Innovative Environments Conference
University Plaza Hotel and Conference Center
November 5-6
Make your hotel reservation by October 15 to receive OLC conference rate.
Check out the Innovative Environments blog for exciting news and chat about the upcoming conference!
Team Registration Rate Available!
In the belief that there is a correlation between innovation in organizations and strong teams, OLC is pleased to encourage library staff and trustees to attend this conference as a team by offering a special team rate. Rates are $169 for the first team member from the library and $139 for each additional team member. If your library wants to send a group of staff to this event, email Jay Razon at the OLC office at jrazon@olc.org. Teams MUST register in print. Please include the names of all members of your library's team and billing information. Individual participants may register online as usual. OLC's cancellation policy applies to team registrations.
Agenda
Wednesday, November 5
9:00 AM
Registration
10:00 AM
Opening General Session
Welcome
The Concept and Content of This Conference
Patrick Losinski, Conference Chair,
Executive Director, Columbus Metropolitan Library
Conference Chair Patrick Losinski welcomes you to the conference and shares his enthusiasm for learning from the practices of exemplary organizations that have achieved high-level results.
Voices of Innovation
Stephen Abram, Dr. Janice Brown, and Dr. Brad Mitchell
What are the distinctive and distinguishing characteristics of innovative organizations? New products? New services? Or does the spirit of innovation reside deeper in the collective organizational psyche? And, if it does, what are the outward influences and inward dynamics that build momentum for optimal organizational change and innovation for both the organization's stakeholders and staff?
In the opening general session, three distinguished guests, each of whom has garnered national and international attention for the innovative work of their organizations, will ponder this question from the perspectives of their own organizational experience.
Stephen Abram is a leading international librarian and lighthouse thinker in the North American library community who leverages his extensive experience in library technology and trend forecasting, new product conceptualization, and market development to ensure that Sirsi products and services continue to be the most innovative in the library market. |
Stephen Abram |
Dr. Janice Brown |
Dr. Brad Mitchell |
Janice M. Brown, Ed .D. is the former superintendent of Kalamazoo Public Schools, in Kalamazoo, Michigan and continues to be a major spokesperson for the Kalamazoo Promise. Over the past few years, Brown has worked with a group of anonymous donors to develop the Kalamazoo Promise, a scholarship program funded in perpetuity for all resident graduates of Kalamazoo Public Schools. The Kalamazoo Promise has been the focus of local, State and National attention, including front page articles in the USA Today, the Wall Street Journal and The Economist. One added highlight was appearances on national network shows including CNN, The Today Show, Good Morning America and CBS Nightly News with Katie Couric.
Dr. Brad Mitchell is the Battelle/OSU Director of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Education and Economic Development Engagement. His three major tasks in this role are to: (a) help in the coordination of investments in STEM education by OSU and Battelle (particularly the work going on at Metro and the redesign of Linden McKinley High School in Columbus City Schools); (b) provide leadership in the development of a R&D network across the five new STEM high schools sponsored by the state of Ohio and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; and (c) help clarify and advance a coherent strategic approach to the interrelationship between STEM education and economic development in Central Ohio and across the state.
Making this Conference Count: The Joy of Extrapolation
Susan Kent and George Needham
It's not uncommon to walk away from a conference session---no matter how invigorating---and wonder, “What does that mean for me and my library?” To insure against that challenge, nationally- respected librarians, George Needham and Susan Kent, will function as “extrapolators” to the conference. In their opening remarks they'll suggest ways you can make the most of this unique learning opportunity, and during the course of the conference, they'll work to help participants adapt innovative techniques from other organizations into methodologies that will work back at their own libraries.
11:30 AM
Lunch and World
Café
Dr. Phil Cass, Chief Executive Officer,
Columbus Medical Association and Foundation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5pEM26ezR4
The concept behind a “World Café” exercise is to capitalize on and capture the collective intelligence of conference participants by getting to the core of the challenges they're facing, exploring the ways in which they're thinking of those challenges, and sharing a post-conference product that suggests action steps back at the library. Dr. Philip Cass, CEO of the Columbus Medical Association, is a skilled world café facilitator who'll lead conference participants through this engaging (and for OLC conferences “innovative”) process.
1:30 PM
Break
1:45 PM
First Breakout Sessions
Managing Print Collections in a Digital Age
Joseph Branin, Director, Ohio State University Libraries
http://library.osu.edu/
While it might not be immediately evident to outside observers, a strong link exists between the OSU library's decision to participate in the Google scan of materials and the library's building renovation project. That link is based on new and innovative ways of thinking about the management of collections in a digital age. Joe Branin will discuss both OSU library projects, the considerations that link them, and the potential impact the library's initiatives could have for public library strategy.
Only Web Scale is Good Enough
Andrew K. Pace,
Executive Director, Networked Library Services, OCLC
http://community.oclc.org/hecticpace/
Companies such as Amazon, Facebook, eBay and all of their users have placed billions of pieces of information on the Web. In each niche, these companies are comprehensive, connected, and credible, and each new user and piece of information makes the network more valuable. Libraries, on the other hand, are largely disconnected; their management systems operate off-line and are disconnected from one another. What would it take to help libraries operate at Web-scale? What does Web-scale mean for libraries and for patrons? Mr. Pace will contextualize web-scale for the world of libraries and present some of OCLC's plans to show that web-scale is indeed within the grasp of libraries.
Innovation in Libraries: What's Going on “Out There”?
Stephen Abram, Vice President for Innovation, SirsiDynix
http://stephenslighthouse.sirsidynix.com/
Stephen Abram has visited libraries and worked with library staff from around the world. His blog, Stephen's Lighthouse, comments on a wide range of library trends that represent both innovation and resistance to it. In this session he'll reflect on his observations in the context of organizational innovation.
Innovation Starts with “I”
Helene Blowers, Digital Strategy Director, Columbus Metropolitan Library
http://librarybytes.com/
Innovation has become such a bandied word these days that in some organizations it's now an expectation for library staff to be innovative from the ground up. So, where does “innovation” really come from? And how do you kick start something at an organizational level that is, by its very nature, connected to the elusive waves of individual creativity? The answer: Innovation starts with “I.” This session will explore how the I, YOU, WE of organization cultures are involved in responding to the needs and desires to innovate and change.
2:45 PM
Break
3:00 PM
Second Breakout Sessions
The Kalamazoo Promise
Janice M. Brown, Ed .D.
https://www.kalamazoopromise.com/
The Kalamazoo Promise has helped change the face of a community, garnered national attention, and energized an entire community. Thought of as an educational innovation to impact economic development in an urban community, you will hear how this transformative event is impacting the lives of the Kalamazoo community, its citizens and its students. Data will be shared about enrollment increases, college participation rates, community impact and new economies coming into the community of Kalamazoo. Dr. Brown will also discuss the various roles community members and organizations play in implementing this transformation.
 |
Small Doesn't Trump Innovative
Joan Elmouchi, Director, Karen Persello, Head of Youth & Teen Services, and Bill Harmer, Head of Adult Services
http://www.chelsea.lib.mi.us/
When LJ named the Chelsea District Library (CDL) the “Best Small Library in America 2008”, John Berry's article cited the library's “…careful research, proactive partnering, and innovative planning…” Innovation in a small library? |
| Is that possible? LJ thought so, and in this session you'll learn why. Team members from CDL will share insights into the unique opportunities and challenges of creating an organizational culture that supports “A well-integrated team (who) use their autonomy and freedom to be creative and open in their effective delivery of library service.” |
Get Inspired! -- Insights on Creating Innovative Spaces
Don Barlow, Catherine Hakala-Ausperk, and Meribah Mansfield
http://www.westervillelibrary.org/
http://www.heightslibrary.org/
http://www.worthingtonlibraries.org/
When constructing a new building, renovating an existing library or redesigning smaller areas, how do you create spaces that are inspired and inspiring at the same time they're in tune with the present and future needs of the community? Catherine Hakala-Ausperk, Deputy Director of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library, Meribah Mansfield, Director of Worthington Libraries, and Don Barlow, Director of Westerville Public Library, have all recently completed construction/renovation projects and will share their insights. See pictures of their projects. Learn the source of their inspiration and how it can work for you, too.
Innovative Fundraising
Laura MacDonald, CFRE, Benefactors Counsel, LLC.
http://www.bene-factor.com/index.php
Regardless of economic conditions, charitable giving seems to grow every year (up 4% to a total of $305 billion in 2007). How can libraries attract their portion of these resources -- whether to build collections, expand programs, renovate facilities, or create an endowment? Laura MacDonald will share her experiences from 25 years of fundraising -- including a case study of a recent project with the Columbus Metropolitan Library. She'll show how innovative fundraising is going well beyond online donations, utilizing new technologies as tools to engage and inspire major gifts.
4:00 PM
Day One: Wrap-Up
As the first day of the conference winds down, program committee members and OLC staff will be on hand to informally offer suggestions on evening activities and events in Columbus. You may just want to retire to your room with a good book but if you're looking for a good restaurant or some “retail therapy” organizers of the conference will happily provide innovative suggestions and traditional directions.
Agenda
Thursday, November 6
7:30 AM
Breakfast
8:30 AM
Third Breakouts
Priority Designs
Paul Kolada, President
http://www.prioritydesigns.com/
Priority Designs is a consulting firm that designs everything from golf clubs to refrigerators for worldwide manufacturers. |
 |
So Paul Kolada's challenge as he shepherds the growth of the firm is to create a culture that allows talented people to thrive and frees them to use their unique abilities in the best possible way. The innovation is in every aspect of the company and Paul will share his vision for how Priority Designs has established the values and the environment that lets it happen. |
Strains and Joys
David Dodd, Xavier University
http://tinyurl.com/6fmmfu
With the dawn of the 21 st century, access to information is becoming increasingly critical to all endeavors. Today, access to and use of information is mediated through technology. As a result, clients are reasonably demanding fully integrated, seamless, and self-driven access and support. These changing needs and expectations require innovative approaches to new service and support methodologies, such as the organizational model recently implemented at Xavier University. This session will provide information on that model, including challenges and benefits.
The World Is Flat – For Public Libraries
Susan Kent and Pat Losinski
http://www.urbanlibraries.org/events/eurotour.html
The library world is an increasingly global marketplace. Today's digital world allows us to study and learn from our peers in different countries. Public librarians face similar challenges around the globe – and yet different and innovative solutions abound! Join us for a look at innovation in the libraries of Singapore, Hong Kong, Amsterdam and Copenhagen.
Collaborative Spaces Make Dynamic Places
Dana McDaniel, Deputy City Manager/Director
of Economic Development, City of Dublin and Rick Coplin (pictured), Business Development Representative, TechColumbus
http://www.dublin.oh.us/econdev/
techpark.php |
 |
The city of Dublin, Ohio in partnership with TechColumbus and Aquarian Technology Systems is setting the stage for dynamic growth in the areas of entrepreneurial and technology start up businesses as catalysts to integrate education and business interaction for economic development. The result is developing collaboration through partnerships, networking and creating spaces in which to the vision a reality. This is resulting in new partnerships between education and business that hold real potential for workforce training opportunities that could involve collaborative spaces - even in public libraries. |
Pulling the Plug
Stephen Hedges and Laura Solomon, OPLIN
http://www.oplin.org/
Libraries currently face pressure to "be innovative," yet the true price of implementing a new service or technology is not always obvious before the decision has been made. Many innovation costs are hidden, and change itself has expenses that are often not anticipated. How do you rationally assess unanticipated costs against desired benefits? When does pursuing innovation make sense and when is it time to throw in the towel?
9:30 AM
Break
9:45 AM
Fourth Breakouts
Inclusiveness and Creativity
Sue Lacey and Katie Fry, Round River Consulting
http://www.roundriverconsulting.com/
Frequently, innovation emerges within conversations that occur naturally throughout an organization, in the questions that are asked during those conversations and the way in which those dialogues are facilitated. Sue Lacy and Katie Fry of Round River Consulting will discuss processes and tools that have contributed to quality improvement initiatives and culture change strategies. They will focus on ways to leverage the diversity of the workforce by intentionally including as many people as possible.
LEEDS
Kent Buehrer, Buehrer Group Architecture and Engineering, Inc.; Jack Hedge, Design Group Architects; Charlie Oswanski, Toledo-Lucas County Public Library; and Duane Van Dyke, Van Dyke Architects
http://www.usgbc.org/Displaypage.aspx?categoryID=19
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ is a third-party certification program and the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. This session will outline the opportunities and challenges involved when architect and client collaborate to create a high performance building as well as provide examples of extant libraries and other buildings that have incorporated LEEDS standards.
Nurturing Innovation
Sari Feldman, Director, and Tracy Strobel, Deputy Director, Cuyahoga County Public Library
http://www.bestcollegesonline.com/blog/2008/07/02/the-25-most-modern-libraries-in-the-world/
The Cuyahoga County Public Library has been cited as one of the most "modern libraries" in the world for their new and creative uses of technology and design. In this session, you'll hear the challenges and opportunities a major, metropolitan library faces in creating a culture of innovation that not only wins recognition but permeates through a large and diverse library staff.
Radical Change
Belen Fernandez, Director,
Blackmore Library, Capital University
http://www.capital.edu/282/
How does a new director fulfill their goal of integrating their vision for the library with that of the larger university community? What strategies are effective in communicating the new mission and priorities to the stakeholders? The methods for introducing, implementing and more importantly sustaining radical change will be the essence of this presentation. Belen Fernandez, who completed the renovation/construction of the Franklin University Library in 2003 and is now undertaking the re-imagining of the Blackmore Library at Capital University, will explore the dynamics of leading a change driven organization.
If You Build It, Will They Come?
Ken Danter, President, The Danter Company
http://www.danter.com/
What guides your decision-making process when it comes to choosing sites for new facilities and/or developing and promoting new services? |
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| The Danter Company has for 38 years recognized the importance of merging field research, consumer surveys and buyer profiles to create real estate products that meet the needs and preferences of renters and homebuyers. The company has used the creative process to craft new methodologies that determine market feasibility for their clients. In this session you'll learn how thoughtful research can provide a more solid foundation upon which to base your library's market decisions. |
10:45 AM
Break
11:00 AM
World Café II and Lunch
Dr. Cass returns to facilitate a new set of questions that will challenge participants to take what they've learned from the event, analyze it, and think about what they'll do with it “back at the ranch.”
1:00 PM
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Closing General Session
Ideas Are Free
Dean Schroeder
http://www.ideasarefree.com/ |
| Dean M. Schroeder is perhaps one of the foremost experts in the world on how to get ideas from front-line employees. His book Ideas Are Free: How the Idea Revolution Is Liberating People and Transforming Organizations, co-authored with Alan G. Robinson, is based on the authors' research and consulting experience in more than 300 organizations in 17 countries. With extensive experience at helping managers at all levels, and in all kinds of organizations – tap the extraordinary power in their employees' ideas, Dean's remarks are aimed at helping you return home eager and prepared to engage your staff and co-workers in creating an innovative environment @ Your Library! |
How Will You Think Now?
Susan Kent and George Needham
The conference ends with “extrapolators-in-residence” Susan Kent and George Needham reflecting on the content of the conference and engaging participants in dialogue that offers suggestions for further reflection and adaptation.
Closing Remarks
Patrick Losinski
