WLA Leadership Development Institute 

 

 

Download the program flyer

The Wisconsin Library Association (WLA) aims to develop goal-oriented and agile library leaders who are creative problem solvers able to navigate uncertainty, rapidly changing technology, and shrinking resources. The 2025 Leadership Development Institute is a highly immersive training program designed specifically for our profession. Based on several overarching leadership competencies, participants will interact in cohort groups throughout the six-month program. Each module includes the introduction of problem-solving skills and real-life applications. Instructors represent a wide range of disciplines both within the library community as well as outside of our profession.

Based on feedback from past Institute participants and our current membership and including recommendations from UW-Madison Extension instructors, the 2025 LDI program curriculum has been refreshed with updated content and a new format designed to make the program more inclusive. We strive to have a mix of emerging and experienced leaders representing a variety of roles and library types participate in the program.

Who is encouraged to apply?

  • People from various departments in library organizations, including youth services, outreach, adult services, marketing, technical services, etc. 

  • People across the organizational hierarchy: frontline staff, administration, directors, emerging and incumbent leaders, etc. 

  • People from all backgrounds and identities, including those who identify as BIPOC, neurodivergent, disabled, or LGBTQ+. 

LDI 2025 has three in-person meetings, starting with a one-day in-person kickoff on November 13, 2025 in Madison, a mid-term in-person meeting
on March 18, 2026 in Platteville, and wrapping up in-person at Portage County Library on June 3, 2026.

Participants will also attend 8 virtual sessions December through June.

 

Program Partners and Sponsors

This program was developed in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension.  It was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction 

UW Madison Extension Logo             Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction logo                         

 

Many thanks to the LDI planning committee:  Sherry Machones, Mark Jochem, Ashley McHose, Jeni Schomber, Cindy Foley and Pam Beam.  

 

Program at a Glance
(Order of virtual sessions, dates, and times subject to change)

More information coming soon!