By GIULIA ADELFIO and FEHL CANNON
Madison Council Chairman John Kluge, a benefactor of the Library's Leadership Development Program, met with the 2001-2002 Leadership Development Program (LDP) Fellows in the Thomas Jefferson Building on Oct. 10. Mr. Kluge has served as chair of the Madison Council since its inception in 1990, and is the Library's most generous individual donor, providing both leadership and financial support.
This was the first meeting of Mr. Kluge and this year's LDP fellows, the third group since the program began in 1995. Ten fellows were selected from throughout the Library of Congress to participate in a yearlong series of orientations, training seminars and work assignments. The program provides the fellows with opportunities to develop leadership skills, professional contacts and to gain a broader understanding of the Library's scope.
For the Fellows, this meeting was the highlight of an intensive first two weeks of orientation to the Library and its programs. The Fellows introduced themselves to Mr. Kluge and spoke briefly about their prior Library experiences, ideas and future goals. In addition to Mr. Kluge and the Fellows, the Librarian of Congress, Chief of Staff Jo Ann Jenkins and Program Manager Fern Underdue participated in the discussion.
Speaking on the nature of leadership, Mr. Kluge focused on the importance of setting professional goals and of honoring promises and commitments. "It's the effort you make. You'd be amazed how people take notice," he said. He stressed the potential of each individual's contribution to make the Library a better institution.
When asked what brings him the most satisfaction, Mr. Kluge replied, "Change. Even at my age, I am restless." He attributes his drive to the personal challenge of always attempting to make things better. Mr. Kluge ended the meeting with final remarks praising James H. Billington for his vision and leadership of the Library.
The 2001-2002 Leadership Development Program Fellows are Giulia Adelfio (Interpretive Programs Office); Joseph Agyemang (National Library Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped); Ingrid Bough-Bell (Copyright Office); Fehl Cannon (European and Latin American Acquisitions Division); John Lewis (National Library Services for the Blind and Physically Handicapped); Tsai-Hong Miller (Copyright Office); Robin Rausch (Music Division); Robert Saladini (Music Division); Darleene Sewell-Jones (Protective Services); and Taru Spiegel (European Division).
Ms. Adelfio of the Interpretive Programs Office and Mr. Cannon of the European and Latin American Acquisitions Division are 2001-2002 Leadership Development Program Fellows.