OPAL event on The September Project

Last Friday, David, Mike Baldwin (a September Project Board member and Library Director at Benbrook Library District), and I participated in an engaging discussion about The September Project and civic participation in libraries around the world.

Masterfully moderated by Taylor Willingham (Coordinator of Texas Forums and an international expert in deliberative democracy), she deftly encouraged all participants to type or voice their comments, allowing everyone to share their ideas and contribute to the stimulating conversation. Many creative ideas surfaced, and one in particular--global collaborations--got me thinking.

For our part, we've facilitated collaborations as libraries express interest, and using our listserv and e-mail, we've encouraged all kinds of collaborations between libraries. In the past, inspired collaborations between libraries using free chat software or sharing programs across branches and systems have taken place. AND, this September, using OPAL, the Bensenville Community Library is hosting an event open to all. (Check it out!)

But one librarian wanted to know if there were more formal channels for facilitating collaborations between September Project participants. This is a great point, and worth exploring. So far, we haven't initated any formal channels, and I'd love to hear more ideas on this topic. If you have ideas about how to spark, capture, and initiate more collaborations between libraries, let's get the conversations started! Please leave comments on on the blog, or share your ideas on the listserv, or e-mail us.

There's so much more to talk about, but why don't you listen and watch for youself! The program archive can be found in many formats on the OPAL site.