Class of 2010 ALA Emerging Leaders Program

There’s Still Time to Apply for the 2010 Class of ALA Emerging Leaders Program – Deadline July 31, 2009

The American Library Association (ALA) is now accepting applications for the 2010 class of Emerging Leaders.

Applications can be found at http://www.ala.org/cfapps/emergingleaders/. The deadline to apply is July 31, 2009.

The program is designed to enable approximately 100 library workers to get on the fast track to ALA and professional leadership. Participants are given the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, network with peers and get an inside look into the ALA structure and activities.

For the first time since its establishment, the Emerging Leaders program will accept non-MLS library workers. Library support staff personnel are encouraged to apply to the program and will have an opportunity to be considered for sponsorship through the ALA Library Support Staff Interests Round Table.

An ALA division, round table, ethnic affiliate, state chapter or school library media affiliate will sponsor approximately one-third of the selected applicants. Each sponsor will contribute $1,000 toward expenses ($500 for each conference). Sponsorship is not required for participation in the program. Applicants can indicate on the application which groups they want to consider them for sponsorship. A list of sponsoring units is included as part of the online application. You can also check with your state association and/or state chapter to find out if they are participating and how to apply for their sponsorship.

No more than one person from any institution will be selected for participation in the program. In order to be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be under 35 years of age or be a library worker of any age with fewer than 5 years experience working in a library.
Be able to attend both ALA conferences and work virtually in between each. Be prepared to commit to serve on either an ALA, division, chapter or round table committee, taskforce or workgroup, or in your state or local professional library organization upon completion of program.
Be an ALA member or join upon selection if not already a member.

Program information will be available and updated at: http://www.ala.org/cfapps/emergingleaders/.

For questions or more information regarding the program, contact Beatrice Calvin at bcalvin@ala.org.