Libraries as Learning Organizations

The Idaho Commission for Libraries held its first online conference on May 14 - Libraries = Learning Organizations. Thirty-five people from throughout Idaho gathered virtually to begin the discussion about learning organizations and how that might apply to their libraries. It was a robust conversation, creating lots of enthusiasm and excitement. Archives, powerpoints, and bibliography

Then earlier this week, I attended the WebJunction Webinar "Libraries as Learning Organizations". Four panelists talked about how their libraries -- Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, Pierce County Library, and Denver Public Library -- have started their journey toward becoming a learning organization and what that means within their organizations. Content and archives

One term that I really liked and will start using is "learning champions." Denver Public Library has some great strategies for "growing learning champions."

I challenge you to discover the learning champions within your organization!

Staff Development Tools

This site came to my attention today -- it has some great tools for Staff Development which can be molded to fit your specific needs check it out!

Yale University Library has a form for an individual to use in writing a learning plan or IDP, as well as a guide for developing the IDP. These can be seen on their staff training and devlopment Web page at http://ogma.library.yale.edu/training/stod/staffdev/learningplan.html

Another useful tool for individual and staff development is the University of North Texas Le@Ds program -- it will provide feedback and help you track your progress electronically -- it's free!

http://www.leadonline.info/StaffDevelopment1.cfm