Change is inevitable, and in libraries we know that it is almost always happening! Many of us have seen huge changes in our professional lives, from the introduction of computers and public access to the internet to the transition from cassette tapes to digital audiobooks available through smartphone apps.
Do you want to feel better prepared to navigate change? Do you want to feel a sense of agency over your future? Do you want to feel hopeful about the future of libraries?
Futures Thinking Helps Build 7 Key Strengths
Creativity
Foresight
Mental Flexibility
Empathy
Practical Skepticism
Strategy
Hope
Source: “Introduction to Futures Thinking Course” by the Institute for the Future
SPLAT Toolkits
Things From Future Libraries Toolkit, 2025
This toolkit serves as a guide for facilitating a Things From Future Libraries event. No futures thinking or foresight knowledge needed. Promise! Participants will imagine and prototype services, programs, and borrowable items from future libraries. Download the full Things From Future Libraries Toolkit (Zip Folder).
Toolkit Contents
Futures Thinking Toolkit for Libraries, 2022
We crafted this toolkit to introduce a way of thinking that will strengthen your library and community by preparing your staff for what might come in the future. The toolkit focuses on applying this mindset to work with teens, creating book displays, and charting your professional development. Download the full Futures Thinking for Libraries Toolkit (PDF).
Presentations
- Things From Future Libraries Presentation PNLA Conference 2025
- Looking Back to Move Forward presentation and worksheets on the Futures Wheel and the six steps of strategic foresight worksheet
- “Let’s Navigate Futures!” Boise Comic Arts Festival Librarian and Educator’s Day 2024 presentation and zine
- Futures Intro and Navigator Type at Public Library Director’s Summit 2024
- Things From Future Libraries 2 hour session Meridian Library District Staff Day 2024
- ILA Things from Future Libraries Preconference 2023
- Futures Thinking Room ILA 2022
Futures Learning Resources
Blog Posts
New “Things From Future Libraries” toolkit from SPLAT!
Have you ever visited a library to use their Talkbox and Shello Machine? How about [...]
