Alliance Library System and LearningTimes Offer Innovation for
Libraries in the 21st Century!

Innovation…change, novelty, cutting edge, revolution, transformation, transition, invention pioneer. Antonym of innovation…custom, habit, old, rut, tradition, idleness, sameness.

Alliance Library System and LearningTimes are pleased to announce the “Innovation for Libraries in the 21st Century!” online conference to be held May 12, 2010! More information about the conference can be found at http://www.learningtimes.net/innovation.

The conference will feature dynamic and exciting keynote addresses by Rich Harwood of the Harwood Institute; Helene Blowers of the Columbus Metropolitan Library; and Kitty Pope and Kendal Orrison of Alliance Library System.

“Innovation has never been more important in libraries and agencies of all kinds!” said Kitty Pope, ALS Executive Director. “When you are looking at innovation, it doesn’t get any better than Rich, Helene and Kendal! If you are looking for everything on innovation you can possibly learn in one day, this is an event to invest your time in.”

Rich Harwood, Founder and President of the Harwood Institute for Public Innovation, will address “Why Innovation is Critical in this New World We Find Ourselves In.” He will speak about the challenges we face and the power and potential for each of us to turn outward and help making hope real.

Helene Blowers, Director of Digital Strategy for the Columbus Metropolitan Library, will speak about “Innovation Starts With I.” Her session will explore how the I, YOU, WE, of organizational cultures are involved in responding to the needs and desire to innovate and change.

Kendal Orrison, Director of Information Technology and the RSA at Alliance Library System will talk about “Faking Your Way to the Future: Innovation and Change Management in a Large, Multi-Location Consortia that’s Happy in the Present.” He will speak about how to move an organization towards a common goal.

Kitty Pope, ALS Executive Director, will address “Building a Culture of Innovation.” Join Kitty as she talks about how to build a library environment that will empower library leaders to say yes to innovation and embrace change.

The conference will feature a number of other great sessions including but not limited to the following:
• “Coordinating a Social Media Presence for the Library” – Sarah Houghton-Jan, San Jose Public Library
• “Linking YOU to the World of Innovation Services” – Houston Public Library panel
• “Mayor of the Library: Foursquare and Location-Based Mobile Social Networks” – Joe Murphy, Yale University
• “Innovations in Staff Development: Technology Training Wheels” – Beth Duttlinger, Alliance Library System
• “Why Librarians Should Stay the Hell Away From Facebook” – Woody Evans, Tarrant County College, Texas

Registration for the conference is $49 per individual or $99 for a group. LIS students can register for $29. LIS students need to contact Lori Bell, Alliance Library System, at lbell@alliancelibrarysystem.com for a coupon code to register for the $29. To register, go to http://www.learningtimes.net/innovation/register.
For more information on the conference, go to the conference site at http://www.learningtimes.net/innovation. If you have questions, please contact Lori Bell at Alliance Library System at lbell@alliancelibrarysystem.com or John Walber at john@learningtimes.net.

The Alliance Library System is one of nine multitype library systems, cooperating to provide vital library services to the citizens of Illinois. ALS provides information, resources, delivery services and educational opportunities to all types of libraries in central Illinois.

LearningTimes produces unique online events, multi-day conferences and online learning programs for education, non-profit and learning-minded organizations around the globe. Their partners and clients include groups like the Smithsonian Institution, the New York City Department of Education, the University of Hawaii, Education Development Center, McGill University, Wiley / Jossey-Bass Publishing, and public television station WHYY, among scores of others. Their overall services include a variety of offerings that take an organization’s communication and collaboration goals online, with an emphasis on human connections, person-to-person interactivity and professional networking.