Dear Colleague:

This website introduces you to The Library Leaders Institute II, a unique conference that offers an informal setting for library leaders to exchange ideas, solve problems and consider issues related to leadership and succession. The idea for the first Institute that was held in 2006 grew from my own need for a different kind of interaction, thinking and learning than I had been able to find at general library conferences and available professional development and training seminars.

As a library manager, I found that my issues were all about the relationships I had with my employers, my colleagues, my staff and my users and clients. I had to determine how I got those who worked with me to understand and be interested in accepting and moving forward new ideas and to think about and to plan for the long-term.

I realize the importance for all of us to understand the impact of our decisions on others and on our organizations, to be able to focus on the real issues confronting libraries and to be able to think, act, lead and capitalize on opportunities.

As a library leader I am concerned about the growth of the profession, advocating for the role of libraries within our organizations and communities and developing the next group of leaders.

The Library Leaders Institute offers a place to refresh and rejuvenate, giving time to meet and talk confidentially with others who are facing similar circumstances in their positions as library leaders and directors. Time is given to have in-depth discussions with others; not only to seek their advice but to listen to them and to help them as much as possible.

The Institute
I am inviting interested library directors, managers and leaders to attend Library Leaders Institute II. The Institute is open to those in management or director positions who work in all types and sizes of libraries, including small and large public, academic, college, special, government and school libraries, and library associations. The Institute is designed for those who are new to their positions or who have been in them for a time. Alumni of Library Leaders Institute I are welcome and encouraged to attend.

The focus at the Institute will be on your development and role as a leader. You will develop your own personal mission statement that will determine what you will concentrate on and accomplish over the next two to three years. You will leave the Institute richer for your interaction with colleagues who are facing similar issues, problems and situations.

We hope that you will come to the retreat having thought about the issues, concerns, questions and ideas that you would like to bring to and discuss with the group. Preparation, participation and openness would be important, as will being able to speak in confidence.

An Invitation
I invite you to attend or to suggest others who might be interested. The conference is limited to 25 participants in order to keep the group small and the conversation intimate and focused. If you are unable to attend, please let me know what you think of the idea. I may be contacted at vicki_whitmell@ontla.ola.org. 416-931-7709.

All the best and I look forward to hearing from you.

Vicki Whitmell

Conference Links

1. Overview
2. Brochure (PDF)
3. Program
4. Leaders and Facilitators
5. Location, Travel and Accommodation
6. Registration Library Leaders Institute II (PDF)