Synergists Speak Out @ ILA

The Synergists Speak Out panel presentation was just as Pat Norris promised; it was a “totally Synergy” experience. Members of each of the past six Synergy classes and a mentor informally responded to questions on topics such as the value of community outreach and balancing personal and professional responsibilities.

Panelists were: Diana Brawley Sussman (2002) Director, Southern Illinois Talking Book Center, Shawnee Library System; Pattie Piotrowski (2003) Assistant Dean for Public Services, Paul Galvin Library, Illinois Institute of Technology; Jane Ehrenhart (2004) Supervisor, Reference & Technical Services, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library; Catherine J. Yanikowski (2005) Librarian, Bishop McNamara High School; Terry Cottrell (2006) Library Director, University of St. Francis; and Brenda McGlohon (2002 and Mentor 2006, 2007) Assistant Commissioner, Chicago Public Library.

After the panel discussion, program participants broke into small groups and discussed issues that matter to them and what they have done or can do to affect these issues. Reflecting the audience and Synergy participation as a whole, my small group had participants from all types of libraries and all levels of staff, from directors to line staff.

As with my Synergy experience, I came away with new thinking. Panelists reframed questions and presented fresh, alternative ways of looking at issues I have been considering for some time. I hope that the folks at the State Library and ILA will offer this panel again and I encourage former Synergists to attend. You're sure to walk away with a new idea, a new contact, a new perspective...just like your Synergy sessions!

- Melissa Henderson, Synergy 2006

Synergy Revisted - ILA

I just wanted to thank Mary Adamowski, Bryan Blank and Jennifer Groth for setting up Synergy Revisited. It was great to meet Synergists from other years and reconnect with Synergists from my own year (2006). It was a fabulous time! I can't wait to see what they come up with next.

If you would like to help with the next Synergy event, please leave a comment or contact one of the Event committee members.

K. Kenney

Synergists Speak Out Program at ILA

Please Come!!! Please Participate!!!! Join Our Synergy!!!!

If you are attending the upcoming ILA Conference in Springfield, please mark your calendars to attend "Synergists Speak Out: Making A Difference in Your Library, Profession, and Community." The program will be held on Wednesday, October 10th, 9:00 - 10:30 am in Room B-1, Prairie Capital Convention Center. A stellar panel representing the first five years of Synergy: Diana Brawley Sussman (Year 1), Pattie Piotrowski (Year 2), Jane Ehrenhart (Year 3), Catherine Yanikoski (Year 4), Terry Cottrell (Year 5), and Brenda McGlohon (Year 1 and Mentor two years) will speak.

This program will be interactive, yes, INTERACTIVE! And we need you to help make the "synergy" strong! Come to represent your Synergy year and to meet up with your Synergy colleagues! We will be discussing the importance of getting involved, leading, following, and balancing leadership with personal lives.....and much, much more.

Bring your colleagues who might be interested in applying to attend future Synergy sessions! Bring emerging leaders who need a nudge to become more involved!

Don't forget to wear your Synergy pin during the ILA Conference, and be sure to pick up a red Synergy ribbon at the Registration Desk to attach to your conference name badge.

Please call/e-mail Pat Norris (or any of the panelists as well) if you have any questions about this program. We all hope to see you at this program and at the ILA Conference.