Illinois State Library

SYNERGY: THE ILLINOIS LIBRARY LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE 2009

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March 31-April 2, 2009, Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center, Utica
August 4-6, 2009, Pere Marquette Lodge, Grafton
November 4-6, 2009, Hickory Ridge Marriott Conference Hotel, Lisle

Synergy--"...the whole is greater than the sum of its parts." Stephen Covey
"Synergy...will build a network for life." Becky Schreiber

DESCRIPTION

Purpose:

Synergy: The Illinois Library Leadership Initiative 2009 is the statewide library community's proactive movement to recruit and nurture future Illinois library leaders. Objectives include self-assessment; discovering and developing personal values; identifying the local, state and global environment; fostering and expanding skills and tools for personal, professional and positional leadership; creating a cohort group; establishing mentoring relationships; and developing a vision of and beyond the field of librarianship.

Leadership Initiative Participants:

Synergy is a rigorous process by design, and part of the experience is learning how to obtain traction when you are not sure what is coming next. Participants will be challenged on their beliefs about themselves as leaders, have the opportunity to practice exerting influence in learning groups, and receive feedback on their impact as leaders. It is important to remember that Synergy participants are considered the best and the brightest, and Synergy will enhance their leadership skills.

Commitment:

Librarians selected to participate in Synergy: The Illinois Library Leadership Initiative 2009 will commit to three three-day sessions during one calendar year.

Logistics:

The first session begins at Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center, the second session takes place at Pere Marquette Lodge and the experience finishes with the session at the Hickory Ridge Marriott Conference Hotel. Each site has been chosen for its unique Illinois flavor and for the natural progression--geographically, personally, professionally--as Synergy and its participants travel across the state.

Lodging and meals will be provided. Travel costs will be the responsibility of the individual. There is no registration fee.

SPONSORS

The Shawnee Library System, Illinois State Library, the Illinois Library Association are sponsoring Synergy: The Illinois Library Leadership Initiative 2009. Illinois library leaders contributing to the planning and development of Synergy: The Illinois Library Leadership Initiative 2009 are members of the Illinois State Library Leadership Planning Committee.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Synergy: The Illinois Library Leadership Initiative 2009 applicants are responsible for compiling and submitting their complete applications to Ellen Popit, Committee Chair at Shawnee Library System, 607 South Greenbriar Road, Carterville, IL 62918. Applications must be post marked by Friday, November 28, 2008. All applicants will be notified in regard to their application by late January 2009. Please call Patricia Norris, Vandella Brown, Cyndy Colletti at 1-800-665-5576 Option #1 or Ellen Popit at 1-800-455-4374 extension 2024 if you have any questions.