in·no·va·tor [in-uh-vey-tor] noun: one who introduces something new or makes changes in anything established

Being an innovator requires vision, discipline, experimentation, inclusion of diverse perspectives, perseverance and optimism. In California we have many progressive libraries and a growing community of innovators who are experimenting with and exploring new frontiers related to productive aging. By supporting such innovation with resources and tools, the State Library hopes to help libraries build their capacity for continuous self-renewal and community relevance.

FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITY COMING IN 2010

Interested library staff from California, Idaho, Oregon and Wahington are invited to apply for a year long learning Fellowship related to public libraries and Baby Boomers that will commence in July 2010. The Fellowship is designed to enable library professionals to create new models of engagement and deliver innovative services to the growing population of active, older adults. The Fellowship experience will commence with a webinar and facilitated blog discussion, followed by a 2 1/2 day learning institute in Portland, OR which will be further expanded upon via a 6-month facilitated online learning community.  Fellows will learn from current leaders and futurists in the fields of aging, health, social sciences, economics, lifelong learning and civic engagement as well as hear from library leaders who have been at the forefront of innovative library responses developed to date.   Up to 100 applicants will be accepted for this Fellowship.  Applications will be available on this website mid-January 2010.