Library Leadership Ohio returns in 2021
The State Library of Ohio and OhioNET are again collaborating to bring you the 2021 Library Leadership Ohio Institute. LLO develops great libraries by developing great leaders. We offer exceptional programs focused on personal development and transferable leadership skills, while fostering connections and collaboration within Ohio’s diverse library community.
Recognizing the ongoing challenges faced by all Ohio libraries in the coming year, we believe that developing the next generation of library leaders is vital to ensure the continued depth, growth, and quality of library services for all. “The State Library of Ohio and OhioNET staff are proud of all the great leaders that have come out of this program in the past,” said Wendy Knapp, State Librarian.
Library Leadership Ohio will be held virtually on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons over the span of three weeks in July and August. Applications for the program will open in mid-February. The event will be facilitated by OhioNET and The State Library of Ohio.
“Moving LLO from an in-person experience to a virtual one last year in response to the pandemic was challenging. We were able to host a meaningful event, while also learning some things that should enrich the experience for the 2021 cohort. We look forward to expanding our reach and welcoming a new class of leaders later this year,” said Nancy S. Kirkpatrick, Executive Director & CEO of OhioNET.
This year, an advisory committee was formed to provide insight and guidance to the planning committee and bring more diverse experiences and voices to LLO 2021. “The State Library of Ohio and OhioNET want to help library staff address some of the social issues that have been brought to the fore in the last year, and we are striving to make this year’s program as inclusive as possible,” said Knapp. We are proud to announce our 2021 advisory committee members:
- Ione Damasco, Professor; Director of Information Acquisition and Organization, University of Dayton
- Eboni A. Johnson, Outreach and Programming Librarian, Oberlin College
- Michelle McKinney Leonard, Reference and Web Services Librarian, University of Cincinnati – Blue Ash
- Will Reed, Manager, Ohio Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled, Cleveland Public Library
- Chris Robinson-Nkongola, Reference and Instruction Librarian, Bowling Green State University
- Kelly Silwani, Teacher-Librarian, Olentangy Orange Middle School
LLO 2021 will feature guest speakers known nationally and statewide who will speak to important topics in librarianship and leadership. The program welcomes any library employee working in public, school, special, and academic libraries; all are eligible to apply. The selection committee is seeking individuals with a commitment to the profession, including the ability to foster diversity and inclusivity; the potential to lead and innovate in their current position and beyond; and a passion for libraries and willingness to explore the impactthey can have in their communities.
If you have any questions, please contact Evan T. Struble, Associate State Librarian for Library Development at the State Library of Ohio, at [email protected] or 614-752-9178.
