NELLS Leadership

NELLS I

The purpose of this five-day intensive training program is to foster the mentoring and development of leaders in state and regional library associations. NELLS was created through a cooperative effort of the New England Library Association and all six New England state library associations. NELLS has been held six times since its inception in 2003, most recently in 2017.

Who can attend?
NELLS students will be library professionals, paraprofessionals, or volunteers (trustees, friends, etc.) in mid-career (3-15 years experience in or with libraries). The attendees may be recommended by someone or may make their own application for this leadership training. Each student must be a member of his or her state library association or NELA in order to apply.

What does it cost?
There is a nominal cost to the student to participate in the Symposium. NELA and all six state associations are financially supporting NELLS to keep the costs low for the Symposium attendees. There may also be scholarships available from your state association.

NELLS II

A three-day leadership program for library workers with 15 years or more experience–NELLS II–has been offered in 2016 and 2018, and it is expected that NELLS II will continue be held in alternate years.

Who can attend?
Participants must be members of NELA and must have a minimum of 15 years’ experience in libraries. Participation is NOT dependent on having attended a NELLS program in the past.

What does it cost?
The cost is typically around $800 for 3 days, including lodging, all meals & materials.

What is taught?

The curriculum covers the following areas:

getting to know your leadership style
interpersonal communication
presentation skills
managing differences
risk taking
the library within the community
using power and influence
understanding libraries as organizational systems
transforming libraries
the leader as a catalyst for change
the leader’s role as coach and mentor
achieving your potential

Attendees develop an action plan for their future commitments.

Past Participants
A spreadsheet of past participants is available here.

State Representatives
For more information about NELLS, contact your state representative or a NELLS Co-Chair.

New England Library Leadership Symposium Committee Co-Chair
Mary Etter
Director
South Windsor Public Library
South Windsor, CT
413-323-5925, ext 113