Pat Norris Latest Illinois Library Luminary
February 24, 2014
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Patricia Ann Norris joined the Illinois State Library (ISL) in 1986, originally recruited to revamp its scholarship program for library school students in Illinois. Currently serving as the associate director in charge of ISL's Library Development Group, her career has been marked by wholehearted dedication to quality continuing education for all library staff.
The Small Public Library Management Institute (SPLMI), which began in 1994, was her concept and set new standards for support and mentoring. In 2002 Norris helped design ISL's leadership program Synergy, whose graduates occupy positions of leadership throughout the nation. Recently her leadership on the development and implementation of the technology skills program ILEAD U (Illinois Libraries Explore, Apply and Discover: The 21stCentury Technology Tools Institute for Illinois Library Staff), has broadened her reach to new audiences.
In 2012 she assembled the team that managed the 2013 Public Library Construction Grant Act to award $50 million for public library construction. She served as the Illinois Coordinator for the White House Conference on Libraries, 1988-1990, guiding over 900 people, including many citizen representatives, through the process of thinking creatively about challenges and directions of the Illinois and national library communities. She has worked in every type of library-public, academic, school and special-and has been a trusted mentor and friend to countless Illinois library staff.
Illinois Library Luminaries honor those who have made a significant contribution to Illinois libraries and whose supporters make a contribution of at least $1,000 to the Illinois Library Association Endowment on their behalf. This honor roll for Illinois libraries serves the dual purpose of recognizing outstanding voices in the library community, while creating a legacy through the ILA Endowment to continue their important work. Please click here to see all current luminaries.
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