American Library Association announces Emerging Leader participants for class of 2013

CHICAGO —The American Library Association (ALA) has selected 55 to participate in its 2013 class of Emerging Leaders. Instituted under ALA Past President Leslie Burger, the program is designed to enable library staff and information workers to participate in project planning workgroups; network with peers; gain an inside look into ALA structure; and have an opportunity to serve the profession in a leadership capacity early in their careers.

The program kicks off with a daylong session during the 2013 ALA Midwinter Meeting in Seattle. Following the kickoff session, which includes orientation and training, the program will continue in an online learning and networking environment for six months, culminating with a poster session where the 2013 Emerging Leaders will showcase the results of their project planning work at the ALA 2013 Annual Conference in Chicago. Participants commit to taking part in all aspects of the program and may have an opportunity to serve on an ALA, division, chapter, round table or affiliate committee or workgroup upon completion of program.

ALA President Maureen Sullivan said, “This very successful program has enabled a number of very talented new professionals to assume leadership positions in ALA at earlier career stage. These individuals have brought fresh ideas, new approaches and significant energy to the association. I welcome this next class and look forward to working with them.”

Nearly 75 percent of this year’s participants have received sponsorships. The sponsors included ALA divisions, round tables, state chapters, ALA affiliate groups and other organizations. Each sponsor commits to financial support of an Emerging Leader in order to defray costs for attending the ALA Midwinter Meeting and the Annual Conference.

Audra Caplan, chair of the Emerging Leaders Subcommittee, stated: “I am very pleased to welcome the 2013 class of Emerging Leaders. The success of past participants attest to the value of the program. Many past participants are now in leadership positions in ALA and its divisions and round tables. In addition many of the projects completed by past groups have been implemented successfully by the sponsoring organizations. I am gratified to know that the Emerging Leader program is stronger than ever in its seventh year.”

The complete list of the selected participants (PDF) and sponsoring organizations is available on the ALA website. Learn more about the Emerging Leaders program.