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These articles were originally part of May/June 2010's "Perspective's" column, but due to space restrictions could not be included in the print edition. Please take the time to gather some great leadership ideas with this web-only content!

Library Leadership 2000: Quilting a Vision for Ohio Libraries… and Beyond!

Seventeen years ago (1993) I was one of thirty Ohio librarians selected to participate in the inaugural class of the Ohio Library Leadership 2000 (otherwise known as LL2000) Institute.  To paraphrase from the popular TV show Project Runway, this was my personal ‘chance-of-a-lifetime”.  Knowing I was interested in applying, my library director and branch manager encouraged me to apply and were supportive throughout the process.

Thinking back, I realize now that much of my continuing professional success can be attributed to this one defining week.  Participating with other “emerging leaders” (this term wasn’t used in 1993) shaped my attitudes towards libraries, leadership, and service. It opened my eyes to the realm of possibilities, the importance of collaboration and connections and helped me understand the value of creativity and risk-taking.  Sponsored by the now defunct Cleveland Area Metropolitan Library Service (CAMLS), forty of us (thirty participants, two facilitators, six mentors and two institute coordinators) were sequestered in Ohio’s Amish country for one full week. Facilitated by John and Becky Schreiber, mentors were an important part of the experience as well. They included the likes of Sarah Long, Charles Brown, Claudya Muller, Andrew Venable and other distinguished librarians who committed to sharing their knowledge, insights and experiences with us. All the while, they also coached us to be introspective and to stretch our thinking beyond our comfort zone.

Upon returning to work, a friend suggested I write and submit an article for publication about my leadership institute experience. I queried GraceAnne DeCandido, (editor of Wilson Library Bulletin) about the idea and she loved the idea! As a neophyte writer, I took advantage of the coaching she so freely me throughout the writing process.  The numerous boldly-designed Amish quilts on the walls of the Inn became the inspiration for the article’s title “LL2000: Quilting a Vision for Ohio Libraries” which was published in June 2004. Quilts were used as a metaphor to illustrate the similarities of qualities that necessary for the creation of an intricately pieced quilt and the qualities needed for effective leadership. During the months of crafting the article, she and I corresponded using VAX mail… remember that? At the time, there was no such thing as web-based anything! 

Participating in this intensive and challenging institute resulted in many personal gifts including increased self-confidence, self-awareness, personal responsibility, the notion that problems can be viewed as opportunities, not to mention enhanced leadership skills.  Another big gift was in the understanding that as a leader and a person, I can’t change anyone else’s attitudes or behaviors but my own.  And I mustn’t forget the best gifts of all – new friends and colleagues, a desire to keep on learning and knowing that an element of FUN at work is so important!

For fifteen years following LL2000, I continued to work in Ohio libraries and on behalf of Ohio libraries, becoming active within CLEVNET, NEO-RLS, the Ohio Library Council and other state organizations. This eventually led to becoming active in ALA and PLA.

A few years ago I took stock of all my experiences, skills and knowledge since attending LL2000 and decided it was time to move on to something new. I applied for and was offered the Director of Continuing Education position for the Georgia Public Library Service (the state library of Georgia).  I’ve been in this position now since April 2008 and haven’t looked back once. It’s both gratifying and fun for me to be able to be in a position that allows me to open up possibilities for others - in fact, one big goal is to find the means to continue offering PINNACLE, the first comprehensive leadership development effort in Georgia (took place in 2007-2008).

Since arriving in Georgia, I’ve continued to learn and to grow my network of peers.  I’ve become active in the Georgia Library Association and am the current president of the ALA Learning Round Table, a 300+ member organization dedicated to promoting and providing quality staff training and learning.  But it’s my membership in the ALA BiblioQuilters that brings my career full-circle. Being surrounded by the Amish quilts back in 1993 piqued my interest in quilting. Now I belong to the ALA BiblioQuilters - a group of 60+ library workers nationwide who enjoy quilting. Every year, we create group quilts as a fundraising project for ALA’s scholarship program. Be sure to check out our quilts at ALA in Washington, DC! Bid on one and do your share to promote leadership development globally!