1. Is participation in Phase 1 & 2 a prerequisite?
   No, this is a common misunderstanding. Each of the first three phases of the Eureka! Leadership program is separate and can be taken independently of any other phase. (And in phase 2, each workshop could be taken independently.) Participation in the first two phases sets the stage for and constitutes a good background for the Institute but is not required.
2. Is an MLS a requirement?
   No again. However, you should be at an appropriate level in your personal and professional development to really benefit from the Institute. One of our Phase 2 trainers commented in her evaluation (we ask all trainers to evaluate their training experience) that she thought some libraries had sent staff who were not ready to deal with the subject matter—so that's something you should consider.
3. Are there age or experience restrictions?
   No, yet again—but bear in mind the comments above about being ready. On the other end, we do not recommend that you apply if you are planning to retire within five or even seven years.
4. Can current library directors apply?
   Yes, with the proviso that they have been in a director's position for less than 10 years.
5. If a library director applies, who signs on behalf of the library?
   The director can sign.
6. Can you give us examples of suitable projects?
   Probably the most relevant examples are those from the ULC Executive Leadership Program, which you can find on the ULC website (www.urbanlibraries.org/showcase/eli.html).
7. Are there limitations on the number of people who can apply from any given library?
   No, but we will be looking to balance Institute participants to insure equitable distribution geographically within the state. We expect that larger libraries will submit multiple applications, but that they will also go through some internal vetting process during which they will give careful consideration to how many projects they can support.
8. Can two people (from the same library) work on the same project?
   Two people can submit the same project idea, and may ultimately end up both working on the project, but we cannot guarantee that both will be selected to participate in the Institute.
9. I am a vegan/vegetarian. Can my dietary needs be accommodated?
   The Kona Kai Resort has assured us that they can provide vegan/vegetarian options.
10. I have physical limitations. Will that be a problem?
    The Kona Kai is an accessible facility, and the workshop leaders have assured us that they have had physically challenged participants in other Institutes and will make whatever accommodations are necessary.
11. Can I bring my spouse/significant other/child?
    No, the Institute leaders are very firm in their insistence that there be no spouses or other extra people at the Institute facility.
12. I have an important appointment on <fill in the day> during the Institute. Can I be released to attend it?
    No, you must be present for the entire time of the Institute. You should either reschedule any commitments or appointments, or wait for the next Institute.
13. I can't attend this time because <fill in the reason>. Will the Institute be held again?
    Since the Institute is grant-funded, we can't guarantee anything, but it is our hope and intent to offer the Institute every other year, so the next Institute would be in 2010.
14. I'm not in a public library. Will there be anything like this for me?
    Again, since the Institute is grant-funded, we can't promise anything, but it is our hope that the next Institute will be open to all types of libraries.
15. Will there be proceedings or some other record of the Institute?
    The nature of the Institute is highly interactive, built primarily around small group work (see agenda). A key element in leadership institutes is the creation of a "safe place" for participants to explore themselves and to try out leadership behaviors within a supportive framework. This type of event does not lend itself to proceedings. We will create a space on the web for information about the projects, and we will also be tracking and reporting on outcomes.
16. How is the Eureka Leadership Institute different than other multi-day trainings or conferences?
    The institute is designed to be a transformational experience. Each segment of the multi-day curriculum builds to make a final impact on the last day. The emphasis on small group work will involve a very high level of intensity, group bonding, and risk-taking unlike traditional multi-day trainings or conferences.
17. What kind of support will be provided after the Institute?
    There will be at least one (maybe two) scheduled full day, face-to-face follow-up session(s), live webinars, a wiki, listserv and consulting assistance for project design and implementation. Depending on grant funding, there may be additional forms of support for particular projects depending on their needs. These would be relatively modest, such as payment for training or acquisition of needed software.
18. Who will choose the attendees and what criteria will they use?
    The first application screening will be done by Maureen Sullivan, a library consultant known for her expertise in library leadership training, institute development and implementation. The Institute planning committee will provide Maureen with criteria for evaluating the applications. Maureen will submit a ranked list to the planning committee; it will make the final decisions.
19. Can I go home at night to be with my family? Or do I need to be there in the evening for functions?
    Attendees are expected to stay in residence at the Kona Kai so they can participate in evening meals, firesides, chats, and get-togethers, and can have breakfast together. This is a good time to network and work with mentors. To gain the most from the Institute experience, attendees really need to be totally focused and involved in all the activities on site.
20. Where is the Kona Kai Resort located?
    It is three miles from San Diego International Airport and just five miles from downtown. For driving directions, see this page.
21. When will the payment be due?
    PLS will bill participants one month before the Institute. Since that is so close to the Institute start date, there will be no refunds except in case of severe illness, accident, or death in the immediate family.
22. Can applicants pay with a credit card?
    Yes, but not online. To pay with a credit card, call PLS at 650-349-5538 and ask to speak to Donna Truong.

Do you have a question that is not addressed here? Email Holly Hinman at hinmanh@infopeople.org for more information, and help us build this FAQ!

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© 2008 Eureka! Leadership Program. The Eureka! Leadership Program is supported by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.