The Mountain Plains Library Association (MPLA) recently hosted its first Leadership Institute in Ghost Ranch, N.M. Demonstrating its commitment to the enrichment of library professionals, EBSCO Information Services awarded MPLA a three-year grant to sponsor the event.

Bringing together 29 candidates representing 12 states, the Leadership Institute also included the talents of six industry professionals who served as mentors: Mary Bushing, formerly information resources development librarian at Montana State University; Randy Olsen, university librarian at Brigham Young University; Marilyn Hinshaw, executive director, Eastern Oklahoma District Library System; Lesley Boughton, Wyoming State librarian; Mona Carmack, county librarian, Johnson County Library; and Dorothy Liegl, deputy state librarian, South Dakota Library.

Maureen Sullivan, a nationally-recognized facilitator and consultant on organizational and human resource development programs, led participants in discussions focusing on effective leadership, interpersonal communication, managing differences, risk taking, using power and influence, leading change, creating a culture of commitment, working with groups and teams, group problem solving and achieving leadership potential.

"The quality of the program and its mentors has established the Institute as a valuable career stop for future library leaders. EBSCO has always recognized and supported local library activities," said Stan Terry, vice president and general manager of EBSCO's Mountain/Plains Regional Office, headquartered in Golden, Colo. "We are proud to be the founding partner with MPLA in supporting the Institute."

"The experience brought a wonderful feeling of kinship for people who are passionate about the work of libraries and want their library organization to be among the best in the world," said Leadership Institute Planning Committee Chairperson Marilyn Hinshaw. "It truly surpassed all my expectations."

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. Visit MPLA's Web site, www.usd.edu/mpla or contact mplaleader@worldnet.att.com for more information.

Released: Jan. 3, 2003