Directors University Committee

Introduction

The DU Committee will plan and deliver an annual training for new Illinois Public Library Directors that focuses on the essential skills and training new directors need to succeed in running their libraries.

While both committees operate in similar functions, DU 2.0 committee members require more hands-on experience, seasoned facilitation skills, and in-depth knowledge on specific subject matter.

 

Committee Charge

The Committee is charged with planning and implementing annual DU training including securing funding, planning accommodations and speakers, and reporting on the efficacy of the training. The Committee is comprised of representatives from the Illinois Library Association, RAILS, IHLS and directors and consultants from across the state.

 

Specific Tasks and Functions

Through scheduled meetings, work sessions, and correspondence via video conference, phone, or email, committee members will perform the following tasks:

Illinois Library Association

  • Submits grant applications and reports to the State Library and acts as Fiscal Agent
  • Organizes accommodations, food, and equipment & AV
  • Handles registration and website
  • Helps promote and publicize throughout the state

Illinois State Library

  • Provides funding for the event
  • Helps promote and publicize throughout the state

RAILS

  • Actively assists committee members in curating speakers
  • Helps promote and publicize throughout their region
  • Have one staff member on site during the training

IHLS

  • Actively assists committee members in curating speakers
  • Helps promote and publicize throughout their region
  • Have one staff member on site during the training

Members at Large

  • Committee co-chairs review applicants and presents to the committee at large for appointment
  • Determine the topics covered by DU
  • Assists in finding speakers for presentations
  • Serves as subject matter experts during DU
  • Speaks on certain topics during the training, including assisting with the budgeting breakout sessions
  • Assists attendees in taking information presented and making it relevant to their libraries
  • Continue to mentor/be available to answer questions from attendees after DU training
  • Helps promote and publicize to their network

 

Committee Members

The DU Committee will be comprised of members from across the state as well as ad hoc members from IHLS, RAILS, and ILA.

As needed, new committee members will be chosen after an application and review process.

 

Committee Membership Requirements

Directors willing to serve on the committee must:

  • Attend several virtual planning meetings and the in-person DU training and virtual trainings
  • Have 5 years of library director experience
  • Be active in the Illinois library community
  • Proactively serve as a resource to attendees during and after the training

DU Committee
Betsy Adamowski, Wheaton Public Library
Amy Byers, Chatham Area Public Library
Monica Cameron, Shelbyville Public Library *
Amanda Doherty, Mt. Pulaski Public Library
Jennifer Drinka, Antioch Public Library District
Julie Milavec, Downers Grove Public Library
Jamie Paicely, Flossmoor Public Library *
Kathy Parker, Library Consultant 
Bobbi Perryman, Vespasian Warner Public Library
Donna Schaal, Argenta-Oreana Public Library District
Leander Spearman, Belleville Public Library
Alex Todd, Prospect Heights Public Library

Ex-Officio Members
Leslie Bednar, Illinois Heartland Library System
Monica Harris, Reaching Across Illinois Library System
Kate Kite, Illinois Heartland Library System
Kate Niehoff, Reaching Across Illinois Library System
Kristin Pekoll, Illinois Library Association
Cyndi Robinson, Illinois Library Association

* 2025 Co-Chair

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