NELLS Leadership

NELLS 2024 Info | Tier 1: NELLS: Emerging Leaders | Tier 2: NELLS II: Mid-Career Leadership | Tier 3: NELLS III: Advanced Leadership | Past NELLS Participants | NELLS Chair

Thank You 2024 Sponsors

NELLS 2024 Information - Tier 1: Emerging Leaders

To better serve all levels of library workers, NELLS is currently working with a three tiered approach. For 2024, the NELLS program will be for Tier 1 - NELLS: Emerging Leaders. This program is designed to be an introduction to library leadership. It is most appropriate for early to mid-career library workers who have demonstrated potential to become leaders in the field, or who aspire to hold leadership positions. A Master’s degree in Library Science is not required in order to participate.

This program will be facilitated by Jami Yazdani, MLIS, of Yazdani Consulting and Facilitation. Jami has more than fifteen years of experience in libraries in progressively responsible positions, including more than twelve years in leadership roles. She has delivered training to a wide range of professionals, from bankers to dermatologists to librarians.

The cohort will meet in person from August 5th - 7th at Southern New Hampshire State University, and will hold weekly virtual sessions on Thursday mornings from 10am - 11:30am from August 15th through October 3rd.

Participants in this cohort will have access to speakers, mentors, supplemental readings, and other emerging leaders throughout the program, which will focus on developing and understanding leadership styles, discussing issues in library leadership, and building a leadership toolkit. All graduates will have the opportunity to stay connected with their cohort after the program has ended to continue to foster relationships and seek support from one another.

The cost of this program is $525, which includes participation in all virtual sessions, access to course materials, and food and lodging for the in-person component. Payment will be due by August 1.

The application deadline for NELLS 2024 has passed.

Qualifications

Must be a NELA member.
Must be living or working in New England, or seeking employment in a New England library.
Must agree to abide by the NELA Code of Conduct.

Tier 1 - NELLS: Emerging Leaders

This program is designed to be an introduction to library leadership. It is most appropriate for early to mid-career library workers who have demonstrated potential to become leaders in the field, or who aspire to hold leadership positions. A Master’s degree in Library Science is not required in order to participate.

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Tier 2 - NELLS II: Mid-Career Leadership

The purpose of this four-day intensive training program (previously known as NELLS I) is to foster the mentoring and development of leaders in state and regional library associations. NELLS II was created through a cooperative effort of the New England Library Association and all six New England state library associations. NELLS II was introduced for the first time in 2003.

The NELLS Tier 2 program is designed for library professionals in mid-career (3-15 years experience in or with libraries). The program focuses on the application of leadership theory to real-world library issues. Participants will focus on topics such as creating equitable workplaces/public spaces, leading through change, self-care, mentoring talent, developing a strong vision, building strong communities, resilience, and other topics that will nurture and mentor attendees as they prepare for senior leadership roles. Applicants must be NELA members in order to be considered for this program.

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Tier 3 - NELLS III: Advanced Leadership

The NELLS III (previously known as NELLS II) program is a three-day leadership program for library workers with 15 years or more experience (NELLS III) was offered for the first time in 2016 and again in 2018. Participation is NOT dependent on having attended a NELLS program in the past.

The cost is typically around $800 for 3 days, including lodging, all meals & materials.