Wednesday, September 10, 1:00-2:30pm EST (virtual)

Description

In November 2024, the fourth session of the Next Steps in Teen Services series focused on futures-thinking for teens.  This session built on past Maryland professional development trainings about futures-thinking and foresight, including the Futures Conference held in 2023 and the 2024 virtual presentation by bestselling author, researcher, and game designer, Jane McGonigal, “Jane McGonigal: Building Urgent Optimism for the Future”, hosted by the Enoch Pratt Free Library and Maryland Libraries Together.

During the “Futures-Thinking for Teens session” held last fall, participants explored the concepts of futures-thinking and the benefits of developing futures-thinking skills, led by Dr. Peter Bishop, (Teach the Future), state library staff from the Idaho Commission for Libraries, and library staff from Harford County Public Library, who are actively training staff in futures-thinking practices and offering futures-thinking programming to teens and adults. We also explored why futures-thinking can be particularly appealing to teens as it taps into their creative, exploratory energy and why it can be so beneficial for them, helping them in imagining and defining possible life journey tracks in terms of their educational/career, social, and personal choices.

This Reconvene, several months into the future, will bring attendees from the first session and others interested in futures-thinking together to share initiatives or programs that have occurred or are being planned to promote futures-thinking amongst staff or customers.  The presenters from the original session will each provide updates and share new futures-thinking practices, projects, and resources, as well as examples of futures-thinking programs happening around the country.  Time will also allow questions and discussion as we continue to ponder ways to prepare for future times.

Learning Objectives - Participants will be able to:

• Explain at least one theory or concept of futures-thinking.
• Explain one benefit of developing futures-thinking skills by library staff and teens
• Name one futures-thinking strategy or program idea they plan to implement with adult or teen customers.

Presenters: Dr. Beter Bishop, Teach the Future: Annie Gaines, Deana Brown, and Jennifer Redford, Idaho Commission for Libraries; Pam Taylor and Tracy Miller, Harford County Public Library

CE Hours: 2 (includes .5 hour of Pre-work)

Pre-work (.5 CE Hour)

Reg. Opens:  July 7

Reg. Closes: September 2, 5:00pm.  The pre-work assignment and the Zoom link for the session will be sent to all registrants.