“Leadership is more important than management debate” by Christine Busby, Business Information Librarian
“Library Residency Programs: Early Career Development for the Future of Libraries” by Suzanne Im, Yolanda Blue, and Angela Boyd from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Abstract:
In the United States, the library residency (sometimes referred to as a fellowship or internship) is defined as a temporary, entry-level position in a library that targets post-library school graduates as part of a diversity recruitment and/or early career development program. There are fewer than 30 such programs in the USA. We are conducting a nationwide survey of library residency programs in the USA. Questions will address program planning and decision-making, attitudes toward various aspects of libraries and residents, and the effectiveness of residency programs in context. This information will be used to develop a model for libraries that have existing residency programs or that want to start a similar program. Our research will paint a picture of the landscape of library residency programs in the USA. A comprehensive survey of both residency coordinators and residents has not been conducted before. The workshop will begin with both a theoretical and practical background based on our research. In the interactive portion, participants will be asked to share their individual experiences with early career development in their own countries; to discuss the need for effective early career development programs; and, finally, to design the ideal residency program that can be adapted for their own community needs.
Target Audience
Library administrators, librarians, LIS students and new graduates
Method
The participants will have a chance to learn about library residency programs in the United States. Investigators will share best practices gleaned from their comprehensive survey. Participants will brainstorm individually and engage in group discussions in order to design a model residency program appropriate to their home institutions.
keywords
new professionals; early career development; leadership development; mentoring; diversity; internships; residencies
Objectives/Outcomes
The goal of the workshop is to encourage participants to think about how to develop a library residency program in order to give newly graduated, diverse librarians the knowledge, skills, and expertise to be marketable in a competitive economic climate. The workshop will serve as a basis for further discussion, and possible implementation of such programs at participants’ home institutions.
“Know thyself: advancing your leadership potential” by Eva Revitt, Chair, Access and Discovery Services, Grant MacEwan University, Alberta, Canada
Abstract:
Aritstotle stated that, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” Indeed, in an influential article in Harvard Business Review (1998), Daniel Goleman agrees, pointing out that, “Effective leaders are alike in one crucial way: They all have a high degree of emotional intelligence.” Experts like Goleman, Jim Collins, Dan Carnegie, Marcus Buckingham, John Maxwell, Stephen Covey, and Deepak Chopra to name a few provide much insight on how to develop our self awareness and challenge us to push ourselves to our fullest potential. In the library community we tend to focus on service, community engagement, product and innovation paying less attention to our interpersonal skills. And yet, it is these softer skills – our ability to influence, motivate, and connect with others, that are key to building career success and often differentiate the best among us. Leadership is not about providing a vision, managing staff or running an organization, although this often what leaders do. Effective leadership is much more nuanced and complex and the potential for its development exists in everyone. Librarians, as the professionals within the library and information studies field are expected to provide leadership and often find themselves in managerial or supervisory roles and, at times, with few professional peers. For a new librarian, this professional reality can be intimidating. A number of commercially and freely available assessment tools exist to help us increase our self-awareness, and thus, our potential to lead. Through presentation, activities and group discussion participants will gain insight into their personal self, take away practical tips to lead from any position within the organization, and become aware of the key principles of effective leadership.
Presenter Bio
Eva Revitt is the Chair of Access and Discovery Service at Grant MacEwan University in Edmonton, Canada. Eva began her career in 1998 and over the years has held progressively challenging and engaging leadership positions including that of Camps librarian, with supervision and management responsibilities of ten staff and three service desks; Chair of Campus Library Services which included overseeing the daily operations of three campus libraries; and more recently, Chair of Access and Discovery Services, a leadership position in a team of librarians dedicated to innovation and the improvement of the user’s online and physical library experience. Eva’s professional interests include organizational structure, managing organizational change, staff development, leadership, role of the academic library, service innovation and copyright issues. A strong believer in lifelong learning and continuous professional growth, Eva is a graduate of the Academic Leadership Academy. Eva is a WLIC first timer.
IFLA New Professionals Special Interest Group 