Illinois State Library

This program will develop, test, and implement a library leadership program to promote greater understanding and appreciation of the world community in which librarians work. The Illinois State Library will partner with the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's Mortenson Center for International Library Programs to bring together Illinois librarians who have participated in the Illinois State Library's Synergy program and a group of librarians from among the 76 countries with which the Mortenson Center works. They will work together in a two-year leadership training program that includes negotiations, empowerment, fund-raising, and advocacy. In a second phase, the Illinois State Library will work with the Mortonson Center to extend the training program to a group of mid-career librarians from Mexico, who will interact with U.S. librarians from around the country.