American Library Association to Host Inaugural Governance Institute at 2023 LibLearnX

CHICAGO — The American Library Association (ALA) will host its first-ever ALA Governance Institute during the 2023 LibLearnX (LLX) in New Orleans, La. Held on Friday, January 27 from 8 a.m. to noon, this new program will provide insights into critical issues related to effective governance, beginning with a focus on strategic communications and financial analysis and stewardship in workshops available exclusively to LLX registrants.

Intended for current and prospective ALA board, council, or committee members and anyone interested in leadership within or beyond the association, attendees of the ALA Governance Institute (AGI) will have a choice of participating in up to two 90-minute sessions, facilitated by seasoned ALA staff, member leaders, and other subject matter experts. Below are the two in-person sessions available to choose from at the upcoming Institute:

• Effective Communication for Governance Meetings (available to ALA Council and Committee leaders and interested LLX registrants)
• Financial Analysis and Review for ALA Member Leaders (required for ALA Executive Board Members and available to ALA Council and Committee leaders and interested LLX registrants)

“As members and library workers, the skills we need in both governance and leadership are always evolving, but the foundation of a great leader in any position includes financial acumen and great communication,” said ALA President Lessa Pelayo-Lozada. “I look forward to the inaugural launch of the AGI to prepare future leaders of ALA and libraries as well as bring new insights to those who have held leadership positions in the past.”

“Those involved in library and association governance today are confronting some of the most critical issues these fields have ever faced,” said Executive Director Tracie Hall. “In our quest to ensure that ALA not only reflects, but leads contemporary practice, we want to create a vehicle where we can identify, build, and nurture the next cohorts of ALA and LIS sector leaders. The AGI’s launch in January is a collaborative effort and we look forward to learning from our members where they seek to grow and develop capacity.”

Admission to the Governance Institute is free and open to the first 200 LLX registrants who sign up for it. Registration to LLX is now open and available at a special early rate of $330 for ALA members and non-members through Tuesday, November 1. For more information or to secure tickets, visit the LibLearnX registration page.

ABOUT AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

American Library Association (ALA) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, ALA has been the trusted voice of libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit www.ala.org.