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G2S Project Code: 2023-PA-93956
State: Pennsylvania
Fiscal Year: 2023
Grantee
Pennsylvania Library Association

Project Director
Director Name: Christi Buker
Director Phone: (717) 766-5440
Director Email: christi@palibraries.org
General Information
Title: Academy of Leadership Studies
State Project Code: FC4100096539
Start Date: 10/01/2023
End Date: 06/30/2024
Abstract: The Pennsylvania Library Association’s Academy of Leadership Studies (PALS) provides personal and professional leadership development for librarians across the state. This is done through multiple workshops with programming for non-degreed librarians and support staff, librarians holding a master’s degree, library directors, and library staff in leadership positions. PALS includes formal education with professional facilitators, mentoring from experienced library leaders, leadership development and professional development resources, long-term group projects, and cohort-building sessions tackling real-world issues with a Pennsylvania focus. We have continued to expand our program offerings to include virtual programs, which has in turn expanded the accessibility of these programs. Most of the planning and implementation of these programs is handled by the Leadership Development Committee. These volunteers serve in specific roles and work to improve curriculum, recruit speakers, coordinate program logistics, select mentors, create frameworks for group projects and lead activities.
State Goal: Libraries integral to the lifelong educational ecosystem
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$92,812.00
$0.00
$44,597.14
$137,409.14
Intent(s)
Improve the library workforce.
Library Infrastructure & Capacity
Continuing Education and Staff Development
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Directors' Institute by PALS
Narrative: This program is intended for those in key library management positions whose duties may be related to library finances, employee hiring, staff discipline and interacting with trustees and leading community building work. Leaders from all types of libraries are invited. From May 5-7, 21 participants, 4 mentors, and 4 volunteer leaders came together in Harrisburg to learn and develop their leadership skills, including the intersection of leadership and diversity. Participants received a Strengths-Based Leadership book to take an assessment of their personal top five strengths in advance of the program. At the program, presenter Jolene Pickens engaged attendees on how to apply what they learned from their assessment directly to their leadership development. The presenter offered an hour long virtual follow-up session the week after which focused on growing leadership abilities through the critical functions of trust, compassion, stability, and hope. Four experienced PA library leaders served as mentors throughout the program. They were able to offer practical insights throughout and conducted follow-up guidance virtually.
Intent: Improve the library workforce.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 60
Number of sessions in program: 17
Average number in attendance per session: 29
Number of times program administered: 1


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: Yes
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: Yes
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: Yes
Specific Locations: No
Library Types
Public Libraries: 25
Academic Libraries: 3
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 1
School Libraries: 0
Other: 1
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 30
Agree: 11
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 25
Agree: 15
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 1
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 28
Agree: 13
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: Applying what I learned will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 28
Agree: 13
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Activity Details
Title: Leadership Academy by PALS
Narrative: The Leadership Academy by PALS is a unique program that provides long term benefits for individuals and libraries through the exploration and development of leadership skills, experiences, and professional connections. In addition to those participants who hold a MLS/MLIS degree, this year's Leadership Academy included participants with an interest in long-term careers within Pennsylvania who had a bachelor's degree with two of more years of library experience, as well as, those who are currently working on their master's degree. This in-person program took place on May 7-10, 2024 and allowed 29 participants, 4 mentors, and 5 volunteer leaders to learn leadership skills, recognize their strengths, and lead with intentionality. The curriculum was developed to encompass exploring the coexistence of diversity and bias, growth and development, leading with authenticity, building healthy team relationships, and taking the lead in your own career. The program intertwined large group discussions with small group cohorts led by four PA library leaders (mentors) to collaborate and complete one of several leadership practicums.
Intent: Improve the library workforce.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 60
Number of sessions in program: 22
Average number in attendance per session: 38
Number of times program administered: 1


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: Yes
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: Yes
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: Yes
Specific Locations: No
Library Types
Public Libraries: 29
Academic Libraries: 8
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 1
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 25
Agree: 3
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 1
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 18
Agree: 8
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 3
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 22
Agree: 6
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 1
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: Applying what I learned will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 23
Agree: 4
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 2
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Activity Details
Title: Choosing Leadership by PALS
Narrative: Two sessions of Choosing Leadership, a virtual program geared toward degreed and non-degreed library workers in non-supervisory positions, were held in March 2024. These three and a quarter hour virtual sessions were led by Tina Hertel. There were 32 participants in those programs. Choosing Leadership is a specially designed half-day workshop for library support staff. Any library staff members with a leadership spark are encouraged to attend. Students are also welcome. The program consisted of interactive segments, guided discussions, and individual and group activities. Program objectives included developing an understanding of what leadership means to each of us, aligning personal values, interests, and skills with personal leadership styles, learning how to use one’s particular leadership style to advance the library’s mission and vision, building a leadership network of mentors and colleagues, and developing leadership conversation skills. Participants were asked to complete pre-session activities that included motivated skills work and self assessments.
Intent: Improve the library workforce.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: Virtual


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 195
Number of sessions in program: 1
Average number in attendance per session: 32
Number of times program administered: 1


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: Yes
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: Yes
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: Yes
Specific Locations: No
Library Types
Public Libraries: 24
Academic Libraries: 6
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 1
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 13
Agree: 9
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 1
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 9
Agree: 12
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 1
Disagree: 1
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 14
Agree: 6
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 3
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: Applying what I learned will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 10
Agree: 11
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 1
Disagree: 1
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Activity Details
Title: PALS Refresher Workshop
Narrative: The "PALS Refresher" workshop was held on June 4, 2024, in-person in Harrisburg at the Best Western. The workshop was open to any former attendees of the Directors' Institute by PALS as they had completed the Gallup Clifton Strengths Assessment previously and would use their personal results during this refresher. Having this workshop in Harrisburg made it accessible to any attendees who needed to travel by Amtrak to a workshop. It was also timed to start at 11:00 am with a working lunch break so that most folks could drive/travel in the morning, and still return home later in the day without requiring an overnight hotel stay. The 22 registrants brought copies of their individual Strengths reports, and Gallup-Certified Trainer Jolene Pickens helped everyone see their individual strengths applied to two 90 minute segments: Pillars of Leadership and Empowering Leaders through Purposeful Conflict. The workshop was highly interactive and included worksheets, discussion and practice scenario activities in small groups along with individual report outs.
Intent: Improve the library workforce.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 90
Number of sessions in program: 2
Average number in attendance per session: 22
Number of times program administered: 1


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: Yes
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: Yes
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: Yes
Specific Locations: No
Library Types
Public Libraries: 0
Academic Libraries: 0
SLAA: 0
Consortia: 0
Special Libraries: 0
School Libraries: 0
Other: 0
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 10
Agree: 5
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 11
Agree: 4
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 9
Agree: 6
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: Applying what I learned will help improve library services to the public.
Strongly Agree: 11
Agree: 4
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
1. Enhanced Leadership Skills: Participants across all programs reported significant growth in their leadership abilities. 2. Increased Confidence: Involvement in planning and executing the programs, particularly through the efforts of the Leadership Development Committee, has led to increased confidence among committee members in their leadership capabilities. 3. Expanded Accessibility: The inclusion of virtual programs has broadened access to leadership training. 4. Cohort Building and Networking: The programs emphasized cohort-building sessions that tackled real-world issues specific to Pennsylvania libraries. These sessions facilitated strong networking opportunities, enabling participants to build supportive professional relationships that extend beyond the training.5. Long-Term Projects and Practical Application: Each program included long-term group projects that addressed practical challenges faced by libraries. These projects not only provided hands-on experience but also resulted in tangible improvements and innovative solutions for libraries across the state.6. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Focus: The workshops incorporated a strong emphasis on DEI.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
1. Evidence-Based Improvements: The demonstrated enhancement of leadership skills and increased confidence among participants provide strong evidence that the current curriculum and methods are effective. 2. Strengthening DEI Initiatives: The focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workshops has shown to be impactful in fostering inclusive environments and should continue to expand.3. Practical Application and Project Work: The success of long-term group projects in providing hands-on experience and generating innovative solutions indicates that practical application is a key component of effective learning. Future programs should continue to incorporate project-based learning, possibly exploring new project formats or areas of focus to address emerging challenges in libraries.4. Resource Provision: Providing a wealth of professional development resources has been beneficial for participants. Future programs should ensure that these resources are up-to-date, comprehensive, and easily accessible, perhaps through a dedicated online platform or resource library.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
Value of Virtual Accessibility: One of the most significant lessons learned from the 2024 PALS programs is the importance of virtual accessibility. By offering virtual programs, PALS was able to reach a broader and more diverse audience. This approach not only facilitated participation from library workers in remote or underserved areas but also demonstrated the potential for inclusivity and flexibility in professional development. Impact of DEI-Focused Training: Another critical lesson is the profound impact of incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training into leadership development programs. The DEI focus helped participants develop a deeper understanding of the issues and equipped them with strategies to create more inclusive environments within their libraries. By emphasizing virtual accessibility and DEI-focused training, other organizations can enhance the reach and impact of their leadership development programs, creating more inclusive and effective leaders for the future.
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort in managing this project:
Yes
Explain:
We will continue to need to keep in mind the rising costs of materials and additional considerations when continuing to develop programs.
Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
No
Explain:

Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
No
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
Yes
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
No
Was the evaluation conducted by project staff (either SLAA or local library) or by a third-party evaluator:
Third-Party
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Did you collect any media for the data:
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:
Exemplary: No
Exemplary Narrative
Project Tags: PA librarians, leadership, development