Event Information

Following the successful past editions, LIBER is now launching its seventh Emerging Leaders Programme – featuring a combination of high-level workshops, training, and individual tutoring. This high-level seminar is aimed at the next generation of senior leaders at European research libraries. It has already been successfully completed by +100 library professionals.

Research libraries are subject to constant change and transformation, and this programme helps library staff to be well-equipped to deal with whatever new challenges are on their way whether digital, financial or societal.

Cohort 7

The first seminar for Cohort 7 will take place in Lausanne, in July 2025 (right before the LIBER Annual Conference). The Second seminar will take place in July 2026, before the LIBER Annual Conference 2026. Attendees will be invited to the Leadership Alumni drink on Tuesday evening, during the Annual Conference week.

Upon successfully completing the course, participants will receive an ELP certificate. 

Is It For Me?

The programme is aimed at people who are already in senior management positions and wish to do more to enhance their leadership qualities in preparation for the step up to the next big challenge – that of taking responsibility for leading an organisation through changing times. All successful candidates will be expected to have:

  • At least three years’ experience in a management level post in a LIBER member research library;
  • Working knowledge of spoken and written English;
  • Evidence of motivation to move to a senior management post within next three years;
  • Evidence of strong commitment to professional advancement;
  • Recommendation from Director of employing library;
  • Evidence of willingness and ability to undertake a short placement in a library in another LIBER library in a different country.

It is strongly recommended that candidates clearly stress these elements in their CV and covering letter. No extra document will be taken into account by LIBER’s assessment board.

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Components

There are four main components:

  • A first 2-1/2 day seminar at a LIBER Annual Conference 2025;
  • A year for mentorship, including a professional training placement at a LIBER member library (one week);
  • Action Learning during the year between the two courses. Delegates will ‘meet’ the members of their action-learning sets regularly by conference call;
  • A second seminar at a LIBER Annual Conference 2026.

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How To Apply

All applicants are required to submit the full application, which includes the application form, Curriculum Vitae, and a Cover Letter. The application deadline is 12 January 2025. You can download the application form here or by following the link below.

Application Form

Costs

Registration fee for the full programme is €1750, invoiced in two instalments. Candidates are responsible for their own travel costs.

For more information about the financial aspects, please refer to the document ‘Practical information’ below.

More information

An online information session will take place in early December, to assist applicants with the application process and cover letter preparation. More details about the session will be posted on this page.

For further information about the upcoming Cohort, please see the practical details below:

Practical information

Testimonials