ILEAD U Press Release

For immediate release

Jan. 25, 2011

ANTHONY MOLARO OF MESSENGER PUBLIC LIBRARY OF NORTH AURORA, IL TO TAKE PART IN INNOVATIVE LIBRARY TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE

NORTH AURORA, IL—Anthony Molaro has been selected to serve as a mentor in an innovative institute for Illinois library staff that is promising to be one of the most exciting Illinois library initiatives of 2011.

Anthony Molaro, who is employed as Head of Technical Services & Technology will participate in ILEAD U (Illinois Libraries Explore, Apply and Discover), the 21st Century Technology Tools Institute for Illinois Library Staff.   The institute will help library staff understand and respond to patron needs through the application of participatory technology tools.  ILEAD U is made possible by a Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program Grant awarded to the Illinois State Library by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

“The Illinois State Library is proud of its strong commitment to continuing education, and providing librarians with the tools and resources necessary to address the ever changing needs of their patrons,” said Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White. “Nowhere is the need for continuing education more important than in the area of technology. Librarians need to constantly enhance their skills to keep up to date with the latest technology, and ILEAD U represents an exciting, innovative new program to build technology and leadership skills among Illinois librarians.”

Anthony “is so excited for this opportunity to work with librarians from around the state and nation to expand our technology offerings to improve service to our community.”

Anthony Molaro and other participants will implement web technologies that foster community participation and develop leadership, innovation and positive change.  ILEAD U will encourage both the experimentation with and building of participatory Web services and programs.

Examples of participatory technology tools will include:

The ILEAD U schedule includes three in-person sessions to be held February 28-March 3, June 13-16 and October 24-27 at the University of Illinois Springfield.