Fueling Northeast Kansas Libraries with Foresight

• Date: October 5
• Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Location: Arterra Event Gallery (2161 Quail Creek Dr, Lawrence, KS 66047)
• Registration Open for NEKLS Member Public Libraries (Library Director and a Trustee or Staff Member): https://forms.gle/tyGrmQGiMjUi7yBe7
• Registration Deadline: September 15, 2023
• Recording/Online Option: No
• Cost: Free

Download Event Description

Libraries and librarians must look beyond our present-day models, assumptions, and ideas to recognize external disruptors on the horizon of our profession alongside broader emerging patterns to “create functional views of alternative futures and possibilities.” The Connecticut State Library Division of Library Development (DLD) has identified Strategic Foresight as a critical discipline for librarians now. Strategic Foresight training can provide librarians with the skills to plan for future shifts. We all want to “ensure that our libraries are ready to adapt and serve the ever-changing needs of their communities.” In this interactive session you will learn about and use selected Foresight tools to transform your mindset to think more about how you and your libraries can create their future.

• Upon completion of session, participants will understand how Strategic Foresight can be used as an operating system in their library to support decision making, strategic planning, cultural transformation, and professional development.
• Upon completion of session, participants will understand how Strategic Foresight offers an opportunity to create a community of future-focused and future-empowered librarians.
• Participants can identify the key to transforming the culture of the library by ensuring librarians are community champions equipped to map the future to inform decision making in the present.
• Participants will be able to identify a trend within a driver category; understand near-term example of trend and provocative example of trend to identify implications of the trend on libraries

This day long workshop will be facilitated by Dawn LaValle. Dawn is the Director of the Division of Library Development for the Connecticut State Library. Dawn is a recognized Aspen Re-Envisioning Public Libraries Expert; a Certified Strategic Foresight Practitioner, and a Disruption Navigator for Libraries, she is focused on fostering a more collaborative innovative culture, library services and solutions and to instill 21st mindsets in the next generation of library leaders. She most recently served as a consultant to the Dubai Public Library System, in the framing of a strategy to re-envision the future state of libraries as 21st Century anchors of the community and innovation destinations. Dawn has recently been accepted as a member of the Association of Professional Futurists.

Here is a wonderful introduction to Dawn LaValle and Strategic Foresight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZNkPCLamwY.

Schedule

9:00 AM – Arrive at Arterra Event Gallery

9:30 AM – Introductions

10:00 AM – Re-Thinking Thinking

11:00 AM – Break

11:15 AM – Fundamentals of Foresight

Noon – Lunch

1:00 PM – Wicked Trends

2:00 PM – Break

2:15 PM – Futures Scenarios

3:00 PM – End

Beverages:

• Regular and Decaf Coffee
• Iced Tea
• Ice Water

Lunch:

• Macaroni & Cheese Bar (Topping Options: Bacon, Andouille, Fried Onions, Broccoli, Mushrooms, Crushed Kettle Chips)
• Spinach Salad w/ Apple, Pumpkin Seeds, White Cheddar and Balsamic Vinaigrette (GF)

Dessert:

• Assorted Cookies

Please note: no breakfast will be served.

This project was made possible by the Institute of Museum and Library Services grant #RE-250063-OLS-21 in the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program.