Calgary Public Library

Conference Presentation delivered at the 2019 Alberta Library Conference.

Inclusion statements: what are they and why do they matter? Learn about the Calgary Public Library’s journey in thinking about, talking about and developing an inclusion statement, and what it can mean for the library’s daily work.

This presentation focuses on the strategic value of (re-) engaging Library teams. Staff members committed to learning, changing, growing and to getting things right as libraries transform themselves in service to ever-evolving communities, are essential our continued success. Attached is an overview of some compelling reasons and concrete strategies for connecting all levels of library staff.

In the spring of 2017, the Calgary Public Library launched an ambitious project to revitalize Alberta’s oldest public library, the Memorial Park branch. Learn about some of the exciting ways in which CPL is animating its spaces, trialing new services, and fostering community dialogue. Take home scalable ideas to revitalize your own library.
Learning Objectives:

• Explore new services and programs being trialed at Memorial Park
• Identify creative, scalable ways to engage with patrons

Is your library full of older patrons who struggle to use a computer or send a text message? This presentation will outline how increased digital literacy can have a positive social impact in your community. When your senior patrons are comfortable using, understanding, and creating digital content, they become active digital citizens – able to reliable interact with the world through the use of technology. As we debunk the myth that seniors are unwilling and unable to learn about technology, we will explore the many ways to incorporate technology and digital literacy into library programming. From one-on-one support to intergenerational learning and passive programming, digital literacy learning can be supported in a variety of ways in libraries. Learn the dos and don’ts of teaching tech to seniors and discuss solutions to common issues, such as varying literacy levels, a lack of familiarity, and losing your patience!

Marketing and fundraising are more important in today’s library than ever before. Learn tips and tricks to fund and market new programs and services, as your library expands beyond being only a place to borrow books.
Learning objectives:

• Learn successful marketing and fundraising techniques used by a large Alberta library
• Get new ideas for your own marketing and fundraising strategies
• Gain a better knowledge and understanding of why fundraising should be important for your library

Coding is a foundational skill. Many schools are still not teaching computer science, and libraries have a key role to play in introducing people to these critical concepts in a fun, non-intimidating way.
Learning objectives:

• Discover high-quality free online resources for computer science education
• Learn about Calgary Public Library’s self-directed model for coding programs
• Understand the concepts of computational thinking and coding logic

Does your community need an Idea Lab? Absolutely! Using a new partnership model, Calgary Public Library designed a unique, innovation-focused space in our Central Library. An ‘Idea Lab’ is a space that embraces and facilitates idea generation through activities, tools, and technology.
Learning objectives:

• Understand the Idea Labs concept and ethos
• Know when an Idea Lab is appropriate for your library
• Learn how to get one started in your library