Pre-Conference Workshop
The Stronger Together library Conference is pleased to announce that we will host a three-hour pre-conference workshop on October 19, 2026.
- Facilitator: Carol Brown
- Date: October 19, 2026
- Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Note:
Please bring a laptop or tablet to access online handouts and websites.
About This Workshop
This pre-conference workshop offers attendees access to the full version of Carol Brown's "Shelf-Help" workshop. A condensed edition — Evidence-Based Answers: A Workshop for Library Staff on Identifying Science and Health Misinformation — was presented in 2025 to an exceptionally well-attended audience. Based on that success and Carol's continued development of the material, this expanded three-hour session provides a deeper and more comprehensive learning experience.
Workshop Description
This workshop covers strategies for locating and evaluating science and health information, focusing on assessing sources and claims. We will introduce tools and techniques you can use personally and share with patrons, while discussing common tactics used to spread false or misleading information.
We’ll also explore ways to respond to patron questions and address dubious claims while maintaining your professional role. The session is highly interactive, offering hands-on practice through scenarios and practical examples. You will leave with a digital workbook, access to patron-friendly handouts, and a list of recommended resources to continue your learning.
What You'll Learn
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Evaluate sources of science and health information with greater confidence.
- Identify “red flags”—common words and tactics used to spread misinformation—that both staff and patrons can look for.
- Prompt patrons to adopt a critical stance toward the information they encounter.
- Apply specific tools and strategies when responding to science and health-related inquiries.
Who Should Attend
This workshop is designed for any library staff member who:
- Wants to hone their ability to identify science and health misinformation.
- Is curious about tools and strategies that can support them to find evidence-based information.
- Would like to discuss and work through practical scenarios with colleagues.
Interactive Elements
This session is designed for active participation. It includes hands-on practice with digital tools, scenario-based applications, group discussions, and opportunities to explore specific topics of interest to the group.
About the Facilitator
Carol Brown is a science educator, researcher, and tea lover. Building on her experience as a high school science teacher in Alberta and New Brunswick, Carol now serves as an Assistant Professor of Secondary Education at the University of Alberta. Carol’s research interests relate to how science education in schools and informal contexts such as libraries and science centres can respond to the rise of science and health misinformation. Her current work aims to create professional development for library staff that helps them to feel more confident and prepared to model digital literacy skills and respond to patrons’ science and health questions.
Pre-conference presented by:
