Better technology for disaster relief

I just stumbled across this article about technology and humanitarian efforts in Tech Soup.  I want to think that libraries can be part of this communication loop.  It seems like an opportunity for those who are interested in global librarianship that connecting relief organizations with computer centers (and libraries with computer centers) so that [...]

It doesn’t take a hurricane to make a disaster

With such high profile natural disasters like the Southeast Asia tsunami and Hurricane Katrina capturing the media’s attention, it’s easy to forget that every year in the U.S. and other countries, nature inflicts a damaging toll on communities. For example, extreme cold can lead to freezing weather which can cause issues for communities. In [...]

Community building for libraries – the players

I knew when I started this blog that I was treading in some familiar, and well-written waters. Kathleen de la Pena McCook, Chrystie Hill, Librarian (whoever he/she is), and the many, many others who tackle libraries as institutions that build communities are already leading the way. I hope I can contribute some small [...]

Emerging Leaders ‘08, World Cafe

Members from last year’s Emerging Leaders ‘07 Cohort and EL ‘o8 met together today to discuss how ALA can engage young and new librarians into the American Library Association (ALA). The format of the discussion was the World Cafe facilitation model, which I found to be highly engaging. The key is to ask [...]

Emerging Leaders ‘08

I attended the full day workshop for the Emerging Leaders ‘08 yesterday and left feeling energized and ready to get more involved with ALA.  So I guess it’s working!
The presentation from Maureen Sullivan was great, though I wish there had been more role-playing and active training in the concepts she was talking about.  And I [...]

REFORMA National Conference III in El Paso, TX

I attended an RNC III Conference Planning meeting last night and am really excited about the long awaited 3rd national REFORMA conference.  I’ve never been to El Paso, but I think it’s proximity to the Mexican border will be a wonderful opportunity for librarians and people in interested in libraries and books from Mexico and [...]

ALA Midwinter Philadelphia

I will be attending ALA Midwinter in Philadelphia as part of the Emerging Leader ‘08 cohort. I will be trying to attend as many IRRT and REFORMA events as possible, but am afraid that I won’t have time for too many. Stay tuned for my posts of the event.