This year’s ALA Unconference will be on June 25^th 9 am – 4:30 pm, 2010 in 207A at Washington Convention Center.

ALA Unconference 2010 Wiki

It will be limited to 100 participants and registration opens May 24, 2010 at 10 am EST.

Register here

Unconference Registration

The format this year is themed around the number “9”. “9” is a homophone for long-lasting in Chinese and it is the hope that the friends and connections you make on this day will be long-lasting.

The format this year is a little different. Michelle and I wanted to try something new that would challenge everyone and encourage participation. I know that after lunch my energy is a little low, so to combat this we have added three debates. You pick the topics and teams.

There will be six teams in total. Each team will have three members and they will face another team and present their point of view. The first 2 speakers from each team get 2 minutes to make their point with last speakers from each team getting one minute.

The next new thing we want to add is the Fishbowl (conversation). Wikipedia has a   wonderful definition of how this works.

Fishbowl Discussion

Think a little before you come, about debate and fishbowl topics.

I look forward to seeing you at #unala10!

Links from the presentation

Wave

Google Sites

Knol

Google Voice

Thanks everyone at ILF district 3

Grow bigger ears

City Share: A peoples library

Columbus Neighborhoods

There are certain environments that we cherish and preserve such as national parks and beaches. We value and fight for our personal freedom. We hold on to our culture and what makes us unique. These are all important to us, but what about the environment of the mind. How hard do we fight for libraries?

These are the arguments you hear when budgets get tight

You cannot cut police and firefighters because of public safety.

You cannot cut schools because children are the future.

You cannot cut libraries because ….

Everyone else has a compelling answer. What message we are sending?

It doesn’t matter want you are trying to transform, the start of the process is exactly the same.

1. Stop what you are doing.

2. Understand and accept that this process has ended.

3. Insight: Take time to look back and understand what has ended and why.

What does creativity do?

1. Solves problems

2. Generates new ideas

3. Gives new perspectives

Thinking without action is not creativity. If you want your staff to innovate and grow then nurture creativity.

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I loved this video because it reminded me that like teachers libraries also make a difference.

How are people listening to you?

People hear things differently, understanding how they listen is as important as the message. Carl Jung defines listeners into for categories.

Thinking types: Those who are listening for the idea.

Intuitive types: Those who are listening for the vision.

Sensate types: Those who are listening for the plan.

Feeling types: Those who are listening for the part they will play.

You as a leader are probably one of these and have no problem communicating to people of similar type, but what about the other 75%. Are they hearing your message?

(The Berlin Wall was here)

My friend Michael Stephens took this photo. It was a reminder that great leaders identify and remove obstacles rather than build them. Are you building walls or opening new pathways for your patrons and staff?

Jenny came to our staff day last year and we had the chance to interview her. Thanks Jenny for a great day.

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