Archived Event

The Center of it All: How Libraries Can Be in the Forefront of Building Active Communities

Date : Apr 19, 2006
Start Time : 11 a.m. Eastern
Length : 00:57:38

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Based on parts of previous writings by Kathleen de la Pena McCook (A Librarian at Every Table), Cohen will discuss how social networks, public space theory, and online communities can be used by libraries in any setting (public, academic, and school) to build social capital and become an active part in community building. Learn how other libraries of all sizes and budgets have become active participants in their communities and how a process-based approach can incorporate the above theories into practical methods for community building. If you're looking for innovative, creative ways to inspire and engage your community you won't want to miss this institute.

Steven M. Cohen ?Senior librarian, PubSub Concepts, Inc., PubSub Concepts, Inc.

Senior Librarian PubSubs Concepts, Inc., New York City. Steven works on various projects within their prospective search software. He is the creator of Library Stuff (published by Information Today), a weblog dedicated to keeping current and professional development for librarians, which has been live since August 2000. He has been the contributing editor of the Internet Spotlight column for Public Libraries magazine since 2001 and a columnist for Information Today magazine since 2006. He has spoken at numerous conferences and workshops in the United States and Canada on such topics as Weblogs, RSS, keeping current, search engines, social networking, and readers advisory. Steven is also the co-manager of the Public Library Association weblog and was one of 55 recipients of Library Journal's Movers and Shakers award in 2004.

Steven is the author of the book Keeping Current: Advanced Internet Strategies to Meet Librarian and Patron Needs, published by ALA in 2003. Steven is also in the initial stages of working on a book (with Chrystie R. Hill) on the Topic of Libraries Building Communities, which will be published by ALA within the next few years.

Steven holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology from SUNY Stonybrook, an MA in Mental Health Counseling from Long Island University, and an MLS from Queens College. He lives in Smithtown, NY with his wife Barbie, daughter Hallie, and Ezra and EJ, their cats.