This year we are piloting a conference format that is simultaneously familiar and new! You can attend virtually via Zoom, or you can add in-person attendance at one of two official host sites for a group viewing of the virtual program. Registration cost is $35 for Midwest Chapter Members and $55 for non-members for either format. There is no additional registration cost to attend an official host site.
Tuesday, October 14th: Continuing Education Day, fully virtual, no in-person programming, 8:00am CDT / 9:00am EDT - 4:30pm CDT / 5:30pm EDT
Wednesday, October 15th: In-person programming at official host sites, no virtual programming, 1:00pm - 5:00pm local time
Thursday, October 16th: Virtual conference, with in-person group viewing at official host sites, 8:00am CDT / 9:00am EDT - 4:30pm CDT / 5:30pm EDT
Friday, October 17th: Virtual conference, with in-person group viewing at official host sites, 8:00am CDT / 9:00am EDT - 3:15pm CDT / 4:15pm EDT
Virtual Attendance
Full access to the virtual conference via a private Zoom link.
Packet with conference sticker and program participation materials mailed to attendee before conference.
In-Person Attendance at a Host Site
Full access to the virtual conference via a private Zoom link.
Attendance at one of two official conference host sites (more info below), which will provide food, hospitality, and relevant technology and spaces throughout the conference.
Half day of site-specific in-person programming for attendees on October 15th, and food, social activities and other local support throughout.
Group viewing of virtual conference program with other attendees on October 16th and 17th.
Tech-enabled space to give presentations as part of the virtual conference.
The official host sites are:
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, Michigan
The Health Sciences Library (HSL) opened in 2021 in the Health Sciences Education Center (HSEC) and in the Phillips-Wangensteen Building (PWB) with connected spaces that include a Makerspace, Virtual Reality Studio, a Commons and several 1:Button Studios (video recording) to meet the emerging teaching, learning, research and professional practice needs of our six health sciences colleges/schools.
Logistics/Travel information:Contact name/email:
Contact Name: Lisa McGuire, Associate Director, Email: Lisa McGuire
Library name/address : Health Sciences Library / University of Minnesota, Phillips-Wangensteen Building, 516 Delaware St., Minneapolis, MN 55455
Transportation to Minneapolis/St. Paul
Minneapolis/St Paul International Airport is located in Bloomington, MN (approx. 10 miles from campus) and is served by several airlines, including Delta, United, American and Southwest.
Amtrak serves Minneapolis/St. Paul with trains at Union Station in downtown St. Paul, MN.
Greyhound serves the Twin Cities Campus at stops at Coffman Memorial Union.
General lodging information
The Graduate Hotel is located across the street from the Health Sciences complex on the East Bank of campus and directly across from the East Bank station of the Green Line of Metro Transit.
There are several other hotels near campus and some offer discounted rates for people visiting the University of Minnesota. You can find a list of hotels here.
Directions to campus (driving and using mass transit)
Parking instructions - there are several ramps located in close walking distance to the Health Sciences Library including:
Washington Avenue Ramp(closest to the library) - take elevator to the Tunnel Level and follow signage to the public access reception desk to show your email indicating you are attending an event in the Health Sciences Library.
Oak Street Ramp - (3 blocks from library) Exit the parking ramp on Oak Street and head north to Delaware St SE. Turn left onto Delaware St SE and walk 2 block until you arrive at Harvard St. SE. Turn right and walk up Harvard one block until you reach Washington Avenue SE. Turn left on Washington and walk approximately ½ block to the public access entrance into Moos Tower (across from the East Bank light rail station). Enter Moos Tower and walk down the stairs to the doors and proceed to the public access reception desk to show your email indicating you are attending an event in the Health Sciences Library.
East River Road Garage - (5 blocks from library) Exit the parking ramp on Delaware St SE and turn right onto Delaware. Turn left onto Church St SE and walk one block to Washington Ave SE. Turn right onto Washington Ave SE and walk approximately ½ block to the public access entrance into Moos Tower (across from the East Bank light rail station). Enter Moos Tower and walk down the stairs to the doors and proceed to the public access reception desk to show your email indicating you are attending an event in the Health Sciences Library.
Onsite programming at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Health Sciences Library, Minneapolis, Minnesota:
Experiential learning with Virtual Reality (VR)
Visit the Virtual Reality Studio and learn how VR is being incorporated into the health sciences curriculum at the University of Minnesota. We’ll have a panel presentation with our VR Service Lead and HSL librarians who have successfully brought VR experiences into curriculum.
Connecting the fast to the future
Take in the latest exhibit from the Wangensteen Historical Library and see how historical materials are showcasing our scholarship, collections and expertise
Designing and prototyping
Explore how the Makerspace is introducing students across the university to prototyping and problem-solving skills with 3D printing, modeling, and design tools.
An evening with colleagues
Dine with librarian colleagues at The Market at Malcolm Yards (5:30-7:30pm). Malcolm Yards is a food hall with 9 different culinary concepts, a beer/wine wall pouring local and national brands and full bar. We’ll take the Green Line (light rail) from campus to Malcolm Yards. This is a pay-your-own-way event.
Logistics/Travel information:
Contact name/email
Contact Name: Liz Lorbeer, Library Director. Email: Elizabeth.Lorbeer@wmed.edu, Ask.Librarian@wmed.edu (general mailbox where all librarians answer)
Library name/address
Medical Library, WMU Stryker School of Medicine, W.E. Upjohn Campus, 300 Portage Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007
Driving directions
https://wmed.edu/maps-directions. Click here for printable directions to the W.E. Upjohn Campus.
Parking instructions
Parking will be provided at no cost each day of the conference.
Parking is located at 136 East South Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Parking validation is available for the fifth floor (or higher) of the Epic Center Parking Ramp. When leaving the parking ramp, guests will enter their original ticket then scan the WMed QR code to exit without payment. Upon check-in, guests will receive a WMed QR code to exit the lot.
Guests with a disability parking placard can find parking in front of the W.E. Upjohn Campus, 300 Portage, Kalamazoo, MI 49007, and inside the Epic Center Parking Ramp. For specific questions about parking inside the ramp, call Central City Parking at 269-342-6383.
Alternatively, metered downtown parking is free after 5:00 p.m. For specific questions about street parking, call the City of Kalamazoo Parking at 269-342-6383.
Transportation
The Amtrak station, KAL, is located .6 miles from the medical school, or a 12 to 15 minute walk.
The regional airport is AZO - Kalamazoo Battle Creek Int. Airport. The airport is located 3.9 miles from the medical school, or a 10 minute drive. There are no standing cabs. If you stay at the Radisson Hotel, they will provide you free pickup to and from the airport. Or, schedule an Uber or Lyft.
Both the Greyhound and Indian Trail offer bus service to Kalamazoo. Drop-off is at the train station.
Kalamazoo is accessible by car from I-94 (east/west) and U.S. Route 131 (north/south)
General information about lodging
From Hilton Garden Inn or Home2 Suites by Hilton in Kalamazoo Downtown, exit left or head south on North Rose Street. Turn left at West Michigan Avenue (heading west). Turn right onto Portage Street. Cross East South Street, and the entrance to WMed is in front. It is a 10-minute/0.5-mile walk to the school. The hotel is two blocks away from the Amtrak station.
From the Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites, exit left or head south on North Rose Street. Turn left at West Michigan Avenue (heading west). Turn right onto Portage Street. Cross East South Street, and the entrance to WMed is in front. It is a 7-minute/0.3-mile walk. The hotel is three blocks away from the Amtrak station. Additionally, there is a free hotel shuttle to/from the airport.
Kalamazoo House B&B: Head east on W. South toward S. Park, then turn right onto Portage Street. The WMed front entrance is located on Portage St. It is a 10-minute/0.5-mile walk. The B&B is within walking distance from the Amtrak station.
Other suggested lodging, but it requires access to a car: Staybridge Suites Kalamazoo by IHG (4 mi to the school) and Springhill Suites by Marriott Kalamazoo-Portage (5 mi to the school).
Onsite programming at the Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine Library, Kalamazoo, Michigan:
Second Lunch
A lighthearted nod to hobbits. Join us for a relaxed, unstructured snack-meal hybrid with flexible arrival. Offered 12:30-3:30 p.m. ET
Local Programming
The Virtual Data Warehouse at WMed: Empowering Data-Driven Research and Quality Improvement, speaker Philip Kroth, department of Biomedical Informatics
Is Left-Handedness a Disability?: A discussion with Blake Hereth, department of Medical Ethics, Humanities, & Law
Fostering a Flourishing Workplace: Wellbeing as a Core Value, facilitator Julia Young, program specialist in the department of Wellness, Belonging, and Culture
An evening with colleagues at Bell’s Eccentric Cafe
Address:355 E. Kalamazoo Ave., 49007.
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. ET. Food & Drink:
This is a pay-your-own-way event. Menu
Details: Bell’s Brewery is .6 miles from WMed, or a 10-15 walk. Free parking is available. From your Kalamazoo hotel, it is a 5-7 min walk.