West LA Times

UCLA Library has announced the incoming cohort for its 2024 UCLA Library Senior Fellows program, consisting of 20 top managers of academic libraries from across the nation. The program, which will take place in July, aims to provide a platform for strategic thinking and practical approaches to the challenges faced by academic libraries, preparing the fellows for advanced leadership roles in the field.

Reflecting on her experience as a 2018 fellow, Athena Jackson, the Norman and Armena Powell University Librarian, expressed the value of the program in building a supportive network within the academic library community. She highlighted the importance of the program in fostering trust and sharing ideas among colleagues to enhance leadership skills.

Janice Welburn, program director and a member of the 1999 cohort, emphasized the transformative impact of the UCLA Library Senior Fellows program on academic libraries. Welburn expressed her anticipation for the upcoming cohort's arrival on campus and the engaging discussions and friendships that will ensue during the program.

Since its inception in 1982, the UCLA Library Senior Fellows program has seen over 300 fellows participate, with approximately 100 alumni advancing to become library directors, including around 60 at Association of Research Libraries institutions. The program is recognized as one of the longest-running leadership development initiatives in the library profession.

The 2024 cohort is set to commence their three-week residential program at UCLA on July 8. The cohort members include individuals from various academic institutions such as Boise State University, Georgia State University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, among others. Each member brings a unique perspective and expertise to the program, contributing to the dynamic learning environment curated by the UCLA Library.

The UCLA Library Senior Fellows program continues to serve as a cornerstone for leadership development in the academic library community, fostering collaboration and innovation among its participants.