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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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?

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

8. Content
Add our framework here

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