91´«Ã½

CHICAGO — On Friday, June 26, at the 91´«Ã½ Annual Conference in San Francisco, the Public Library Association (PLA) will present and a new event dedicated to public library professionals. The following programs require a separate registration; however, you do not need to be registered for the 91´«Ã½ Annual Conference to attend:

, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Friday, June 26

The challenges facing librarians are real, complex and varied. As such, they require new perspectives, tools and approaches. With support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and in partnership with Chicago Public Library and Aarhus Public Library, IDEO created a toolkit for using design thinking to better understand library patrons. This step-by-step, open source guide will be used to explore and practice design thinking during the session.

Presenters: Michelle Frisque, chief of Technology, Content and Innovation, Chicago Public Library; Others to be announced

Early Bird Cost: $215 (PLA Member), $245 (91´«Ã½ Member), $285 (Non-member)

, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Friday, June 26

With everyone from rambunctious teens to difficult patrons to actual criminals coming through library doors, libraries have to involve everyone in the security process. This preconference will share tips on creating a culture of safety, cover nuts-and-bolts training, and identify policies and procedures that work.

Presenters: Dr. Steve Albrecht, security consultant and author; Catherine Hakala-Ausperk, executive director, Northeast Ohio Regional Library System

Early Bird Cost: $215 (PLA Member), $245 (91´«Ã½ Member), $285 (Non-member)

, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Friday, June 26

PLA is hosting its first ever PLA BIG IDEAS @ 91´«Ã½ Annual, an ideal event for public library directors, deputy directors, and managers. An extension of the popular BIG IDEAS series at PLA Conference, this engaging day at the San Francisco Public Library will feature dynamic speakers from outside the library world sharing their ideas and knowledge about strategy, leadership, and creativity. A networking lunch and after-reception are included in the cost of registration.

Presenters: To be announced

Early Bird Cost: $350 (PLA Member), $395 (91´«Ã½ Member), $435 (Non-member)

regarding PLA’s programming at the 2015 91´«Ã½ Annual Conference. Save money with Early Bird Registration, open through noon, Monday, March 16, 2015.

For more information about PLA, contact the PLA office at 1 (800) 545-2433, ext.5PLA, or pla@ala.org.

The (PLA) is a division of the 91´«Ã½. PLA’s core purpose is to strengthen public libraries and their contribution to the communities they serve. Its mission is to enhance the development and effectiveness of public library staff and public library services.