For current generations of librarians, the essential role of safeguarding knowledge and access has been impacted by multiple technological revolutions. Technological advancements are wondrous, but often exclude the most vulnerable residents in society, as innovation edges out older generations and low-income households, AI threatens to replace many service industry employment options, and social media presents a version of truth with no commitment to accuracy or privacy. In this landscape, libraries are uniquely able to understand and authentically connect to their communities, and this embodiment of integrity and public trust has immense value. In San José, known as the “Capitol of Silicon Valley,” this trusted role shaped the City’s Digital Equity and Empowerment Strategy, with the Library leading local, regional, statewide, and national policy development. 

Main topics:

• Strategic long-term assistance to children who lost one or both parents during the war in Ukraine.
• How the fund functions: mission & vision, team.
• Individual approach to work with affected families.
• Overview of our supporting programs.
• Types of support needed.
• Successful and life-changing stories in the lives of children of the Fund.
• Building the fund’s reputation and attracting partnerships.

What are our library leaders thinking about the future? Erik Boekesteijn interviewed many library leaders from around the world and put them together in one documentary video. David Lankes and Erik share their words and insights while facilitating discussion. Get ideas and inspiration from interviews shared by our worldwide travelers and amazing storytellers along with wonderful, forward-thinking library leaders including Lidewij Edelkoort, Trend forecaster, publisher, humanitarian, design educator and exhibition curator; Charlotte Grün, Ontwerper, (design) researcher en Creatief Strateeg Studio; Gene Tan, Chief Librarian & Chief Innovation Officer, National Library Board, Singapore; Sandra Hirsh, Associate Dean, Academics College of Professional and Global Education, San Jose State University; Jane Cowell, President Australian Library and Information Association; Nick Poole, Chief Executive of CILIP, UK.

Mike is a well practiced international facilitator and programme designer with over thirty years experience in working with communities, especially young leaders to develop their capacity to become proactive change makers. In this workshop Mike will lead some dynamic and hopefully fun activities, to hear stories, share experiences and draw out ideas for how libraries can serve as spaces for dialogue and participation, and how small groups of people, convened in active citizenship, can lead by example in catalysing change in the their wider communities.