We are thrilled to announce that Boston Library Consortium (BLC) has been awarded a $149,879 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) as part of the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program.
In partnership with the Professional Development Alliance of Library Consortia, BLC will design, pilot, and assess a three-day leadership academy tailored specifically for BIPOC support staff library supervisors who do not possess Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degrees.
“I'm immensely proud of the collective effort and dedication demonstrated by the Professional Development Alliance of Library Consortia in this endeavor,” said Cate Harriman, BLC’s Program Manager for Learning and Development. “Receiving this grant not only speaks to the power of collaboration in librarianship but also provides us with a valuable opportunity to enrich the library and information community by investing in the dedicated professionals who drive it forward every day.”
National leadership conferences, institutes, and retreats, designed to not only learn new skills but also provide a chance to connect with other like-minded professionals, are typically out-of-reach for many BIPOC library staff without the MLIS degree. An MLIS degree is usually a key requirement to access these opportunities, shutting out those with a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of their communities' needs.
The BIPOC Leadership Academy for Support Staff (BLASS) works toward eliminating this disparity by providing a space for BIPOC library supervisors to build relationships with their peers from across the country while equipping them with a robust toolkit of practical leadership skills. This leadership academy will promote retention and development of a leadership skill set, as well as deliver training and education on current, front-line library topics.
"We are grateful to the Institute of Museum and Library Services for entrusting us to carry out this important work," said Charlie Barlow, BLC's Executive Director. "This grant reflects BLC's ongoing efforts to create equitable opportunities for participation and collaboration at all levels and underscores our commitment to amplify diverse expertise to advance library practice."
The development of the curriculum will follow a co-design approach, engaging BIPOC thought leaders, BIPOC library supervisors without MLIS degrees, experienced management consultants, and consortium members. This collaborative effort will ensure the curriculum effectively balances broader organizational issues with practical leadership skills.
Led by Cate Harriman and Elaina Norlin, Professional Development Program Coordinator at ASERL, the initial pilot will include national leadership academy in May 2025 to 30 library staff members to support the long-term professional growth of a vital population of workers in libraries whose needs for training and professional development are currently unmet.
“We're excited to host a national leadership retreat for library staff professionals seeking opportunities to network, learn, and grow alongside their peers," said Elaina Norlin of ASERL.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America's museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. IMLS envisions a nation where individuals and communities have access to museums and libraries to learn from and be inspired by the trusted information, ideas, and stories they contain about our diverse natural and cultural heritage. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Boston Library Consortium empowers a coalition of libraries in the northeastern United States to share knowledge, infrastructure, and resources at scale.
Founded in 1970, BLC’s strength lies in its diverse membership network of public and private universities, liberal arts colleges, state libraries, public libraries, and special libraries united by a commitment to champion innovation through collaboration. For more information, visit blc.org.
For more information or if you'd like to get involved, please contact Cate Harriman at charriman@blc.org.
This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services [IMLS grant number RE-256706-OLS-24].
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