ILEAD Ohio Returns in 2025: Virtual Info Session on 12/19
The State Library of Ohio and OhioNet are pleased to announce the return of ILEAD Ohio in 2025. ILEAD Ohio is a transformative 9-month program designed to develop the leadership and project management skills of library staff across the state. By working in teams to address real community needs, participants will gain hands-on experience in project management, team-building, and community collaboration.
“We’re delighted to share the return of ILEAD Ohio,” said Katy Mathuews, Executive Director and CEO of OhioNet. “ILEAD exemplifies the power of collaboration, bringing library professionals from all types of libraries together to develop creative solutions that address community needs. It’s a chance to build connections, grow as leaders, and make a real difference.”
The ILEAD Ohio steering committee invites those interested in applying for the program to join a virtual info session on Thursday, December 19, 2024 from 1-2 p.m. This informal webinar will provide a brief overview of the ILEAD Ohio program, application process, tips for creating a team, and time for questions. This event will be recorded for those who cannot attend live. Learn more and register to attend the info session here.
ILEAD Teams made up of Ohio library staff members will implement collaborative and/or interactive tools that foster community engagement as well as develop leadership, creativity, and solution-focused change. Throughout the 9-month program, participants engage in a conversation to identify a community need, identify user representatives to provide critical feedback during the development of the project, and grow as a leader and gain valuable experience in project management.
“The State Library and OhioNet are teaming up once again to launch another iteration of ILEAD Ohio, and I couldn’t be more excited,” expressed Evan T. Struble, Associate State Librarian for Library Development at the State Library of Ohio. “Since its inception in 2013, we’ve seen the power this program brings to library staff in terms of leadership development, and I’m sure that the 2025 cohort will feel that this experience is similarly transformative.”
ILEAD Ohio 2025 applications will open in early January. Keep an eye out for more information coming in mid-December. Please direct questions about ILEAD Ohio to Erin Kelsey at [email protected] or 614-644-6889.
ILEAD Ohio is made possible by the State Library of Ohio and OhioNet with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. Through grant making, policy development, and research, we help communities and individuals thrive through broad public access to knowledge, cultural heritage and lifelong learning. To learn more about IMLS, please visit www.imls.gov.
