Oklahoma Library Association
Leadership Institute Committee

November 7-9, 2007
Noble Foundation Conference Center
Ardmore, Oklahoma

Are you excited about Oklahoma Libraries and committed to doing what you can to make a difference? For the second time, members of OLA have a chance to come together for a special opportunity—a leadership institute. We are looking for a mix of participants from all types of libraries across the state and invite you to apply. The OLA Gold Leadership Institute is designed for degreed or non-degreed librarians, library media specialists, paraprofessionals, Friends and trustees who desire to grow in their leadership ability. You don’t have to be a library manager or even aspire to being one. You will benefit most from the program if you desire to:

• Enhance your leadership skills,
• Develop the skills necessary to become a change agent and advocate for Oklahoma libraries,
• Learn from the knowledge and vision of other library leaders,
• Build and participate in a library support and mentoring network, and
• Gain knowledge of opportunities for increasing your involvement in OLA.

Twenty-five participants will be selected to attend the OLA Gold Leadership Institute at the Noble Foundation in Ardmore, Oklahoma (November 7-9, 2007). The Institute will once again be led by Pat Wagner of Pattern Research (http://www.pattern.com/). All institute participants must be current OLA members and have shown their interest in participating by submitting an application form and two recommendation forms to OLA Gold by July 31, 2007. Successful candidates will exhibit:

• Demonstrated leadership potential,
• Effective communication skills,
• A willingness to commit to the development process,
• Self-motivation,
• Professional involvement, and
• Responsibility.

The cost to attend the institute is $310. This fee covers training and course related materials, lodging, food, and activities. Participants must pay for their own travel to and from the institute. Scholarships may be available. If you have questions regarding the application process or need further information, please contact Sarah Robbins, 405.325.5293 or srobbins@ou.edu.

Assisting Pat will be five mentors -- library leaders nominated by their peers and selected to work with the participants both during and after the Institute. [Mentor nomination form] Mentor nominations are due June 15, 2007. All OLA Gold Mentors must be active members of OLA.  Mentors will be expected to pay their own mileage to the institute plus food costs (approximately $125). Costs of the boarding will be paid by the Noble Foundation.

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Page updated 03/26/07

by Anna Moore