More than 100 library directors will convene in the Scenic City today as part of the Sixth Annual Directors’ Summit put on by Library Journal. Library Journal, the leading trade magazine for the profession, has hosted previous events in Chicago, San Francisco, Columbus, and Los Angeles. Chattanooga and this year’s theme, “State of Transformation”, was chosen partly because of the rapid changes and positive impact that the Chattanooga Public Library has had in the community and the widespread curiosity of how it works.
The Summit will take place Thursday and Friday, at the downtown branch of the Chattanooga Public Library.
Keynote speakers include Dr. Peter Bishop retired as an associate professor of Strategic Foresight and Director of the graduate program in Foresight at the University of Houston and Mukti Khaire is an Associate Professor and Marvin Bower Fellow at Harvard Business School. Mayor Andy Berke will welcome the attendees Thursday at the opening ceremony at 1 p.m.
“We seek out partners partners breaking new ground in library service. We want to bring other library leaders to a setting they should see and learn about, to lean on as a model as they continue moving their own libraries forward,” said Rebecca Miller, editorial director of Library Journal and School Library Journal. “This year’s focus is on anticipating change and emerging leadership models, and Chattanooga Public Library will be a backdrop of innovation as attendees witness Chattanooga’s gig city ethos in action; explore the famed 4th floor; reflect on the rise of the participatory library, and much more."
Library Journal and the hosting library collaborate to create learning and conversation around pressing issues that libraries and directors are facing to help steer the profession in a positive direction. Past themes have included fundraising, marketing, advocacy, handling disruption, and design thinking.
“I’m proud to have this opportunity to host so many of my very talented colleagues,” said Corinne Hill, director of the Chattanooga Public Library and recipient of Library Journal's Librarian of the Year distinction this year. “We are flattered to have been chosen as Library Journal’s partner and are confident that attendees will leave inspired and able to go back to their own libraries with new ideas that will help their communities as much as we’ve been able to help our own.”
For the full schedule, click here.