Mortenson Center Associates Program

Shaping the Future of Libraries

A Professional Development Program for Library Leaders and Innovators

May 24 – June 20, 2023


The 2023 Mortenson Center Associates Program will offer individuals working in a library setting outside the United States an opportunity to explore critical issues and trends in the library field and engage with librarians implementing cutting-edge programs and services.
2022 Associates Cohort.

Shaping the Future of Libraries: A Professional Development Program for Library Leaders and Innovators will engage participants in learning about novel and inventive practices and services in areas such as:

  • Emerging Trends and Library Futures
  • Innovation by Design
  • Leadership, Communication and Managing Change
  • Emerging Technologies and AI
  • Digital and Print Collections and Repositories
  • Sustainable Development
  • International Professional Networking


Accepting Applications for the 2023 Mortenson Associates Program

For more information and to apply, please download the and see below for more information.

NOTE: Please attach all the applications materials in a single email, including the application form in or  or format.

  • Information Session | 19 October 2022; 7:00am CT (Chicago)
    Watch the recording of the 2023 Mortenson Associates Program virtual information session.


 

Program Highlights
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2023 Program Highlights

Download the here

  • Seminars and Workshops which provide an overview of current trends in the field. Library experts will be invited to share their perspectives, offer expertise, and foster conversations on the themes of communication and leadership.
  • Tours of a variety of libraries, including academic, public, and school libraries. We may also visit the American Library Association headquarters in Chicago, Illinois and other sites of interest.
  • Networking with dynamic group of international colleagues during and post-program.
  • Participants will develop individual action plans, appropriate to their professional and institutional needs, and will receive post-program implementation review.
  • Each participant will receive a Certificate of Program Participation upon completion.
  • Scheduling to allow participants to attend the Annual Meeting of the American Library Association (ALA), if they wish.
  • The 2023 ALA Annual Meeting will be in Chicago, IL, June 22-27, 2023. Arrangements and registration for the conference must be made separately and are not included in program costs.
Dates and Deadlines
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Program Dates

Program activities will begin on 24 May 2023. The last day of program activities will be 20 June 2023.

15 December 2022: Application Deadline

All application materials must be submitted by 15 December 2022, including a fully completed application and 3 supplementary documents.

11 January 2023: Notification of Application Status

All applicants will be notified of application status by 11 January 2022 (end of business CST). Applicants accepted to the Mortenson Center Associates Program must send a non-refundable $USD 200.00 deposit by 15 February 2023 in order to hold their place in the program. Payment instructions will be provided upon acceptance or after 11 January 2023.

15 February 2023: Deposit Payment Due

$USD 200.00 Deposit Due (all deposit payments are non-refundable)

31 March 2023: Remaining Balance Payment Due

Remaining Balance Due

Application Form & Requirements
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Application Requirements

  • Application (typed and signed) must be submitted in English along with the 3 supporting documents in order to be considered.
  • Applicants must secure adequate funding to support a stay at the Mortenson Center in order to be accepted into the program.
  • This program is delivered in English only. Participants should be fluent in conversational English and possess a reading knowledge of English.

Application Form

Applications are open for the 2023 Mortenson Associates Program. We invite your applications and encourage interested participants to submit questions to mortenson@illinois.edu.

Download Application Form HERE:

Program Cost
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Program Costs

The program cost for the 2023 Mortenson Associates Program is to be determined.
The cost for 2022 was $USD 4,000.00.

Program costs are paid prior to the program’s start date and include:

  • Housing (shared, student-style accommodations while on campus and shared hotel accommodations while on out-of-town excursions)
  • Partial meals
  • Local transportation
  • Programming costs
  • Speaker fees
  • Medical insurance
  • Other materials and logistics

The program cost does not include transportation costs to and from Champaign-Urbana.  These arrangements must be funded and arranged by individual participants.

Applicants accepted by the Mortenson Center must send a $USD 200 deposit in order to hold their place in the program. This non-refundable deposit will be deducted from your program fees.

Payment Deadlines

  • 15 February 2023 – $USD 200.00 – Deposit Due (all deposit payments are non-refundable)
  • 31 March 2023 – Remaining Balance Due

Payment instructions will be provided to participants upon notification of acceptance, on or after 11 January 2023.

Funding Opportunity: Naseej Academy Grant
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Grant for professionals working in the Arab World

Application deadline for the 2023 Naseej Academy Grant: November 25, 2022


The Naseej Academy Grant to Attend the Mortenson Center Associates Program was developed to support the region’s knowledge community by sponsoring a professional working in the field of libraries, information centers and archival institutions in the Arab World, to attend the Mortenson Center Associates Program.

The Mortenson Center has engaged in this grant program from its inception in 2017. Read more about the Grant and past recipients by clicking here.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions - Coming Soon!
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Frequently Asked Questions – Coming Soon!

Curious about what it’s like to be an Associate? Explore below!



Mortenson Alumni (Associates and Leaders) over the years: