Speaker(s): Deb Hoadley, Hoadley Consulting
The Office of Library and Information Services (OLIS), the Coalition of Library Advocates (COLA), and the RI Library Association (RILA) are joining forces again to present an interactive program on the role of library trustees in building strategic partnerships and the importance of community engagement. Participants will be led through some exercises to identify their level of community engagement and will discuss their partnership experiences, both successful and unsuccessful. This workshop is recommended for library trustees, library directors, and others interested in community engagement, outreach and advocacy.
Our speaker, Deb Hoadley, is serving her second term as President of the New England Library Association. She is a consultant and trainer for her company, Hoadley Consulting. She specializes in strategic planning, leadership and management skills, board development, advocacy, building community partnerships, customer service and eBook management. Hoadley is currently a school reference librarian, and has held many roles in the library, including director, Trustee and Friends’ President.
Deb will define community engagement and strategic partnerships. She will look at what it means to have a “culture of collaboration” and how “turning outward” is essential to keeping the library relevant. There will be a discussion on how to determine and measure outcomes, best practices to building community engagement and what skills are needed to “turn outward.” She will also familiarize trustees with helpful resources such as the Aspen Public Dialogue for Libraries, Harwood Institute’s work, and ALA’s Libraries Transform advocacy campaign. Attendees will leave this workshop understanding the need for libraries to be a leader in their communities and the importance of building strong community relationships.
As a previous library director, Deb engaged in a strategic planning process, which involved various community constituents. This process resulted in many strategic partnerships with town departments, community organizations, and local businesses. These partnerships allowed the library to ask for increased town funding, apply for grants, and receive in-kind donations and expertise. Deb has presented with Maureen Sullivan, previous ALA President, on the importance of community engagement and is currently in the process of a pilot project with NELA on helping libraries build their capacity to go beyond library outreach and become integral parts of their communities.
Light refreshments will be provided.
Registration required.
