The Massachusetts Library System is pleased to announce that we have contracted with ALA to provide our members with access to their live webinars.  These webinars are free to MLS members who register through our calendar.  Please do not register directly with ALA. Members who register directly with ALA are responsible for paying their registration fee. 

Please help us keep MLS sponsored training free for all members. If you are unable to attend the live webinar, please cancel your registration. A cancellation link can be found in your confirmation email, or you may contact Sarah Donnelly at sdonnelly@masslibsystem.org to cancel. 

Description

Interim leadership is increasing throughout librarianship. The library field, in general, does not adequately undertake succession planning or develop leadership skills. These webinars will introduce these subjects and help establish what is currently known about them.

This webinar will explore ways to prepare for, develop skills in, and maximize the interim leadership experience so that taking on an interim leadership role does not have to seem so precarious and may in fact open a world of possibilities. This webinar will review current knowledge on this topic and present the experience of two academic librarians who accepted interim leadership roles.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this webinar, attendees will be able to do the following in order to consider, prepare, and inform professional practice for interim library leadership roles:

• Describe the common factors that create interim leadership roles in libraries;
• Determine recommendations and best practices in taking on an interim leadership role; and
• Identify basic knowledge, skills, and abilities to prepare for, develop leadership skills, and maximize the experience of serving in an interim library leadership role.

Who Should Attend: 

Librarians and library professionals in all settings at mid-career level as interim leadership opportunities are more likely to be presented at mid-career. This is increasingly happening because of retirements and turnover in the library profession.

Presenters

Amy Kornblau, MLS, Associate Dean of University Libraries, has 28 years of experience in university libraries. In addition to her MLS, she earned an Executive Certificate in Project Management through the College of Business Executive Education and completed the 2023 Appreciative Administration Course through The Office of Appreciative Education at Florida Atlantic University. During her 25-year tenure at FAU, she has served as the Social Sciences Reference Librarian, Systems (IT) Librarian, Systems Department Head, and has held three Assistant Dean positions. She is currently serving as the Associate Dean of University Libraries following the completion of her 18 months service to the FAU Libraries and the University as Interim Dean, University Libraries.

Kristy Padron, MLIS, Librarian / Professor I, has 20 years of experience in college and university libraries. Before taking on a year-long term as an interim assistant dean, she served as research and information services librarian and coordinated instruction and scholarly communication services. To continue her interest in organizational behavior and management, Ms. Padron is currently pursuing coursework for a Master in Public Administration at Florida Atlantic University and is continuing to work on a contractual basis with the Florida Atlantic University Libraries to assist with their succession planning efforts.

Accessibility Information

If you have questions or requests regarding accessibility, contact ce@ala.org or at 312-280-5100.