PDA Event: Leveling Up: Navigating Career Growth Through Informal Leadership in Libraries

Unlock the power of informal leadership in the world of libraries with our illuminating workshop, "Leveling Up: Navigating Career Growth Through Informal Leadership in Libraries." Join us for a transformative experience as we bring together dynamic librarians who have embraced informal leadership roles to drive change and create impact.

Through engaging presentations, interactive discussions, and real-world examples, you'll gain invaluable wisdom on navigating the intricate landscape of informal leadership. Learn how they harnessed communication skills, built strong alliances, and effectively influenced peers. This workshop isn't just about honing leadership prowess; it's about fostering a mindset that empowers every participant to make a lasting impact.

Whether you're a librarian aspiring to amplify your influence or a library professional aiming to create positive change, this workshop promises to equip you with the tools and inspiration to thrive. Don't miss the chance to learn from those who have not just followed the path but paved it themselves.

Schedule (in Central Time):

10:00 - 10:45 a.m. - Introduction to NC LIVE/LAMS

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 pm - Leveraging Service in Professional Library Organizations to Reach Your Career Goals

Panelists: Dawn Behrend (NCLA Vice-President/President-Elect, incoming Vice-Chair of ACRL’s College Library Section), Wanda Brown (Past President of ALA and NCLA), LaJuan Pringle (Chair of NCLA Library Advocacy and Legislation Section, MLA At-Large Board Member), and Morgan Ritchie-Baum (Chair of NCLA Business Librarianship in NC). 

Service in professional organizations is essential for those seeking to advance their careers in librarianship. Involvement in professional organizations at either the state or national level has a number of benefits - such as networking, professional development, and demonstrating capacity for leadership. This panel is composed of three academic librarians (one of whom made the transition from public librarianship to academic librarianship) and a public librarian, all of whom have served in leadership roles in professional organizations. These panelists will share their experiences serving in professional library organizations, and how this has better enabled them to progress in their career goals. Topics covered will include selecting professional organizations, seeking out leadership opportunities, and balancing service with one’s job duties. 

12:15 - 1:15 p.m. - Networking: More than Just Who You Know

Presenter: Dacy Shute, Marketing Librarian at Hickory Public Library

Networking is more than just hobnobbing at professional gatherings. In this session, we will explore creative methods to expand your professional social network, grow your resume, and get your name out to potential employers and partners. We will also discuss ways networking can strengthen your library’s relationship with your community and enhance your program offerings. 

2:00 - 3:00 p.m. -  Skilling Up: Growing Your Career in Libraries & Beyond with Business Information Literacy

Presenter: Morgan Ritchie-Baum, Business & Social Science Librarian at Wake Forest University

This session will consider the surprising benefits and professional opportunities one reluctant business librarian experienced when she kicked imposter syndrome to the curb and embraced exploring and extolling the value and power of libraries through the lens of economic empowerment. Attendees will explore how developing proficiency in the "language of business" can persuasively and subversively reshape a community's understanding of what and who a library is for, opening new doors of opportunity both institutionally and professionally.  

Register to attend. 

Sponsored by NC LIVE