The American Library Association and the San José State University School of Information are excited to introduce ALA ThinkTank, a new free webcast series exploring key issues shaping today’s modern world. The first webcast in the series will take place on October 30, 2024, at 10 a.m. Pacific Time. Registration is limited to 1,000 attendees. The webcast will be recorded and made freely available. Please note that this series has no affiliation with the Library Think Tank Facebook group.

The recording will be posted here as soon as it is available.

Abstract

In a world marked by increasing polarization, societal fragmentation, and a sense of unease, the concepts of peace and collaboration often seem left out of public discussion. In this new series, we will spend a morning fostering dynamic discussion developing innovative strategies to use the library as a catalyst for addressing regional and local conflicts.

The event will feature two key sessions: Examples from the Field, and Tools and Strategies. Participants will learn from libraries sharing insights about how to successfully navigate conflicts in the communities we serve, where practical approaches and resources will be explored. Both sessions will feature facilitated breakout groups to allow participants to reflect on their unique challenges and collaboratively design solutions that they can implement in their libraries
and communities.

This dynamic thought-provoking event following a Think Tank concept is specifically designed to engage library professionals in deep discussions and collaborative problem-solving. The Think Tank concept is particularly valuable for librarians and the themes of democracy, peace, and conflict resolution, as it encourages a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving. By bringing together diverse perspectives, this format allows for the generation of fresh ideas and the adaptation of best practices to local contexts. For librarians, who are at the heart of their communities, this format offers a powerful way to harness collective knowledge and
creativity, ensuring that they are well-equipped to address the complex social issues they encounter. The event will culminate in a closing session highlighting key takeaways and summarizing discussions to guide future strategies.

Agenda

10 a.m. – Welcome

• Loida Garcia-Febo, Health and Wellness Ambassador, SJSU School of Information
• Dr. Anthony Chow, Director, San Jose Staté University School of Information

10:05 a.m. Keynote

• “The Role of Libraries in Promoting Democracy and Conflict Resolution”
• Nancy Kranich, ALA Past President, Teaching Professor and LIS Concentration Coordinator, Rutgers University School of Communication and Information

10:20 a.m. Examples from the Field

• Amanda Smithfield, School Librarian, Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet: Creator of a monthly panel and a podcast platform for students to share their takes on social issues.
• Karen Keys, Head of YA Services at Brooklyn Public Library: Books Unbanned program
• Madeleine Ildefonso, Office of Civics and Community Services, Engagement and Learning Division, Los Angeles Public Library: Digital solutions for conflict-resolution.
• Deirdriú McQuaid, County Librarian and Head of Cultural Services, Monaghan County Council:  An Irish Library Story of Building Better Relations at Local level – Northern Ireland & Republic Ireland Peace Programme
• Arizza Nocum, Co-founder and President of KRIS for Peace Philippines: Peace Library

10:35 a.m. Breakout Session

11:05 a.m. Tools and Strategies

• Jimmeka Anderson, Ph.D., Post Doctoral Fellow, CIRCLE Center for Information and Research on Civic and Learning Engagement at Tish College for Civic Life | Tufts University

11:20 a.m. Breakout Session

11:50 a.m. Closing Session

• Loida Garcia-Febo, Health and Wellness Ambassador, SJSU School of Information
• Dr. Anthony Chow, Director, San Jose Staté University School of Information

12 p.m. Closing Remarks

Please note that this event has no connection to the Library ThinkTank Facebook group or any other social media group. This is an independent event planned through a partnership between ALA and the San José State University iSchool, and the content and speakers have no connection to any other group with a similar name.