By Hong Cheng, Michelle McKinney and Craig Person
College of Engineering and Applied Science Libraries’ Hong Cheng (Global Service Librarian), Craig Person (Operations Manager & Student Supervisor) and UC Blue Ash Library’s Michelle McKinney (Reference and Web Services Librarian) participated in Library Leadership Ohio (LLO) 2018 in Columbus, OH.
The Ivy Library group, in coordination with OhioNet and the State Library of Ohio, facilitated the group of thirty-two librarians from across the state. The four day institute brought speakers from all areas and levels of the library profession. Participants were given the opportunity to learn, discuss and reflect on leadership skills, strengths, and career growth.
L-R: Hong Cheng, Michelle McKinney and Craig Person at Library Leadership Ohio 2018
Overall Impressions
Hong: I appreciated the opportunity to get to know myself better and more importantly realize how much I can contribute to the organization. I heard “community” throughout the training many times, and I am excited to work with my colleagues on building a happy and healthy community within and outside the library.
Michelle: This was just what I needed at this point in my career. I’ll be celebrating my thirteenth work anniversary in December and am in the midst of considering my professional future. LLO has allowed me the time to truly reflect on my accomplishments, skills and aspirations. It has also helped me to connect with others who are facing similar challenges. I’ve been lucky to have a strong group of library friends, colleagues and supporters and I feel I’ve grown that group as a result of this experience.
Craig: Seeing how I spent a good portion of my library career in Kentucky, I had not heard about the Library Leadership Ohio program. I am thankful beyond words for having had this opportunity. To be selected for the 2018 cohort was an honor. But the experience was something more than just the tangible items gathered, presentations viewed, or daily speakers. There were bonds and connections created through this shared experience that I can’t fully describe. I understand myself better, I see this library “world” with more definition, and I feel connected to something greater.
Hong, Michelle and Craig plan on sharing more about their LLO experience at an upcoming info session that has yet to be scheduled.