MCLS is sponsoring a Harwood Public Innovators Lab in Indianapolis, IN March 5-7, 2019. The Lab will be held at Indiana Wesleyan University – Indianapolis North campus. MCLS will fully fund tuition for the training, as well as lodging and some meals during the training, for up to 50 staff from Indiana libraries. Participation in the lab will also include follow-up coaching calls to further support the cohort of attendees post-training.
These funds are being made available through a grant program established by the MCLS Board of Directors from the proceeds of the sale of the former INCOLSA building.
The Program
The Harwood Public Innovators Lab is a 2.5-day experience to help you and your organization learn what it means to Turn Outward – to use the community, not your conference room, as your reference point for choices and action.
MCLS has been using the tools of The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation and sharing them with libraries since 2013. We are excited to be able to support training for a cohort of Indiana librarians.
The Benefits For Your Library
Past participants of similar initiatives have shared the following examples of impact:
- Increased library relevance;
- Program and service initiatives that have higher profile and impact; and
- Ability to re-energize staff and volunteers.
For examples of the value of applying the Harwood practice over time, take a look at the following videos from your peers in Michigan and an overview from The Harwood Institute:
http://www.librariesengage.org/videos.php
Still have questions?
We will be holding a Q&A Session with Harwood Certified Coaches Cheryl Gorman and Carlton Sears on Tuesday, October 30 at 2pm Eastern (1pm Central) online through Zoom. To join the Q&A Session, use this link: https://zoom.us/j/764817549. Or if using the telephone, call in to (408) 638-0968 and use meeting ID number 764-817-549.
Funding Eligibility
- Applicants must work in an Indiana library that is an institutional member of MCLS.
- Applicants may be from any type of library: academic, public, school, institutional, or special.
- A minimum of 2 persons per library must be included in the application (up to a maximum of 5 persons per library).
- The library director must be one of the applicants, or attest that they have previously attended a Harwood Public Innovator’s Lab.
- Libraries must submit proof of board of trustee support for the training and ensuing engagement work.
Deadlines
- Interested libraries must complete an application form by 5pm Eastern (4pm Central), November 30, 2018.
- We will send notification of awards by December 14, 2018, which will include information regarding lodging and meals.
- Recipients will need to provide their own travel arrangements to Indianapolis.
The Application
- A link to the downloadable application is available in MSWord on the Indiana Library Grants Initiative webpage.
- Applications should be emailed to Michelle Bradley, Engagement, Consulting, and Training Manager, at bradleym@mcls.org.
Questions regarding the grant application or the Public Innovators Lab for Libraries should be sent to Michelle Bradley, MCLS Engagement, Consulting, and Training Manager, at bradleym@mcls.org or 800-530-9019 x125.
