How it all began...

Recognizing the need to develop library leaders for libraries of the future, a group of Maryland librarians, with the support of the Maryland State Department of Education Division of Library Development and Services (DLDS) held the first Maryland Library Leadership Institute in 1998, at the Rocky Gap Lodge and Golf Resort in Cumberland, Maryland. Thirty two participants attended a 5 day seminar facilitated by the nationally known team, Becky Schreiber and John Shannon of Schreiber Shannon Associates. The emphasis of the Institute is the development of individual leadership skills and the creation of a leadership network. Candidates were nominated by their library directors based on demonstrated interest in leadership and commitment to library services. Four institutes have been held since its inception and have been coordinated by the Maryland Library Association. Graduates from the Institute have gone on to various leadership positions in their library systems.