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WLA Leadership Development Institute
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?
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People from various departments in library organizations, including youth services, outreach, adult services, marketing, technical services, etc.
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People across the organizational hierarchy: frontline staff, administration, directors, emerging and incumbent leaders, etc.
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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.
Tuition
The LDI tuition is TBD for WLA members and TBD for non-WLA members. Tuition includes:
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Educational programs developed and delivered by highly skilled experts from both in and outside the library sector. This includes access to a virtual advocacy series offered through the UW-Madison iSchool Continuing Education Department at a reduced rate.
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Leadership assessments and related curriculum materials.
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Live and online virtual community for networking and opportunities to build community among participants.
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Lunch and refreshments for in-person sessions. Note: Tuition does not include lodging for in-person sessions.
Note: Some library systems are offering scholarship support to attend LDI. Contact your system office for more information.
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
   
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!
Application Process & Instructions
Step 1: Review the participant expectations.
To establish expectations and commitment levels needed for success, the LDI Planning Committee has developed a list of expectations for those selected to participate in the 2025 Leadership Development Institute. LDI is about your professional development, so it is necessary and expected that all those who are selected fully participate, so it is important to understand the time commitment and rigor of the program.
Below is an outline of the expectations and commitment levels needed for a truly rewarding LDI experience!
LDI Participant Expectations
Step 2: Talk to your supervisor!
Interested in applying for the WLA Leadership Institute? Now is the time to convince your supervisor to provide professional and financial support. Participants are selected through a competitive application process - be sure you can say yes if you are selected! In this time of tight budgets and lean staffing levels, making the case to participate is even more important. You must understand the potential benefits to you and your library/institution - and be able to communicate those benefits effectively. Use the following information to help make your case.
Step 3: Update your resume and write your responses to the application essay questions.
Review the pdf file of the application first and draft your replies to the list of essay questions in advance so you can easily upload them with your application.
Step 3: Fill out the online application (see link below)
- You will need to establish a username and password to access the online application, if you don’t already have an account.
- Be sure to hit "submit" on the application form when completed. You will receive a confirmation email stating that your application has been received. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please email [email protected].
Applications are due by midnight on August 22, 2025.
Applications will open by August 1st!
Participants will be selected through a competitive application process led by the LDI Planning Committee and will be notified of their status by August 29, 2025.
FAQs
How do I apply? When are applications due?
To apply, fill out the online application. Note: You will need to establish a username and password to access the online application, if you don’t already have an account.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the pdf file of the application first and draft their replies to the list of essay questions in advance of starting the online application process.
Applications are due by midnight on August 22, 2025.
Will I get CE credit for participating in LDI?
Yes, participants will be able to receive CE credit for participating in LDI. The full Institute counts for 30 CE credits. See your systems’ CE coordinator for more information.
When will I know if I have been accepted to the LDI program?
Those selected for the 2025 LDI will be notified by August 29, 2025.
Who are the presenters? Where can I find more information about them and their sessions?
LDI sessions will be led by a diverse mix of experienced and highly trained facilitators from the UW-Madison Division of Extension and national library consultants. More details about the presenters and their session will be provided to participants in advance of the kick-off session.
How do I access slides and recordings of the sessions if I miss any of them? How long will they be available?
LDI is designed to meet the needs of busy library professionals. While we encourage participants to attend the live virtual sessions, we understand this may not always be possible. Each virtual session will be recorded and made available via Padlet. Participants who missed the live session will have two weeks to view the session recording and place comments in the discussion thread.
Will there be networking opportunities at the in-person sessions?
Yes, the in-person sessions will offer you the opportunity network with other participants in the cohort. In addition, past LDI graduates will be invited to attend a post-session reception on June 3.
How will I communicate with the LDI cohort?
The LDI cohort will have access to a Padlet to post discussion questions, share ideas, and build community with other participants.
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