I speak to libraries that are tired of vague assurances and expensive surprises, and want straight answers they can use on Monday. No vendor BS.
Selected Past Engagements (Evergreen)
Some of these are older, but the patterns haven't changed: tech adoption, vendor incentives, and plain-English training.
Emerging Tech (Workshops + Webinars)
- Emerging Technologies in Libraries: Three-part series, PCI Webinars
- Practical Applications of Emerging Technologies in the Library: Northwest Regional Library System (Institute)
Communication + Training
- Talking Tech: Bridging the Gap between Techie Talk and Plain English: Ohio Library Council Annual Conference
- Lost in Space: Navigating Social Media: Full-day workshop, Northwest Regional Library System
Professional Responsibility + Technology (MCLE)
- Professional Responsibility & Technology: What Every Legal Team Needs to Know (MCLE)
Keynotes / Staff In-Service
- Emerging Technologies & Libraries: Keynote, Tuscarawas County Public Library
- Emerging Technologies in the Library: Staff presenter, Licking County Library
eBooks + Outreach (Historical, Still Relevant)
- The Electronic Bookmobile: Ohio Library Council (SW + NE chapter conferences)
- E-Service: Evolution of eBooks & eReaders: Northeast Ohio Regional Library System (Kent State University)
Selected Writing & Media
- Sandusky Register: Tech-Know columnist (link coming)
- Library Journal: Movers & Shakers 2012 (Tech Leader)
- Circulating Ideas: Movers & Shakers interview
- OverDrive Digital Library Blog: Outreach contest winner feature
Media Kit (Quick Copy)
- Bio (short): Sam Chada writes and consults on library vendor contracts, AI governance, and technology strategy: with 18 years of experience on both library and vendor sides.
- Topics: contracts, AI governance, vendor independence, workforce/retention realities, data strategy
- Contact: /contact/ or sam@unhingedlibrarian.com
Sample Workshop Agenda (90 minutes)
- 10 min: What vendors optimize for (and what libraries assume)
- 25 min: Contract red flags: pricing, renewals, data exit, security
- 20 min: AI clauses + governance: what to demand in writing
- 20 min: Live teardown: anonymized clause examples + how to respond
- 15 min: Q&A + next-step checklist for your team
Speaking Topics Available
"The Vendor Trap: How to Negotiate Contracts That Don't Screw You"
For library directors and board members. Real contract language, red flags to catch, and negotiation tactics that actually work. You'll learn what vendors count on you not knowing.
"AI Hype vs. Reality: What Actually Works for Your Library"
For all staff levels. An honest look at AI adoption data, which use cases help your library, where it's a distraction, and how to evaluate new tools without the marketing language.
"The Library Workforce Is Breaking (And How to Fix It)"
For directors and HR staff. The retention crisis is real. Data on compensation, culture, and resistance movements that have worked at other libraries. What actually retains people.
"AI Governance for Libraries: EU Act, Colorado, CCPA, and What's Coming"
For IT directors, legal teams, and board compliance committees. A practical breakdown of regulations affecting libraries, what you need to do now, and what's still uncertain.
"Getting Your Data Back: Vendor Independence Playbook"
For IT staff and directors planning transitions. Step-by-step tactics for moving away from vendor lock-in, extracting your data, and what to do with it once you have it.
Training Programs
Not every topic needs a conference stage. Sometimes your staff just needs practical training they can apply immediately.
Staff Training on AI Tools
Practical, hands-on guides for the reference desk, circulation desk, and cataloging workflows. What works. What doesn't. How to explain it to patrons.
Board Education Workshops
Technology, compliance, and vendor relationships in plain language. Your board should leave with a clearer understanding of what they're approving and what questions to ask.
Leadership Cohorts
Ongoing peer learning groups on library tech trends. Monthly or quarterly sessions with other library leaders working through the same problems.
Custom Workshops
Your library has specific problems. Let's design a workshop around what you actually need to solve.
Delivery Options
- Format In-person (I'll travel), Virtual/Zoom, or Hybrid
- Duration Half-day workshops or full-day intensives. One-time or ongoing sessions.
- Audience Library systems, consortiums, state library associations, conferences, individual libraries, board education, staff training
- Audience Size Small focused groups (10-20 people) to conference breakout sessions (50-150+)
What You Get
- No slides full of buzzwords
- Real examples from actual library tech situations
- Interactive format - Q&A, small group discussion, not lecture theater
- Practical takeaways people can use when they get back to their desk
- Honest assessment of what works and what doesn't
- Follow-up support if you need it
Who Should Book
- Library systems and consortiums
- State library associations
- Library conferences and professional development events
- Individual libraries wanting focused staff training
- Board education on technology and compliance
Need one-on-one help with a contract, vendor decision, or AI policy instead? See consulting.
How to Book
Pricing depends on topic, duration, travel, and whether it\'s in-person or virtual. Let\'s talk specifics. I prefer 4-6 weeks notice to ensure quality delivery and schedule coordination.
Ready to Book or Want to Talk First?
Get in touch. Tell me what you need, when you need it, and what you're trying to solve.
If you have a specific topic in mind or a custom need, I can probably help. If I can\'t deliver what you're asking for, I'll tell you straight.