Exploring Innovation: Mortenson Center’s 2024 Cohort Field Trip Highlights

By Dr. Muhammad Sajid Mirza

This blog post provides a pictorial overview of the 13 field trips organized by the Mortenson Center for their 2024 Cohort associates over the past two weeks (June 03-14, 2024).

Field trips are crucial for librarians as they offer firsthand exposure to innovative practices and technologies. These experiences inspire creative solutions and provide insights into diverse library operations and services, enhancing professional development and enriching understanding of evolving library landscapes. Additionally, they foster networking among professionals, sparking collaboration and idea exchange.

Join me on a pictorial tour!

1st Day, June 03, 2024              Tour of Campus to Green Street/ Minerva Statue

3rd Day, June 05, 2024             Oak Street Library Facility

3rd Day, June 05, 2024             Conservation Lab

4th Day, June 06, 2024             Grainger Engineering & Information Center (GELIC) & IDEA Lab

4th Day, June 06, 2024             Urbana Free Public Library

4th Day, June 06, 2024             Main Library, UIUC

8th Day , June 10, 2024          Center for Innovation in Teaching & Learning

9th Day, June 11, 2024             Sousa Music Archives

10th Day, June 12, 2024           Altrusa Dinner

11th Day, June 13, 2024           ALA Headquarters, Chicago

11th Day, June 13, 2024           The University of Chicago, Chicago

12th Day, June 14, 2024           AMP Marketing

12th Day, June 14, 2024           Chicago Public Library, Harold Washington Branch   

The field trips have been a remarkable journey into the forefront of library innovation. Through these experiences, participants have gained invaluable insights, fostering new ideas and collaborations that will undoubtedly help them in initiating innovative services in their libraries. Thank you for joining me on this path of learning.