At the 2014 Public Library Association Conference, The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation led a popular series of sessions to help directors learn how to become change agents in their communities. Attendees gained knowledge that will enable them to engage with their communities to enact meaningful and lasting change. MCLS is proud to co-sponsor a preconference for the Indiana community on Nov. 17 from 10 am to 1 pm.

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. Attendees will engage in exercises that can help them position their libraries as key community partners and public innovators. These tools help you and your board to be agents of positive change in the community and region.  Registration for ILF members is $30 and for non-members it is $45. The site is the Marriott East in Indianapolis. For registration, contact sakers@ilfonline.org or go to the Indiana Library Federation page and select “2014 Conference” and from there you may register for the preconference only or for the whole conference.