Strengthening Innovative Library Leaders Mortenson Center for International Library Programs University of Illinois Susan Schnuer and Rebecca McGuire

The work of the Mortenson Center Unique capacity-building center for librarians outside of the US. Offers programs both in the US and around the world. Focused on sustainable and timely professional development. Develops regional or topic-specific programs. Open to librarians from public, school, academic and special libraries. The Center is endowed and is the recipient of grant funding for special projects.

Why are we here? Public librarians all over the world know about the UN SDGs, yet how many of them see supporting the SDGs as their responsibility? Challenges Perception of role of libraries and librarians Mindset Library schools and certification Lack of resources Isolation Hierarchical administration

What do the public librarians want and need? Topic that surfaces frequently at all international meetings, in literature, and in reports – High-quality and affordable leadership training Origin of Strengthening Innovative Library Leadership – SILL Foundational leadership training For everyone in the library Purpose Better understanding of leadership styles Vision for modern and innovative libraries Plan for a new library service Better communication skills

Challenge to the Mortenson Center Development of high-quality leadership training materials that Could be adaptable to local context and Interactive and fun – meaningful for everyone in the library Not “too much” Western Culture Could be easily used by local trainers Addressed issues that were obstacles for librarians in their work Showed impact

Responding to the challenge Adaptable to local context Co-development: Namibia, Myanmar, Haiti, Armenia, India, Nepal and Bhutan Interactive and fun “light” not heavy – longest mini-lecture is 7 minutes Not “too much” Western culture Co-development and a train-the-trainers approach Could be easily used by trainers Use of videos and easy-to-use training aids Addressed issues that are obstacles for librarians Problems and action plans Showed impact Developmental assessment – what happened to action plans?

Assessment –Learning - Revisions Picture of white board with all revisions

Content Add our framework here

Adult learning principles Pictures that illustrate – fun, role play, group work