The American Library Association has just announced the 2009 Emerging Leaders Program (http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2008/may2008/emergingleaders.cfm). The program is designed to enable new librarians to get on the fast track to ALA and professional leadership. Participants are given the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, network with peers and get an inside look into ALA structure and activities.

The Idaho Library Association, as a Chapter of the ALA, has agreed to sponsor one Idaho librarian in the 2009 class of Emerging Leaders. The individual chosen to represent the Idaho Library Association in the 2009 Emerging Leaders Program will receive a grant from ILA in the amount of $1,000 as a reimbursement of conference travel costs.

Applicants for the program must meet the following:

1. Be under 35 years of age OR be a new librarian of any age with fewer than 5 years post-MLS experience, and

2. Have a recent MLS degree from an ALA or NCATE accredited program or be in an MLS program currently, and

3. Be able to attend both 2009 ALA conferences (MidWinter and Annual) and work virtually in between each,

4. Be prepared to commit to serve on an ALA, Division, Chapter or Round Table committee, taskforce or workgroup upon completion of program, and

5. Be an ALA member or join upon selection if not already a member.

For more information about the Emerging Leaders program, see the Emerging Leaders wiki at http://wikis.ala.org/emergingleaders/index.php/Main_Page or contact Kim Leeder at Boise State University, a member of the 2008 class of Emerging Leaders, at kimleeder@boisestate.edu.

To apply to be ILA's representative in the Emerging Leaders program, please submit the following information to gina.persichini@libraries.idaho.gov:

1. Name, address and daytime phone number

2. Place and dates of employment

3. College/University and date MLS received

4. Describe your involvement in any professional organizations, awards, scholarships, prizes, honors, and offices held.

5. Describe any community, civic, and volunteer experiences.

6. Describe the impact that the Emerging Leaders program might have on your educational and professional aspirations.

7. Describe how your participation will benefit the Idaho library community and/or the Idaho Library Association.

8. Additional personal statement.

The deadline for applications for ILA sponsorship is June 20, 2008. A committee will review the applications and announce a decision before June 30, 2008.

NOTE: Those applying for ILA sponsorship need not apply on the ALA Emerging Leaders website. However, if you apply for and do not receive the ILA sponsorship you will still have until July 31st to apply for the Emerging Leaders program without a sponsor.

If you have questions about the application process, please contact Gina Persichini at gina.persichini@libraries.idaho.gov.