PLG Spring Conference 2004
Friday 2 April - Sunday 4 April
Kents Hill Park Training Centre, Milton Keynes

Making Libraries Matter: Developing Leadership Skills in Library Staff.

The need for leaders at all levels within the public library profession has been a hot topic for discussion within the profession over the last two years. It's increasingly acknowledged that developing leaders and building the skills of our workforce are essential tasks, if we are to realise the full contribution which public libraries can make within their local communities, as articulated in Framework for the Future.

The programme was intended to provoke debate and stimulate ideas. It brought together a diverse range of speakers, who highlighted best practice projects and strategies, happening at both a local and national level, which are having an impact on workforce development and leadership. There was also an opportunity to hear how some of our most inspirational leaders have approached these issues themselves.

Running through the programme were three themes:

• leadership can happen at all levels within public library services;

• the importance of encouraging diversity and innovation should not be underestimated;

• as a profession, there's a real need to recognise the value of learning and professional development.

Ciara Eastell was Director of Studies. The conference was organised by CILIP Conferences on behalf of the Public Libraries Group of CILIP.