library programming around world affairs
TRANSCRIPT
Library Programming: Coming to Grips with Our International Future
Steve Butzel, Library Director Portsmouth Public Library
Portsmouth, NH
What We Did
Foreign Policy Association “Great Decisions” Discussion Series
“World Affairs at the Library” Lecture Series
Why you ask?
1. Our patrons are interested in talking about serious, complex international issues
Why you ask?
2. They need a neutral, safe space in which to gather and discuss these issues, and libraries are ideally situated to provide such a space
Why you ask?
3. By providing this space and facilitating conversation, libraries help build a sense of community, shared concern and purpose
Foreign Policy Association
• Great Decisions Discussion Series
“Great Decisions is America's largest discussion program on world affairs. The program model involves reading the Great Decisions Briefing Book, watching the DVD and meeting in a Discussion Group to discuss the most critical global issues facing America today.”
http://www.fpa.org
Foreign Policy Association
• Great Decisions Discussion Series
– 8 topics
– Briefing booklets
– DVD
– Moderator
– Facilitators Guide
– Schedule
Foreign Policy Association
Great Decisions Discussion Series 2016 topics
1. Middle East Alliances
2. The Rise of ISIS
Foreign Policy Association
Great Decisions Discussion Series 2016 topics
3. The Future of Kurdistan
4. Migration
Foreign Policy Association
Great Decisions Discussion Series 2016 topics
5. The Koreas
6. The United Nations
7. Climate Change
8. Cuba and the U.S.
Foreign Policy Association
Great Decisions Discussion Series Keys to Success
1. A good, qualified moderator (and host)
Not so much…
Foreign Policy Association
Great Decisions Discussion Series Keys to Success
1. A good, qualified moderator (and host)
Better…
Foreign Policy Association
Great Decisions Discussion Series Keys to Success
2. Create a “safe” place, “set the right tone”
Foreign Policy Association
Great Decisions Discussion Series Keys to Success
3. Consistency of format
4. Good marketing (as always)
5. Budget for briefing books (up to you)
Foreign Policy Association
Great Decisions Discussion Series 2017 topics 1. The Future of Europe
2. Trade and Politics
3. Conflict in the South China Sea
4. Saudi Arabia in Transition
5. U.S. Foreign Policy and Petroleum
6. Latin America’s Political Pendulum
7. Prospects for Afghanistan and Pakistan
8. Nuclear Security
“World Affairs at the Library” Speaker Series
“World Affairs at the Library” Speaker Series
“World Affairs at the Library”
• How?
– Partnered with WACNH
• Researching speakers
– Boston area universities
– Washington, DC. area
• Budgeting
• Marketing & Building a Following
“World Affairs at the Library”
Some more of our 2015-16 Speakers 1. Prof. Massood Samii, SNHU
2. Peter Kornbluh, National Security Archives
3. Joseph Keefe, PAX World Investments
4. Prof. Sinan Ciddi, Georgetown University
5. Tad Oelstrom, Kennedy School, Harvard
“World Affairs at the Library”
Most Recent and Upcoming Speakers
