NYLA Developing Leaders Program

 NYLA is pleased to continue the Developing Leaders Program (DLP). The Developing Leaders Program's core mission is to empower individuals in the library profession to cultivate their interpersonal and technical skills and capacities in personal and organizational leadership. 

This six-month program (January - June), totaling 50 contact hours, will help participants explore and strengthen their leadership skills. The 50 hours factor in both the DLP sessions (35.5 hours) and 14.5 hours of time outside of the scheduled sessions to work with your team on your group project.

The program will be delivered in a virtual live format (online via Zoom) with two in-person sessions. Participants will be divided into groups to complete a team-based capstone project and each participant will be matched with a mentor. Attendance at all sessions is expected and the total number of hours accrued for the program will be based on attendance.

Who Should Attend

The DLP is designed for individuals seeking to cultivate their skills and capacities in personal and organizational leadership. The DLP focuses on 'soft-skills' that are applicable across ALL types of libraries. Individuals with three or more years of experience working in libraries are invited to participate.  An MLS is not a prerequisite for this program.

Sessions / Topics

  • Kickoff: Program Introduction / Capstone Project Development / Core Values / DISC & Leadership Style / Core Values / Group Dynamics 
  • Project & Time Management 
  • Research, Data, & Assessment 
  • Advocacy 
  • Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, & Belonging 
  • Crisis Management & Preparedness
  • Marketing / Personal Brand
  • Presentation Skills 
  • Human Resources
  • Coaching & Mentoring 
  • Partnerships & Collaborations 
  • Change Management 
  • Reflection Session / Capstone 

The first and last session of the program is in person at NYLA HQ in Guilderland NY. All other programs are hosted via Zoom and will take place from 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM. Dates for the sessions will be determined and shared with the selected cohort by December 2023. Attendance at all sessions is expected and the total number of hours accrued for the program will be based on attendance. All dates are subject to change based on the discretion of NYLA.

Team-based Capstone Project

Program participants will be divided into teams of approximately five members each (ideally), with one participant from each segment.  Priority will be given to creating teams with aligning ALA core value priorities. Teams will determine their own project, and the results will be presented at the capstone event. Each team will be assigned an advisor who will serve to guide the team, ensuring the group is progressing on task, and that they have the resources needed for success.

Mentorship

All participants will be matched with a mentor in the field a month into the program based on their current short and long-term goals. Participants will be responsible for meeting with their mentor - whether in person and/or virtual - during the program. Mentors will be expected to support their mentees and provide them with a larger network of personal and professional support. All mentors will be invited to the Capstone Project at the end of the program. 

Tuition

DLP tuition is $650
Tuition includes registration at all DLP sessions, program materials, and all in-person programs.
The cost does not include participant travel or lodging (if applicable).

The DLP is limited to 30 participants; ideally, we are seeking six individuals from each segment of the library community (public, school, academic, and special).

Application Timeline

2024 Developing Leaders Cohort Application Process is CLOSED. Please stay tuned for August 2024 for the next application cycle!

Questions?
Contact NYLA Director of Communications & Member Engagement, C Romeo at [email protected].

Our Current Cohort

Learn more about our current cohort here!

Past Cohorts

2022-2023 Cohort

2020-2021 Cohort

2019-2020 Inaugural Cohort