Congratulations to State Library of Ohio’s Ashlee Clark, Katie Campbell, and Mandy Knapp for being selected and participating in the 2012 Library Leadership Ohio (LLO) Institute. Fifty of Ohio’s next generation of transformative library leaders gathered in late July for the three day event facilitated by Ivy Library, a division of Ivy Group. Presentations integrated inspiration and information about strategic planning and implementation, library and technology trends, fundraising, market segmentation, and branding and marketing.

The LLO 2012 Institute was developed by former attendees, former mentors and the State Librarian of Ohio to awaken, inspire, and engage future Ohio library leaders. “My favorite part of the Library Leadership experience was meeting so many brilliant librarians from across the state,” expressed Mandy Knapp.”  I look forward to developing these connections in the years to come.”

For three days the participants gained new insights on leaders and librarianship, formed a cohort group for future collaborations and support, and left with a project assignment. “Library Leadership Ohio 2012 was an exhilarating experience.  The intensive program focused on our strengths and styles and exposed us to ways to use these as leaders to help our libraries,” explained Ashlee Clark. “I am honored to be part of such a dynamic and inspiring class. I look forward to addressing Ohio libraries’ challenges and opportunities through our project work.”

Katie Campbell is also looking forward to the future, “I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from and with some of the current and future leaders of the Ohio library community.  I would encourage anyone who is interested in making a difference in Ohio libraries to attend this inspiring event in the future.”

The 2012 LLO Institute was a collaboration of the State Library of Ohio, OHIONET, and OLC. The program was funded in part by an Institute of Museum and Library Services LSTA grant awarded by the State Library to OHIONET. It was held July 25th – 27th at the Deer Creek State Park Lodge and Conference Center in Mt. Sterling, Ohio. More information about LLO is available at: www.libraryleadershipohio.org.