Video summary
Helen Kula and M.J. D'Elia are thrilled to co-facilitate the 2026 ARIRL President's Institute, an event dedicated to unlocking innovation within library systems. Their deep passion for this subject is rooted in a journey that began around 2010 when they developed a staff training program known as Innovation Boot Camp. Initially inviting only internal colleagues to join what felt like an uncertain adventure, the initiative quickly gained momentum as nearby libraries reached out with curiosity about their methods and requests for similar support tailored to their own institutions.
The evolution of M.J.'s career highlights how early explorations into creative problem solving naturally led toward entrepreneurship and startup thinking within the library sector. This progression was further solidified through a collaboration between Helen and M.J., which resulted in the first-ever Startup Weekend specifically focused on library-related innovation years ago. Rather than using these achievements to boast, M.J. shares this history to illustrate that some of the most rewarding moments in their professional life stemmed directly from an initial curiosity about innovative thinking and a willingness to embrace new challenges without knowing exactly where they would lead.
The invitation extends to all attendees coming together in Chicago for what promises to be an unforgettable learning experience designed to spark fresh ideas and practical applications. The organizers emphasize that the true value of such gatherings lies not just in acquiring knowledge but in discovering how those insights can unlock potential within one's own work environment or community. By bringing together passionate facilitators with a proven track record of fostering innovation, the institute aims to create an atmosphere where participants can explore new possibilities and determine what unique breakthroughs they might achieve through this collaborative journey.
Read the full video transcript
Hi, I'm MJ Dia. [music] Helen Kula and I
are excited to co-f facilitate the 2026
ARIRL President's Institute on Unlocking
Innovation.
First off, let me say I love this topic.
I can trace my interest back to 2010
when a colleague and I developed a staff
training program called Innovation Boot
Camp. We invited some staff to join the
adventure. Honestly, not quite sure
where it would lead. Before long, we
were getting calls from nearby libraries
asking what we were learning and
wondering could we do something for
their library.
After the innovation boot camp, for me,
it was over to the creative problem
solving institute where I picked up some
of their methods. From there, it was a
jump over to entrepreneurship and
startup thinking. In fact, in an
interesting side note, years ago, Helen
and I collaborated on the first ever
startup weekend devoted to library
related innovation.
I'm not telling you all of this to flex
or flaunt my resume. I'm telling you
this because I can trace some of the
best moments in my career back to my
initial curiosity on innovative
thinking. Come join us in Chicago. ARIRL
is putting together an unforgettable
learning experience. Who knows what it
will unlock for you? We'll see you
there.