What to expect
Our 2026 program is currently being developed however, check out the sessions we have confirmed so far. If you want to receive speaker and program updates click the link below and be the first to hear!
Discover our speaker line-up!
Our speakers are sharing expertise across a wide variety of topics, offering practical insights, fresh ideas, and valuable perspectives. Get to know the people behind the sessions and learn more about their professional backgrounds.
Access Lab Americas Program 2026
Wednesday 18 November 2026
Kicking off the day delegates will be welcomed to this year’s Access Lab 2026 for the Americas region.
Showing all sessions
-
17:00 (UK) 5 minutes
Welcome to Access Lab 2026
Kicking off the day, delegates will be welcomed to this year’s Access Lab 2026 for the Americas region.
Speaker- OpenAthens
-
17:05 (UK) 40 minutes
Before You Say Yes: AI Training and Your Collections
When an AI company wants to use your archival content or collections for training, what should you do? A practical governance framework for…When an AI company wants to use your archival content or collections for training, what should you do? A practical governance framework for libraries and publishers.
Speaker- Leo Lo, university librarian and dean of libraries, special advisor to the provost on AI literacy, University of Virginia
-
17:45 (UK) 15 minutes
BREAK
-
18:00 (UK) 45 minutes
From Authentication to Impact: Leveraging OpenAthens Data for Assessing Library Impact on Student Success, as part of the program
This session shows how Florida Virtual Campus, Library Services and Florida State College at Jacksonville use the OpenAthens Reporting API t…This session shows how Florida Virtual Campus, Library Services and Florida State College at Jacksonville use the OpenAthens Reporting API to link eResource usage with student success metrics. Attendees will see dashboards visualizing statistical and correlational data, gaining strategies to use API-driven analytics to assess library impact on student outcomes.
Speakers- Brian Erb, director of library support and training, Florida Virtual Campus Library services
- Shannon Dew, director of library services, Florida State College at Jacksonville
-
18:45 (UK) 15 minutes
BREAK
-
19:00 (UK) 1 hour
OpenAthens session
Details TBC
-
20:00 (UK) 15 minutes
BREAK
-
20:15 (UK) 45 minutes
Panel session: Ask our Athenians
Have a question about OpenAthens? Looking for a fresh perspective on a challenge? Ask Our Athenians is your opportunity to learn directly fr…Have a question about OpenAthens? Looking for a fresh perspective on a challenge? Ask Our Athenians is your opportunity to learn directly from experienced OpenAthens users.
Our “Athenians” are customers who are passionate about the product and bring real-world insight from working with OpenAthens every day. In this session, Athena, Brian and David will share their knowledge, answer your questions, and offer practical advice based on what’s worked for them.
Speakers- Athena Hoeppner, discovery services librarian, UCF Libraries
- Brian Erb, director of library support and training, Florida Virtual Campus Library Services
- David Leffler, discovery and access librarian, Jerry Falwell Library, Liberty University
-
21:00 (UK)
Closing remarks
Speaker- OpenAthens
"Different topics and a well-organized program. Dealt with the latest issues in academia."
