Minnesota Institute for Early Career Librarians from Traditionally Underrepresented Groups

Program Description

The Minnesota Institute is offered every two years for early career librarians from underrepresented groups to have the opportunity to learn about leadership and organizational behavior in institutions of higher education. Participants are urged to explore their strengths and professional interests to shape their careers in academic librarianship. At the conclusion of this Institute, they will have gained expertise in critical areas of librarianship, a better understanding of themselves and behaviors in complex organizations, and a long-term peer group for mutual support and networking.

To achieve this goal, the Institute will:

• Provide intensive training in leadership, management, and decision-making skills;
• Increase self-knowledge and understanding of behavior in complex organizations;
• Develop skills in grant development, management and outcomes, and in professional writing and publishing
• Facilitate the development of a community of peers with whom participants share common experiences and on whom they can rely over time and distance for support and encouragement.

Institute Environment

Since 1998, the University of Minnesota Libraries have offered the biannual week-long institute for early career librarians underrepresented in the profession. The Twin Cities, known for offering vibrant programming through numerous arts and sports venues, an extensive park and recreational system, and an engaged and diverse community is a perfect setting for this successful program, held at the University of Minnesota.

With more than 65,000 students, the University offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in more than 100 fields, including law and medicine. The University of Minnesota Libraries, a leader in academic research libraries, received the Excellence in Academic Libraries award from the American Library Association/Association of College and Research Libraries in 2009. This award recognizes the accomplishments of library staff “as they come together as members of a team to support the mission of their institution.”

Participants will have the opportunity to interact with Libraries staff, tour the campus and the Twin Cities.

Faculty

The Institute faculty integrate managerial and leadership concepts with immediately applicable workplace skills. DeEtta Jones Young (DeEtta Jones and Associates) and Kathryn Deiss (Association for College and Research Libraries), experienced organizational and leadership development consultants and trainers, have been leading the professional and personal development component of the Institute since it began in 1998. Kate McCready, Associate Librarian and project director for the EthicShare grant, and Linda Greve, Libraries Grants Coordinator, will present a day-long session on grant development, management and outcomes. Peggy Johnson, an experienced author and editor of professional journals and books, will follow with another day-long session on professional writing and publishing.

Further Information

Contact:
Linda DeBeau-Melting
Associate University Librarian
Organization Development
l-debe@umn.edu
612-624-5802

Participant Comments

"I feel like a community was created at the Minnesota Institute. If I need to contact any one of my classmates for anything, they'll be there to help, as I would be for them. It's great to have this community born from a deeply shared experience."
Lisa Dunkley

"I have renewed focus and energy, a new network of colleagues with which to develop the profession, and new professional interests to pursue."
Megan Perez

"I walked away from the institute, knowing what to do tomorrow, next week, next month, and next year. I know what I need to read, what to ask, and where to get help and advice."
Sharon Wang

"This institute has given me confidence to take advantage of leadership opportunities and to work from a place of strength. It has also connected me to a network of creative, intelligent and thoughtful peers in the profession. For me, this was every bit as important as the content of the institute itself. Thank you, thank you, thank you."
Myntha Cuffy