Virtual Summer Leadership Academy (VSLA)

“Exploring Work that Matters”

Join us for this intensive 4-part series entitled EXPLORING WORK THAT MATTERS to help you develop a robust and resilient sense of identity and community grounded in your passion for librarianship. The four interactive 90-minute online sessions will be held from July to August. Participants will explore the role of the school librarian, answer challenging questions that support reflection, explore change, and encourage empowerment.

• July 12; 10:00 am-11:30 am; Workshop 1 - you will be invited to reconnect with what excited you about becoming a librarian.
• July 19; 10:00 am-11:30 am; Workshop 2 - you will be asked to map your environment. In doing so, you will be encouraged to recognize the reach of our profession and identify the value provided and received.
• July 26; 10:00 am-11:30 am; Workshop 3 - you will consider how our environment might change and how collaboration may help build resilience. We will also spend time exploring how we can foster resilience across the PSLA network
• August 2; 10:00 am-11:30 am, Workshop 4 - you will be asked to think about the action you can take based on previous workshops and in relation to PSLA's strategic plan. This will provide you with time to think strategically.
• 2024 PSLA Annual Conference - you are invited to put your learning into practice and present your efforts at the conference. You can work individually or in groups of two or more to present your work.

The workshops will be led by co-presenters Ms. Zindi Cresswell and Dr. Matthew Finch. Ms. Cresswell  is a business development specialist and regular facilitator for the University of Oxford's Saïd Business School’s scenario planning team. Zindzi's recent clients include Pennsylvania’s Office of Commonwealth Libraries, and public library staff training for Local Government Management Agency Ireland. Dr. Finch is an Associate Fellow of Oxford University's Saïd Business School and a strategy consultant at mechanicaldolphin.com. A former kindergarten teacher and library worker, he helps communities and institutions around the world to do useful and surprising new things. His COVID-era library strategy clients include Reading Public Library, PA; Tampa Bay Library Consortium, FL; and National & States Libraries Australasia. Matt co-wrote a chapter on youth services for the ALA Library Innovation Toolkit and has extensive experience in library service for kids and teens.

Registration is limited to 40 spaces to help ensure participants maximize their professional and personal growth. A waiting list will be created if we receive an overflow of registrants. In addition, participants will earn up to 15 Act 48 hours.

 Register Now at https://psla.memberclicks.net/explore2023

 This project is made possible in part by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro, Governor.

This project is made possible in part by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro, Governor.