Academic library workers invited to free dialogue and deliberation workshop at Midwinter 2018

For Immediate Release
Mon, 11/27/2017

Contact:

Sarah Ostman

Communications Manager

ALA Public Programs Office

312-280-5061

sostman@ala.org

The American Library Association (ALA), Association of College & Research Librarians (ACRL) and National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD) will offer a free one-day workshop to teach academic librarians how to convene and facilitate community conversations on issues of importance to their communities and the nation.

The workshop, “Libraries Transforming Communities: National Issues Forums Workshop for Academic Libraries,” will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9, 2018, during the 2018 ALA Midwinter Meeting in Denver.

Participation is free for those registered for the Midwinter Meeting; academic library practitioners and students are welcome. Space in the workshop is limited, and advance registration and some pre-work is required. Learn more and register online.

The workshop will be led by experts affiliated with the National Issues Forums Institute (NIFI), a nonpartisan network of organizations and individuals that promote public deliberation in the United States. National Issues Forums are neutral, moderated forums where people come together with the goal of finding a shared direction to take based on our values.

Participants in this session will experience a National Issues Forum, learn the principles of deliberative dialogue and receive training in the NIFI approach of how to convene a forum and build skills as a forum moderator.

The event is offered as part of Libraries Transforming Communities (LTC): Models for Change, an initiative of ALA and NCDD that seeks to strengthen libraries’ role as core community leaders and agents of change. This workshop is the culminating session of a learning series for academic libraries. Workshop participants must view three pre-recorded, 90-minute webinars before the Feb. 9 in-person gathering.

LTC: Models for Change is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) grant number RE-40-16-0137-16.

About the American Library Association

The American Library Association is the oldest and largest library association in the world, with approximately 57,000 members in academic, public, school, government and special libraries. The mission of the American Library Association is to provide leadership for the development, promotion and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.

About the ALA Public Programs Office

ALA’s Public Programs Office provides leadership, resources, training and networking opportunities that help thousands of library professionals nationwide develop and host cultural programs for adult, young adult and family audiences. The mission of the ALA Public Programs Office is to promote cultural programming as an essential part of library service in all types of libraries. For programming ideas, professional development and grant opportunities, on-demand online courses and other free resources, visit www.programminglibrarian.org.

About the Association of College & Research Libraries

The Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) is the higher education association for librarians. Representing more than 10,500 academic and research librarians and interested individuals, ACRL (a division of the American Library Association) develops programs, products and services to help academic and research librarians learn, innovate and lead within the academic community. Founded in 1940, ACRL is committed to advancing learning and transforming scholarship. ACRL is on the web at acrl.org, Facebook at facebook.com/ala.acrl and Twitter at @ala_acrl.

About the National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation

NCDD is an active U.S.-based network of thousands of innovators who bring people together across divides to discuss, decide and act together on today's toughest challenges. We serve as a gathering place, a resource center, a news source and a facilitative leader for an active community of practice centered around the practices of dialogue and deliberation. Our online Resource Center at www.ncdd.org/rc connects people to 3,000 resources on group process and public engagement, and more than 30,000 people are subscribed to our monthly email updates. Our biennial national conferences are well-loved, high-energy events that bring together those who are committed to finding innovative ways to convene people to address seemingly intractable problems. To learn more or get involved, visit www.ncdd.org.

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is celebrating its 20th Anniversary. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s approximately 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on FacebookTwitter and Instagram.