Emerging Leaders

The American Library Association (ALA) is still accepting applications for the 2022 class of Emerging Leaders (EL). Details on the program criteria can be found on the Emerging Leaders web page. The deadline to apply is August 30, 2021. Apply now.  

The ALA EL program is a leadership development program which enables newer library workers from across the country and Canada 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. 

An ALA division, round table, ethnic association affiliate, state chapter or school library media association affiliate will sponsor approximately two-thirds of the selected applicants. Each sponsor will contribute a minimum of $1,000 toward expenses of attending the ALA LibLearnX and Annual Conferences ($500 for each conference). Sponsorship is not required for participation in the program. A list of sponsoring units is included as part of the online application. 

For more information, visit the Emerging Leaders web page or contact the EL program manager at emergingleaders@ala.org.