2017 CALA Midwest Chapter Annual Conference

Theme: Collaboration and Innovation in Library Practices

Date: April 21, 2017 (Friday), 9:00 am-4:45 pm CST

Format of Conference: Hybrid

Physical Location: Chicago Public Library Chinatown Branch (2100 S. Wentworth Avenue, Chicago IL 60616)

Virtual Location: https://IU.zoom.us/j/546792403

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Clara Chu
Dr. Clara Chu

Title: Toward Collective Impact: Collaboration, Social Innovation and Libraries

Abstract

Libraries are shown as anchor institutions that address social problems, promote active citizenship and contribute to sustainable development in their communities. More specifically, I will introduce how libraries can collaborate and contribute to social innovation, and how they can facilitate community engagement to support community cohesion and empowerment. First, libraries can work with other community entities to identify novel solutions to large scale social problems that are more effective, efficient, sustainable and just. Examples will be presented of how libraries are engaging in this process known as collective impact. Second, libraries can create a space for community dialogue and facilitate capacity building for active citizenship. A collaboration by the Mortenson Center for International Library Programs to co-develop a Library-Community Inter-Action Guide will be presented. This guide will be available internationally for libraries to engage “with” community, rather than merely respond to community needs or conduct (one-sided) outreach efforts.

Bio

Dr. Clara M. Chu is Director of the Mortenson Center for International Library Programs, and Mortenson Distinguished Professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She specializes in understanding the information needs, uses and barriers faced by multicultural communities in order to further their equitable access to information. Chu publishes, presents and consults internationally in English and Spanish, and currently serves on the editorial boards of Libri and Library Trends. Active in professional associations, she served as the 2014/15 President of the Association for Library and Information Science Education and is currently the ALA representative on the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO. She is the recipient of numerous honors: most recently, the 2016 ALISE Award for Professional Contribution to Library and Information Science Education and the 2015 CALA Distinguished Service Award. She obtained her MLS and Ph.D. from the University of Western Ontario in Canada.

Registration Form:

http://midwest.chapters.cala-web.org/2017-cala-midwest-chapter-annual-conference/2017-midwest-chapter-annual-conference-registration/

Conference Program:
http://midwest.chapters.cala-web.org/2017-cala-midwest-chapter-annual-conference/2017-cala-midwest-chapter-annual-conference-program/