In 2011, I attended the Nebraska Library Leadership Institute at the St. Benedict Center in Schuyler, Nebraska.  Thirty people from public, academic, and school libraries across the state were selected to attend the five-day Institute led by Becky Schreiber and John Shannon of Schreiber Shannon Associates.  Participants were divided into four learning groups and each group had two mentors, experienced librarians that observed, guided, and advised the groups.

Each day, we completed interactive learning activities, listened to presentations by John and Becky, and participated in group discussions.  Every evening, we learned about our mentors during Mentor Moments.

Highlights of the Institute:

• Learned about our personality/leadership types using the Enneagram model
• Identified strengths, weaknesses, ability to take risks, reactions to change, and self-limiting behaviors
• Developed personal action plan to overcome weaknesses and develop strengths
• Created vision statements, strategic goals, and funding proposals
• Participated in learning group to complete strategy game, case study, problem solving exercises, and creative skit
• Developed connections with people from libraries across the state
• Presented to a group of 40 people in a simulation of requesting for funding from city council and library board