cost Library Programming for Libraries – California Libraries Learn (CALL)
• May 2024: Law Librarianship for Beginners – American Library Association (ALA)
• May 2024: Free and Low-Cost Library Programming for Libraries – Southern Tier Library System of Western NY (STLS)
• June 2024: Free and Low-Cost Library Programming for Libraries – Florida Library Webinars
• August 2024: 15 Ways Libraries can use Generative AI – American Library Association (ALA)
• September 2024: Empowering Creativity: Exploring Makerspaces and Engaging STEM Programming in Libraries – American Library Association (ALA)
• October 2024: 15 Ways Libraries can use Generative AI Webinar – ALLUNY
• October 2024: Free and Low-Cost Library Programming for Libraries – GPAEA Teacher Librarian’s Fall Meeting 2024
• October 2024: DIY Escape Rooms – GPAEA Teacher Librarian’s Fall Meeting 2024
• November 2024: Law Librarianship for Beginners – American Library Association (ALA)
• November 2024: Prompt Engineering & Chatbots in Libraries – Florida Libraries

2023

• January 25, 2023: Sustainable-Living-Library-Programs – LILRC Long Island Library Resources Council
• April 20, 2023: Sustainable Living Library Programs – American Library Association
• October 11, 2023: Empowering Creativity: Exploring Makerspaces and Engaging STEM Programming in Libraries – Florida Libraries Network

2022

• January 12: How to Create Free Digital Breakouts for Libraries – Florida Libraries
• March 23: Cosplay in Libraries Workshops and Webinars – Florida Libraries
• June 8: Makerspaces in Practice – Florida Libraries
• August 24: DIY Escape Rooms – Florida Libraries
• September 14: Sustainable-Living-Library-Programs – CLRC Central New York Library Resources Council
• September 28: Sustainable-Living-Library-Programs – Massachusetts Library System
• November 2: Sustainable-Living-Library-Programs – Florida Libraries

2021

• Virtual Gaming Events, Florida Library Webinars, 11/3
•  Opening Keynote Panel Reinventing Libraries for a Post-COVID World, 6/2021

2020

• Cybersecurity for Librarians, NY Library Council, 7/2020
• Librarianship in the Age of AI Panel at the Ark Group’s Law Firm Libraries 2020 online conference. 6/2020
• Cybersecurity for Librarians, The American Library Association, 5/2020

2019

• 15 Free Technologies for Libraries, Webinar. Capital District Library Council 1/2019.
• 15 Free Technologies for Libraries, Webinar. Central NY Library Resources Council (CLRC) 1/2019.
• Makerspaces in Libraries, Webinar. Capital District Library Council 2/2019.
• DIY Escape Rooms and Other Immersive Experiences in the Library, Webinar. American Library Association 2/2019.
• Programming with Cosplay: Embracing Costume Play in your Library, Webinar. Massachusetts Library System 2/2019.
• DIY Escape Rooms and Other Immersive Experiences in the Library, Webinar. Massachusetts Library System 2/2019.

2018

• Programming with Cosplay: Embracing Costume Play in your Library, Webinar. Utah State Library 12/2018.
• DIY Escape Rooms and Other Immersive Experiences in the Library, Webinar. Utah State Library 10/2018.
• Makerspaces: Embracing DIY Culture at Your Library, Webinar, The American Library Association 5/2018.
• Programming with Cosplay: Embracing Costume Play in your Library, Webinar. The American Library Association. 1/2018

2017

• Programming with Cosplay: Embracing Costume Play in your Library, Webinar. The American Library Association. 5/2017

 2016

• “Makerspaces in Libraries/Cosplay in Libraries” Indiana State Libraries Week long tour – Sept 19-23.
• “Cosplay 101: How to Cosplay” Cherry Hill Public Library Cosplay Day, Cherry Hill, NJ April 2016
• “Programming with Cosplay: Embracing Costume Play in your Library” American Library Association Chicago, IL January 2016.

2015

• “Cosplay in Libraries” South Central Library System Madison, WI Dec 9, 2015.
• “25 Free Technologies for Law Libraries”. AALL 2015, Philadelphia, PA, July 19, 2015.

2014

• “Free Technology for Libraries” SLA-NY Annual Conference & Expo, New York, NY Sept 2014.
• “Law Librarianship in the Digital Age” AALL 2014, San Antonio, TX, July 15, 2014.
• “Law Librarianship in the Digital Age” Best Practices & Management Strategies for Law Firm Library, Research & Information Services, New York, NY, Feb 20, 2014.
• “Evaluating eBook Offerings” LLAGNY’s 75th Anniversary Education Conference, New York, NY, Jan 14, 2014.

2013

• “The Future of Libraries”Online Information 2013, London, UK, Nov 2013.
• “How To Implement/Access an eBook Collection in a Law Library” AALL 2013, Seattle, WA, July 2013.
• “How to Create & Manage Your Online Presence” West Cork Literary Festival, Bantry, Ireland, 3-day Workshop, July 2013.
• “Evaluating e-Book Offerings”, METRO, New York, NY, Webinar, June 2013.
• “Libraries to Go: Mobile Tech in Libraries”, METRO, New York, NY, Webinar, May 2013.
• “How to Create & Manage Your Online Presence”, METRO, New York, NY, Webinar, April 2013.
• “How to Create Your Own Library (or Personal!) Knowledge Base”, METRO, New York, NY, Webinar, March 2013.
• “Going Digital: The Challenges of eBooks in Law Libraries”, LLAGNY, New York, NY January 2013.