Library managers

Just found out I have been awarded a scholarship to attend this summer's ARL Library Management Skills Institute I: The Manager.  While thrilled and excited to be picked, I'm also a bit mortified that my career path is leading down this way.  Its a bit of a Catch-22: while wanting to manage, I'm still not quite sure if I want to be a manager.  Does this make any sense at all?  I've been managing the library website development for over two years now, but with, a) no "real" authority and b) a whole staff of knowledgeable and hard-working individuals who contributed expertise and their skills.  I was more a leader than a true manager.  Maybe they are the same thing, but I don't think so.  In a lot of ways, I just had to get the group focused and on track, maybe just make a decision because we could go around endlessly in circles if no one decided.  Does that make a manager?
I know going to a 3-day workshop will not magically make me a manager, but I do need and expect a lot from this institute. A.) Confidence B.) Strategies and C.) Give me some clues to how to deal with difficult people!!!  I know, I know - its the $64,000 question, but I need help...

Comments

[Jenica]

I loved that institute -- if the Skills Institute II weren't during SUNYLA, I'd be a repeat customer. Have fun, I'm certain you'll learn bunches!

And I think managers and leaders are two different things, but I also think it helps if you're both at once.