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New England Library Leadership Symposium (NELLS)
NELLS is an intensive 4-day course for "up and coming" library leaders. At right, NELLS chairs The purpose of this symposium is to foster the mentoring and development of leaders for library associations (state and regional). NELLS was created through a cooperative effort of the New England Library Association and all six New England state library associations. First held in 2003, the second NELLS took place in the summer of 2005. 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 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 be some scholarships available from your state association (contact your specific association for more information). 
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; and achieving your potential. Attendees develop an action plan for their future commitments. For reference, you can download the 2008 NELLS brochure (PDF format). Of course, since this symposium has already occurred, please note that it will be updated, and certain descriptions and symposium content may change in 2010. If you missed out this time, please look for information on the 2010 NELLS in the preceeding year. The 2005 Symposium had 26 participants (4 from each state and 2 from NELA) and 6 mentors (library leaders with 15 or more years of experience). Each NELLS participant will be expected to serve on his/her state or regional library association for at least one year following the Symposium.
For additional information:
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