The Picture We Paint Together: Creative Collaboration to Meet Community Needs

AUDIENCE: Professionals at all levels passionate about creative thinking in libraries

“Everyone is creative” is one of Anythink’s core values, and this public library system in Adams County, Colorado, used creative thinking to revolutionize its approach to library service. Anythink transformed from one of the worst-funded library systems in Colorado to an award- winning well-funded library known worldwide for innovative programs and services.

Creativity comes in many forms beyond music, dance or art; creativity is also found in problem- solving, idea generation and innovation. Learn how building a strong culture of creativity and collaboration can help meet a community’s changing needs.

Through conversation and hands-on exercises, explore some of the tools to use for collaboration and creating a shared vision. Participants are encouraged to bring a challenge, opportunity or new idea to workshop together in this session. This all-day interactive workshop is beneficial for librarians and staff looking to transform any type of library.

Workshop participants will:

  • Understand how creative collaboration can support innovation
  • Understand the importance of shared values in organizational culture
  • Have a toolkit of exercises for creative thinking and problem solving to use with their own staff

Presenter:

Tiffany Garrett

Stacie Ledden is the Director of Strategic Partnerships at Anythink Libraries. After joining the district in 2008, she assisted in launching the Anythink brand that in 2011 garnered the John Cotton Dana Award for Outstanding Public Relations in Libraries. Before joining Anythink, Stacie was an editor for a global newswire service, a freelance writer, and a faithful library customer. In 2012, she helped launch R-Squared – The Risk & Reward Conference, which focused on creativity and taking smart risks to move libraries forward. She is also one of the creators and former chair of the planning committee for Outside the Lines: Libraries Reintroduced, a global initiative that demonstrates the creativity and innovation happening in libraries. Stacie was named one of Library Journal’s Movers and Shakers for 2013.