formerly the Public Library Leadership Fellows program
For more information on the PLLeaders program visit: www.plleaders.ca
To prepare and support the next generation of public library leaders in the 21st Century, PLLeaders (formerly Public Library Leadership Fellows Program) brings together compelling case studies, foundational leadership principles, the sharing and mentorship of exemplary leaders, recent research, and the close collaboration of a national cohort of peers. This partnership of the iSchool at the University of Toronto and the Canadian Urban Libraries Council / Conseil des Bibliothèques Urbaines du Canada (CULC/CBUC), offered successfully since 2012, is all about the future of Canada’s public libraries and the changing communities they serve. Graduates are awarded the Certificate in Public Library Leadership by the University of Toronto.
The 15-month program is designed to engage seasoned library managers who have the desire and potential for the highest levels of leadership in public libraries. It exposes them to themes, experiences, and relationships to augment their preparedness. The Program combines frank and confidential sessions) with senior library executives, an instructional program with key learning outcomes, individual mentorship, and group work with peer leaders from across the country.
PLLeaders remains a dynamic program, continually updated in response to participant feedback and the changing landscape. During the COVID-19 pandemic, PLLeaders was redesigned for a flexible combination of virtual and in-person participation that can be quickly adjusted as circumstances change. It remains a part-time program designed for managers in full-time roles.
For more information on the PLLeaders program visit: www.plleaders.ca
Schedule
The full instructional schedule is provided after registration. In general, the instructional units will take place over two hours on the 3rd and 4th Wednesday of each month of the program, with the exception of the in-person site visits listed below:
- September 2023 – program begins with a virtual session
- October 2023 – Vancouver – site visit
- May 2024 – Montréal – site visit
- January 2025 – Greater Toronto Area site visit and graduation at OLA Super Conference
Current Instructors
- Lita Barrie, CEO, Burlington Public Library
- Andrea Cecchetto, Director, Service Excellence, Markham Public Library
- Sharon Day, Executive Director, Customer ExperienceEdmonton Public Library
- Christina de Castell, Chief Librarian & CEO, Vancouver Public Library
- Åsa Kachan, Chief Librarian, Halifax Public Libraries
- Panels of CULC/CBUC CEOs are a regular part of the program
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Nomination of employer (formal requirement)
- CEO or executive-level aspirations
- Core management knowledge and experience
- Personal confidence and self-awareness
- Ability to identify personal learning and mentoring needs
- Ability to research and write on library issues
- Commitment to confidentiality and frankness within the Program
How to Apply
The PLLeaders program is designed for senior managers with a strong interest in pursuing Chief Executive and senior administrative positions in public libraries. Applicants should have the support of their current employer to participate in the program. The application submission must include:
- Application form
- Curriculum vitæ
- Statement of intent: describe in 500 words or less what you hope to achieve in participating in this program. What past experiences have prepared you to be successful in this endeavour and what unique qualities will you bring to the program?
- Letter of support: provide a letter of support from a senior administrator/board member of your institution. The letter should indicate a full understanding of the time and financial commitment, if any, your home library is willing to undertake on your behalf. Additionally, the letter should provide an endorsement of your eventual candidacy to move into the ranks of senior library administration.
Tuition Fee: The fee for the 6th cohort will be $2,0995 (plus HST). Multiple payment plan options are available. Please feel free to contact Lita Barrie to discuss options.
Application Period: Apply by August 15, 2023.
Apply online: Registration Now Open
For more information on the PLLeaders program visit: www.plleaders.ca
For more information about registering for the program please contact plleaders@culc.ca
