Are you… … a public librarian, administrator, or other staff interested in getting started using data for savvy and strategic planning? … looking for both inspiration and instruction in a hands-on, participatory environment? … seeking to learn about outcomes and how to measure library impact? … committed to leading your organization in making data-based decisions? …eager to develop a peer network to support your research and evaluation efforts? Launched in 2015, the Research Institute for Public Libraries (RIPL) brings together people from across North America (rural, suburban, and urban public libraries) for an intensive, participatory learning experience. Offered by the Colorado State Library and the Colorado Library Consortium and made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, this year’s institute will take place July 29 – August 1 in Atlanta, Georgia. Participants will learn about topics such as: * designing outcome-based evaluation of programs and services * assessing your community’s aspirations, priorities, and needs * techniques for tracking public library data and using these data for planning, management, and proving worth to your community * using data and stories to demonstrate library impact Mark your calendar! Registration opens January 17, 2018 at 1:00 PM Eastern/10:00 AM Pacific at https://ripl.lrs.org/2018/, and the event is limited to 110 participants. (This event registration fills up in less than one day so if you are planning to register, please be sure to be online at 1:00pm on Jan 17.) The early bird institute fee is $1,200, which includes registration, three nights lodging, and most meals. After March 1, the fee will increase to $1,350. Payment must be made by credit card. Find out more on the event website<https://ripl.lrs.org/2018/>. Here is what past participants had to say about RIPL: “This was one of the best training situations I’ve attended. It was laid out in a way that promoted optimal learning while still giving opportunities for networking & socializing. Great job!” “The curriculum & speakers were so well organized around the overall RIPL themes. It felt like a course in library data instead of individual conference sessions.” “…This was, by far, the best conference I’ve ever attended and I think part of that was the fact that it was so focused on one area – we had the time to delve into the various aspects of that, as well as get to know one another and work as a team. I look forward to applying what I learned within my organization.” “RIPL was an incredible experience. I learned so much and feel like I came back equipped with new knowledge and skills to implement some relevant data collection and evaluation practices at our library organization.” ---------------------- Shannon White Director of Statewide Library Services Library of Michigan 702 W. Kalamazoo Lansing, MI 48909 www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan<http://www.michigan.gov/libraryofmichigan> 517.373.9489 Whites29@michigan.gov