Applications for the 2024-25 Leadership Institute participant cohort is now open until Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at 3 pm PT / 4 pm MT / 5 pm CT / 6 pm ET.
Webinar hosted January 24, 2024 to share information and answer questions about the Institute program and the application process. Facilitated by Lead Instructor Kathy Zappitello and ARSL Executive Director Kate Laughlin.
The ARSL Leadership Institute is a grant-funded pilot program (IMLS Award ID RE-246425-OLS-20) that seeks to provide timely, relevant leadership development opportunities for rural and small library workers.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following qualities through their application materials:
Dedication to service in rural and small communities
Commitment to ARSL's Organizational Values
Enthusiasm for learning and professional growth
Interest in expanding library service to reach diverse and/or under-served communities
Aspirations to lead in their library and community
Openness to change in themselves, their library, and their community
Thorough understanding of the commitment required to complete the Institute program
Support from supervisors and/or organizational leadership for their participation
Priority consideration will be given to applicants who:
Are currently serving in new library leadership positions, or who anticipate attaining their first library leadership position in the near future
Have worked in libraries for less than 10 years
Do not hold a Master's in Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree (or equivalent)
Self-identify as members of communities that have experienced marginalization and/or are under-represented within the library profession
Participant Time Commitment
Participants will be expected to dedicate a substantial amount of time to leadership development activities during the Institute's 18-month duration. This includes:
Approximately 5 hours per month of asynchronous/independent preparation and active synchronous participation in online learning sessions
In-person attendance at the 2024 and 2025 ARSL Conferences*, including participation as a session presenter during the 2025 Conference
Development and implementation of a unique, self-guided Leadership Project within their organization during Year 2 of the program
Active engagement with one or more professional mentors in connection with their Leadership Project or other professional development goals
Quarterly supplimental professional development provided by ARSL
Applicants will be required to submit the following documents as part of their application packet:
1 document containing their Applicant Statements (see below)
1 copy of their current professional resume
2 Letters of Recommendation from their supervisor or organizational leadership; professional colleagues; or community leaders
All documents should be formatted using these parameters:
PDF documents only
1-inch margins
12-pt Times New Roman font
Files must have your full name in the file name: "Alex Smith, Statements" "Pat Jones, Resume"
Applications submitted without all four documents listed above will be removed from consideration.
Applicant Statements
All applicants must submit three statements in response to the following narrative prompts as part of their application packet. Responses should be compiled into a single PDF document. the document should be divided into sections with the associated prompt at the beginning of each section.
Statement 1: Describe why you want to participate in the ARSL Leadership Institute. Word limit 1500 words
In this statement, please address the following:
Why are you interested in this program?
What skills do you hope to gain or enhance through participation in this program?
This leadership institute is an intensive experience, and we want you to succeed, what supports do you have, or will you need, to succeed?
When life gets busy during the 18-month leadership program and how will you persist and keep going with this institute?
Statement 2: Describe your perspectives, community & experience in libraries. Word limit 1500 words
In this statement, please address the following:
What is your vision of outstanding library service? How do you want to make that happen?
In your opinion, what is the most pressing issue facing your community and your library?
What changes would you make in your community and/or library over the next three to five years if you were given the opportunity, resources, and authority?
Statement 3: Tell us your unique story. Word limit 1000 words
In this statement, consider including the following:
What has your personal leadership journey in libraries looked like so far?
Please share the ways you have overcome barriers in your lived experience or for your community.
Is there anything else you want us to know about you?
*Participants will receive substantial financial support for conference attendance, including complimentary registration, at least two nights' lodging at a conference hotel, and reimbursement for most travel expenses.
**Two years of individual ARSL membership will be provided for each participant. After the conclusion of the Institute program in November 2025 participants will be responsible for their own member dues.