ULC RECOGNIZES TOP INNOVATORS Winning Initiatives Demonstrate Value and Impact of Public Libraries

ULC Recognizes Top Innovators

Winning Initiatives Demonstrate Value and Impact of Public Libraries on the Community

ULC Press Release: 6.26.2014

The Urban Libraries Council (ULC) recognized 22 libraries this week for their innovative programs, services and operating practices – from a Wi-Fi bicycle that delivers resources to underserved communities to a platform for distributing self-published e-books, to heroic efforts to meet community needs in the wake of natural disasters.

The 2014 Top Innovators and Honorable Mentions, announced during the NEXT Library Conference in Chicago, were chosen by a panel of expert judges who considered more than 180 submissions in ten categories of library service and operations. In addition, ULC honors two libraries for their response to community crises – a series of tornadoes and a historic flood.

Category: Leading Learning
Top Innovator: Grand Rapids Public Library (MI) DigiBridge puts technology in the hands of middle and high school students.

Honorable Mention: Palo Alto City Library (CA) makeX: Teen Mobile Makerspace 

Category: Civic and Community Engagement

Top Innovator: Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library (KS) Librarians Facilitate Community Change serves as conveners for community conversations, reconciling diverse perspectives and helping groups reach consensus.
Honorable Mention: Wichita Public Library (KS) Activate Wichita

Category: Collections
Top Innovator: Santa Clara County Library District (CA) SCCLD-JukePop brings self-published fiction to library users in an eBook format.
Honorable Mention: Pikes Peak Library District (CO) Waldo Canyon Fire Digital Collection

Category: Customer Experience
Top Innovator: Denver Public Library (CO) DPL Connect: A Pedal-Powered Bookmobile, a fully equipped book bike with shelves, display areas, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Honorable Mention: Edmonton Public Library (AB) Great Stuff -- EPL Makes It Personal!

Category: Economic and Workforce Development
Top Innovator: Memphis Public Library (TN) JobLINC: Mobile Bus for Job Seekers and Employers is meeting the challenge of unemployment.

Honorable Mention: King County Library System (WA) Building a Workforce that Reflects Our Community

Category: Health, Wellness, and Public Safety
Top Innovator: Houston Public Library (TX) Healthy L.I.F.E. empower and equip families with information, resources, and tools needed for healthy living.
Honorable Mention: Pima County Public Library (AZ) Santa Rosa Snacks

Category: Operations
Top Innovator: Aurora Public Library (CO) Library in a Big Box with a library-operated computer center inside a Kmart store.
Honorable Mention: Cuyahoga County Public Library (OH) MOVE TEAM!

Category: Organizational Change and Strategic Management
Top Innovator: Skokie Public Library (IL) Realigning for Greater Access, Learning, and Community better aligns staff to meet the needs of the Skokie, IL community it serves.

Honorable Mention: Charlotte Mecklenburg Library (NC) WorkSmart for Process Improvement and Innovation

Category: Positioning the Library
Top Innovator: Durham County Library (NC) First Library in Space effort takes the library’s STEM to new heights.

Honorable Mention: Springfield City Library (MA) Imagine: A Peace-Full City

Category: Sustainability
Top Innovator: Salt Lake County Library Services (UT) Sustainability Initiative

Honorable Mention: Milwaukee Public Library (WI) Better Building Challenge Showcase 

ULC is also honoring two libraries for their leadership in helping communities respond to crises.

Pioneer Library System (OK) Virtual Response - May 2013 Oklahoma Tornadoes established the library as a vital resource.
Calgary Public Library (AB) Come Hell or High Water provided vulnerable, marginalized, and homeless individuals with vital services.  READ MORE !