next library conference report 2014 - by millicent mlanga

8/12/2019 Next Library Conference Report 2014 - by Millicent Mlanga

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REPORT BY MILLICENT MLANGA, LIBRARIAN IN CHARGE, KILIFI COMMUNITY LIBRARY.

The NEXT Library Conference 2014 was an international gathering of forward-thinking library

professionals, innovators and decision-makers who are pushing boundaries and making changes that

support learning in the 21st century. I was privileged to be among the 12 Next Library 2014 Scholars;courtesy of Bill and Melinda Gates foundation.

Created by Denmarks Aarhus Public Libraries and first presented in 2009, the purpose of the NEXT

Library Conference is to look ahead and explore the continuously evolving nature of the public library in

the 21st century. For the first time and in partnership with Aarhus Public Libraries, the Chicago Public

Library and the Urban Libraries Council hosted the Next Library Conference to North America on June 20-

25, 2014, at the Chicago Public Library.

NEXT Library is more than a conference; it is a community that has grown to include over 500 library

leaders and innovators from around the world. The NEXT Library global kaleidoscope includes Australia,

Austria, Bhutan, Botswana, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Canada, China, Columbia, Croatia, Denmark, Egypt,

Faroe Islands, Finland, Germany, Greece, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, New

Zealand, Nepal, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Singapore, Slovenia, Sweden,

Switzerland, Uganda, UK, Ukraine, USA and Vietnam.

This year's theme was, Accelerate Learning, encouraging libraries to push boundaries, lead and

accelerate changes in support of 21 st century learning and create connections between people across

disciplines and countries. Sessions at the Next Library Conferenceconcentrated on the following topics:

1. PATRON AS THE CENTER OF DESIGN: These sessions highlighted the critical importance of co-

creation in supporting a community of learners.

Exploring how Human Centered Design principals can be applied to program and service

development.

Discovering how libraries are involving patrons and communities in their service and

program design efforts.

2. LEVERAGING PARTNERSHIPS FOR ENHANCED LEARNING OUTCOMES


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Exploring the libraries' role in building more effective and comprehensive learning ecosystems

within communities. Participants shared ideas, experiences and best practices that help their

libraries create collaborative relationships that best support learning for diverse patron groups.

3. LEARNING THROUGH CREATION

Participants shared their experiences, ideas, opportunities and challenges of engaging users in

creative activities. These sessions invited conference participants to connect with and explore

emerging practices in connected learning, maker spaces, arts and STEM(

science,technology,engineering and maths) learning initiatives within libraries and other

institutions.

4. LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY FOR LEARNING

Identifying, exploring and discussing technology trends or breakthroughs that lead to new models

of learning, training and connecting - from simulations to gaming or interactive learning to virtual

schools. Exploring how libraries can use technology to accelerate 21st century learning.

LIBRARIES IGNITING LEARNING

Libraries are already centers of lifelong learning. They are places where people of all ages learn

and create rather than consume and check out. Broadening their roles as community leaders andresources for 21 st Century learning requires change in how libraries think, operate and engage the

community. Six strategies for libraries to ignite learning are:

1. Understanding and embracing the librarys role as a learning institution.

This involves

Understanding and communicating why learning is a key library priority Maximizing staff capacity to make learning happen

Identifying and measuring relevant learning outcomes rather than materials used andprogram attendance

Creating internal connections among library learning programs and external links with

programs offered by other community learning institutions

Placing the learner at the centre when planning and designing learning experiences


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Aligning learning resources,tools,staff and facilities to achieve learning outcomes

2. Offering high quality learning programs based on research about what works.

Examples of new library learning programs include:

Learning labs for teens that blend skilled adult mentors with digital tools and traditional

media to make learning relevant, empower and motivate learners to identify and pursue

their true passions

Continuous reading programs that engage readers and connect to school learning

programs and other community literacy efforts

New learning models such as science cafes that support science,technology,engineering

and math(STEM) skills for teens, adults and programs that encourage independent

thinking, initiative and do- it- yourself creativity Gaming activities which teach critical thinking, problem solving, decision making and

design skills.

3. Building strategic partnerships to form learning networks that broaden impact.

Libraries can become community learning hubs by;

Identifying community needs and embracing a shared purpose Knowing the community landscape including the organizations that are involved in

learning, the programs they deliver, the audiences they serve, the capacities theyhave, and the opportunities for collaboration

Building stronger networks by identifying intersections between library learning

programs and those offered by other learning institutions

Initiating and leading learning networks by using the librarys track record as

community anchor institution

Coordinating online systems that support learning and information exchange Building sustained partnerships with school systems that connect outcomes from

library learning programs with school curricula, recognize and support school priorities,

and promote constant information sharing.

4. Increasing staff capacity to support shared learning strategies


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next library conference report 2014 - by millicent mlanga

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