Level Up Connected Learning at Your Library

Sunday, January 21, 2024

10:00am – 12:15pm EST

Location: Baltimore Convention Center, 316

Content Leader(s)

Linda W. Braun

Learning Consultant
The LEO Group
Kimberly Hirsh

Postdoctoral Scholar
University of California, Irvine
KH

Kelsey Hughes, MLIS (she/her/hers)

Branch Manager
Howard County Library System
Rachel West (she/her/hers)

Library Manager
Hockessin Library

Primary Contact(s)

Kimberly Hirsh

Postdoctoral Scholar
University of California, Irvine

Connected learning is a learning model that leverages youth interests and relationships to create academic, civic, career, or other opportunities. This model is excellent for libraries working to close the activity gap between lower income and upper income youth. In this interactive accelerator session, participants will use the latest cutting edge research on connected learning in libraries to identify which level of connected learning practice is present at their library: developing, practicing, or implementing. They will learn what makes a library a connected library and what factors enable connected learning through libraries. Participants will then create a plan to move their library’s connected learning practice up a level through either revamping an existing service or developing a new service. Participants will leave ready to implement their plan. Note: This session is ideal for pairs of one library administrator and one frontline staff member. Individuals are also welcome.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this session, the learner will be able to describe the three principles of connected learning and four elements of connected learning environments.
At the end of this session, the learner will be able to evaluate the extent to which their library is a connected library.
At the end of this session, the learner will be able to identify at least three enabling factors for connected learning present or to be developed in their library.
At the end of this session, the learner will be able to explain identify their library's level of connected learning implementation and explain what makes that the current level.
At the end of this session, the learner will have created a plan for moving their library from the current level of connected learning implementation to the next level.