Next Library 2014 – Accelerate Learning

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This year’s Next Library Conference will take place for the first time in North America at the beautiful Harold Washington Public Library in Chicago, IL on June 20-25. Join conference partners, Chicago Public Library, Chicago Public Library Foundation, Aarhus Public Libraries, and the Urban Libraries Council as they present Next Library 2014 – Accelerate Learning.

Throughout the world, libraries are pushing boundaries, leading and accelerating changes to support learning in the 21st century. Accelerate Learning, reflects the rapid pace of change in today’s world as well as the reality that learning in the 21st century is a means of individual empowerment, community well-being and social change. As the experience of learning continues to evolve, libraries everywhere have a vital role to play – as partners in the community learning ecosystem and leaders in advancing strong learning outcomes that improve people’s lives.

This international gathering of forward-thinking library professionals, innovators and decision-makers who are pushing boundaries and making changes that support learning in the 21st century will participate in high-energy and interactive conference sessions, in addition to hearing from inspiring keynote presenters. The following four topic areas will offer sessions that mirror the overall theme:

• PATRON AS THE CENTER OF DESIGN: Explore how Human Centered Design principals can be applied to program and service development. Discover how libraries are involving patrons and communities in their service and program design efforts. These sessions will highlight the critical importance of co-creation in supporting a community of learners.

• LEVERAGING PARTNERSHIPS FOR ENHANCED LEARNING OUTCOMES: Explore libraries’
role in building more effective and comprehensive learning ecosystems within communities. Participants will share ideas, experiences and best practices that help their libraries create collaborative relationships that best support learning for diverse patron groups.

• LEARNING THROUGH CREATION:
Share the experiences, ideas, opportunities and challenges of engaging users in creative activities. These sessions will invite conference participants to connect with and explore emerging practices in connected learning, makerspaces, arts and STEM learning initiatives within libraries and other institutions.

• LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY FOR LEARNING: Identify, explore and discuss technology trends or breakthroughs that are leading to new models of learning, training and connecting – from simulations to gaming or interactive learning to virtual schools. Explore how libraries are using technology to accelerate 21st century learning.
To register for Next Library 2014, and book your hotel, visit:
www.nextlibrary.net. An early bird conference registration rate of $425 USD is available until March 31st.
Questions and comments can be directed to Colleen Bragiel, Urban Libraries Council, at mcbragiel@urbanlibraries.org .