Key conference themes
Culture
One of the most profound findings in OCLC's study "From Awareness to Funding" was that libraries need passionate librarians to survive. Learn how to create an authentic, vibrant, creative culture at your organisation - and why this is so important. Topics to include internal communications, staff empowerment, best hiring practices, power of language, organisational structure and more.
Customer curiosity
The future of libraries lies in ideas and creativity; organisations that help foster curiosity will be the ones to survive. Discuss ways to nurture and support customer curiosity; inspire discovery, learning and creativity; and celebrate customers as content producers and creative beings.
Creative spaces
Libraries must shift perceptions by eliminating barriers to creativity and learning for library customers. Examine topics like space design, hospitality, intuitive discovery, the power of surprise and other ways to enhance the customer experience.
Abundant community
To remain a relevant and vital asset, libraries must strengthen their role as catalysts for social engagement by connecting people with information and opportunities while fostering partnerships and public dialogue that enrich and empower communities. Lead by example through creative partnerships and innovation in our ever-changing, hyperlinked world where everything is connected.
The programme is still underdevelopment - registration opens in April 1, 2012. To find out more about R-Squared, visit rsquaredconference.org, facebook.com/rsquaredconference or follow on Twitter @rsquaredconf.
Stacie Ledden is the Communications Manager at Anythink Libraries in Adams County, Colorado.
Image courtesy of Torley via Flickr.