Professional development opportunities are important for employees at all levels of an organization. Employees benefit by staying current in their field and advancing their career. Employers benefit by having a better skilled workforce. This chapter focuses on professional development based on the yearlong leadership institute run by the Colorado Association of Libraries (CAL) Leadership Development Committee. The development of the CAL Leadership Institute (CALLI) will be discussed along with the curriculum, structure, fees, mentoring, networking, accessibility, and benefits of CALLI to participants and the larger library community. The authors conducted two surveys and eight interviews to gather qualitative and quantitative feedback from current and past CALLI participants. A literature review of current trends in professional development and library leadership programs was completed. The future of professional development in this area is also explored.
TopIntroduction
Some say that leaders are born, not made. The Colorado Association of Libraries’ (CAL) Leadership Development Committee disagrees with that sentiment. The committee believes that leadership takes practice and that it can and must be learned. The future of great libraries requires great library leaders; therefore, teaching people to lead is essential. This chapter will look at the CAL Leadership Development Committee and the Leadership Institute coordinated for association members. The Leadership Development committee's charge from CAL is:
(a) to develop and offer continuing education opportunities in the area of leadership, including but not limited to the CAL Leadership Institute (CALLI); (b) to work with other CAL units in the recruitment and placement of new leaders throughout the association; (c) to partner with other library organizations in the promotion and provision of leadership training and education. (Leadership Development Committee, 2011)
The Committee’s goal is to train library staff in all positions to be strong leaders so they can make libraries better on a local, state, and national level. This is achieved primarily by coordinating CALLI on a biannual basis. CALLI is a yearlong leadership training program that covers many aspects of leadership.
“Leaders are in the business of energy management” is how Kets de Vries defines leadership (2003, p. 111). This definition of leadership resonates with the authors because energy management is about self, staff, resources, and time. The Leadership Development Committee views leadership separately from a title. Everyone has the potential to lead. The Committee focuses on teaching how to use different leadership qualities. Diversified training strengthens individuals’ confidence to take on challenges and problem solve. Practicing leadership skills requires energy, time, and a safe space. CALLI provides those elements for participants.
Our hope for this chapter is to provide a framework for library entities to implement a leadership program in their communities. We will provide a historical look at CALLI, current program information, and possibilities for the future of professional leadership development for libraries.
TopBackground
The methods we used to gather information presented in this chapter include a literature review, two surveys, and eight interviews.