I am pleased to report that ALA OITP Digital Literacy Task Force (of which I was a member, it has disbanded) released the final Conclusions and Recommendations for Digital Literacy Programs and Libraries. You can download the full report and read the blog post at Digital Dispatch.

I have highlighted some sections I believe are the most important specifically sections related to

• libraries as powerful partners in their communities, working with others on digital literacy issues and demonstrating the attractiveness of libraries as partners in their communities  
• the importance of a culture of learning, exploration, and curiosity for library staff.
• continuing education for library staff and support for this by directors, local, state, and national organizations.
• sharing resources, collaboration,
• the value of good research, not just to libraries, but to those who want to support libraries, and those who should

Conclusions and Recommendations for Digital Literacy Programs and Libraries.

The Digital Literacy Task Force of the ALA Office for Information Technology Policy developed the following recommendations to advance and sustain library engagement in digital literacy initiatives nationwide as a companion to its January 2013 report Digital Literacy, Libraries, and Public Policy.

Libraries of all types – school, academic, and public – play a vital role in ensuring all people have the skills and abilities to succeed in the Digital Age. These conclusions and recommendations culminate the task force’s work over 18 months and constitute a call to action on the part of the ALA, library education programs, front-line libraries, various funding bodies, and the diverse stakeholders who use and support library services.

One over-arching recommendation is that ALA should continue to have a member body that focuses on digital literacy and libraries. This group should consist of members with broad ALA representation. It would provide library leadership in digital literacy initiatives across and beyond the library community and track progress against these recommendations. It also would provide a central place for ALA units to collaborate on digital literacy projects, share resources, and develop advocacy that speaks with a single library voice.

Recommendation I: Increase Investment in Digital Literacy

Access to technology is only a part of the solution necessary to ensure digital inclusion and empowerment. Increasing digital skills and competencies embedded in a strong traditional literacy base make up the rest of this equation. Twenty-first century digital literacy skills are basic to classroom performance, workforce readiness, and full participation in civic life. The imperative to close the digital skills gap demands funding and other direct support to sustain current efforts and step up digital literacy initiatives.

• Current and future digital literacy initiatives at the state, local, and federal level (whether public, private, or a hybrid) should include funding and other direct support to libraries for digital literacy programs. It is not enough to promote digital literacy; we must support the providers of digital literacy programs at the grassroots level.
• ALA should identify and build relationships with federal agencies, foundations, and corporate philanthropic entities to ensure that future policies include support for libraries that currently provide or seek to provide digital literacy services.
• ALA, other national library organizations, and advocates must continue to urge federal regulators and policy makers to review existing policies to identify areas that could include support for digital literacy initiatives in libraries.
• State library staff, as well as state library associations and other advocates, should prioritize and support the development of effective and sustainable digital literacy programs in libraries and, as appropriate, in partnership with other community-based organizations.
• Local libraries should prioritize digital literacy as part of their missions. They should allocate funding for programming, staff development, and other costs associated with providing digital literacy programs to patrons.
• As requisite technology competencies continue to evolve, library staff must remain nimble and be allowed work time to try new applications and devices that are emerging in the consumer market. Job descriptions, evaluations, and goal-setting should include technology competencies and expectations for staying current with technology. Library managers and directors should include this kind of in-house professional development as part of the library mission.
• As required by ALA Standards for Accreditation, MLS education programs should actively foster a culture of continuous learning and curiosity. Programs should require classes in instructional design and educational pedagogy so that new librarians are best prepared to work with learners in formal education settings, as well as the public sphere. 
• ALA should develop digital literacy-focused continuing education programs to support the professional development of librarians.

Recommendation II: Develop and Sustain Robust Partnerships and Collaborations

In addition to strategic funding, mutually beneficial partnerships are vital for delivering and sustaining high-quality digital literacy programming. Within an educational environment, for instance, digital literacy competencies are usually developed in a curricular context, with librarians, teachers, and professors partnering to develop instruction and standards. In a community environment, public library staff may collaborate with workforce, health, or e-government specialists to address community needs. In addition to increasing the relevancy of programs, partnerships also add capacity, extend reach and reduce redundancies.

• Digital literacy must extend beyond library walls. Libraries should actively seek community partners to build the capacity of all agents involved with providing digital literacy programming. Potential partners on the national level include associations or agencies (e.g., the Department of Education or workforce development) that have a state or local footprint.
• Librarians in formal education settings (e.g., K-12 schools, colleges, and universities) should identify opportunities to embed digital literacy skills in curricular and research activities.
• Replicable partnership models from the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) projects for non-BTOP communities should be developed and broadly disseminated to encourage best practices among all digital literacy providers.
• National digital literacy initiatives should identify opportunities to work with K-20 libraries, as well as public libraries.
• Librarians providing digital literacy services should engage in a community of practice to share resources and continuously build skills across the profession.

Recommendation III: Strengthen and Expand Research and Assessment

To show the value of digital literacy and library investments, it is imperative that libraries assess their programs. In addition to individual library assessments, broader studies are key to determining success factors and effective practices in delivering digital literacy training to optimize return on future investments.

• The library community should define the scope of digital literacy, including technical skills and its relationship to copyright, privacy, licensing, and devices. Additionally, the relationship and scope of each type of literacy (e.g., foundational literacy, information literacy, media literacy, digital literacy, and transliteracy) needs clear definition.
• Research that assesses the impact of digital literacy training (in both formal and informal learning settings) on individual learning and community development should be undertaken and disseminated. This research should then be used to develop an assessment matrix that could be used by local libraries.
• An analysis of the impact of investments in non-traditional learning (e.g., blended classroom and virtual classes, game design, project-based learning, makerspaces) on student and adult learning and how digital literacy relates to these new learning paradigms should be undertaken. Such research will help inform future areas for investment in school and public libraries, as well as opportunities for collaboration
• ALA should seek funding from a national foundation, corporate philanthropic organization, and/or a federal agency to carry out research and analysis projects.

Recommendation IV: Increase Access to Digital Literacy Programming

Access can include many variables. To support a digitally literate society, we must have access to robust infrastructure, including the services and hardware required to bring broadband to the device. We must have a trained and dedicated cadre of information professionals to develop and provide digital literacy programming. We must have resources, tools, and technologies that support the variety of stages of individuals seeking digital literacy training. We must have an accurate picture of the current state of digital literacy programs, and we must be poised to evaluate and refine these programs to be ready for future initiatives.

• In all digital literacy programs and services, there must be an awareness of the basic literacy levels and program flexibility to allow for differences in abilities.
• Library programming should reflect the fact that digital literacy is a basic requirement for functioning in life, embedding digital literacy in family literacy activities and increasing integration in any kind of library programming (e.g., financial literacy, etc.).
• There should be a regular and systematic method for collecting, evaluating, and curating digital literacy curricula and materials available in K-20 and public library settings. These efforts will help librarians disseminate effective practices, identify gaps that may exist in meeting diverse needs and abilities, reduce duplication of effort, and ensure a minimum level of digital literacy training at all library locations.
• ALA should assist librarians in interpreting statutory requirements of federal filtering requirements affecting schools and K12 education and the ability to provide students with effective 21st century digital literacy programs. ALA also should provide tools to help communicate the interpretations such that governing boards, administration, and the public clearly understand what is required of the school community.
• Digital literacy initiatives must be culturally sensitive and be aware of unique needs and challenges of diverse populations, such as non-English speakers or people with physical disabilities. Federal digital literacy initiatives, including public-private partnerships, should include representative organizations in their development and implementation.
• ALA should develop clear messaging to promote the role librarians play in supporting digital literacy to administration, library boards, IT departments, policy makers, and funders. Such messaging should be available to librarians and other interested stakeholders such as through a dedicated digital literacy page on the ALA website.

Conclusion

As the online world becomes increasingly complex, digital literacy will remain a significant issue for librarians and other stakeholders concerned with ensuring equitable access to electronic information. New technology devices, applications and services will demand new proficiencies, while foundational competencies related to basic literacy and the ability to effectively evaluate and use information will continue to be vital for full engagement in the global information economy.

Some of the recommendations above already have begun to come to life with the launch of DigitalLearn.org and the release of the Broadband Adoption Toolkit from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The Digital Literacy Task Force hopes that these recommendations can be a catalyst for continued improvement in work underway as well as prepare the profession for future initiatives. More information on the American Library Association’s commitment to literacy in all its forms can be found at:
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/literacy.

1 The American Library Association’s (ALA) Office for Information Technology Policy (OITP) launched the OITP Digital Literacy Task Force in spring 2011 and brought together literacy experts and practitioners from school, academic, and public libraries to address opportunities and challenges related to digital literacy and associated national policy conversations. The Task Force defines “digital literacy” as: the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, understand, evaluate, create, and communicate digital information, an ability that requires both cognitive and technical skills. More information on the Task Force and its activities is available via the Washington Office blog, District Dispatch. The report Digital Literacy, Libraries, and Public Policy is available online.Similar Posts:

• OITP and Digital Literacy Portfolio! Plus NTIA and a Digital Literacy Portal
• Digital Literacy, Libraries, and Public Policy Draft Open for Comments
• The Definition of Digital Literacy

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Last night Emily Lloyd tweeted

Hashtag I’d like to see: #ittakesalibrary. Especially in place of #savelibraries.

— Emily Lloyd (@PoesyGalore) June 6, 2013

YES THIS PLEASE! It is past time to change the tone of the conversation around the future of libraries. Nina McHale wrote 

I hope that in five years, the person next to one of us on a flight won’t say, “Do we need libraries, since everything is online?” They’ll get, instinctively, the inherent value of not just libraries, but LIBRARIANS to society.

Let’s not wait five years. Let’s start working to make that happen today. One of the things we can do is change the tone around the discussion of the future of libraries. How you frame your discussion matters and if librarians keep talking about how libraries need to be saved is it any wonder that our patrons and society believe we’re dying? We are basically telling them we are! So stop! Stop right now!

Instead we need to start framing the conversation like the powerful partners we are! Let’s make this hashtag happen! It is much more positive and affirmative than the save libraries rhetoric. I talked about this when I wrote Libraries are Powerful Partners last year.

we can show others (non librarians) how attractive libraries are as partners. We are the place where all literacies meet

I talked about it during the closing keynote at TechNet last year (sorry no slides) – walk into that room like you own it. When you introduce yourself as a librarian said it with pride, with conviction, because you bring something to the table. We have something to offer everyone.

David Lankes said it best in It is Time to Stop Trying to Save Libraries

Playing the role of the poor little library is not endearing, it is, frankly, embarrassing. Even when there is a financial crisis, or even when the community has a crisis of confidence, we should ask for support based on a track record of service and support. Run on your record not the promise to do better (or worse more of the same) in the future.

Let us also pledge that “Hi, I’m a librarian” doesn’t sound like an introduction at a 12 step meeting, but instead rings like a declaration of pride akin to “I’m the Goddamn Batman!”

I believe the future of libraries is bright. I believe that libraries improve society. I believe that libraries are key to positive social transformation. I believe that librarians are facilitators of knowledge. I believe that librarians are the most important assets of any library. It is in my demonstration of these beliefs that I help ensure the future of libraries and librarians. I don’t need to save libraries. Libraries have survived for over 3,000 years. Libraries have survived famine, plagues, prejudice, censorship, and anti-intellectualism well before either of us came along. I don’t need to save libraries, I need to help transform them. The test of that transformation is not in a building, or a collection, or a service, or even the librarians; it is in the achievements of the community.

So let’s stop talking about how libraries need saving and start talking about how libraries are powerful partners in their communities. It takes a library.

P.S. Thanks EmilySimilar Posts:

• We’re barely treading water, what will keep us from drowning?
• What Do You Think Libraries Will Look Like in 2015?
• You Can Not Do More With Less – Less for Libraries Means Less For Our Communities and They Deserve More

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I recently posted to Facebook

Dear ALA, Library Journal, and others: I have an MLS. I paid good money for it. I earned it. I am a librarian. Forever. The fact that I do not currently (nor may ever again) work in a library does not change that fact. Please make room for me on your surveys etc. Thank you. Bobbi, MLS Forever.

Then I made this

Then someone at ALA sent me a message saying they completely agreed with me and asked me what this meant to me. How does an ALA that supports librarians who do not currently work in libraries look to me. Which I thought was a great response and a completely fair and smart question.

Let me start with why I made the post in the first place. Because I am still active in libraryland I often see links to surveys from vendors, libraries, and other library related parties. Like a good little librarian ready to share my knowledge and opinions I click on the links only discover that said surveys are not for librarians. They are for librarians working in libraries. Which is probably not even accurate what they are really looking for is people working in libraries (including those without the degree). (I am not even going to get into the whole degree vs. non-degree thing here). I still read, write, blog, and speak about library related issues (much of my grad school work has been connected to the same issues I focused on before – privacy, digital literacy, information access, etc., just from the policy and political science perspective) so I still consider myself part of the library community and, more importantly, a librarian. My post to Facebook was prompted by a recent attempt to take a Library Journal survey, ALA sort of got thrown under the bus. Sort of. Because, as I wrote about over a year ago a rather high level ALA employee asked me directly “Why are you here?” upon discovering I was not employed in a library and was in fact pursuing a masters in political science. It wasn’t a sincere question, one looking for an answer and a connection outside of libraries, it was flip and dismissive.

I have addressed this many times in the past. I believe it is important for libraries and librarians to have supporters outside of librarianship. The diversity of librarians is important just as diversity of supports is important. I still believe in libraries, the work they do, the role they play in our patrons lives, now and in the future.

This post has been languishing in my drafts for a couple of weeks for two reasons. First, I wasn’t sure I was comfortable writing about why I am not currently working in a library. A couple of things have happened to help me push past that and at least talk about it a little, beginning with the post I made on Facebook. The number of smart, capable, forward thinking people who commented publicly and privately that is resonated with them really stuck with me. In part people those are some of the people I respect the most, people who may well be the future of libraries even if they aren’t working in a library. Then Nina McHale wrote Breaking Up With Libraries on why she is leaving libraries for a position at non-profit. The short version – lousy pay and lack of real innovation at the expense of both our patrons and our libraries, but go read the whole post.

This week I saw this Tweet

Interesting stats from US: public librarians make up 28% of librarians, but contribute less than 3.5% of research.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j…

— David McMenemy (@D_McMenemy) June 3, 2013

This brought all sorts of things from my time in public libraries home for me. Most public library staff are not encouraged to contribute to the profession in this way. In fact it is often frowned upon. Time is too scarce to allow public library staff time for research never mind professional reading or writing opportunities. Most public library staff who contribute in this way do what I did for years – they do it on their own time and dime. (this really is worth a whole blog posts or series of blog posts about how management and other staff view public librarians who devote time to professional projects outside the library).

There is an experience that sticks out firmly in my mind from the period when I was deciding if I should return to school, what field I should study (I did consider a PhD in library science and decided against it) and whether I should go full time. I had an interview with a public library that claimed to want to expand and improve on their digital and technology services for both staff and public. Although the salary was ridiculously low it was in a part of the country I was interested in and the possibilities were interesting, so I did a Skype interview. At some point during the interview I mentioned my involvement in ALA, and the other things I did like writing this blog. The response “I don’t know when you think you’ll have time for that, we plan to work you to death”. I was appalled. Needless to say I dropped out of consideration. I have no objection to working hard, to putting in extra hours, to going the extra mile, but it was clear there was no respect or support for work that would contribute to the profession as such.Public libraries really need to work on this (again worthy of its own series of posts). 

There were other matters at play, including some family and personal ones, but in the end I returned to school full-time.

Which brings me to the second reason this post has been languishing – when I made the post on Facebook, someone challenged me (and rightly so) to define what an ALA that makes room for people like me looks like and I am still struggling with that. But part of the purpose of this blog has always been to work through issues like this publicly. So I’m putting it out half thought through and looking for answer from you. Some really basic things that come to mind include adding “do not work in a library” as the option for “what type of library do you work in”. But what about bigger picture things? Is it just a change in attitude, and from the profession at large? You tell me.

Readings

• Breaking Up with Libraries by Nina McHale
• Jack John’s responseOn breaking up with libraries, by Nina McHale
• Managing High Potential Employees in Libraries: The Rock Star Dilemma by Stephne Abram
• 51 Insights, Perceptions, and a Few Things That I Think Are Important to Professional and Personal Progress by Stephne Abram
• Hey Libraries: It’s Not Me, It’s You by Kate Kosturski

Similar Posts:

• You Can Not Do More With Less – Less for Libraries Means Less For Our Communities and They Deserve More
• How social media can hurt your library
• 10 Ways Twitter Will Make You a Better Employee, Better at Your Job and Benefit Your Library

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This is meant not as a harsh criticism but rather a gentle reminder to Sheryl Sandberg. I enjoyed Lean In and I agree with, and relate to, a great deal of what Sandberg says.

Sheryl – there are women in the workplace, and at home, who do not have children for one reason or another and we would like a seat at your table.

I almost didn’t read Lean In. When it came out I was finishing up the semester and I read some of the critiques of it. But I must have placed a hold at the public library and my turn on the list came around right as the semester ended so I thought why not? I really enjoyed Lean In (at least until the last couple of chapters). There were parts where I found myself nodding along – women do not negotiate as often as men, and when they do they are perceived more negatively. There were parts were I learned something – the chapter on mentoring – oh boy have I been going about that wrong! I found Chapter 7 interesting – as someone who does not have children it wasn’t relevant to me in a personal way but rather in the way of someone who manages people and works with people (men and women) with children.  The advice in Chapter 8 about making your partner a real partner is good for everyone, even those of us without children can fall into traditional gender roles without partners and that usually means the woman does more domestic tasks.

But she lost me at the end. I was listening to the book but I could sense it was drawing to close and I realized she was dividing women into only two groups –those who are the primary bread winner and those who are the primary care giver. Surely not I thought! Sandberg has gone out of her way to be inclusive in her statements, to point out that her choices are not for everyone, surely she can conceive of women who do not have children at all.  But when she closed with this:

I look toward the world I want for all children— and my own. My greatest hope is that my son and my daughter will be able to choose what to do with their lives without external or internal obstacles slowing them down or making them question their choices. If my son wants to do the important work of raising children full-time, I hope he is respected and supported. And if my daughter wants to work full-time outside her home, I hope she is not just respected and supported, but also liked for her achievements.

I realized she had forgotten all about me, about us. Sandberg repeatedly references the feminist movements and all those who came before have done help women succeed but she seems to have forgotten one huge advance – birth control.  That little modern miracle that allows women to choose when (and if) they have children. There are women (and men) out there who are childless (for many different reasons) and we struggle with many of the same issues Sandberg addresses in her book. Sure we may not have to go to work with morning sickness or worry about time off to be with our children, but we have to deal with the same stereotypes, the same struggles against sexism, the same biases. Not having children does not magically make us men.

Others have written about this issue with the book as well

Kerry Hannon points out on Forbes that

…nearly 1 in 5 American women exits her childbearing years childless.

Kate Losse on Dissent points out that:

Astonishingly for a book published in 2013, there are no self-identified lesbians, gay men, or even intentionally unmarried or child-free people in Lean In’s vision of the workplace.

Ann Friedman at The Cut writes

But if a childless employee cops to the fact that she’s ducking out for a yoga class? It’s seen as downright indulgent and may even show up on a performance review.

You get the idea. Like all books (and things) this one isn’t for everyone but I still recommend it. I really enjoyed the book and highly recommend it. I have no doubt that despite her closing paragraph Sandberg will fully support either of her children’s decision to not have children of their own. Women (and men) who are child-free by choice (or other reasons) deserve a seat at the table too and are working with women (and men) to improve women’s place at work and at home.

You might also enjoy:

• Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office: 101 Unconscious Mistakes Women Make That Sabotage Their Careers (A NICE GIRLS Book)
• Ask For It: How Women Can Use the Power of Negotiation to Get What They Really Want
• Brag!: The Art of Tooting Your Own Horn without Blowing It
• Women Don’t Ask: The High Cost of Avoiding Negotiation–and Positive Strategies for Change (sidenote – I really hate the new cover for this one)
• How Remarkable Women Lead: The Breakthrough Model for Work and Life

Similar Posts:

• I Wrote a Chapter for The Readers’ Advisory Handbook!
• Learn How to Brag Without Sounding Like a Jerk
• 7 Books that Changed the Way I See the World

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My reading list for the summer of 2013, there are over 30 books on this list. It is unlikely I will read them all. It is likely I will read books that are not on this list. Some of these books I have already read, or read portions of, but would like to reread all or part of.

The books are no particular order. Some of them are related to my library interests, some are related to my political science interests, some to my communications interests, and some are just general interest. Enjoy

• Carr, Patrick J. Hollowing Out the Middle: The Rural Brain Drain and What It Means for America (started 5/27/2013)
• Carty, Victoria  Wired and Mobilizing: Social Movements, New Technology, and Electoral Politics
• Chadwick, Andrew , Internet Politics: States, Citizens, and New Communication Technologies
• Crawford, Susan, Captive Audience: The Telecom Industry and Monopoly Power in the New Gilded Age added 5/29/2013
• Doctorow, Cory Content: Selected Essays on Technology, Creativity, Copyright, and the Future of the Future
• Doctorow, Cory Context
• Doctorow, Cory Makers
• Dye, Thomas R Understanding Public Policy
• Free Culture: How Big Media Uses Technology and the Law to Lock Down Culture and Control Creativity Lessig, Lawrence.
• Henman, Paul Governing Electronically: E-government and the Reconfiguration of Public Administration, Policy and Power
• Hindman, Matthew The Myth of Digital Democracy
• Hobbs, Renee Digital and Media Literacy: Connecting Culture and Classroom
• Godwin, Peter, Jo Parker Information Literacy Meets Library 2.0
• Fox, Richard L., Jennifer M. Ramos iPolitics: Citizens, Elections, and Governing in the New Media Era
• Jaeger, Paul T., Information Worlds: Social Context, Technology, and Information Behavior in the Age of the Internet
• Johns, Adrian, Piracy: The Intellectual Property Wars from Gutenberg to Gates
• Johnson, Clay A. The Information Diet: A Case for Conscious Consumption
• Kakalios, James The Physics of Superheroes (added 5/28/2013)
• Karpf, David, The MoveOn Effect: The Unexpected Transformation of American Political Advocacy (Oxford Studies in Digital Politics)
• Keen, Andrew., Digital Vertigo: How Today’s Online Social Revolution Is Dividing, Diminishing, and Disorienting Us
• Kerbel, Matthew Robert,Netroots: Online Progressives and the Transformation of American Politics (Media and Power)
• Klaus, Peggy The Hard Truth About Soft Skills: Workplace Lessons Smart People Wish They’d Learned Sooner
• Lankes, R. David Expect More: Demanding Better Libraries For Today’s Complex World
• Lessig, Lawrence Free Culture: The Nature and Future of Creativity
• Lessig, Lawrence. Republic, Lost: How Money Corrupts Congress–and a Plan to Stop It
• McClure, Charles R., Public Libraries and Internet Service Roles
• McKenna, Alan.,A Human Right to Participate in the Information Society (The Hampton Press Communication Series)
• Medina , John Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School (started 6/5/2013)
• Moss, Michael Salt Sugar Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us (started 5/24/2013, finished 5/27/2013)
• Pariser, Eli – The Filter Bubble: How the New Personalized Web Is Changing What We Read and How We Think (started 5/14/2013)
• Parmelee, John H., Politics and the Twitter Revolution: How Tweets Influence the Relationship between Political Leaders and the Public (Lexington Studies in Political Communication)
• Stryszowski, Piotr Piracy of Digital Content
• Bertot, John Carlo, Charles R. McClure, Paul T. Jaeger Public Libraries and the Internet: Roles, Perspectives, and Implications
• Sandberg, Sheryl Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead (started 5/17/2013, finished 5/24,2013)
• Servon, Lisa J., Bridging the Digital Divide: Technology, Community, and Public Policy
• Kim, W. Chan Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make Competition Irrelevant
• Warnick, Barbara, Rhetoric Online (Frontiers in Political Communication)
• West, Darrell M. Digital Government: Technology and Public Sector Performance
• William H. Flanigan, Political Behavior of the American Electorate

What is on  your list for this summer?Similar Posts:

• What I’m Reading in November
• Read This! What I’m Reading in December 2010
• April Reads: Enchantment, Switch and A Game of Thrones. What Are You Reading?

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About two years ago I gave up on lugging around a big checked bag and started traveling with only a carry on. I was tired of paying the extra baggage fees, waiting for my bag at the carousel, and to be honest, I liked the challenge. The first few trips were nerve racking but after I got used to it I never looked back! I don’t even have one of those fancy new carry-ons with the spinning wheels and a bagillion pockets that make it expand so much it barely fits in the overhead bin. My primary carry on is an eleven year old roller bag I picked up at Costco as part of a set. I usually still manage to bring several pairs of shoes though I stick to comfortable ones for big conferences like ALA, especially when it’s in Chicago.

These are the things I can NOT live without at conferences

•  External battery for your phone- I cannot express enough love for this device. Seriously go buy one right now! Even if you ignore all the rest of my advice! I have been recommending (and sharing) one for years, and I hear great comments from those who bought one. It’s slightly larger than a cell phone. Just remember to plug it in and charge it each night then throw it in your bag for the day. No looking for an outlet or dealing with a dead phone. I will charge your phone at least twice. If you’re looking for one that will also charge an iPad or other tablet I recommend slightly more powerful one. Both of theses have 2 usb plugs, so if you are feeling really generous you can share with a friend.
• A good bag in a light weight material. This usually doubles as my second carry-on and my conference bag. Forgot leather – it’s hot & heavy. I like the lightweight the Baggallini bags. The A La Carte and the Only Bagg are big enough to hold most laptops and anything else I either don’t want to have to gate check or want to carry around the conference. I prefer the baggallini a la cart. It has slightly more structure and 3 nice outside pockets.  If you’re looking for a messenger style bag big enough to hold an iPad go with the Hobo Style Tote. It has 3 outside pockets and the strap can be shortened to wear as a shoulder bag or long to wear as a messenger. My current favorite is the Town Tote, it is similar in size to the Hobo, but in tote style. It’s just big enough that my netbook or iPad will fit in it, the outer end pockets are great for a cell phone, water bottle and anything else you need. All of them fold down flat so you can use a bigger one as a carry-on and pack a smaller one for conference use.
• Portable Power Strip Most hotels still lack a decent number of easily accessible outlets to charge all your stuff. You will  make friends if you take it along when you go out because you’ll be able to offer to plug it in when all the outlets are full, securing a spot for yourself and sharing with others. Double win! This one includes 2 usb slots in addition to 3 AC outlets.
• iPod Touch – I started recommending this a couple of years ago. They are small and can really help save the battery of your phone. In addition to being a great travel companion (games, podcasts, music, books and more), there are some great white noise apps to help me get to sleep at night or to help drowned out those loud neighbors. Many hotels have a docking station or an mp3 connection to the alarm clock/radio. You can use it to take photos, Tweet, take notes, Facebook, email, etc all using fee wifi.  There are some great note taking apps if you decide not to take your laptop and Dropbox will let you view your PowerPoint for that last minute review.
• Keyboard case for your iPad – I still have an iPad 2 and I have this one by New Trent I got it  because it has 3 different viewing angles, the keyboard itself comes out of the case for more comfortable typing. The iPad comes out easily as well. It is pretty slim & lightweight as far as keyboard cases go. I also like this back cover which gives you additional viewing angles with the Smart Cover.
• A water bottle - for travel and at the conference. I have this one (Water Bottle) and really like it because of its small size and the style of lid. Don’t lug around a gallon of water when they are fountains everywhere. And don’t buy!
• Toothpowder Daily Care Mint works great and doesn’t count as a liquid!
• Humangear Travel bottles - These silicon bottles are 1.25 ounces each. For most products I don’t use 3 oz even when I’m gone a week, so they are perfect for maximizing space in that liquids baggy at security.
• Bee Bar Lotions - Love this solid lotion. It starts out solid but when you rub it in your hands it heats up and softens. Won’t leak in your bag and doesn’t count as a liquid!
• Lanza Healing Style Powder Up Texturizer - thanks to being a powder it doesn’t take up precious liquids space at security and its small size in general makes it perfect.
• Rub relief for your feet- there a lots of options a stick, bandages, whatever, apply early and often better to prevent blisters than limp around for the rest of your trip!
• Good shoes, at least 2 pairs, neither new, really a conference is no place to break in new shoes. I’m a huge fan of heels and fun shoes but usually leave those at home in favor of comfy walking shoes at conferences since I often don’t have time to change during the day.  Seriously, if you must wear heels put a pair of flats in your bag, trust me, you will be glad you did.
• Umbrella – small compact kind.
• Snack bars – Great during travel and during the conference. If you’re running late in the morning, don’t have time at lunch to get out and get back in time for the first afternoon session or to tide you over until that late dinner. Cheaper and healthier than any concession stand junk.
• A well planned schedule – I print it out in addition to having it on my phone so I can easily see a glance where I’m supposed to be and when. I politely decline the big printed one at check-in. I already know where I’m going & it’s bit and heavy.

Tips

• Give people your name – wear your name badge up near your face rather than on a lanyard so it’s easy for people to glance at it while talking to.  Introduce yourself, even if you have already met the person.  Some of us have hard time with names and there are a LOT of people to remember.
• Introduce yourself! – to anyone you think you want to chat with. Most people are happy to chat and super friendly. Maybe have a few questions worked out in your head ahead of time. Where do you work is ok, but there are lots of people who are at ALA looking for jobs, so think of something different!
• Be on the lookout for ribbons and colored badges – some ribbons are just fun, others offer helpful information about service (Council) or divisions (LITA) and are great conversation starters.
• Don’t hang out with the people you came with – Go to different sessions, eat meals with other people, maximize your time at the conference you can share with each other what you learned.
• Meet new people – you’re probably not going to meet new people if you’re hanging out with the people you came with.  Get out of your comfort zone, ask people what they want to get from the conference, how far they traveled etc, you never know what you’ll learn or who you’ll meet.
• Make a schedule, be willing to break it – make a schedule of what you’d like to attend, know what you absolutely must see and what you’d be willing to miss for coffee with that person you’ve been wanting to meet or the awesome new person you just met
• Know what amenities your hotel offers – internet access, gym, fridge, breakfast, pool, etc, use them.
• Ask for the things you need at your  hotel – you are a paying guest, don’t be afraid to ask for little things like more hangers or more coffee.
• Make time for down time - conferences can be overwhelming there is so much to do, so many people to meet.  Don’t wear yourself out early, it wont matter how much you see if you are too worn out to remember it or how many people you meet if you are too burnt out to make a good impression.
• Get the right bag – you don’t want to carry too much it’s hard on your back & shoulders, but you need room for important extras like extra shoes, a water bottle and a sweater or wrap. Really think about if you need that laptop. Can you take notes by hand & type them up later? Twitter and check email from your phone or iTouch if you can.
• Layer your clothes, bring a jacket, sweater or shawl, temperature can vary widely in rooms and you want to be comfortable
• Drink lots of water – so easy to forget when you’re on the go and it is one small thing that can make you feel so much better

Suggestions from Comments on last year’s post, Twitter, and around the web. 

• In the exhibits, ask yourself before taking swag “would I want this if it weren’t free?” And it is unseemly to push people out of the way to get an advance reading copy. – Steve Lawson
• Anything you acquire, you will have to bring home. I like to stick a small flattened cardboard box and a roll of packing tape in my suitcase to mail home free books. – Jason P.
• ALA is very spread out. You need to factor in where a session/meeting is when planning a schedule – @Tombrarian
• find a grocery store you can walk to from the hotel, so you don’t have to pack snacks for the whole conference - @alisonkcody

 Must Read List:

• Daring Conference Packing Tips & Tricks - if you are checking a bag Gwyneth has an extensive list of packing suggestions! She knows how to travel in style!
• ALA Conference Survival Tips — 35 Conferences Later - really excellent tips from K.G. Schneider – really go read them.
• How to be Awesome at Going to Library Conferences - Great posted from my fellow Councilor Patrick Sweeney
• 10 Top Tips for Attending an ALA Conference by Jo Alcock
• Advice for the Shy
• Be Sexier in Person
• Tips for Conference Bloggers
• Maximizing the Conference Experience
• My First ALA! Advice Tips and Tricks
• Tips for Conference Attendees
• Going to ALA Conferences? You’re Doing it Wrong!

What would you add?Similar Posts:

• ALA Survival Tips and Packing Suggestions #ala12
• Internet Librarian Packing and Travel Tips #IL2011
• ALA Survival Tips, New & Improved for #ALA11

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When I published my recommended reading post Sunday reactions to it on Facebook and Twitter brought home an issue I had noticed for a while now – more people responding on Facebook and Twitter and less on the blog. 99.9% of the time I am completely ok with this – I know comments are not a sign of success and I’m happy to have a conversation wherever it happens. But. In the case of the recommended reading list some of the responses were additional book recommendations and I really wanted those on the blog. That way more people could see them, and they’d be preserved on the post rather than floating past on Twitter or Facebook. This made me wonder about the collective/connected knowledge we’re losing. Don’t get me wrong I love the ephemeralness of Twitter and Facebook conversations and I don’t think everything needs to be preserved but in this case I do feel like it is a loss.

Which brings me to the question – do I import Facebook and Twitter comments about blog posts into the blog as comments?

WordPress makes it easy with some handy dandy plug-ins so that isn’t really a factor. I know several library blogs that I read and respect do this, so it’s not uncommon.

What I’m struggling with is first is it ok? Do people realize the comments they are making elsewhere are being imported to a blog? That what they see as a passing Twitter comment becomes more permanent? It is even less obvious on mobile devices that your Facebook comment is being posted elsewhere.

Second the aesthetics of the blog. A couple of years ago I did have Twitter comments imported but I ended up feeling like it makes the blog look cluttered. There were a lot of simple retweets that didn’t add commentary. Plus I felt like it took away from comments left on the actual blog (though this would be less of a problem these days).

So should I import comments? Why or why not? Should there be a disclaimer if I do?

 Similar Posts:

• On Weakness: Identify, Cope, Accept Mistakes Will Happen, Acknowledge, Correct, Apologize, Learn and Move On.
• Subscribe to this blog by email
• Time Off for Reflection, Regrouping and Prioritizing

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I came across this post from Carl Grant on Sunday and felt like it was serendipity - the semester is almost over and on Saturday I had posted that it was time start working on my summer reading list. Carl talks about his encounter with a stranger in an airport and using her remark that librarianship is a dying profession as an opportunity to show her the value of libraries and librarians. My impression of the story is that he does it in a personal way – demonstrating how libraries can help HER. Having done this very same thing myself many times I could relate to Carl’s story and approach, so when he recommended four books I knew I’d be adding them to my summer reading list.

Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make Competition Irrelevant by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne.  There is no question this book was written for business people, but it’s applicability to libraries makes it equally valuable for librarians.  As the title implies, there is “blue ocean” and “red ocean”.  The red ocean is the result of bloody competition and the “blue ocean” is a place where organizations can live and prosper because they offer unique value to those that are customers/members of their organization.  Trying to figure out where and how we can offer differentiation for our users is a detailed process involving truly understanding who all are your competitors, what they’re offerings do and don’t offer, the appeal they have to your common users/members and where you can offer needed products and services to your users/members that they would value deeply.  At the same time the book walks you through making sure that what you do remains consistent with your the core mission

The Filter Bubble: How the New Personalized Web Is Changing What We Read and How We Think
by Eli Pariser.  In my opinion, this should be required reading for every librarian.  Period. It’s that important.  I find myself continually amazed when librarians note their members/users simply go to Google and just accept that’s the way it is.  No, it’s not.  Not unless you accept it and don’t work to change it.  Of course to do that, you have to be able to explain to your members/users, why they’re better off talking to you and/or using your discovery tools/approaches when they’re looking to expand their knowledge, create new knowledge and how in doing that you’ll bring them additional value and benefits that’ll make it worthwhile.   Which is exactly why I recommend people read this incredibly important book.  It will help you understand why what we do in libraries is so VERY different than what Google does with their search engine.

The Atlas of New Librarianship by David Lankes.  Again, in my opinion, this work should be required reading for every librarian.  Although, I’ll note that this work is not a light read in any sense of the word.  It’s a massive book because it covers a massive amount of territory.  So, you won’t be carrying it along on road-trips (although I have actually done so on occasion – it’s very good exercise).  There are few works in our profession that I would consider more compelling, more invigorating or more inspiring than this one.  When you’re done with this work, if you don’t want to go out and change the world by convincing people of the value of librarianship, you’re blood isn’t red or your heart isn’t beating.  If the size of the work intimidates you, then you can try his subsequent book, which is based on the Atlas and is called Expect More: Demanding Better Libraries For Today’s Complex World.  While written for supporters and/or board members of libraries, it covers a lot of the same themes, just with less depth.

Fortunately I already have the two Lankes books. I will be adding the other two to the list of titles to look for at the local used bookstore the week after finals.

This got me thinking about books I recommend over and over again for different reasons. There are a lot of them so I thought I would try to pull out a few that would have the broadest appeal to readers.

My Recommendations:

Diffusion of Innovations by Everett M. Rogers. This book isn’t about librarians or even technology but the diffusion of innovation – all types of innovations. Examples in the book include things such as boiling water before drinking in areas of the world where clean, safe drinking water isn’t available. But that is why it appealed to me. As someone who has been working on, and talking about, innovating libraries for years I know the process is complicated and delicate. When Rogers discuss how and why it is so difficult to convince people to boil water for their health you start to realize how complex and complicated convincing people to change really is. He also discusses and categorizes the types of innovation adopters –  innovators, early adopters, early majority,  late majority, and laggards – and the strengths and weakness of each. Personally I prefer a different word than “laggard” I think it has negative connotations, so I have used reluctant or traditionalist, which cover his description of that group.

Brag!: The Art of Tooting Your Own Horn without Blowing It  I have blogged about Klaus’s book before when I talked about self promotion. Like many books I apply what I read here to myself as a person, and also to the library profession. Klaus talks about 6 myths:

• Myth #1: A Job Well Done Speaks For Itself
• Myth #2: Bragging Is Something You Do During Performance
• Myth #3: Humility Gets You Noticed
• Myth #4: I Don’t Have To Brag; People Will Do It For Me
• Myth #5: More Is Better
• Myth #6: Good Girls Don’t Brag
• Myth #7: Brag Is A Four-Letter Word

If you look at each of these you can apply them to yourself but also libraries as a whole and as Lee Raine pointed out in his Changing World of Libraries presentation we have a PR problem opportunity. Not everything will be applicable but applying what you read in Klaus’s book to your library, or libraries as a whole, is helpful.

The No Asshole Rule: Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One That Isn’t by Robert Sutton. This book isn’t going to help you talk to strangers in the airport, though it may make you more likely to feel good about where you work so more prone to saying good things about libraries in general. I am including this because I strongly feel that all library management should read it, live by it, and keep a copy at their desk. Librarianship is not always an easy job and there is no excuse for making it worse by allowing negativity to flourish behind the scenes.  In 2010 when I wrote There is No Excuse for Bullies at Work (or Anywhere Else) sharing that

… 37% of American workers — roughly 54 million people — have been bullied at work according to a 2007 survey by the Workplace Bullying Institute. The consequences of such bullying spreading to the targets’ families, coworkers, and organizations. Costs include reduced creativity, low morale, and increased turnover — all factors that weigh heavily on the bottom line. Among targets of bullying, 40% never told their employers and, of those who did, 62% reported that they were ignored. - Create a Bully-Free Workplace HBR

Managers take note a bully free work environment affects more than the mood in the office

Workplace bullying directly impacts the bottom line by affecting productivity, wellness (with subsequent rise in employer benefit costs), attrition, attraction and retention. – HBR

The response on the blog, Twitter, and direct emails to me was amazing. Far too many librarians have experienced bullying at work.

Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping–Updated and Revised for the Internet, the Global Consumer, and Beyond by Paco Underhill. This book is about retail shopping but so much of it could be applied to libraries. Although we don’t measure our success in dollars and cents we do use transactions and visits. Much of what Underhill covers on physical space, layout, atmosphere can be applied directly to libraries. Plus if you’re looking for some great questions for a patron survey you will find plenty of inspiration in here or if you want to watch how your patrons use the library like Underhill did:

• Why did they come to the library?
• A specific title? Did they find it?
• Did they get something in addition to the goal title?
• Did they get something else? Why?
• Browsing? Where did they start? Why?
• What did they pick up? Why?
• Put back down? Why?
• What did they select eventually? Why?
• What areas of the library are browsed the most? How does this compare to the areas with the most check outs?
• How does the location of the aisle and PACs affect their experience?
• Where do they get frustrated and give up?
• What are the traffic patterns in the library? Are they moving through the building like we think? If not do we need to move our signage?
• How often to they approach one desk only to be redirected to another?

What would you add?Similar Posts:

• Learn How to Brag Without Sounding Like a Jerk
• March Reads
• On Lean In – Did Sandberg Forget that Some Women (and Men) are Childless?

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Lee Raine’s April 24, 2013 presentation to DC/SLA

The presentation includes 3 technology revolutions and their impact on libraries: broadband internet access, mobile access, and the digital revolution. Plus some megatakeaways from Pew’s research on libraries in the digital age. Some of it is good news and some of it looks like areas of opportunity.

1. People love their libraries even more for what they say about their communities than for how libraries meet personal needs

• 91% say libraries are important to their communities
• 76% say libraries are important to them and their families

Great news!

2. People like librarians

• 98% of “ever” library visitors say interactions are “very positive”
• 81% of library visitors say librarians are “very helpful”
• 50% of “last year” visitors got help from a librarian

More good news – it would be nice if that last number were a bit higher.

3.Libraries have rebranded themselves as tech hubs

• 80% of Americans say borrowing books is a“very important” service libraries provide
• 80% say reference librarians are a “very important” service
• 77% say free access to computers and the internet is a “very important” service

No real surprises here – nice to see reference is still in high demand even with the lines at the door at opening time for the computers . Though I am curious what patrons qualify as reference services and reference librarians.

4. Libraries have a PR problem / opportunity

• 22% say that they know all or most of the services their libraries offer
• 46% say they know some of what their libraries offer
• 31% said they know not much or nothing at all of what their libraries offer

hmmm. Thanks for wording it as an opportunity. This is definitely and areas libraries can work to improve upon. Libraries offer so many services how do we make people aware of all of them? Or do we need to cut back on services? Maybe we should focusing on doing and promoting some things really well and let others go? Something to think about.

5. There is churn in library use that restocks the user base

Reasons library use INCREASED(26%)

• Enjoy taking their children, grandchildren 26%
• Do research and use reference materials 14%
• Borrow books more 12%
• Student 10%
• Use library computers and internet 8%
• Have more time to read now, retired 6%
• To save money 6%
• Good selection and variety 5%
• E-books, audio books, media are available 5%
• Convenient 5%
• Reading more now 5%
• Library events and activities 4%
• Good library and helpful staff 3%
• Quiet, relaxing time, social locale 2%
• Use for my job2%

Reasons library use DECREASED (22%)

• Can get books, do research online and the internet is more convenient 
• 40%
• Library is not as useful because my children have grown, I’m retired, I’m no longer a student 

16%

• Too busy, no time 12%
• Can’t get to library, moved, don’t know where library is 9%
• Prefer e-books 6%
• Prefer to buy books or get books from friends 5%
• Not interested 4%
• Health issues 3%
• Don’t read much these days 3%
• Don’t like local library or staff 3%
• Children are too young 2%

Nice to see the increase is still higher than the decrease but some of those reasons for decrease are a little disturbing. I’ll skip over the first – I’m not there is much we can do about that one. Definitely something can be done to address the second, I bet there are services we have that would interest that group that they just don’t know about.

6. There is a truly detached population out there that matters to you

• 20% never saw a family member use a library when they were growing up
• 16% have never visited a library
• 23% didn’t read a book last 12 months

Look at all that opportunity!

Find more data on Pew’s research on libraries in the digital age at their website.

Similar Posts:

• Top 10 Insights from Pew’s Research on Libraries in the Digital Age
• Seth Godin Misses the Point on Libraries, Again.
• Is Good Enough good enough?

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Apple II By Marcin Wichary

Earlier this year the Chief Officers of State Library Associations (COSLA) released the “COSLA Guide to National Projects: to Digital literacy, Broadband Adoption,and Digital Inclusion“. They have done a great job of bringing together projects that address digital literacy and the digital divide.

The report outlines the summary, core objectives, administration information, and project details including target audience milestones and deliverable. If you are interest in national (US) digital literacy and divide efforts it is a great resource.

Programs included:

• ALA’s Office for Information Technology Policy Digital Literacy Task Force -The task force is charged with looking at digital literacy training activities across school, public, and academic libraries to understand the needs of librarians, the types of programming offered, and the role the libraries play in their communities.
• Broadband Technology Opportunities Program: Broadband Adoption Toolkit- A free collection of best practices in outreach, training, curriculum, and home broadband access based on the experience of BTOP grantees. Practical tools and tips for program implementation.
• Building Digital Communities: Pilot – Building Digital Communities: Pilot is a project in supporting and documenting the work of ten pilot communities to increase the access and use of digital technologies. This work is based upon Building Digital Communities: A Framework for Action created by IMLS, the University of Washington and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). In order to further the knowledge base of how communities become more digitally inclusive, we are posting lessons learned and digital inclusion planning resources. Each of the ten pilot communities is represented by a coalition of a library, a local government and a community-based organization.
• Comcast Internet Essentials- Bring low-cost internet service, a computer, and training to families with at least one child receiving free or reduced price school lunches. Internet Essentials is available to qualified households in Comcast service areas.
• Connect2Compete – Connect2Compete has two main pillars – a national ad campaign, Everyone On to ensure that all Americans have access to free digital literacy training and to educate and promote discounted internet and computer devices for low income families.
• Digital Learning Center – The Digital Learning Center from The Public Library Association is an online hub for digital literacy support and resources for libraries and other community organizations. This project is being funded with support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and in conjunction with COSLA and ALA OITP. The site will include self-directed tutorials for end-users as well as resources and a community of practice for digital literacy support providers and trainers
• Digital Literacy and Broadband Adoption grant from IMLS – OCLC is operating a planning program that engages the  state library agencies of Illinois, Mississippi and West Virginia in an exploration of state and public library capacity to strengthen and contribute to national partnerships that promote broadband adoption. The activities will allow public and state libraries to (1) understand and influence public awareness campaigns for national broadband adoption, (2) connect and align their expertise and capacity with broadband adoption initiatives, including resources that may be established by Connect2Compete, and (3) prepare to meet increased public demand by expanding digital literacy services and by leveraging national training and digital content resources. A final product of the grant work will be recommendations for how public and state libraries can effectively play an integral role in national digital inclusion and broadband adoption efforts and a guidebook of resources and information to support state libraries.
• DigitalLiteracy.gov – DigitalLiteracy.gov is an online portal designed to share and enhance the tools necessary to learn computer and Internet skills. The portal’s goal was to be an aid in creating a learning society in a global economy.
• Edge Initiative –  is an effort driven by a coalition of leading and local government organizations to develop public access technology benchmarks for public libraries. Edges helps library staff understand best practices in public access technology services and communicate the value of these services to community leaders.
• IMPACT Survey – an online tool that will make the “Opportunity for All” survey instrument available to all public libraries to use for data collection with their online and public access technology users. The tool will allow libraries to easily link to the online survey, deliver it to their patrons, and immediately download the analyzed results in a variety of useful reports, presentations, and handouts. Libraries will also be able to download their full survey results if they wish to do additional analysis. State libraries will have access to the aggregate data from their states, as well as special reports designed for their purposes. This project will fuel enhanced evaluation and advocacy efforts in public libraries by allowing them an easy to way to find out how their patrons are using library technology and the impact of that use on patrons and the community.
• Internet2 K20 Initiative – As part of Internet2′s U.S. UCAN effort, the National Internet2 K20 Initiative focuses on bringing together Internet2 member institutions and innovators from primary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, libraries, and museums to explore the use of advanced networking enabled technologies, applications, middleware, and content to all educational sectors, as quickly and connectedly as possible. 
• Internet2 U.S. Unified Community Anchor Network (U.S. UCAN) – s an Internet2 program working with regional research and education networks across the country to connect community anchor institutions, including schools, libraries, health care facilities and other public institutions, to advanced broadband capabilities. National Broadband Map – The National Broadband Map (NBM) is a searchable and interactive website that allows users to view broadband availability across every neighborhood in the United States.
• The NBM was created by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), in collaboration with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and in partnership with 50 states, five territories and the District of Columbia. The NBM is part of NTIA’s State Broadband Initiative. The NBM is updated approximately every six months and was first published on February 17, 2011.
• Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition (SHLB Coalition) – Advocates for government programs and policies that allow community anchor institutions to obtain open, affordable, high-capacity broadband connections to the Internet.
• The Promise of Libraries Transforming Communities – ALA will partner with the Harwood Institute for Public Innovation on the first phase of a multiphase initiative, The Promise of Libraries Transforming Communities, which will develop a sustainable national plan to advance community engagement and innovation, and transform the role of libraries in their communities. During the grant period, ALA and the Harwood Institute will develop librarians as conveners and facilitators for their communities and create a pilot set of resource components designed to build the practice of community engagement in library service throughout the field. The goal of this first project phase is to create core communication materials for dissemination to the field, collaboratively create innovative strategies for community engagement, improve participating ALA leader and member access to strategies and resources for community engagement, and help participants feel better prepared to take on the role of community facilitator. More than 350 librarians will take part in a range of professional development activities planned during the grant period. The Promise of Libraries Transforming Communities is one of ALA President Maureen Sullivan’s key initiatives.

Similar Posts:

• Libraries Bridging the Digital Divide – Presentation
• National Broadband Plan & Digital Literacy Corps
• FCC’s New Digital Literacy & Broadband Initiative Recognizes the Role Libraries Play Now & in the Future!

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