Your Name and Title:
- Meredith Krall, Associate Director Learning Resources
Library, School, or Organization Name:
- Miami Dade College - Kendall Campus
Co-Presenter Name(s):
- Yhosemar Mendez-Sanchez (BIT Center Manager),
- Jennifer Diptee (Campus Director Learning Resources).
Area of the World from Which You Will Present:
- Miami, FL. United States.
Language in Which You Will Present:
- English
Target Audience(s):
- Leaders in academic libraries in higher education are professionals who drive innovation, strategy, and student-centered services within university and college libraries. Their roles often include overseeing digital transformation, research support, and information literacy initiatives. Common job titles include Library Dean, Director of Library Services, Head of Public Services, and Digital Initiatives Librarian.
Short Session Description (one line):
- Cozy, Cool, and Future-Ready: Transforming Learning Spaces and Services with Innovation and Intention
Full Session Description:
Proposal Abstract:
In this dynamic panel session, a team of library and academic leaders will share how a culture of collaboration, creativity, and intentional experimentation is transforming their Learning Commons into a cozy, cool, and future-ready hub. This transformation goes beyond furniture and flashy tech—it’s about what becomes possible when staff are empowered to innovate together.
At the core of this work is a deep investment in staff development and cross-functional collaboration. Annual summer retreats—co-designed with the campus Business Innovation Center—introduce service design and entrepreneurial thinking, equipping staff with shared language and tools for problem-solving, customer experience, and innovation. These retreats spark a year-round cycle of co-creation, where teams reimagine services, pilot new ideas, and align offerings with evolving student needs.
Outcomes include inclusive and impactful initiatives such as the Human Library, First-Generation Celebration, and a hybrid entrepreneurship + crafting series. The team is also exploring XR, AI, and sensory-friendly design—blending warmth, technology, and purpose. Through regular brainstorming, shared leadership, and cross-campus partnerships, they are shaping a bold, student-centered vision for the library of the future.
Attendees will leave with actionable strategies for building team capacity, cultivating a collaborative culture, and leading transformation—no rebrand required.
Learning Objectives / Takeaways:
- Discover creative, student-centered approaches to redesigning library spaces and services
- Gain strategies for building internal staff capacity through retreats, collaboration, and shared leadership
- Learn how cross-campus partnerships (e.g., with Business faculty) can enhance programming and staff skills
- Explore funding strategies, iterative planning, and co-creation models that increase library impact
- See how modest innovations can spark meaningful cultural change
Websites / URLs Associated with Your Session:
- N/A
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