Jennifer Addington - I am the Branch Operations Manager for the Palos Verdes Library District. I oversee the running of two small branch libraries including managing staff, collections, programming and outreach to the community. I also serve as the managing team for the entire District.

In almost every job I've had, I've been regarded as the "go-to" person but I used to say it was because I was a great assistant. I took pride in knowing that I would always make my supervisor, my department and my organization look good and be successful. It was a real eye-opener when I looked up one day and realized I was not the assistant anymore. I had to accept that people now looked to me for guidance, and be truthful to myself at how good that felt.

Eureka! Has helped me to accept that liking that top position is okay, gaining the necessary skills to be successful there is essential and that being able to call on this amazing group of powerful people to help you along the way is a true gift.

Thank you to the State Library, Infopeople and all the wonderful people who made this journey so memorable.

Martha Arroyo-Neves - Assistant Chief of Branches. Having worked for the San Francisco Public Library for 35 years, I have a lot of "field" experience working with the community. I have done street fairs, parades, library orientations, site visits, created teen book clubs at local schools, so you name it - I did it! But now, being a new member of the administration team, and because I think that partnerships with the community organizations are just as important as having the libraries open, I came to the Eureka! Institute in search of tools and strategies to create concrete, fruitful and lasting partnerships.

At the Eureka! Institute not only did I find those needed tools and strategies, I also found out a lot about myself and what drives my passion at work. Yes, I am an 8 who would like to be a 3 with a little bit of 5, but such is life! I'm not confident that I have what it takes to be a good leader, and I am also a member in a network of colleagues and mentors who are as passionate about library services as I am. I am very thankful to the Infopeople staff for giving us everything we needed, and more! To the mentors, especially Joan Frye Williams and Kim Bui-Burton, for unselfishly sharing their time and knowledge with us, to my study and support groups for answering every question I had, and yes last but not least to Becky Schreiber and John Shannon for putting up with my impertinence!

Thea Blair - Current position: Library manager, Support Services at Mission Viejo Library. I made my way to my current library by way of Autographics and General Automation, where I worked as a project manager and software trainer for both.

I came to the Eureka! Institute to get my mojo back.

I got my mojo back!

 

Sandra "Sandy" Briggs - (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=72529132) Libraries are my second career but my first passion. Following an MS in Counseling, I spent a few years in direct services before being promoted to management. Skills in program design, planning and implementation; budgeting; organizational development and staff recruitment, training and retention led to 15 years of experience in senior management before making a lateral transfer to Yolo County Library. Extraordinary mentorship by 37-year County Librarian Mary Stephens and support from the California State Library's staff development project encouraged me to pursue a second Master's in Library Science. With an MLIS degree and eight years of senior management experience in libraries, I was recently appointed as Library Services Director for Woodland Public Library.

I came to the Institute to further develop leadership skills to insure that libraries are an important part of the solution to issues confronting our world - community building, democracy, and the maximization of human potential. The Institute has provided me with tools for creating vision, setting strategic priorities, facilitating partnerships, and engaging politically. The Institute exceeded my expectations and provided an incredible network of equally passionate professionals for future coordination.

Susan Broman - I'm currently the Adult Services Coordinator for the County of Los Angeles Public Library. I oversee all the librarians who serve adults, the Library's central reference and subject resource centers, and the Library's website and intranet.

I started out as a children's librarian in a small community library, moved on to become a library manager at an even smaller library in the Antelope Valley, and then took a job managing a medium-size community library. At the Canyon Country Library I was able to develop and pilot new services and push that library to be more responsive to the users. I took a job as Internet Services Librarian at Library headquarters to design a new website and expand our online services, but found myself accepting a promotion to my current job after a few months.

Through my Eureka! experience, I realized that I thrive on change and pushing the Library forward to meet the constantly changing needs of the public. I left feeling energized about libraries and their contribution to communities and excited to be a part of a group of librarians who are energized about the same things.

Cen (Carolyn) Campbell - (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=539340235)

I came to Eureka! to hear new ideas, and to develop my own. What I was expecting was different from what actually transpired, but I learned about myself, and about libraries as institutions. I'm not sure that the future holds for me, but I will remember Eureka! as a place of exploration. I am grateful to have connected with energetic, intelligent and courageous people.

 

Sabah Eltareb - Principal Librarian @ the California State Library/B.S. - Economics - University of the Pacific/MLIS - San Jose State University I've been at the State Library for the past 10 years in a variety of public service units.

I came to the Institute thinking I would be working out the details of my project. Instead, I gained so much more through the weeklong series of very intense training sessions led by two dynamic instructors, insights from 8 generous mentors & the opportunity to meet 35 wonderful colleagues.

OK everybody, what's next?!

Mark Hall - I'm currently the Reference Manager of the Business/Science/Technology Department at San Francisco Public Library. Since receiving my MLIS at U.C. Berkeley, I've held a number of positions: manager in a computer training company, Spanish bilingual services librarian, children's librarian, children's services manager in a branch, branch manager, and special projects manager. I've been at my current position for almost six years. Some of my professional activities have included stints as treasurer, vice-president and president of Bibliotecas Para La Gente (a chapter of Reforma), and teaching an online Infopeople course on small business resources.

I applied for the institute because I knew from talking to attendees of previous library leadership programs that I would learn some practical tools, meet a lot of colleagues, and come away with renewed commitment to the field. I also was interested in the project-focused nature of the institute... the fact that we'll all be applying what we've learned to bring a variety of innovative projects to fruition. The institute met my expectations, and now the real interesting part begins, as I and my colleagues use our knowledge and our networks to help improve our libraries.

Genesis Hansen - (http://roomtoroam.wordpress.com/)

I have a BA in English from UC Santa Barbara and got my MLIS from San Jose State in 2003. Since getting hired at Newport Beach Public Library. I've worked in Reference, Young Adult Services, and Web Services. Now that I'm in a management position I have the unwieldy title of Web Services and Technical Processing Coordinator. I came to the Institute because I wanted to grow in my leadership skills and to meet other people who have a passion for libraries and leadership and who are excited about the future. I've been stretched in every way, but it's been a truly amazing and inspiring experience. I feel that I've grown in abilities and confidence, and I've been thrilled to watch others going through the same process. I'm going forward with new ideas and a fantastic support group. I couldn't be more grateful.

Renee Hayes - I believed the Institute would be a great opportunity to prepare for my project, Boomers and Bloggers, meet new library buddies and warm up (in that great San Diego sunshine) to the idea of what it means to be a true library leader. Instead, I was humbled, honored and WOWed By 44+ amazing, talented professionals who encouraged me to take a closer look at myself, realize that I really could “lead from where I am,” and ask myself, as JFW did: “What's taken you so *** long, girl?”

It is extremely exciting to think that the future of public libraries in California is on the shoulders of those of us who were representative of the next generation at the Eureka! Leadership Institute. I can't wait to see what happens next!

Visit me at the San Anselmo Public Library in beautiful Marin County, just across the Golden Gate Bridge north of San Francisco. I'll greet you at the door, and show you around our 1915 Carnegie building. I'd be glad to answer your reference questions, boast about our new children's books and help you get a library card. I can even show you where I used to load books on my cart as a page in the 1970's. Just don't be surprised if you see my name on the director's desk!

Damon Hill - My current position is with the Marin County Free Library as manager of the Civic Center Library. Previously I've worked as Head of Reference in Corte Madera and as a Children's Librarian with Oakland Public Library. My entry into libraryland dates back to being a seven-year-old latchkey kid unsure of what I wanted, but believing knowledge and ideas could make my life better and dreams come true.

The Eureka! Leadership Institute was the unique opportunity to collaborate with excellence and further my leadership skills to provide an impact for libraries. My previous experience in working with Infopeople and the State Library ensured this would be a quality program, but I was truly blown away by the experience.

A tsunami of group energy provided me with inspiration and renewal for my library passion. Memorable relationships were established that will make California libraries vital forces in our communities.

I am grateful to everyone who supported, organized and participated in this week for the possibilities and opportunities created.

Juli Huston - My library career began nearly 8 years ago when I set foot on the University of Washington campus for my first class in Library School. While in Library School I worked as a library clerk for the Municipal Research & Services Center, an agency providing information to city governments and officials throughout Washington State. I graduated library school in 2002 and was hired as the Children's and Young Adult Librarian at the Rio Vista Branch of Solano County Library. I enjoyed five years there learning the ropes of the library world and observing the leaders around me. Five months ago I applied for and was offered the position of Supervising Librarian at Solano County Library's Springstowne branch. This is where I am today.

I came to the Eureka! Leadership Institute because I'd reached a point where I knew it was time to develop leadership skills and take on a more active role in my library. The Institute not only helped me feel more confident as a leader, I also got to meet and form friendships with librarians from all over California.

Now that the Institute is complete, I look forward to taking a more active role in shaping the future of Solano County Library and California's libraries in general.

Robin Isicson - I lead five dynamic departments: Collection Development, Ordering/Receiving, Cataloging, Interlibrary Loan, and Inter-branch Delivery as the Technical Services Principal Librarian for the San Diego County Library.

After graduating from San Jose State University with my MLS in 2002, I began my library journey at SDCL's Valley Center Branch. The following year I transferred to Technical Services sharing my time between Collection Development and Cataloging. About a year and a half later I became Head of Cataloging. In January 2007 I started leading all of Technical Services.

I feel passion for beautiful, relevant collections, efficiency and using the library catalog structure to communicate, not only to my local community of users, but also the hidden virtual community of users.

I attended the Institute because I wanted to know what the future looked like and what it would take to get there. I also wanted to know who else was out there with a passion and desire to believe in libraries' fullest potential.

My experience re-energized me. I feel proud. I feel like anything is possible for the future of libraries and I feel like we can absolutely light a fire and sustain it.

Jeannie Kays - I am City Librarian of the Palm Desert Library, a branch of the Riverside County Library System. After five years of library experience, I felt ready to take my career to the next level by attending the Eureka! Leadership Institute. I am a leader within my library system but I wanted to sharpen my skills to help me move up in my system.

When I arrived, personal development was my goal. I got so much more from this experience. Yes I learned about myself, but I also learned new procedural ideas to take back to my system, as well as new approaches to different personality types. Most of all I am walking away from the Eureka! Leadership Institute with a supportive network of other California librarians I am proud to call my friends.

Seng Lovan - Senior Community Librarian, Contra Costa County Library - Danville. I came to the Eureka! Institute to develop my leadership skills and identify areas that may need more improvement. One idea that has really resonated with me from Phase II is the belief that managers are not necessarily leaders. What I really hoped to accomplish when I applied to the Institute was to bring those two roles closer together for me and the community I serve.

What I'll take with me is an incredible understanding of different leadership styles, the power of inward reflection, the criticalness of community partnerships and positioning and the recognition of personal strengths and weaknesses. It has been an intense and challenging week that has brought me together with an amazing learning group of nine, a great support group of four, and numerous new ideas.

Angie Miraflor - (http://www.iheartbooks.com/)

I graduated from San Jose State University with a BS in Public Relations in 2002. After realizing working in libraries was my destiny, I went back to SJSU to earn my MLIS in 2005. I started working for San Jose Public Library in 2006 at the Educational Park Branch. I am currently the Teen Services Librarian at King Library. I am also involved in CLA and YALSA committees as well as the SJSU SLIS Alumni Association.

I came into this program expecting to learn how to become a better leader within my organization. After this program I've learned not only how to lead within SJPL, but how to become a leader in the entire library profession. This Institute opened my eyes to the future of libraries and my role in forming the path of its future. I've made lifelong friends, colleagues and mentors. Attending the Eureka! Leadership institute has made me braver, optimistic and even more enthusiastic about libraries and my place in the community.

Irma Morales - I am currently the Site Supervisor at the El Modena Branch Library that is part of Orange Public Library (OPL) in Orange County. I began my career in libraries in 1999 as a Library Assistant in the children's department at our main library. After 5 years I became a Librarian in the adult services department in 2004. I have been in my current position for almost two years.

I came to the Institute to learn techniques for better leadership, to better communicate with the staff & the community and to meet new colleagues that are passionate about their careers in librarianship as I am. The Institute has given me an array of experiences - new friends and mentors, new strategies to become a better leader, and the knowledge that this week will resonate throughout my career. To quote Jackie Robinson, “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” Thank you for letting me be a part of this historic moment and may you all touch the lives of many.

Suzy Murray - I'm currently the Branch Supervisor at the North Natomas branch of the Sacramento Public Library System. I received my MLS from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa in 1998. I worked as a software consultant for Sirsi Corporation for three years and then went to work for Sacramento Public Library as a Teen Services Librarian. I've been a Branch Supervisor since June 0f 2005 in small branches and am currently supervising a branch that is undergoing a building project that will complete in the fall of 2009.

I came to the Institute to help me finding my voice as a leader and help me gain confidence. I gained this and much more. I feel as though I have a much clearer sense of my own strengths and have strategies for how to assert and use those strengths naturally for my branch and organization, but also for the profession as a whole.

KimNhung Nguyen - I am a Branch Manager at Hillview Branch Library of San Jose Public Library System. The library was recently built on a location situated next to a middle school and the artist incorporated the various influences of the Valley to reflect the diversity of the area, agriculture, industry and of course Silicon Valley. A view of the rolling hills greets the visitors when they come to the library. It is a calming space and a time for quiet reading and reflection. My background mirrors the diversity of the population I serve. Although my heritage is Vietnamese, I grew up in Laos and in Thailand. I'm comfortable in communicating in Vietnamese, Laotian, Thai, and English. The diversity of this population is what gets me going everyday. I see the opportunities to enrich the lives of our customers and IÕm blessed that I can participate and guide people in their search for knowledge and information.

I obtained my MLS and MA in Counselor Education from San Jose State University while working and raising a family of three beautiful children with my husband of 22 years. I am active at my children's schools, Girl Scout activities, and church fund raising activities. I am a Habitat for Humanity builder in Vietnam for over twelve years, and a great counselor to villagers suffering from post traumatic stress disorder.

"Act with Courage" enticed me to apply to the Eureka! Institute. Participating in a learning group gave me courage to be an active participant in the group dynamic. I feel that having participated in the leadership training has given me insights into the difference between being a "leader" and a "manager." Attending Eureka! Institute 2008 has given me a great and very positive learning experience. I can't wait to use my new skills.

Saralyn Otter - I currently work for Santa Clara County, managing children's services at the Morgan Hill Library as a Children's Program Librarian. I began my library career as a page for the Santa Cruz Public Library. As I prepared to graduate from UC Santa Cruz I realized that I wanted to continue working in public libraries so I entered the graduate program at San Jose State.

During graduate school, I worked for several different types of libraries including: Los Gatos Public Library, Stanford Green Library, and the Elmwood Correctional Facility Library. Upon graduation, I took a job with the Los Angeles City Library and bounced between ten and children's services for the next five years. I missed the Bay Area, so I started looking for work in northern California, eventually landing my current position.

I came to the Institute to assess and develop my leadership skills, and for the opportunity to meet librarians from a variety of systems, each with their own unique perspectives and experiences to share.

My Eureka! Experience has pushed me to explore and build my leadership capabilities, develop strategic thinking skills, and has inspired me to be a force for positive change in my library and my community.

Chris Ricker - (http://www.brucericker.com/)

Managing Librarian for Technology and Support Services at Monterey County Free Libraries. Career highlights:

1. Participating in a "People for People" delegation of Youth Service librarians that visited libraries in China.
2. Meeting my artist husband when I was Manager of the Carmel Valley Library (see website). Note: he designed a cover of a Robert Heinlein paperback.

If my eyes are puffy in my picture it is because I cried on the third day of our workshop. It was hard for me to show my vulnerability among my peers and mentors. I pressed on and gained richer relationships & leadership insights. I lived through the experience and I believe I am a stronger leader from the experience. I'm an Ennegram type 5.

Patricia Rivera - I am the Public Services Librarian for the Buena Park Library District. I have been in this position for only a few months! Previously I had been at the Yorba Linda Public Library for 8 years as the Teen Services Librarian, where I was able to explore and develop some of my leadership skills by initiating the development of teen programs and services. During this time I was able to get my MLIS from San Jose State in December 2003.

I came to the Institute so I could further my leadership skills and to meet other great leaders in libraries. I experienced many different emotions throughout the Institute, from excitement, anxiety, nervousness, enthusiasm and more. At times I was definitely out of my comfort zone, but I realized that these were the opportunities to grow. I feel very energized and feel that I have found a new passion - providing outreach to our evolving communities. Because of this Institute, the mentors (thanks Mark & Stacey!), and my new colleagues and friends, I feel I have a good jumping off point so that I can start making a difference within myself, my community and my profession. And to do this one thing, to remember, is to unleash the lion within - ROAR!

Amanda Schukle - During my career, I have had many exciting opportunities to develop my leadership ability, and the Institute really helped me to further focus my vision for the future of libraries. I have worked for the San Diego County Library [SDCL] since 2001. I began my SDCL career with four years in the Collection Development department, then spent two years launching SDCL's new adult literacy program. In 2007, I returned to Collection Development as department head. I received my MLIS from San Jose State University in 2005.

The Eureka! Leadership Institute was an amazing experience. I went to the Eureka! Leadership Institute with the intention of networking with and learning from other highly motivated new library leaders, and I was able to do that and a lot more. I learned many things about myself and my style of leadership, as well as how to better communicate my vision and broaden my influence. I feel very passionately about building a bright future for libraries, and it was wonderful to learn and grow with others from all over California who share my passion.

Jim Silverman - Jim Silverman is passionate about librarianship as a form of service. Early in his career he was a librarian at Angola Prison in Louisiana. As a children's librarian in Solano County, he turned the Springstowne branch into a stage for blues bands and Cajun groups and young hip hoppers to perform for families. He attended the Institute to discover and exercise skills that make him a more powerful voice for his mission. His next big project is to construct a model for the electronic relationship between the library & the young adult audience.

 

Andrea Taylor - (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=521285790)

Starting out as one of the first librarians within Canada's first public library inside a men's federal prison seems like so long ago, but I realize those first six months of my library career helped set the stage for where I am today (it also gave me the incentive to look for another job). At exactly one hour before midnight, New Year's Eve 1999, I arrived in South Florida to work first as a Children's Librarian overseeing six branches & later a Reference Librarian. Just over five years and six hurricanes later, I recognized the need for a greater challenge and moved to California to accept a position as Branch Manager for Fullerton Public Library. Today I manage the Technical Services Department, overseeing cataloging and systems administration.

Having found myself in a management role at Fullerton I intended on coming to this Institute to become a better "boss." I am leaving with skills as a manager, leader, friend, and possibly even as a mentor for others. The choices I have made to get here may have been drastic to some, but I do now comprehend that they have made me the librarian I am today!

Barbara Telford-Ishida - During my library career I have been a Teen library assistant and librarian and an Adult Services librarian, both with Alameda County Library. In 2007, I completed my MLIS. I also have a BA (Honors) and MA in Political Science and completed the coursework and qualifying exams for a doctorate in political theory, comparative politics and public administration.

Participating in an inspirational, supportive network of future-oriented librarians was a considerable magnet for attending the Institute. Personal insight, attunement to the environment, risk taking and future orientation were skills I especially wanted to expand. I also wanted to develop my leadership potential in order to design and implement a project that would establish my library as a valued and vibrant part of its community.

Among the most important skills and insights I learned from the Institute are the pivotal needs to:

• Evaluate the library environment (SWOT) strategically (So what? Therefore...)
• Pursue and establish community rather than staff values
• Develop the strengths and neutralize or modify the weaknesses of my personality type, fears, motives, beliefs and values
• Accommodate the preferences of different personality types to build effective relationships
• Reach critical mass in achieving change by supporting each stage of the process
• Synergize group energy and ideas into groundbreaking programs and services
• Use body language and vocal style consistent with intended meaning
• Cultivate political savvy and nurture community partnerships, and
• Commit to personal and organizational visions and success: think big and share

Christina Wainwright - (http://pbreadings.blogspot.com/)

I am the Branch manager at San Diego Public Library's Pacific Branch/Taylor Library. I received my MSI from UM's School of Information and have worked at SDPL since 1999 as a Youth Services Librarian then Branch Manager since 2003. I applied for the Institute so that I could get help creating a staff wiki related to our new ILS and I learned to stand up more in my dealings with management.

Once here though, I realized that my passion was for another project and that the critic that I really needed to face was my own self-doubt. So I totally changed my project, and am excited about becoming better positioned to help my community connect with each other. I'm proud of what California's libraries do, and am passionate about the potential that I see ahead. Together we will achieve more.

Elliot Warren - I work for Contra Costa County Library as the Senior Community Library Manager of the Hercules Library. I attended the University of Texas at Austin & received my MLIS in 2001. I have worked as a Youth Services Librarian & Senior Community Library Manager.

I have focused my work upon how large organizations can crate efficient & flexible systems to serve diverse populations. While I am especially passionate about creating unique library services that reflect community aspirations, I have learned, through my work on collaborative teams, that I particularly enjoy discovering & developing new ways to communicate data to help move library staff towards organizational goals.

The Eureka! Institute has provided a wonderful opportunity to help me reflect upon why libraries exist and how I can best utilize my talents, skills, strengths & weaknesses to help communities use libraries as a way to reach their dreams.

Kelley Worman - I am a Metro Branches Supervisor for the Fresno County Public Library. I have served on various YALSA committees and I am a YALSA Serving the Underserved Trainer. I am an Infopeople instructor, training staff in better ways to serve young adults. In addition, I am on an advisory panel for San Jose State University's Library Science school, focusing on curricula or youth services.

I came to the Eureka! Institute to learn how to implement a project idea. I leave with so much more. I learned to confront my fears, and push through them. I discovered strength resides inside me and I've found courage to trust and be proud of that strength. I've found my voice and am forever changed. And finally, I've felt joy at the realization that I am no longer alone.

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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.