Contagious: Why Things Catch On by Jonah Berger has been selected as the title for “Libraries Read: 1 Book”. What makes things popular? Why do people talk about certain products and ideas more than others? Why are some stories and rumors more infectious? And what makes online content go viral? These are some of the questions addressed in the book.

MCLS invited library staff across Indiana and Michigan to place votes on one of four titles to select one book that we will all read and discuss together for professional development. Jonah Berger’s book captured the most votes. In Contagious, he reveals the secret science behind word-of-mouth and social transmission. He explains how six basic principles drive all sorts of things to become contagious, from consumer products and policy initiatives to workplace rumors and YouTube videos. Contagious combines groundbreaking research with powerful stories.  

MCLS encourages library staff to read the book throughout April and May.  Related free events, such as regional discussions, live twitter chats, and google hangout discussions will be announced and take place through the summer.  

According to Randy Dykhuis, MCLS Executive Director, “During 2014, MCLS conducted a series of community conversations with librarians throughout Indiana and Michigan, utilizing the tools from the Harwood Institute for Public Innovation.  The desire to have discussions in many formats, and to communicate with one another outside of our silos was a recurring theme.  By reading one book together, we aim to create deeper connections among libraries that span geographic and other boundaries.”

If you would like to host and lead a discussion for other librarians at your location, send an email to Heather Ladiski at ladiskih@mcls.org.

For more information about “Libraries Read: 1 Book”, contact Michelle Bradley at Bradleym@mcls.org or visit our Facebook event page. https://www.facebook.com/events/816571621730767/


About MCLS:
The Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS) is a non-profit, member-driven organization whose mission is to facilitate sharing resources and to collaborate with other organizations to benefit Michigan and Indiana libraries.


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Michelle Bradley
Community Engagement Librarian
Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS)
Phone: 800-530-9019 ext. 125
bradleym@mcls.org
http://mcls.org/
Michigan
1407 Rensen St. Suite 1
Lansing, MI 48910-3657
Indiana
8024 W. Nickel Plate Court
Mulberry, IN 46058
8024 W. Nickel Plate Court
Mulberry, IN  46058