The group met 7-10 times this reporting period.
Recent Activities
First Activity
Our group meet monthly on zoom. We had an active and very engaged group. Each month, we discussed the various challenges we face in our leadership. We also discussed at length subject areas that leaders will need further /expanded learning. Given that we met during Covid and quarantine – we discussed at length the situations in our individual libraries and communities. We also shared how we coped.
Meets PLA’s strategic goals for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice, Leadership, Transformation
Second Activity
A core topic of many of our discussions was EDISJ. Mary encouraged us to volunteer for the EDISJ leadership lab. Many of us served as dialog facilitators. This was an enriching experience for all of to meet and work with colleagues across the county.
Meets PLA’s strategic goals for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice, Leadership
Third Activity
The group held several brainstorming sessions about webinars that members could present and facilitate. We narrowed down subject areas and leaders who would be responsible for content and delivery. We focused on contemporary issues which impressed and resonated with all of us.
Meets PLA’s strategic goals for Advocacy and Awareness, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice, Leadership, Transformation
Fourth Activity
Several committee members presented three distinct webinars which were offered with out cost or membership status. These included managing from the middle, BIPOC leaders – aspirations and challenges, leadership from various public library perspectives. These were extremely successful, wildly popular and exceeded attendance expectations.
Meets PLA’s strategic goals for Advocacy and Awareness, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice, Leadership, Organizational Excellence, Transformation
Fifth Activity
Our group worked on and submitted a pre-conference proposal for PLA 2022.
Meets PLA’s strategic goals for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice, Leadership, Organizational Excellence, Transformation
What will your group be working on for the next six months?
We have yet to meet – our goals can be determined then.
Does the group have any policy recommendations, ideas with financial impact, or other items to bring to the PLA Board for discussion or action
none at this time
Do you have any suggestions for future products or resources (excluding conference programs) to be developed based on your group’s work?
not at this time
Are there other PLA/ALA committees your group might collaborate with to benefit the work of all?
I think that it would make sense to work with other committees who are interested in the role of leaders in achieving the goals for the mandates. For example, how can this group work with Digital Literacy/Inclusion group to brainstorm on ways to tackle the national issue. We might also make content recommendations to Public Libraries Advisory Committee. There are others as well where goals align.
Have there been any issues related to meeting participation/attendance for any of the group’s members?
No
Is there anything PLA could have provided during this time that would have helped your group with its work?
n/a
Submitted by Elizabeth Joseph on 08/19/2021