BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//jEvents 2.0 for Joomla//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York X-LIC-LOCATION:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:19700308T020000 RRULE:FREQ=YEARLY;BYMONTH=3;BYDAY=2SU END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:19701101T020000 RRULE:FREQ=YEARLY;BYMONTH=11;BYDAY=1SU END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT UID:1cf387024bf9dc0787b47a817a85625b146 CATEGORIES:Events SUMMARY:Think Space - May Deep Dive DESCRIPTION:
DIRECTOR DEEP DIVES | Speakers | Registration | Why Attend? | VIew the Event Overview (PDF) | Even t Policies
Designed by library directors for library directors.
Being the director or dean of a library, regardless of size or type, is a unique job with unique needs that often on ly another person in that position can fully comprehend or appreciate. Desi gned to meet the unique professional development needs of Michigan library directors, Think Space will showcase innovations in key areas of library ma nagement, leadership, and technology via compelling and cutting-edge sessio ns presented by well-respected experts, all while giving attendees the oppo rtunity to build deep, lasting relationships with a cohort of directors and deans of libraries throughout Michigan.
Each year the Think Space c ohort will focus on one specific topic of importance to Michigan library di rectors and explore that subject in-depth. Read on for complete details and register today to join your colleagues for time to THINK deeply in a safe SPACE. Attendance is limited so reserve your seat today!
2021-2022 Think Space
The first Think Space cohort will meet in person t
his December for the first two-day gathering, followed by a virtual check-i
n session in February, the second gathering in May, and concluding with a b
reakfast reception during the MLA 2022 Annual Conference that is exclusivel
y for members of the Think Space cohort.
Each yea r, Think Space will focus on one specific issue of importance to Michigan l ibrary directors. Think Space is led by noted statewide and national expert s and provides cohesive and interactive sessions that allow for focused, in -depth exploration.
Our inaugural Think Space will focus on equity, d iversity, accessibility, and belonging, including:
Educational Goals - What will participants take home?
Throughout my career, I’ve alwa ys searched for educational opportunities to heighten my professional skill s. I looked for learning opportunities in librarianship and outside the fie ld. I found out that attending these events had the added value of developi ng a network of professionals. After the sessions, I would take the time to network with other attendees. I would specifically reach out to attendees who made comments in the sessions that intrigued me. In the safe environmen t of the hallway or a food court, I could delve deep into issues with my ne w friend.
I believe Think Space will be a great opportunity for the library leader looking for advanced training. The ability to have cutting-edge training in an environ ment where it is safe to talk. Think Space will be designed with a cohort s o, the opportunity is there for discussions on topics into the future.
Kelly Richards
Director, Muskegon Area District Library
I thin k participation in Think Space is critical for the advancement of public li brary service and library service generally. There is a well-tread cliché t hat steel sharpens steel. I have found this to be true. While the Michigan library community is chock full of extraordinary minds and innovative think ers, it is useful to see what best practices and cutting-edge innovation lo oks like in other parts of the country and within other industries. I think conference participation is fantastic, and I truly enjoy connecting with m y colleagues around the state. However, I’ve found myself in the last coupl e of years struggling to find inspiration. I think the endless variations a nd direction on common themes help us grow and refine library service, but seeing and hearing what is happening outside of our home turf will act as a booster rocket and lift the entire library community. Our experience with out-of-industry conferences and retreats has been transformative and has he lped KDL stay on the cutting edge. It is for all of these reasons that I hi ghly recommend attendance in Think Space. It is the antidote for complacenc y and burnout. I can’t wait to begin!
Lance Werner
Director, Kent Distric
t Library
In her latest book Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations, Whole Hearts, Brené Brown shares the importance of creating spaces in which peopl e can show up as their authentic selves. She emphasizes the need to create spaces in which people feel “safe, seen, heard, and respected.” As library directors, we need to cultivate a culture that invites vulnerability, creat ivity, and diverse perspectives.
I can think of no better way to develop this culture of learni ng, visioning, and supportive collaboration than Think Space. Gathering wit h fellow library directors in a space that encourages us to bring our whole selves, grapple with today’s challenges, and imagine the future of public libraries is vital to growing as leaders. I look forward to participating i n Think Space and using that experience to better serve my library team and community.
Heather Wood-Gramza
Director, Howard Miller Library and Commu
nity Center
I have been so inspired by my colleague, MLA President Kelly Ric hards, and his vision for professional development for experienced library leaders. Kudos to MLA for listening and meeting this need—I am excited to s ee Think Space come together, and I cannot wait to attend.
As library leaders, we know our comm unities—including our library users and our library employees—rely on us to serve them with competence and caring, inspire them with fresh ideas and v ision, and leverage our networks to ensure our library is the best it can b e. As Kelly observed, when you are a library leader, it is the message that brings us together—our library size and type rarely matter. Think Space wa s inspired by conversations with Class 4-6 public library leaders, but the issues and opportunities Think Space is designed to address are relevant to all library leaders. This new professional development option is a tremend ous opportunity for library leaders from libraries of all sizes and classif ications to grow together, build community, and learn from some of the best thinkers in our profession and beyond. We are #strongertogether!
Speaking personally, I have t he good fortune to work in the heart of Detroit at the University of Detroi t Mercy, Michigan’s largest Catholic university, and the only university in the world that combines the centuries-old commitment to education shared b y the Society of Jesus and the Religious Sisters of Mercy. Our Jesuit and M ercy founders urge us to consider moral and ethical issues as we pursue our academic and vocational goals and to foster competent, compassionate leade rs ready to serve a vulnerable world. My experience at Detroit Mercy has ta ught me that rest, reflection, and good companionship are essential in carr ying out this important work. Think Space offers the opportunity I need to retreat, reflect, and engage so that I can be ready to serve our students a nd faculty and all those who rely on me with competence and compassion. I l ook forward to engaging with you in MLA’s Think Space.
Dean of Libraries, University
of Detroit Mercy
As directors of p ublic libraries, we can sometimes feel isolated in our positions because of the level of involvement required at our libraries. It’s difficult for our staff to understand the duties, obligations and organizational approach th at is required of us as directors. One thing I’ve found beneficial to help with this feeling of isolation is talking and collaborating with other dire ctors from around Michigan. Through talking with all of you, I find that I’ m not the only one dealing with a specific problem or approach to library s ervices or staffing, and you have ideas and solutions that I can take back to my library.
For professional development, when attending national conferences, I can piece together sessions that help me as a director. But, having a structured even t like the “Think Space”, with sessions that are specific to our roles as d irectors, is what makes this event truly unique. After the past two years t hat required so much of us as directors, I am looking forward to this event which will allow me to reconnect and reenergize in my role as a director. I hope to see you there because we’ll all benefit from having a wide range of directors from around the state attend.
Scott Duimstra
Executive Direc
tor, Capital Area District Libraries
< img style="margin: 0px 20px 20px; width: 250px; float: right;" src="/assets /images/thinkspace-LN.jpg" alt="" />Being the director of a library—regardl ess of size—is a unique job with unique needs that often only another perso n in that position can fully comprehend or appreciate. Having a safe space for formal and informal networking opportunities to get support, advice and at times brutally honest feedback from my peers has been critical to my ca reer success. I am very much looking forward to attending MLA’s new Think S pace to become part of a learning and motivational cohort of library direct ors that will provide professional development and inspiration along with e ncouragement and collaboration to make meaningful, positive change in me an d my library for the future.
Larry Neal, Director
Clinton Macomb Public
Library
Your re gistration at Think Space includes all educational sessions, breakfasts, lu nches, receptions, special events, parking, and overnight accommodations in Grand Rapids on December 9, 2021, and Boyne City on May 18, 2022. p>
Scholarship Deadline EXTENDED: November 8, 2021
Early Bird Deadline EXTENDED: November 8, 2021
R
egistration Closes: December 1, 2021, or when class is full
td> | Early Bird | Regular - After November 8 |
M ember | $1,595.00 | $1,895.00 |
$3,190.00 | $3,790.00< /td> |
Funds ar e available! We want to bring together library directors from libraries of all types and sizes throughout Michigan to share their experiences and lear n from one another. If you are an MLA member with an organizational m embership and complimentary director membership or an unaffiliated library director member and would like to attend but need financial assistance, ple ase submit a scholarship application to MLA as soon as possible. The form i s quick and easy to submit, learn more and apply.
Not an MLA member? Join with an organizational membership today and as library director, you will receive a complimentary individual membership AND be eligible to apply for an MLA E ducation Fund Scholarship. Learn more and join today. Questions about joini ng MLA? Contact Rachel Ash, Membership and Communications Director at rfash@milibraries.org or (517) 394-27 74 ext 2.
Gloria Lara (she/her)
Executive Director, Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance
Glo ria Lara has extensive experience in leadership positions in both the nonpr ofit and for-profit sectors. A native of Los Angeles, California, she recei ved a BA in business administration (accounting) from California State Univ ersity, Fullerton and a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Busi ness School. She held executive-level positions at major corporations durin g her over 20 years in the corporate world.
Since then, Gloria’s work has focused on nonprofit leadership and consulting. In September 2019, Glo ria was appointed Executive Director of the Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alli ance (LEDA). Prior to her work at LEDA, she served as CEO of Girl Scouts o f Michigan Shore to Shore; CEO of the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce ; and Executive Director of Michigan Career Hub. Most recently, she was con tracted by the Council of Michigan Foundations to facilitate the Shared Edu cation Vision Team, which brought together representatives from various sec tors across the state to develop recommendations for the future of K-12 edu cation in Michigan. As Principal Consultant for the LBR Group, she also adv ised nonprofits and their boards on governance, strategy, funding, and comm unity relations.
Susan Doughty (she/her)
Program Direc
tor, Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance
Susan Dought y’s career has been devoted to education, providing programs that foster so cial responsibility and inclusion, and helping to bring global peace and un derstanding to her community and country. She received her bachelor’s degre e from Indiana University and master’s degree from Nazareth College in Kala mazoo.
Susan taught elementary students in grades 2 and 3 and was als o a member of National Network of Partnership Schools and a Mentor to new t eachers. She went on to manage summer camp and year-round after-school prog rams for racially diverse participants of all ages. These programs addresse d summer learning loss, social awareness, self-esteem, individual academic goals, recreation and more. Susan also has years of experience working with international high school student exchange programs. Through this work she helped bring students from around the world to families, communities, and schools throughout the United States, working to break down cultural barrie rs.
She joined Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance in September 2020 as Program Director and is excited to bring her knowledge and experiences t o work developing, maintaining, facilitating, and cultivating LEDA’s progra ms. Susan is also committed to working with area partners to bridge racial divides, break down barriers and build inclusive welcoming communities for all.
Jyarland Daniels, Esq., MBA (she/her)
Founder &am
p; President, Harriet Speaks
Jyarland Daniels is an award-winnin g global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) leader and Founder and Pres ident of Harriet Speaks. To this work, Jyarland brings clients over ten yea rs of executive-level leadership experience in social justice and civil rig hts non-profit organizations. Prior to her work in nonprofits, she worked f or several Fortune 100 companies in marketing, luxury branding, crisis comm unications, and public relations.
Her understanding of diversity also reflects having lived and studied in Japan, Germany, and having led global teams.
She holds an undergraduate degree in Business Administration with a concentration in East Asian Languages and Cultures from the Universi ty of Kansas, an MBA in Marketing and Finance from the Ross School of Busin ess at The University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, and a law degree in Civil Ri ghts and Education Law from Wayne State University Law School in Detroit, M ichigan. She is licensed to practice law in the state of Michigan and is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Marcellus “MT” T
urner (he/him)
Chief Executive Officer/Chief Librarian,
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
With a storied career of opportuni ties, experiences and learned lessons working in libraries, Marcellus “MT” Turner wants all who meet him to know his passion for libraries as both ins titutions and community information centers.
A highly esteemed orato r and guest lecturer, MT started his new role as CEO and Chief Librarian of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library in April 2021. Prior to his current role, MT served as the Executive Director of the Seattle Public Library for ten yea rs. MT earned his master's degree in library science from the University of Tennessee and a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi University for Women. p>
Wonder what sparks joy for MT outside of libraries? Sharing his views and vision on the future of libraries and how social consciousness can beco me a rallying cry. In his spare time, MT is an avid reader who enjoys going to the movies, having dinner out with friends and traveling.
Ozy Aloziem (she/her)
Equi
ty, Diversity, and Inclusion Manager, Denver Public Library
Ozy Aloziem was initially hired at Denver Public Library (DPL) to lead and shap e the direction of a national environmental scan of urban libraries to eval uate policies promoting EDI in the workforce. She managed a consultant and recruited participants in a qualitative survey of staff identifying as Blac k, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) on their experience at DPL. She also supported the creation of and co-led a chapter of the Noname Book Club and a prison program.
Since transitioning to the role of equity, di versity, and inclusion (EDI) manager in September 2020, Aloziem has formed an EDI advisory council, supported the creation and launch of DPL's new str ategic plan, and is developing the library's Equity, Diversity & Inclus ion plan. She is also in the process of developing a culturally responsive wellness resource model for DPL staff who are members of groups historicall y underrepresented in the library workforce.
One of her greatest acco mplishments was convening and hosting the Advancing Racial Equity and Inclu sion in the Workplace Symposium, originally planned as a one-day, in-person event with 125 participants. When the pandemic hit, Aloziem adapted the sy mposium to a virtual format, extended it to three days, identified technica l support, and recruited presenters. More than 4,500 people registered, and more than 2,200 engaged from around the world.
Ozy Aloziem was named an Innovator on the Library Journal 2021 Movers and Shakers list.
December 9-10, 2021
Amway Grand Plaza, Grand Rapids
Introductory Lunch
Get to know your colleagues in new and creative ways.
Impl
icit Bias and Inclusive Practice
This two-part workshop is designed to promote critical thought and intr
ospection while sustaining inviting spaces for conversation and will focus
on helping participants develop an awareness of their own implicit biases a
nd provide them with strategies on how to counteract those biases in all as
pects of their lives.
Dia
log by Design – Courageous Conversations in Safe Spaces
Unle
ash the power of appreciative inquiry to create a culture of inclusion.
Leveraging Intergenerational Strengths
Bringing the generations together, we invite connectio
n in an open forum where the generations explore their differences, build e
mpathy for each other and most importantly, identify what they need from ea
ch other for our libraries to succeed. We’ll guide leaders to build strateg
ies that allow each generation to teach the other.
Pan el: Cultivating Equity and Inclusion in Library Leadership Roles < br />Hear from multiple library leaders on h ow to cultivate the next generation of leaders.
Welcom
e Reception
We will gather at
Founders Brewery for a private welcome reception and entertainment.<
/p>
Local Tours
Che
ck out a local library and learn about innovative technologies.
Think Space begins at noon on Thurs day, December 9, and concludes at 3:30 PM on Friday, December 10, 2021.
**Tentative Schedule, Subject to Change**
Thursday, December 9 | |
11:30 AM | Registration Open |
12:00 - 1:00 PM | Welcome and Networkin g Lunch |
1:30 - 3:30 PM | Implicit Bias and Inclusive Practice Part 1 |
3:30 - 3:45 PM | Break and Refreshments |
3:45 - 5:00 PM | Dealing with the D iscomforts of Change through Appreciative Inquiry |
5:30 - 8:30 PM | Welcom e Reception at Founders Brewing Company with optional brewery tour |
Friday, December 10 | |
8:00 - 9:00 AM | Breakfast |
8:15 - 9:00 AM | Tours of GVSU Ste elcase Library |
9:00 - 9:30 AM | Group Photo at Blue Bridge |
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM | Implicit Bias and Inclusive Practice Part 2 |
12:00 - 1:00 PM | Lu nch |
1:00 - 2:30 PM | Leveraging Intergenerational Strengths |
12:30 - 2:45 PM | Break and Refreshments |
2: 45 - 3:45 PM | Cultivating Equity & I nclusion in Library Leadership Roles |
3:45 PM | Adjournment |
May 18-19, 2022
Boyne Mountain Resort, Boyn
e City
Think Space begins at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, and concludes at 3:30 PM on May 19, 2022.
Diversity As Strategy
T
his workshop is designed to take the mystery out of implementing a sustaina
ble diversity and inclusion strategy and help develop a systematic approach
to diversity and inclusion that drives buy-in, sustainability and metrics
for success.
Reshaping Your Workforce so it Reflects the Dive
rsity of Your Community
Denver Public Library (DPL) recently
received an IMLS grant to conduct a comprehensive assessment project using
an equity framework to better understand effective strategies to reshape i
ts workforce so it reflects the diversity of the community. This session wi
ll feature a preliminary summary of findings.
Biases in Artif
icial Intelligence
Learn how human biases are amplified by A
I and the impacts of these amplifications on disadvantaged communities.
Panel: Recruiting and Retaining BIPOC Staff and Librarians
Hear from multiple library leaders on how to create inclusive and
supportive workplace cultures and help create pathways for marginalized st
aff members to advance.
Navigating Culture Change How to deal with the discomfort of change culture, conflict & diffi cult situations.
Think Space Reflection
Group d
iscussion reflecting on key takeaways from Think Space.
Zipline Reception
Enjoy a strolling d
inner reception in the resort’s courtyard with private access to the win zi
pline track that stretches overhead. Race your friends safely through the a
ir and enjoy the beautiful views of northern Michigan.
Group
Wellness Activities
Multiple opportunities will be offered f
or wellness including group hikes and yoga class.
**Tentative Schedule, Subject to Change**
Wednesday, May 1 8, 2022 | |
1:30 PM | Registration Open | 2:00 - 3:15 PM | Building EDI into Your Organization’s Structure and Strategic Goals |
< strong>3:15 - 3:30 PM | Break and Refreshments |
Reshaping Your Workforce so it Reflects the Diversity of Your Community td> | |
5:30 - 8:30 PM td> | Cocktail Reception and Stro lling Dinner |
5:30 - 8:30 PM | Zipline Races at Cocktail Reception |
8 :30 - 10:00 PM | Af terglow Bonfire |
Thursda y, May 19, 2022 | |
7:45 - 9:30 AM | Morning Activity and Breakfast |
9:30 - 10:30 AM | Biases in Artificial Intelligence |
10:45 AM - 12:00 PM | Panel: Recruiting and Retaining BIPOC Staff and Librarians |
12:00 - 1:00 PM | Lunch |
1:00 - 2:30 PM | Developing a EDI Strategic Plan |
2:30 - 2:45 PM | Break and Refreshments | < /tr>
2:45 - 3:30 PM | < td class="xl65" style="border-style: none;">Conclusion: Facilitated Reflect ion|
3:30 PM | Adjournment |
February 24, 2022
Virtual - Zoom<
/p>
The Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance will facilitate an optional T hink Space check-in between the December and May meetings. This session wil l provide participants with opportunities to ask questions, express concern s, share ways they have encountered bias and worked to counter it. This che ck-in will provide those in attendance with the chance to collaborate on st rategies they could implement to become a more inclusive organization and r eaffirm your commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion, and allow you to stay connected to fellow library directors throughout this exp erience.
MLA 2022 Annua
l Conference
October 19-21, 2022
Port Huron, Michigan
All Think Space participants that atte nd the MLA Annual Conference October 19-21, 2022 in Port Huron will be invi ted to attend a private breakfast reception. Note, Annual Conference regist ration is not included in Think Space registration.
Cancellations mus t be received in writing by e-mail no later than ten (10) business days pri or to the program in order to qualify for a refund. Within ten (10) busines s days of the event, no refund will be issued. No-shows will be invoiced. A $150.00 processing fee will be applied to refunds for multi-day workshops with overnight accommodations included. There are no refunds for missed ses sions or for declining the use of overnight accommodations. If the event is cancelled due to low registration or inclement weather, participants will be notified and fees, if applicable, will be refunded.
Registration and attendance at, or participation in, MLA meetings or oth er activities constitutes an agreement by the registration to the use and d istribution of the registrants or attendees' image or voice in photographs, videotapes, electronic reproductions of such events and activities by MLA. Please contact MLA at MLA@milibraries .org if you'd like to be removed from any list.
MLA is committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming envi ronment for all participants and MLA staff. Each participant, including att endees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, staff, service providers, is expe cted to understand and follow MLA policies and report any violations. These expectations apply to all MLA activities including those held in conjuncti on with MLA conferences, events and meetings, as well as online venues and social media.
Speakers are asked to frame discussions as openly and i nclusively as possible and to be aware of how language or images may be per ceived by others. Exhibitors in the exhibit hall, sponsor or vendor booths, or at accompanying activities are also subject to the policy.
Fu ll Code of Conduct can be reviewed here: MLA Code of Conduct
Based on the recomm endations from the CDC regarding smal l and large gatherings, and with our guests' safety in mind, we strongly re commend that you be fully vaccinated to attend. At this time, we also recom mend that masks be worn in all indoor spaces for the safety of all attendee s. These recommendations are subject to change based on recommendations in place at the time of the event. MLA will alert you of any changes to this p olicy.
If any government orders restrict us from gathering we will re assess the event dates and reimbursements at that time. If you have a posit ive COVID-19 test or exposure within 14 days of the event you are expected to alert MLA staff and are entitled to a refund.
We ask you to be co urteous and conscientious of others while meeting in-person at the event, e specially when it comes to health and safety.
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