Speaker(s): Deb Hoadley, Hoadley Consulting

The Office of Library and Information Services (OLIS), the Coalition of Library Advocates (COLA), and the RI Library Association (RILA) are joining forces again to present an interactive program on the role of library trustees in building strategic partnerships and the importance of community engagement. Participants will be led through some exercises to identify their level of community engagement and will discuss their partnership experiences, both successful and unsuccessful. This workshop is recommended for library trustees, library directors, and others interested in community engagement, outreach and advocacy.

Our speaker, Deb Hoadley, is serving her second term as President of the New England Library Association. She is a consultant and trainer for her company, Hoadley Consulting. She specializes in strategic planning, leadership and management skills, board development, advocacy, building community partnerships, customer service and eBook management. Hoadley is currently a school reference librarian, and has held many roles in the library, including director, Trustee and Friends’ President.

Deb will define community engagement and strategic partnerships. She will look at what it means to have a “culture of collaboration” and how “turning outward” is essential to keeping the library relevant. There will be a discussion on how to determine and measure outcomes, best practices to building community engagement and what skills are needed to “turn outward.” She will also familiarize trustees with helpful resources such as the Aspen Public Dialogue for Libraries, Harwood Institute’s work, and ALA’s Libraries Transform advocacy campaign. Attendees will leave this workshop understanding the need for libraries to be a leader in their communities and the importance of building strong community relationships.

As a previous library director, Deb engaged in a strategic planning process, which involved various community constituents. This process resulted in many strategic partnerships with town departments, community organizations, and local businesses. These partnerships allowed the library to ask for increased town funding, apply for grants, and receive in-kind donations and expertise. Deb has presented with Maureen Sullivan, previous ALA President, on the importance of community engagement and is currently in the process of a pilot project with NELA on helping libraries build their capacity to go beyond library outreach and become integral parts of their communities.

Light refreshments will be provided.

Registration required.

Intended Audience: Library Trustees, Library Directors

Speaker(s): Wendy Kirchner, Librarian and Technology Education Coordinator, Meeting Street School

All children deserve access to library programs and services that will help them reach their potential. In this workshop participants will learn from 30 year veteran Wendy Kirschner how to structure storytimes and other programs for children with special needs. Topics include technologies to assist children with physical disabilities, practical activities for students on the autism spectrum, and tips for librarians on collaborating with experts to better serve these patrons in our libraries.

This workshop is part of the Media Smart Libraries program which was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services Grant # LG-07-14-0045-14 and awarded to the URI Graduate School of Library and Information Studies. Attendance at this workshop could be applied to the Access & Use, Analyze & Evaluate, Create & Collaborate, Reflect, or Take Action digital badge.

Registration required.

Intended Audience: Children's Librarians, School Librarians

Speaker(s): Group Discussion

The Adult Round Table relies on input from its members and other interested library staff to plan its future programs. Come plan next year's Adult Services programs with fellow programming librarians from throughout the state. All adult services/programming library staff are welcome to join the Adult Services Round Table. for questions about the Adult Services Round Table, contact Chaichin Chen at OLIS.

Registration required.

Intended Audience: Library Staff

Speaker(s): Presenters: Julie Holden, Assistant Director, Cranston Public Library with Colleen Anderson and Mackenzie Dunn, Research & Instruction Services, Bryant University

Quite often in our field it seems as though you are working a desk one minute and the next you are running it. While this is great for our personal development, professionally it can sometimes feel overwhelming. The Multi-type Reference Group will host a panel discussion of librarians who have made it past the terrifying part of management 101 and are now enjoying the benefits of being able to help guide their library's path to success!

Registration required.

Intended Audience: Library Staff

Speaker(s): Group Discussion

Looking for fresh ideas for programming that helps bridge the gap between preschool and kindergarten? From Every Child Ready to Read and 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, to Providence Community Library's Ready for K!, we'll discuss programs and ideas for helping kids develop skills needed for success in school.

Please come prepared to share at least one idea and bring along any flyers or PR materials that helped make your program a success.

Feel free to bring your lunch to enjoy during our discussion!

Registration required.

Intended Audience: Children's Librarians

Speaker(s): Linda Tavares, Associate Director at the Providence Center

Do you have young adults who are constantly "problem patrons"? We will be hearing from an expert on how to best identify behavioral and mental health issues and ways to best deal with these teens who are disruptive but deserve to have a positive library experience.

Registration required.

Intended Audience: Youth Service Librarians