At the 2014 Public Library Association Conference in Indianapolis, The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation led a popular series of sessions to help librarians become change agents in their communities. The Indiana Library Federation (ILF) is pleased to build on the success of those presentations by offering an ILF pre-conference on November 17. Carlton Sears, a Certified Coach for The Harwood Institute, will facilitate the three-hour session. Carlton had a long and successful career in libraries, which included many years as the Director of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County in Ohio, prior to becoming a Certified Coach. His career is a testament to the power of the Harwood approach.

Attendees at the pre-conference will gain knowledge that will enable them to engage with their communities to enact meaningful and lasting change. Key to the Harwood process is an attitude of turning outward and listening to the aspirations of people throughout the community. Attendees will learn what it means to turn outward and how to begin. They will learn about the tools that the Institute has created to help libraries develop shared aspirations and work with local residents to overcome the challenges and impediments to positive innovation. Carlton will guide attendees through a series of exercises that can be used to help them position their libraries as key community partners and public innovators. By utilizing these tools, libraries can become agents of positive change in their communities and regions. MCLS is pleased to be a co-sponsor for this event.

Date/Time: Monday November 17 from 10 am to 1 pm
Location: Marriott East in Indianapolis, Indiana

Registration will open this summer through ILF:
• ILF members $30
• Non-members $45