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BLC Receives IMLS Grant, Building Support for BIPOC Leadership

BLC Receives IMLS Grant, Building Support for BIPOC Leadership

September 2024

NISO Member News

Boston Library Consortium (BLC) has been awarded a $149,879 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) as part of the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program.

In partnership with the Professional Development Alliance of Library Consortia, BLC will design, pilot, and assess a three-day leadership academy tailored specifically for BIPOC support staff library supervisors who do not possess Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degrees. 

"We are grateful to the Institute of Museum and Library Services for entrusting us to carry out this important work," said Charlie Barlow, BLC's Executive Director. "This grant reflects BLC's ongoing efforts to create equitable opportunities for participation and collaboration at all levels and underscores our commitment to amplify diverse expertise to advance library practice."

The development of the curriculum will follow a co-design approach, engaging BIPOC thought leaders, BIPOC library supervisors without MLIS degrees, experienced management consultants, and consortium members. This collaborative effort will ensure the curriculum effectively balances broader organizational issues with practical leadership skills. 

Led by Cate Harriman and Elaina Norlin, Professional Development Program Coordinator at ASERL, the initial pilot will include national leadership academy in May 2025 to 30 library staff members to support the long-term professional growth of a vital population of workers in libraries whose needs for training and professional development are currently unmet.

For more in-depth details, see the full text announcement. 

About This Organization

The Boston Library Consortium empowers a coalition of libraries in the northeastern United States to share knowledge, infrastructure, and resources at scale. 

Founded in 1970, BLC’s strength lies in its diverse membership network of public and private universities, liberal arts colleges, state libraries, public libraries, and special libraries united by a commitment to champion innovation through collaboration. For more information, visit blc.org. 

For more information or if you'd like to get involved, please contact Cate Harriman at charriman@blc.org.

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services [IMLS grant number RE-256706-OLS-24].

Abstract

The Boston Library Consortium (BLC) is one of six Consortium Member organizations of NISO.