The 2026 Arizona State Library Leadership Institute will take place September 1 - 4, in Prescott, Arizona.
The Arizona State Library Leadership Institute teaches participants the essential elements of good leadership. It also provides them the opportunity to engage in deep conversations about leadership, complete personal assessments, and develop a personal plan for leadership development.
Applications have now closed.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
• Be currently employed in a public, academic, school, or special library in Arizona.
• Have at least three years of experience serving in a supervisory role within a library.
• Submit a completed application along with a letter of support from current supervisor.
Program Facilitators
Sharon Morris, Ph.D.
Sharon Morris holds a master’s degree in library and information management and a Ph.D. in Managerial Leadership in Libraries. She has co-developed library leadership institutes for Arkansas, California, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, the Association of Rural and Small Libraries, and the Mountain Plains Library Association. Her library career spans public library service and many years in library development at the Colorado State Library. Sharon is known for creating engaging, research-informed learning experiences that emphasize collaboration, reflection, and practical leadership skills.
Jamie LaRue
Jamie LaRue is a nationally recognized library leader, author, and speaker with decades of experience in public libraries, leadership development, and intellectual freedom. He served as Executive Director of the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom and the Freedom to Read Foundation, and most recently as Executive Director of the Garfield County Public Library District in Colorado. A frequent presenter and leadership institute facilitator, Jamie is known for his engaging style and thoughtful insights on leadership, innovation, and the future of libraries.
Cost
There is no cost to participants to attend the 2026 Arizona Leadership Institute.
Participation includes the following:
• Hotel accommodations from Tuesday, September 1, through Friday, September 4
• Breakfast and lunch each day
• Dinners will be on your own each night. Scholarships are available to reimburse expenses related to travel or evening meals.
Lodging
To help accommodate as many participants as possible, hotel rooms will be prioritized for attendees traveling from outside the Prescott area if the number of accepted applicants exceeds the number of available rooms.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: Friday, August 14, 2026
- Applicants will be notified: Monday, August 17, 2026
Accepted participants will also be invited to attend a virtual orientation pre-institute webinar with the facilitators on Monday, August 24 at 2:00 PM.
Questions? Please contact Library Development.
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The 2026 Arizona Library Leadership Institute is hosted by the Arizona Library Association and supported in part by the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.