CHICAGO - The American Library Association (ALA) Emerging Leaders participants for the 2012 class have been selected.  Seventy-seven individuals were chosen to participate in this year’s program.  The 2012 class marks the sixth year of existence for the program.

Instituted under ALA Past President Leslie Burger, the Emerging Leaders program is designed to enable library staff and information workers from across the country to participate in project planning workgroups; network with peers; gain an inside look into ALA structure; and have an opportunity to serve the profession in a leadership capacity early in their careers.

The program kicks off with a day-long session during the 2012 ALA Midwinter Meeting in Dallas.  Following the kickoff session, which includes orientation and training, the program will continue in an online learning and networking environment for six months, culminating with a poster session where the 2012 Emerging Leaders will showcase the results of their project planning work at the ALA 2012 Annual Conference in Anaheim. Participants commit to taking part in all aspects of the program and may have an opportunity to serve on an ALA division, chapter, round table, committee, taskforce or workgroup upon completion of program.

Nearly half of this year’s participants have received sponsorships. The sponsors included ALA divisions, round tables, state chapters, ALA affiliate groups and other organizations. Each sponsor commits to financial support of an Emerging Leader in order to defray costs for attending the ALA Midwinter Meeting and the Annual Conference.

The complete list of the selected participants (PDF) and sponsoring organizations is available on the ALA website.

 Learn more about the Emerging Leaders program.

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