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Professional Development
Gain a deeper understanding of the leadership skills and strategies needed to lead and manage the contemporary academic library through challenging contexts.
In accordance with Harvard University policy, Professional Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education affirms the right of all individuals to equal treatment in education without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
How can I improve and deepen my leadership skills? How can I best nurture and lead a culture of high performance and engagement in my library? How well-positioned is my library to meet current and future challenges?
The Leadership Institute for Academic Librarians applies important leadership concepts to the practical, day-to-day challenges of managing today’s academic library. Through this interactive program, you will gain knowledge, insights, and strategies that will improve your leadership capabilities and help your library succeed and thrive. The program welcomes interest and applications from all practitioners in the field.
"The LIAL program presented practical strategies in an engaging way. I know that I am ready to be the inclusive leader that my organization and my profession needs because I attended this program. I also gained the supportive professional network that will help me continue my leadership journey once I return back to my library. The LIAL program definitely transformed my career." Joyce Garczynski, Assistant University Librarian for Communication and Digital Scholarship, Towson University
"The LIAL program presented practical strategies in an engaging way. I know that I am ready to be the inclusive leader that my organization and my profession needs because I attended this program. I also gained the supportive professional network that will help me continue my leadership journey once I return back to my library. The LIAL program definitely transformed my career."
Joyce Garczynski, Assistant University Librarian for Communication and Digital Scholarship, Towson University
Designed to increase your leadership effectiveness and management capacity, the Leadership Institute for Academic Librarians is a five-day on-campus program that addresses the following topics:
The on-campus experience may include large group presentations, small group interaction, affinity and interest group conversations, and meaningful networking activities.
HGSE librarian and head of Gutman Library, Alex Hodges’ research and teaching focuses on the integration of information and critical literacies into K-12 and post-secondary curricula.
This program only accepts individual applications. First-time applicants need to create a Professional Education account to apply.
Click the "Apply" button at the top of this page to log into your Professional Education account and access the application page. Proceed with the application form until submission. Please note that applicants should be prepared to submit their most recent CV with the application.
Invoices will only be available upon your acceptance.
The tuition covers all instructional materials, a daily continental breakfast and lunch, and beverages and light refreshments during our scheduled breaks between sessions.
Travel, lodging expenses, and most dinners are not included in this fee. We have blocked a limited number of rooms in select hotels in the Cambridge/Boston area. The daily rates for these hotels typically range from $250 to $375 per room, plus applicable taxes. Once your applicants are accepted into the program, they will receive detailed information about these hotel options.
Tuition assistance is available for this program on a need and application basis. Tuition assistance is granted based on participant and institutional needs. Requests for tuition assistance do not affect an applicant's prospects for admission. You may access the tuition assistance application after you have submitted your program application. Tuition assistance applications should be submitted at least one month prior to the final application deadline.
This program counts toward the Executive Certificate in Higher Education Leadership. Complete this program and two additional qualifying programs within 36 months to earn a distinguished credential designed to strengthen your leadership capacity and help you meet the evolving challenges of higher education.Learn more about the Executive Certificate in Higher Education Leadership.
A professional development opportunity provides support to academic librarians navigating uncertain times