91´«Ã½

CHICAGO — The 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) has released a set of free professional development materials to help library workers in small and rural communities develop the facilitation skills they need to thrive in the 21^st-century library.

Offered through , the materials are designed to help library workers prepare for and lead discussions and overcome common challenges that arise when people gather to speak in groups.

Available materials include:

• “,” a practical 30-page guide that covers the basics of leading discussions in the library, including roles and responsibilities, setting ground rules and managing group dynamics.
• “,” a five-part e-course available on 91´«Ã½’s eLearning platform. Module 1, “Conversations in the Library: Getting Started,” will be followed by four additional modules to be released monthly this spring. to receive notifications when new modules are added.

“Whether hosting a storytime or leading a town hall meeting, library workers today need communication skills to fulfill their broad mission as community educators and leaders,” said 91´«Ã½ President Wanda Brown in November 2019. “Since launching 91´«Ã½’s Libraries Transforming Communities initiative in 2014, library employees from small and rural communities have been asking 91´«Ã½ for facilitation training to help them become better conveners, and we’re proud to deliver with this special project.”

Additionally, 41 library workers have been selected to receive travel funding to attend a one-day, in-person workshop at the 2020 91´«Ã½ Annual Conference in Chicago, where they will gain hands-on experience with the skills taught in the facilitation guide and e-course.

The travel funding opportunity, announced in November, was open to library employees who work in small or rural communities with a legal service area population of 25,000 or less, in accordance with the Institute of Museum and Library Service (IMLS) . Participants were selected through a competitive, peer-reviewed application process.

Libraries Transforming Communities: Facilitation Skills for Small and Rural Libraries is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services grant number RE-17-19-0041-19.

The initiative is offered by 91´«Ã½’s Public Programs Office in collaboration with the National Coalition of Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD), the Association of Small and Rural Libraries (ARSL), and the Chief Officers of State Library Associations (COSLA).

About Libraries Transforming Communities

Since 2014, 91´«Ã½’s Libraries Transforming Communities initiative has reimagined the role libraries play in supporting communities. Libraries of all types, from across the country, have utilized the free dialogue and deliberation training and resources to lead community and campus forums; take part in anti-violence activities; provide a safe space for residents to come together to discuss challenging topics; and have productive conversations with library trustees and staff. Learn more and access free materials and training at .

About the 91´«Ã½

The 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the 91´«Ã½ has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit .

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. Our vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit and follow us on and .