iSchool Institute Symposium: Crowdfunding and Libraries now open for registration

Monday & Tuesday December 9 & 10, 2013, Toronto

Crowdfunding and Libraries

From the Pebble watch to support for EveryLibrary.org and LibraryBox, crowdfunding is hitting the consciousness of libraries as a wonderful opportunity for libraries of all types to raise funds for exciting programs and projects from their communities..

Every library always needs money.  That’s how we fund our mission to engage our communities and make a difference economically, socially, educationally and have a positive impact on our world.  Libraries have become better at applying for and receiving grants and justifying their budgets and finances to their local and regional funding authorities.  But there’s never enough money to support all of our good ideas.  Online crowdfunding sites are a new opportunity that innovative libraries and librarians are trying.  

Recent innovations in the crowdfunding space have created a great new opportunity for libraries to seek and get funding for our projects and initiatives.  People want to invest in libraries.  Websites like Rally.org, Kickstarter and IndieGoGo have been used by libraries across North America to successfully raise funds and engage their communities. 

It is early days and those who hop on quickly can learn and achieve success.  This symposium has been designed to bring together experienced library folk to share their experiences and practices as well as to discuss crowdfunding, grantsmanship and new methods for raising money to support  our libraries’ missions and projects.

Speakers

See the program, register and learn more at the Crowdfunding and Libraries website: http://www.crowdfundingandlibraries.org/ 

Attendees had this to say about our recent iSchool Institute symposia on Pushing the Envelope on eLearning in Libraries (moocsandlibraries.org) and Creative Making & Makerspaces (creativemaking.org):

“Great  conference!”

“Really like access to international  speakers with strong, practical content.” 

“Love the Skype additions to the program.”

“This symposium had some of the best overall content of any conference I’ve attended, including big ones like OLA, PLA, ALA, etc.”

“Enjoyed the mix of in person, multimedia, skype.” “Great mix.”  “The variety added to the ability to maintain attention – you got it right.”

“Choice of speakers was outstanding.”  “They all excelled.”

“All speakers were on subject and brought experience and expertise.  Good spotlight on the tools so we can make decisions about our own spaces.”

“All the speakers were inspiring and informative.  This symposium make me think about creative making in a deeper way and gave me ideas about how libraries can be leaders in providing access to creative making spaces, instruction, events, etc.  I loved Chattanooga PL’s 4th floor culture, the energy they put into their events.  Fayetteville PL’s call for libraries to ‘just be relevant’ is also amazing – I believe that organizational culture eats planning for breakfast and it is inspirational to see how these libraries operate.”

“I really liked getting insight from organizations outside of libraries as well as libraries of different types – hearing about the successful things they are doing.”

Learn more and see the program at Crowdfunding and Libraries website: http://www.crowdfundingandlibraries.org/