MCLS recently launched its 2023-2024 strategic planning journey. We are seeking broad input and participation in shaping our vision for the future, particularly as it relates to exploring:
We are partnering with Spartina Consulting who are facilitating a strengths-based, participatory approach to strategy development known as Appreciative Inquiry. Our next step will be holding a Listening Tour. At the 90-minute listening sessions we’ll use Appreciate Inquiry questions to harness your wisdom and creativity in helping us to examine and further build upon a draft framework of the strategic topics above. Think of this as an invitation to help us co-create a “partially painted canvas” for our next chapter together.
We believe your perspective and experience can support us immensely! We invite staff from all roles in libraries and library organizations in Indiana and Michigan (our membership region) to attend an upcoming listening session and share your thoughts.
Click the link below that matches your library type and availability. Note that two of the sessions are open to all to increase available date options.
Listening Tour Conversation #1 - Public Libraries: Monday, Feb. 26, 3-4:30 p.m. Eastern (2-3:30 p.m. Central)
Listening Tour Conversation #2 - Academic Libraries: Tuesday, Feb. 27, 10:30 a.m. - 12noon Eastern (9:30-11 a.m. Central)
Listening Tour Conversation #3 - Special Libraries & Library Organizations: Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2-3:30 p.m. Eastern (1-2:30 p.m. Central)
Listening Tour Conversation #4 - K-12 School Libraries: Thursday, Feb. 29, 4:30-6 p.m. Eastern (3:30-5 p.m. Central)
Listening Tour Conversation #5 - Open Session (open to staff of all library types): Friday, March 1, 10:30 a.m. - 12noon Eastern (9:30-11 a.m. Central)
Listening Tour Conversation #6 - Academic Libraries: Monday, March 4, 3-4:30 p.m. Eastern (2-3:30 p.m. Central)
Listening Tour Conversation #7 - K-12 School Libraries: Tuesday, March 5, 4-5:30 p.m. Eastern (3-4:30 p.m. Central)
Listening Tour Conversation #8 - Public Libraries: Thursday, March 7, 10:30 a.m. - 12noon Eastern (9:30-11 a.m. Central)
Listening Tour Conversation #9 - Open Session (open to staff of all library types): Thursday, March 7, 3-4:30 p.m. Eastern (2-3:30 p.m. Central)
Listening Tour Conversation #10 - Special Libraries & Library Organizations: Friday, March 8, 10:30 a.m. - 12noon Eastern (9:30-11 a.m. Central)
We’re incredibly hopeful to have the privilege of working with you in this capacity. Thank you in advance for volunteering your time and talent to be a part of this important work.
If you are not able to attend one of our sessions but would still like the opportunity to share your input, we would be happy to conduct a one-on-one interview; simply email us at engagement@mcls.org to set up a time.
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to MCLS Executive Director, Scott Garrison, at garrisons@mcls.org.
