Navigating the Future of Libraries: A Rhode Map

	Navigating the Future of Libraries: A Rhode Map Steering Committee

Home Steering Committee Legislative Commission Events Working Groups Supporters Resources Contacts Site Index	Lifelong Learning Working Group Purpose: The Life Long Learning Working Group supports the important work of the LibFutures Steering Committee by recommending a vision for all Rhode Island Libraries to help patrons build a brighter future through library materials, on-line learning, and help from trained librarians who are experts in finding information. Charge: The Life Long Learning Working Group will develop an action plan for Rhode Island libraries to provide learning communities that nurture the emotional and academic growth of all. This action plan should include the development of more, better and different learning opportunities for RI residents. It will also include appropriate legislative recommendations for the Library Commission. Activities/Inputs: Review current RI Library practices to determine how they: enable young people to get the best start in life promote and sustain learning and education help adults increase skills in existing jobs help the unemployed find meaningful work enable retired and the elderly population to engage in activities promoting active healthy, minds and bodies offer citizenship and literacy support to immigrant populations Output: Recommend a vision for a “Library centered learning society” where everyone can learn and upgrade skills throughout life. Outcomes: The Library Commission will have legislative recommendations based on “informal learning” now recognized as a valuable first step to learning something new, with age as no barrier. Membership Criteria: ability and willingness to address issues from a state-wide perspective; knowledge of the diverse information needs and information seeking behaviors of the residents of the state; familiarity or willingness to learn about the issues pertaining to life long learning; familiarity with developing budget and funding models; open-minded and ability to see the “big picture”; and willingness to devote time and energy to the work of the group. Contact Information: Eileen Socha, Director East Providence Public Library 41 Grove Avenue East Providence, RI 02914 eileensa@lori.state.ri.us 401-434-2719

updated: 4/26/06 contact webmaster