Requirements & Curriculum

Requirements

• Five (5) years of experience working in libraries (in any library, at any level; service need not be in any single library and can be over any amount of time). Degree in library science is not required.
• Membership in the Texas Library Association by the application deadline.
• Desire to improve yourself, libraries, and communities; ability to turn training into action.
• Registration fee includes instruction, housing, classroom materials, breakfast, lunch, and an opening reception. Transportation is not included. Stipend funding is only applicable to the registration fee, not travel expenses.

Curriculum Topics

• Leadership principles and practices
• Leadership types: resonant, adaptive, trusted, ethical
• Emotional intelligence
• Interpersonal communication in leadership roles
• Organizational risk taking
• Power, influence, and persuasion
• Conflict negotiation
• Collaboration, teamwork, and consensus
• Organizational change: transforming libraries
• Appreciative Inquiry
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Developing others: empowerment, motivation, coaching, mentoring
• Planning career and leadership development

Application Process Timeline

• Application opens January 28, 2026.
• Application Deadline: Monday, June 11, 2026, at 11:59 pm.
• Early July – All applicants will be informed of application status.
• October – Preparation webinars will be scheduled for participants during this time.
• November 19 – 21, TALL Texans takes place in person (Thursday-Saturday).

A Note about AI: While the use of AI tools to assist in crafting your application responses is not prohibited, the selection committee strongly encourages applicants to rely on their own words and perspectives. Authenticity and a genuine personal voice are highly valued in the application process, as they allow the committee to better understand your unique experiences and potential.