(via Sheryl Reyes, American Library Association)
The application for the 2020 “Leading to the Future” ALA Leadership Institute (August 2-6, 2020 at the Hilton Oak Brook/Chicago Conference Center and Resort, Oak Brook, Illinois) is now open, with applications accepted through March 9, 2020. ALA Past-President Maureen Sullivan and Library and Leadership Consultant Kathryn Deiss will return to facilitate a four-day immersive leadership development program for mid-career librarians.
Now in its eighth year, the Institute has earned a reputation as a transformative program for leadership development in the library community. Selected future library leaders gather to develop and implement leadership skills in areas critical to the future of their libraries. Through reflective and active learning, participants delve into leadership practices, concepts, and frameworks, shape their own sustainable leadership vision and ethos, and build a professional learning community and network. With content based on real-world cases and nuanced situations, participants explore topics related to the greatest challenges of leading in an uncertain future.
Year after year in post-participation evaluations, the majority of attendees give the ALA Leadership Institute the top rating possible, with descriptions such as “by far, the best professional development I have attended in 15 years.” Many also praise the particular benefits of learning and discussing with peers. One past participant noted, “I found strength in the larger fellowship discussions at the institute – that no matter the focus of that particular person’s library profession – academic, public, school, special – the leadership skills needed were the same.” Visit the Leadership Institute website for more information and testimonials.
You can find the application here. Please note that applicants may nominate themselves or be nominated by their employer. Participation includes a free one-year membership in LLAMA (Library Leadership and Management Association). As noted, all applications must be received no later than March 9, 2020.