Emerging Leaders is an annual American Library Association program designed to enable newer 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.

Program information is available on the ALA Website.

The Idaho Library Association, as a Chapter of the ALA, has agreed to sponsor one Idaho librarian in the 2011 class of Emerging Leaders. The individual chosen to represent the Idaho Library Association in the 2011 Emerging Leaders Program will receive a grant from ILA in the amount of $1,000 in the form of reimbursement of conference travel costs ($500 for each conference).

Applicants for the program must meet the following criteria:

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. Be able to attend both 2011 ALA conferences (MidWinter and Annual) and work virtually with a team of emerging leaders in between each,
3. Be prepared to commit to serve on an ALA, Division, Chapter or Round Table committee, taskforce or workgroup upon completion of program, or to serve within the Idaho Library Association.
4. Be an ALA member or join upon selection if not already a member, and
5. Be a member of the Idaho Library Association or join upon selection if not already a member.

For more information about the Emerging Leaders program, see the Emerging Leaders wiki or contact Kim Leeder at Boise State University, a member of the 2008 class of Emerging Leaders.

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 library-related employment
3. College degrees or certifications 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 you believe the Emerging Leaders program would have on your educational and professional aspirations.
7. Describe how choosing you for the Emerging Leader program would positively impact Idaho's libraries.
8. Additional personal statement: Why should we choose you?

The deadline for applications for ILA sponsorship is June 30, 2010. A committee will review the applications and announce a decision before July 15, 2010.

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 the ILA sponsorship. Other sponsorships may be available through ALA.

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