Do Space Recognized for National Innovation Award

Do Space (www.dospace.org) was recognized by the Urban Libraries Council (ULC) as one of 10 recipients of the Top Innovator Award during the 2019 Innovations Celebration held on October 17 in Salt Lake City. The annual innovations award program recognizes leading practices from ULC’s member library systems across the U.S. and Canada.

A panel of expert judges selected Do Space and its Women Innovators Fellowship program from 260 submissions in 10 categories that showcase out-of-the-box thinking and creative applications of library resources. Do Space won in the category of Race and Social Equity. Award winners were recognized for their level of creativity, the ability for other libraries to adapt their work, and the outcomes achieved.

At the beginning of the year, Do Space selected three Women Innovators Fellows to develop projects that address local challenges facing women in technology and tech entrepreneurship. The competitive, six-month experience challenged the Fellows to develop new resources and tools to promote the advancement of women in technology in Omaha. Each Fellow received expert mentorship, a $10,000 stipend, and additional resources to bring her big idea to life.

“Omaha women are underrepresented in technical roles, as well as underrepresented in business,” said Rebecca Stavick, Do Space Executive Director. “The Women Innovators Fellowship helped move the needle for women in tech and business by empowering three women to take their leadership skills to the next level. It also added three new digital tools that will benefit Omaha’s tech community, so that is a win-win for everyone.”

Do Space, which just celebrated its fourth anniversary, takes a whole new approach to providing technology access and education in Omaha. They believe in empowering the community through access to technology and innovative learning experiences. Free and open to all, Do Space is a community technology library, a digital workshop, and an innovation playground filled with opportunities to learn, grow, explore and create. To learn more, visit www.dospace.org.