PLA accepting applications for pilot Leadership Academy developed in partnership with ICMA

CHICAGO – The Public Library Association (PLA) is now accepting applications for the PLA Leadership Academy: Navigating Change · Building Community, March 5-8, 2013, in Chicago. This inaugural event will offer intensive, empowering leadership education for public librarians who want to increase their capacity to lead not only within the library, but also in the community.

Developed in collaboration with the International City and County Management Association (ICMA), the PLA Leadership Academy promises a groundbreaking focus on developing the skills needed to work with municipal officials and other community stakeholders to enhance the position of the library within the community and improve the overall effectiveness of library services and programs.

The Leadership Academy offers:

·         A three and a half day, in-person educational /networking event;

·         A professional coach program with experienced public library leaders and city managers

·         Online events that will build on the in-person experience

·         Development of real-world projects to implement at attendees’ libraries

For this pilot program, registration fees (valued at $2,500) are waived and all meals will be provided; however participants will be required to cover travel costs and lodging at the Union League Club, Chicago. Interested participants must apply, submit three letters of recommendation and be accepted to participate in the PLA Leadership Academy. Applicants must be MLS/MLIS librarians with at least five years of increasingly responsible experience. The application deadline is Nov. 28, 2012, and applicants will be notified of their acceptance status on Dec. 19. Attendance is selective and will be limited to 24.

The PLA Leadership Academy is a pilot project developed with support from an Institute of Museum and Library Services planning grant with the intent to design a leadership training model that enhances the capacity of libraries to advance community goals and to be active change agents in communities across the United States. The PLA Leadership Academy will be assessed for effectiveness and sustainability. The curriculum is designed by the PLA Leadership Task Force with the assistance of ICMA and Adam Goodman, director of the Center for Leadership, Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill., and builds on PLA’s previous leadership training initiatives.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact PLA at pla@ala.org or 800-545-2433 ext. 5PLA (5752).

About the Public Library Association
PLA is a division of the American Library Association. PLA’s core purpose is to strengthen public libraries and their contribution to the communities they serve. Its mission is to enhance the development and effectiveness of public library staff and public library services. For more information about PLA, contact the PLA office at (800) 545-2433, ext. 5PLA, or visit PLA’s website at www.pla.org.

About the International City/County Management Association
ICMA is the premier organization of professional local government leaders building sustainable communities to improve lives worldwide. ICMA provides member support; publications; data and information; peer and results-oriented assistance; and training and professional development to nearly 9,000 city, town, and county experts and other individuals and organizations throughout the world.

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. Through grant making, policy development, and research, IMLS helps communities and individuals thrive through broad public access to knowledge, cultural heritage, and lifelong learning.