Public Library Leadership Fellows Program
Application Deadline: April 15, 2012
In the 21st Century, public libraries and their leaders will face unique issues that warrant focused thought, research, discussion and visioning. The Public Library Leadership Fellows program is about the future of public libraries and the changing communities they serve.
The goal of the Public Library Leadership Fellows program is to contribute to the vitality and success of public libraries and the diverse communities they serve well into the 21st century, by positioning public library professionals to be proactive, effective voices in the global information environment.
This program is designed to expose and engage library managers who have the desire and potential for highest levels of leadership in public libraries to themes, experiences and current leaders to augment their preparedness.
Background
The Public Library Leadership Fellows (PLLF) Program is an executive leadership program designed by an Advisory Team, delivered in partnership with the iSchool Institute at the University of Toronto and sponsored by CULC/CBUC. The Canadian Library Association’s 8Rs Human Resources Summit identified that public library leadership is facing a critical crossroads. Since the release of the 2008 Summit report the situation has become all the more critical as the majority of public library Chief Executive Officers and senior administrators will be looking to retirement within the next 5 years. The possession of managerial skills and leadership potential are two of the most important and difficult to fulfill competencies. Current Chief Executive Officers have a wealth of insight and experience to share and this program will offer high impact meaningful mentorship opportunities, at the executive level. The PLLF will facilitate mentorship as well as provide participants with focused professional development and networking opportunities.
The program curriculum will be based on self-assessment, discussion, analysis and exploration. Sponsoring public library CEOs, and library leaders will facilitate a program designed to integrate the fellows’ learning goals with the "big picture" issues that will impact the future leaders of public libraries. The deliverable outcomes will be tied to actual library case studies and require planning for solutions to implement measure and evaluate potential resolutions. For the inaugural group of Fellows, 24 hours of instruction over the course of the eighteen months of the program will be offered. Fellows will be required to submit a final project for evaluation and participate in 4 or the 6 site visits offered. Within the program structure, the participating fellows will:
- extend their professional skill and experience base;
- engage in discussion and learning around the major challenges and pressures currently facing public libraries with public library leaders;
- gain a better understanding of the dynamics and politics of municipal and public service in leading public libraries across Canada and the United States;
- create a network of colleagues to discuss and debate the critical issues and current trends facing public libraries;
- identify and explore research and innovation needed to support the future direction of public libraries;
- develop an understanding of what it takes to be a successful Chief Librarian/CEO and Senior Administrator of a public library.
Learning Objectives of PLLF Program
This part-time professional certificate program is designed for working professionals looking to enhance their knowledge and professional skills. By the end of the program the participant will be able to:
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Reflect constructively on the nature of leadership and the role of leaders in the building of organizational capacity and resilience;
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Understand the role of leaders in shaping and engaging teams that advance institutional vision and mission and the knowledge to use that understanding effectively;
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Identify key concepts, directions, and expert resources in finance, human resources, facilities, collections, partnerships, community development, and technology;
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Develop and manage effective relationships and collaborations with boards and governments;
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Develop and manage relationships and partnerships with staff, community, partners, and members, and foster appreciation of value, benefits and risks of strategic initiatives;
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Identify and understand their personal leadership strengths, their growth and mentoring needs, and their potential and responsibility to mentor others;
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Knowledgeably engage in communities of practice with other professionals and research leaders.
Schedule
Every effort is being made to pair site visits with Library conferences to assist
in minimizing travel expenses for participants. Instruction hours will be offered
in conjunction with site visits as well as online. The full instructional
schedule will be provided after registration. The preliminary schedule has been
established for 2012:
- May 30 - June 1, Ottawa Public Library site visit/ Public Library Finances: The Diverse Canadian Landscape a panel discussion with CEOs from across Canada
- October 15 - 16, Hamilton Public Library site visit
- January 30, 2013 - GTA area site visit in conjunction with OLA Super Conference
- March, 2013 - District of Columbia Public Library site visit
Remaining site visits to be determined in collaboration with PLLF students.
Target Audience
Public Library managers or department heads who are term candidates for promotion. Senior management and new CEOs would also benefit from this program. The participant should have experience leading and directing employees. The program is intended for managers who have substantial responsibilities in their organizations.
How to Apply
The Public Library Leadership Fellows program is designed for senior managers with a strong interest in pursuing Chief Executive and senior administrative positions in public libraries. Applicants should have the support of their current employer to participate in the program. The application submission must include:
- Application form
- Curriculum Vitae
- Statement of intent: describe in 500 words or less what you hope to achieve in participating in this program. What past experiences have prepared you to be successful in this endeavour and what unique qualities will you bring to the program?
- Letter of support: provide a letter of support from a senior administrator/board member of your institution. The letter should indicate a full understanding of the time and financial commitment, if any, your home library is willing to undertake on your behalf. Additionally, the letter should provide an endorsement of your eventual candidacy to move into the ranks of senior library administration.
Instructors: TO BE FINALIZED
Tuition Fee: $1,500
Application Deadline: April 15, 2012
Apply online: using this PDF form
For more information about the program please contact CULC/CBUC's Executive Director Jefferson Gilbert. 416-699-1938 or jgilbert@culc.ca