The Startup Library

In his “Think Like a Startup” white paper, Brian Mathews asserts that libraries don’t just need change, they need “paradigm-shifting, transformative, disruptive ideas.” But how do we discover those ideas? And then, how do we make them happen?

The Startup Library is a crash course in entrepreneurial thinking for Library Land. It is about identifying opportunities, taking smart risks, and learning by doing. This one-day workshop will engage participants in a number of activities designed to inspire, energize, and challenge. Presented by M.J. D’Elia, the goal of Startup Library is to help make entrepreneurial thinking a habitual part of our practice and profession. Anyone can learn to be creative when given the right environment. Besides, it will be fun!

M.J. D’Elia is the Head (Acting) of the Learning and Curriculum Support Team at the University of Guelph. He provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Learning Commons units: Learning and Writing Services, Information Literacy, Supported Learning Groups, and the Data Resource Centre. He is a co-conspirator in a number of interesting side projects, including Innovation Boot Camp, PIM Labs, and the Startup Library.

In addition to his library role, he also instructs the Entrepreneurship course for the Department of Marketing and Consumer Studies. This course features a Dragon’s Den-like business pitch competition at the end of the semester. When time permits, M.J. doodles, plays with Lego and runs a small facilitation company that specializes in creative problem solving.

Where: Ottawa Public Library, Rideau Branch, Program Room. 377 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5Y6, Canada

When: October 25, 2013
10:15 am –  6:00 pm
Lunch and afternoon refreshments will be provided.

Registration Fees:
OLA Members- $120
Non-Members- $150
Students- $70
Job-Seekers- $70

Registration deadline: October 11