Presented by: Innovative & Library Journal

Libraries are continually adjusting service methodology in an effort to improve the patron experience. Recent developments in technology and changing user expectations are prompting public libraries across the country to reimagine how and where they deliver outreach and patron services to match the evolving needs of their communities. Many have found that creating temporary library locations in the community or reconfiguring existing spaces within the library offer unique opportunities to connect with new users and engage current patrons in more meaningful ways. Institutions are leveraging the latest technology and their own creativity to serve their communities—from pop-up libraries in outdoor spaces and schools who don’t have their own library, to new construction and modified spaces in the library that enable staff to provide fully mobile services. Join us to hear from representatives of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, a large urban library with 40 branches across the county, and a staff member from the Central Library Consortium representing individual member libraries from Central Ohio, as they share how their libraries have successfully connected with users in new spaces. Whether your library is actively shifting the way services are offered, looking for new ways to partner with other community organizations, or trying to evaluate the success of recent changes, you’ll take away insights from other forward-thinking public libraries and the experience they have had. Speakers Cate Crusham - Branch Manager, Reading Branch, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County Cate Crusham has worked at five library locations in the Greater Cincinnati Area, serving as an Adult Service Specialist, Children’s Librarian, Department Team Lead, and Branch Manager. During this time, she was involved in the remodel of a branch location and the restructuring of a Main Library department. She currently holds the Branch Manager position at the - newly built, tech-forward, MakerSpace-holding, completely deskless - Reading Branch. Cate is a 2016 graduate of the Cincinnati YWCA Rising Star Leadership Program. She received her MLS from the University of Kentucky and holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Communications as well as a certificate in Global Leadership from Ohio University. Paula Brehm-Heeger - Strategic Initiatives Director, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County Paula Brehm-Heeger has worked in public libraries for more than two decades. Currently serving as interim Strategic Initiatives Director at the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Paula has held a variety of positions with that Library system since 2000, including as a Service Operations administrator, Manager, Teen and Children’s Librarian. She is professionally active on a local, state and national level. Paula served as President of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the American Library Association, as a member Ohio Library Council Board of Directors and as a member of the American Library Association Council. She has contributed writings to PLA’s Public Libraries, VOYA, School Library Journal and YALSA’S Young Adult Library Services Journal. She is the author of Serving Urban Teens (Libraries Unlimited, 2008) and co-authored Remaking One of the Nation’s Busiest Main Libraries which was named the Feature Article of the Year by Public Libraries in 2010. In 2014 Paula received the Urban Library Council’s Joey Roger Leadership Award. She will complete her Master of Public Administration in 2016 and was recently named the Distinguished MPA graduate for her program at Northern Kentucky University and the Outstanding MPA student by the Association for Public Administrators – Greater Cincinnati Area Chapter. Kelly Hock - ILS System Administrator, Central Library Consortium Kelly Hock is the ILS System Administrator and Business Analyst for the Central Library Consortium in Columbus, Ohio. She has 15 years of public library experience, having worked in a variety of public service and support positions at the Columbus Metropolitan Library since 2001. In addition, she has nearly 10 years of experience in library training and leadership development. Moderator Jenn Koerber - Tech Trainer and Enthusiast for New Library Services Follow us on Twitter! @LibraryJournal #LJInnovative Need help getting registered? Send us an email describing your problem. By registering for this webcast, you are agreeing that Library Journal may share your registration information with sponsors currently shown and future sponsors of this event. Click here to review the entire Library Journal Privacy Policy.