The Future of Indiana Public Libraries Conference
On August 9, 2011, IPLA, ILF, and MCLS hosted "The Future of Indiana Public Libraries" conference at The Flagship Center in Anderson, Indiana. There were over 90 library staff members from Indiana public libraries. This conference marked the first step in planning for the successful future of public libraries in Indiana. IPLA will continue the planning process this fall at the 2011 ILF Annual Conference, presented in association with the Indiana State Library, in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
This webpage contains links to documents from the August 9 conference, and ILF will add new materials and information as the planning process continues.
August 9 Conference
Keynote Presentation by Cathy DeRosa, OCLC
Planning sessions facilitated by Marianne Hartzell, Joseph Mika, Bob Raz, and Shannon White of Hartzell-Mika Consulting
Twitter #ILFfuture
Issue of privatization of public libraries: ALA statement Keeping Public Libraries Public
Documentation from the planning groups
Whole group facilitated discussion
After hearing the keynote presentation, the whole group participated in an "idea blitz" to identify major external and internal issues affecting Indiana public libraries. The participants then voted to select the top eight external issues and the top eight internal issues to focus on in the afternoon breakout sessions.
Brainstormed list of ideas for internal and external issues
The participants were then divided into four breakout groups. Please find the final four strategies and action steps as defined in the breakout groups:
Internal Issue: Staff Technology Training
Strategy: All staff will have sufficient, relevant technology training to do their jobs.
Click here to review the final action steps.
External Issue: Demonstrating value
Strategy: Every Indiana resident will equate a strong library with a strong community.
Click here to review the final action steps.
External Issue: Changing customers' needs
Strategy: Determine customers' needs through an annual statewide assessment.
Click here to review the final action steps.
External Issue: Building on the brand for the future
Strategy: To expand community perceptions of library sources and resources.
Click here to review the final action steps.
Next Steps
IPLA planning sessions at ILF Annual Conference
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Background Information
The final four issues and strategies were narrowed down from the following eight external issues and eight internal issues.
External Issues: (1) how to innovate and (2) unserved areas
Internal Issues: (1) staff technology training and (2) building use/maintenance
Working drafts and final strategies/action steps.
External Issues: (1) demonstrating value and (2) changes in the publishing industry
Internal Issues: (1) strategic planning and (2) health care and other staff benefits
Working drafts and final strategies/action steps.
External Issues: (1) changing needs of customers and (2) technology
Internal Issues: (1) space planning and (2) reassess job descriptions, job skills, and redefine service
Working drafts and final strategies/action steps.
External Issues: (1) funding sources and (2) building on brand for the future
Internal issues: (1) redefining service for staff and (2) technology maintenance
Working drafts and final strategies/action steps.
