by Ann Kaste
Quick Summary
The BLC Leadership Academy for Support Staff is a three-day leadership retreat to be held from July 8-11, 2025 at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg Campus in St. Petersburg, Florida. BLASS is an intensive, high-engagement experience that goes beyond traditional leadership training.
The Boston Library Consortium, in collaboration with the Professional Development Alliance of Library Consortia and supported by a generous grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), is excited to offer the BLC Leadership Academy for Support Staff (BLASS), a dynamic and highly interactive leadership development program designed to empower professionals in the library field through immersive workshops, hands-on activities, and opportunities to network with peers.
Participants will engage in:
- Workshops – Interactive sessions designed to build leadership skills, foster collaboration, and develop strategic thinking.
- Hands-On Learning – Real-world applications of leadership principles in library and information settings with detailed case studies.
- Peer Networking & Wellness Programming – Opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals and mentors as well as time for reflection.
This program is open to those who are underrepresented and have been historically excluded in the library and information field who are (1) in supervisory roles, (2) do not possess an MLS degree, and (3) reside in the United States and/or its territories. Accepted participants will be awarded a travel stipend to attend. All other program costs, including meals and lodging, will be covered.
The deadline to apply for BLASS is Friday, March 21, 2025. Applications must be submitted via the form here. To assist in preparing application materials, a PDF version of the application form is available for download on the BLASS webpage. Please reach out to Cate Harriman, BLC Program Manager for Learning and Development, (charriman@blc.org) if you have any questions or need assistance with your application.
This project was made possible by the Institute of Museum and Library Services [IMLS grant number RE-256706-OLS-24]. Learn more about this grant here.
