The Beginning of Transformation

2024, June 10th -14th

Day 1: Overview and Introduction to CITL

Overview of Facilities and Resources at CITL: The first day began with an insightful tour of the Center for Innovation and Learning (CITL). The comprehensive overview of the facilities and resources provided a strong foundation for understanding the potential of CITL. The state-of-the-art technology and collaborative spaces emphasized the center’s commitment to fostering innovation and learning.

Journaling Session: The journaling session was particularly enlightening. It highlighted how journaling can unlock creativity and philosophical thinking, reinforcing the idea that everyone possesses artistic and philosophical potential. This session encouraged us to see the value in our personal reflections and how they contribute to our growth.

Lunch Break and Ideation with Cards: During lunch, we engaged in an ideation activity using cards. This playful approach demonstrated the diversity of thought and perspective, showing how each individual interprets and processes information differently. It was a fun yet revealing exercise that underscored the importance of diverse viewpoints in innovation.

Human-Centered Design: Learning about human-centered design was a pivotal moment. We explored how knowledge and information should be utilized for the benefit of all living things, not just humans. This broadened our understanding of design’s impact on the environment and society, reinforcing the importance of sustainability and inclusivity in our work.

Presentation Skills Session: The session on presentation skills was both engaging and practical. It covered essential techniques for delivering effective and impactful presentations, a crucial skill for any professional. The hands-on approach made the session particularly valuable.

Podcast Recording and Laser Burning: Recording a podcast and learning laser burning techniques on wood were unique and exciting experiences. These activities not only showcased innovative uses of technology but also demonstrated how such tools can be employed creatively in libraries to engage and educate the community.

Day 2: Open Education Resources and Leadership Insights

Open Education Resources (OER): The session on Open Education Resources provided deep insights into the potential of open access and copyright issues. We learned about the benefits of OER in making education more accessible and equitable. However, the session on measuring library impact, which I had been eagerly anticipating, was somewhat disappointing and did not meet my expectations.

Leadership Talk with the Dean of Libraries: A highlight of the day was the inspiring talk with the Dean of Libraries. Hearing about the Dean’s journey from an HR clerk to the Head of the Libraries was motivational. It illustrated how leadership can drive significant changes and underscored the importance of vision, resilience, and continuous professional growth.

SWOC Analysis: Miss Peggy introduced us to SWOC (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Challenges) analysis, emphasizing its importance in organizational assessment. This tool will be invaluable in our strategic planning and decision-making processes.

Day 3: Sustainable Development Goals and Action Planning

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Miss Clara’s session on sustainable development goals prompted a thorough review of our department’s activities. It made us think critically about how we can align our efforts to contribute to the SDG index. This session was crucial in understanding the broader impact of our work and how we can make meaningful contributions to global sustainability.

Action Plan Discussion: We discussed the action plan for our final presentations. This collaborative planning session was instrumental in setting clear objectives and strategies for our future initiatives. Peggy’s reminder to enjoy the process and not to succumb to pressure was reassuring and helped reduce some of the anxiety associated with our tasks.

Days 4 and 5: Library Tours and Real-World Insights

Library Tours: The tours of various library services and facilities, including Chicago University Library and the Public Library, were both at a time exciting and exhausting. These visits provided real-world examples of innovative library practices and the extensive range of services offered to the community. Seeing these operations firsthand was incredibly informative and gave us numerous ideas to implement in our own libraries.

Overall Reflection: The entire week was a whirlwind of learning, exploration, and reflection. Each session contributed to a deeper understanding of our roles as library champions. The participants were equipped with new knowledge, skills, and perspectives that will undoubtedly help us drive positive changes in our libraries. The week was challenging for me but immensely rewarding, providing a solid foundation for our future endeavors.

As we move forward, we have a lot to contemplate and implement. The training has not only broadened our professional horizons but also strengthened our resolve to be effective champions for our library communities.