Sharing on behalf of the College Library Director Mentorship Program. 

I was a member of the 2019/2021 cohort. As a newly appointed library director in 2019 this was the best initial investment in my professional development. Participating in the CLDMP was exactly what I needed. I gained access to varying perspectives, problem‑solving approaches, resource sharing, a growing collective knowledge base, support systems, networking opportunities, connections, and lasting friendships. I strongly recommend this program to a new College Library Director. There are still openings for the 2026 program.

Please consider or encourage a new colleague to join the College Library Director Mentoring Program. The program, now in its 33nd year, is designed to enhance leadership capabilities of new college library directors, and to help them meet the unique challenges involved in directing libraries in small colleges. First year directors are assigned a mentor to listen and provide support throughout the year.  There is also a series of webinars and a 3-day seminar in the spring. Topics are based on participants’ needs and may include planning, campus politics, and leadership issues.

Applicants must be new directors at a small college library (fewer than 3500 undergraduate FTE with at least a 4-year degree program) and cannot have previously been a director at a small college library.  Interim directors are not eligible. Additional information about qualifications and the application process is available on the Program website: https://acrl.ala.org/dirmentoring/

If you are interested in applying for the 2026-2027 cohort, please fill out the application form on the website: https://acrl.ala.org/dirmentoring/for-applicants/application-form

Tuition is $1325 which includes mentor matching, 3 webinars, membership on a listserv of past participants, and a 3 day in person seminar. 

The deadline is August 1, 2026 - Extended. ​ The cohort is limited to 15 participants. Because 2027 is an ACRL year, the 2027 cohort seminar will be in Portland, Oregon April 4th-7th host institution: University of Portland.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

Co-Directors

Lisa N. Johnston

CLDMP co-director/cohort 2015-16

Eckerd College

johnstln@eckerd.edu

727-864-8206

Melissa Jadlos

CLDMP co-director/cohort 2006-07

Former Director

Lavery Library

St. John Fisher University

mjadlos@sjf.edu

585-226-9039

All the best,

Elise