
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Master degree in information or library science?
No.
LLEAD is designed to strengthen the leadership and management capacity of libraries and information-intensive organizations in all areas. Ideal participants are those working in team leadership or managerial roles in any department from services, operations, planning, human resources, IT, finance or any functional departments. We have students with post-graduate degrees in public policy, information security, and certifications in human resources, web design and marketing.
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Is LLEAD only for those in Canada?
No. LLEAD was initiated by the forward-looking BC Public Library InterLINK, and piloted in BC. But LLEAD has always been designed for the library and information sector - not just for public libraries. This year we are welcoming to LLEAD those passionate to grow their management and leadership abilities and contribute to the libraries and the information sector from anywhere. A reminder that the cohort is limited to 20 participants.
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I have noticed that you have a research-based curriculum; what is the research?
Dr. Ken Haycock and Rebecca Jones designed the curriculum based on research Ken conducted as Dean of the Masters of Information and Library Science programs at University of British Columbia and at San Jose State University. Ken was a co-designer and instructor with Ernie Ingles (now sadly deceased) of the renowned Northern Executive Leadership Institute (always referred to as NELI) for the library profession. We are just updating our research and have had the environmental scan of leadership development programs completed by a masters student at the University of Toronto – so I’m glad you asked! Curriculum needs to be examined and renewed every year. LLEAD’s curriculum is carefully scrutinized and reshaped to reflect current research and is responsive to local, national, and global developments and trends.
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Are these formal courses? If so, what are they?
The curriculum is based on Mintzberg and Gosling’s Five Managerial Mindsets work. Like most leadership development programs, the curriculum is not accredited by a post-secondary institution and does not result in a degree or diploma but rather a certificate. Each session requires the students to complete preparation work. They are also required to complete a group case study (conducted virtually) and an individual reflective essay.
What is the structure of the program?
The program is designed to create and nurture the “SAM2” learning framework (below). Both students and the learning guides (university librarians and public library CEO’s) sign and adhere to confidentiality agreements to ensure a safe learning environment.
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What happens at the Loon Lake Intensive?
Two learning guides reflect on their careers and lives every evening, framed by the Five Managerial Mindsets. In addition, the students work together throughout the Intensive on case studies based on actual situations experienced by public and post-secondary libraries.
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Sunday: Beginning to understand your worldview through self-location
Monday: Managing yourself: understanding your perceptions, behaviours, values and actions and their impact on others
Tuesday: Managing relationships and Managing within the worldly context
Wednesday: Managing relationships: crucial conversations
Thursday: Integrating the Mindsets: Project management
Friday: Case study presentations; re-entry to work; commitment to Development Plan.
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What happens in the virtual classes?
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Creating our virtual learning environment for the day (based on Priya Parker’s work)
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Check-in on how people applied the learnings of the previous session (this may have been establishing boundaries, having a crucial conversation, etc.)
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Lecture and discussions (both small group and large group) of the session’s main topic (this may be Talent Management and Labour Relations, Influencing Stakeholders, etc.)
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Wise Counsel for 4 or 5 students; this is a decision-making or problem-solving methodology adapted from Liberating Structures
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Do students from other provinces need to travel to BC for the in-person Six-day Residential?
Yes, the Intensive is for everyone and the fee for accommodations and food is covered in the tuition – students pay for their transportation (and we help with carpooling from the airport). The Loon Lake Centre is ideal with its teaching facilities, comfortable accommodations, nature surroundings and fantastic food! We have had students from Ontario (from Toronto Public Library and from the Ontario Library Association), Saskatoon Public Library, Grande Prairie Public Library (ALTA), University of Manitoba, and Edmonton Public Library.
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Testimonials
LLEAD was a transformative experience for me. It is the only leadership program I have participated in that recognizes the equal importance of exploring key leadership topics like change management, labour relations, and the future of libraries, while also empowering participants to network and learn from the experiences of peers and established library leaders from across the country. As an emerging leader in one of the largest library systems in Canada, LLEAD has provided me with the confidence, skill, and experience to be able to immediately add value to my teams and projects. I truly believe that I left the program as a stronger, wiser, and more connected leader than when I began, and I know that the relationships and learnings that came out of LLEAD will continue to impact my future career long past the official “end” of the program."
LLEAD 2020 Grad
Jenny Fry
Director Learning, Programs & Partnerships
Surrey Public Library
LLEAD Grad 2018