LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
CAPACITY BUILDING
INTERNATIONAL NETWORKING
PROFESSIONAL IMPACT
The Mortenson Center Associates Program offers individuals working in library and/or information services settings outside the United States an opportunity to hone their leadership skills, explore critical issues, trends and emerging technologies in the library and information field, and engage with librarians implementing cutting-edge programs and services. Our 3.5-week, non-degree program is held each May/June at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and focuses on enhancing library and information science professionals as transformational library leaders and innovators.
The program has trained more than 1,500 library and information professionals from over 90 countries. The program is strongly evaluated and a 2013 Arabella Advisors independent evaluation finds the Associates report change in their leadership capacity, contributions to developing user-centered services and professional service, and confidence in their professional abilities.
1500+ Professionals trained
90+ countries represented
100% recommend the Program (2022-26)
1/3 took leadership roles (2013 Study)
THE 2027 ASSOCIATES PROGRAM
Libraries in Focus: Leadership, Transformation, Impact
A Professional Development and Leadership Program for Library and Information Science Professionals
May 31–June 23, 2027
The 2027 Mortenson Center Associates Program will offer professionals working in a library and/or information services 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. The program will engage participants in developing their leadership skills and learning about novel and inventive practices and services in areas such as:
- Transformational Leadership and Change
- User-centered Services
- AI and Emerging Technologies
- Strategic Planning and Innovation
- Measuring and Communicating the Impact of Libraries
- Open Learning and Research
- Sustainable Digital and Print Collections and Repositories
- International Professional Networking
Program Highlights
- Seminars and workshops introduce participants to current issues, trends, and innovative practices in the library and information field. Library experts share their perspectives, expertise, and practical experience.
- Visits to a variety of libraries and organizations, including academic, public, and school libraries, as well as other sites of professional interest.
- International professional networking with a dynamic cohort of library and information professionals during and after the program.
- Individual action planning that allows participants to develop practical strategies suited to their professional, institutional, and community needs.
- Post-program implementation review to support participants as they apply what they have learned.
- Certificate of Program Participation awarded upon successful completion of the program.
- Scheduling allows participants to attend the Annual Meeting of the American Library Association (ALA), if they wish.
- Visit 2027 ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition will be in New Orleans, June 24 – June 28, 2027. Arrangements and registration for the conference must be made separately and are not included in the program costs.
“With my background at the Mortenson Center, I can see something bigger…I can take on more senior positions in the library. I am 100% sure after this experience that I need to look for something bigger in my career. I was first in a box, and now I’ve seen the world.”
2013 Associate
