The Law Library of Congress Reading Room Management Training Program was established in May 2011 to offer subject matter experts in legal and legislative research an opportunity to learn about the full spectrum of management theories and apply them to an on-the-job management rotation within the Law Library. By developing and enhancing their management skills, the Fellows would also be prepared to assume leadership positions within the Library of Congress.
There was a competitive process for acceptance into the Reading Room Management Training Program. The Management Fellows selected were: Matt Braun, Emily Carr, Debbie Keysor, Christine Sellers, and Margaret Wood.
During the two-and-a-half-year program, the Fellows receive training and mentorship to develop their leadership and management skills. Training includes selected readings, online classes, an assigned mentor, shadowing experiences, mini-retreats and workshops, special projects, and periodic assessments. Each Fellow also will have a six-month rotation as the Reading Room manager for on-the-job training.
As part of the Management Training Program, the Fellows were invited to lunch with Dr. James H. Billington, the Librarian of Congress, Bob Dizard, the Library’s Chief of Staff, and Roberta Shaffer, the Law Librarian of Congress. The lunch was a chance for the Fellows to talk one-on-one with the distinguished leaders of the Library and ask them questions about leadership qualities and management styles. It was a wonderful opportunity for all of the Fellows, especially hearing Dr. Billington’s thoughts on leadership.
Over the course of the program the Fellows will be meeting with other senior leaders within the Library of Congress to hear their thoughts on such issues as the Library as an organization, what they view as their biggest management challenges, and to hear their advice for success in the future. The October Leadership Lunch will be with Deanna Marcum, Associate Librarian for Library Services, and the January Leadership Lunch will be with Dennis Hanratty, Director for Human Resources Services.