The Mountain Plains Library Association (MPLA), through a grant from EBSCO Information Services, has created a program to develop the potential of emerging leaders in the information services field. After two years of planning, the MPLA Leadership Institute launch date is set.

The first MPLA Leadership Institute will be held at Ghost Ranch, N. M., November 10-14, 2002. Thirty candidates from 12 states have been selected to attend the Leadership Institute meeting, and six industry professionals have agreed to serve as mentors. Maureen Sullivan, a well-known facilitator and consultant on the full range of organizational and human resource development programs, has been selected to lead the Institute. Topics to be covered in meeting sessions will include interpersonal communication, risk taking, organizational change and development, and more.

"Thanks to EBSCO, we have been able to keep the cost affordable for those who are selected as participants. The EBSCO contribution triggered a multiplier effect when some member states reached out to match the contribution with support for their selected participant's travel costs," said Marilyn Hinshaw, Leadership Institute Planning Committee chairperson. "EBSCO's contribution facilitated the synergy of MPLA and its member states' leadership development goals. I can't imagine a more fitting tribute to their generosity."

"This institute will develop the future library community leaders in our region. We are pleased to be able to work with the Mountain Plains association to get this project started," said Stan Terry, vice president and general manager of EBSCO's Mountain/Plains Regional Office.

The Mountain Plains Library Association (MPLA) is a twelve-state association of librarians, library paraprofessionals and friends of libraries in Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming. Its purpose is to promote the development of librarians and libraries by providing significant educational and networking opportunities. The Association meets annually in joint conferences with member states on a rotational basis, and is governed by an elected board of representatives from each member state and a number of sections and roundtables representing interests and types of libraries. MPLA activities are carried out by a number of committees and an executive secretary, in addition to its board and its officers. Visit MPLA's Web site, www.usd.edu/mpla/ or contact mplaleader@worldnet.att.net for more information.

Released: Sept. 16, 2002