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 37.5 contact hours, will help participants explore and strengthen their leadership skills. The 37.5 hours factors in both the DLP sessions and 15 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

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 course of 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

  1. Application Opens - Friday, September 1st 
  2. Applicant Information Session - Friday, September 15th (Registration Opens Friday, September 1st)
  3. Application Closes - Friday, September 29th 
  4. Final Applicants Contacted to Schedule Interviews - Friday, October 6th
  5. Final Applicant Interviews - Week of October 9th
  6. Selected Applicants Notified of Acceptance + Final Schedule + DLP Handbook - Week of October 16th

Questions?
Contact NYLA Director of Communications & Member Engagement, C Romeo at marketing@nyla.org.

Our Current Cohort

We are pleased to welcome the newest 12 members to the 2022-23 Developing Leaders Program Cohort! To learn more about our current Developing Leaders, click here. 

Past Cohorts

2020-2021 Cohort

2019-2020 Inaugural Cohort