A happy kid enjoys the docked iPad at the Rice Lake Public Library

Here’s a cool thing that a library system in Maryland has put together, open to librarians from around the country!  Check it out:

Do you want to know what others in the country are doing in their libraries? Are you curious about the library world beyond your own stacks? Do you have a topic of particular interest to the library community that you would like to discuss? Maybe you had a great conversation during a breakout session at a conference that you would like to explore in more depth. Join us online for Conversation Sparks!

Conversation Sparks is a way to facilitate a large-scale conversation with librarians around the country. In this virtual environment, participants will meet with the purpose of exchanging ideas, exploring best practices, and learning from others in the profession. It is a way to break paradigms and learn from the examples of others in an environment of respect and understanding.

Each session will feature a new topic of conversation centered on the needs, concerns, and trends in today’s libraries. Speakers will consist of volunteers from the library community and beyond with a common goal of advocating and sharing their particular area of expertise. A subject expert will introduce the topic which will be followed by examples in the field from around the country. Sessions are not meant to be static, but are intended to spark conversations, generate new ideas, ignite passions, and help fuel enthusiasm for the profession.

Upcoming topics of conversation:
• August 27th 1pm Central Standard Time: Tech-savvy kids at the library with Cen Campbell of LitteeLit.com

• Sharing examples needed of innovative tech-with-kids projects or programs at the library. Please contact Jennifer Hopwood at jhopwood@somd.lib.md.us by August 9th, 2013 if you would like to be listed as a sharing participant.