ILEAD USA Maine Frequently Asked Questions

What is ILEAD USA?

Project ILEAD USA will expand library staff members’ leadership skills and their abilities to use participatory technology to address an identified community need.  ILEAD USA has a direct impact on the end user by engaging libraries’ users in a conversation to identify needs; involving user representatives to provide critical feedback during the development of a participatory technology product; and using the product to improve the quality of life in the community. 

ILEAD brings together teams of library staff, mentors, instructors, and community members to work cooperatively over the course of nine months to address a need in their communities.  The program combines leadership, collaboration, community and technology.  Started by the Illinois State Library, ILEAD USA is the nationwide expansion of the ILEAD program to partnering states, providing and sharing resources for each state to replicate their success.

Why ILEAD USA?

Libraries most important role is to meet the challenge of affecting change in our libraries.  The biggest change we need to make is to connect to our users in a world where geography is irrelevant and immediacy is expected.  We need ILEAD USA to remain relevant!

Why would I want to participate?

ILEAD USA is a unique means of developing collaboration, leadership and technology skills vital to the role that libraries are playing in our communities. Training in these skills is provided and applied, often during the same session. Networking among your peers and with mentors and instructors creates professional and personal connections that will last beyond the end of the program. The real and primary goal of ILEAD USA, though, is to strengthen the ability of library staff members to connect with and serve their communities.

What is the cost?

Costs for lodging and meals for the immersion sessions will be covered for team members.  Funding is also available for the development or purchase of the technology vital to the success of the team projects.

What is the time commitment?

Teams will be notified about their acceptance in by February 15th.  Teams should meet to organize at least once before the March immersion session. Team members are required to attend the 3 immersion sessions (March 23-26, June 22-25 and October 26-29).  Between the immersion sessions, team members will meet (face to face or virtually) to work on their project, meet with their community representatives and attend webinars or other CE events that will help move their project along. 

How do I apply?

That National Day of Application is November 3, 2014.  A webinar will be held that day to answer questions about the project.  Each team member must prepare an application.  One person on the team will gather these individual applications and submit them along with the team application by December 12, 2014.

How do I identify a project?

Take a look at previous ILEAD projects to get some ideas and then start talking with your community and other librarians in your area to identify a need that can be solved with participatory technology.

How do I identify other team members?

The teams are comprised of library staff from a variety of library types so talk with your school or college/university librarians as well as nearby public librarians and special librarians in your area.  Projects that identify a regional need and involve multi-type libraries have a real chance for success.