The American Library Association (ALA) Emerging Leaders (EL) program is a leadership development program which enables newer library workers from across the country to participate in problem-solving work groups, network with peers, gain an inside look into ALA structure, and have an opportunity to serve the profession in a leadership capacity. It puts participants on the fast track to ALA committee volunteerism as well as other professional library-related organizations.

The EL program kicks off with a day-long session during the ALA Midwinter Meeting. Afterward, it grows and develops in an online learning and networking environment for six months. The program culminates with a poster session presentation to display the results of the project planning work of each group at the ALA Annual Conference.

Participants commit to participating in all aspects of the program. Participants may be offered an opportunity to serve on an ALA, division, chapter, or round table committee, task force or workgroup as well as other library-related groups upon completion of program. However, appointments are not guaranteed.

The program is limited to no more than 50 participants each year.

The selection committee seeks diversity based on geography, gender, ethnicity and type of library. Particular attention is given to candidates’ personal statements as well as those of their references. No more than one person from any institution can be selected for participation in the program per year. Preference will be given to those who do not have experience working on ALA committees, task forces, etc.and to those who meet the following criteria:

• Be a new library professional of any age with fewer than 5 years of experience working at a professional or paraprofessional level in a library and
• Be able to attend both ALA conferences and work virtually in between the two conferences and
• Be prepared to commit to serve on an ALA, Division, Chapter, or Round Table committee, task force or workgroup, or your state or local library organization upon completion of program, and
• Be an ALA member, and if sponsored by an organization, a member of that organization.

Applications for the each year’s selection begins in May. Applications me must be submitted online. Deadline for submission of the application and all references is usually late July or early August. 

For more information, visit the ALA Emerging Leaders Program website.