The Nettie B. Taylor Maryland Library Leadership Institute (MLLI) is a dynamic week-long program tailored to meet the needs of library workers from libraries of all types who want to develop their confidence in several essential areas of leadership, including DEI-based leadership, communication, advocacy, and emotional intelligence. Selected participants will be a part of a diverse cohort of library workers from different backgrounds and receive mentorship and guidance from experienced library leaders.
The 2025 MLLI Cohort is scheduled for March 16th - 21st and will be held at the Maritime Conference Center in Linthicum Heights, MD.
This project is supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act Administered by the Maryland State Library Agency.
Application for the 2025 Nettie B. Taylor Maryland Library Leadership Institute.
Applications are due no later than 4:30pm on October 4, 2024. Please read the application and requirements carefully before submitting.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Frequently Asked Questions
How are the days structured?
Some sessions are presented in a classroom-style environment. In addition to this, the days are filled with individual and group exercises, presentations, one-on-one conversations and feedback sessions. These are carefully planned by the Institute facilitators to give participants the greatest opportunity to learn, understand, and begin to internalize the information and skills.
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How do Participants benefit?
Participants return from the Institute energized, empowered, self-aware, and self-evaluating. They develop a broadened perspective on the challenges and issues that face the libraries of the future and a clearer understanding of their role as future library leaders. They benefit from the experience of established leader mentors and share experiences with fellow participants who are at similar stages in their careers.
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What is the role of the Mentors?
Mentors observe the performance of individual participants and the interactions between participants. They provide open, honest, and non-judgmental feedback to participants both individually and within the group setting. In doing this, they also model the behaviors of providing constructive feedback to the participants. Mentors meet with the facilitators each day to evaluate participant comments and discuss the performance and development of the individual participants. They also work to identify potential difficulties and plan strategies to address them.
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What about established leaders?
Anyone can benefit from the Institute. Participants who are open to the process of self-evaluation and those who aspire to greater roles in library leadership have the most to gain.
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Who is responsible for a participant's success at the Institute?
Everyone at the Institute works to ensure that each participant has a successful experience. The facilitators, mentors and on-site coordinator evaluate each participant's progress daily and develop strategies when necessary to provide appropriate support. Participants also have a role in supporting and helping each other. It is made clear during the Institute that the ultimate responsibility for a participant's success, both during and after the Institute, is a personal one and rests with the individual.
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What options are in place for participants to maintain contact with each other?
Applicants are provided with an attendance roster that lists contact information for all participants as well as the facilitators, mentors and on-site coordinators. Additionally, participants will be able to connect using the new MLA Connect (coming soon).
How is the Institute funded?
Funding for the Institute comes from a variety of sources including the Maryland State Library Agency, the Maryland Library Association, registration fees paid by participants' libraries, sponsor contributions, and donations from many organizations and individuals, including past participants.Â
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How much money does the Institute cost?
 Pricing for the 2025 cohort is set for $2,800 (Member Price) or $3,000 (Non-member Price). Along with the incredible curriculum, this price also includes food and lodging for the week.
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Are Scholarships available?
Organizations such as the Maryland Association of School Librarians (MASL), Citizens for Maryland Libraries (CML), and Congress of Academic Library Directors (CALD) may also offer scholarships. Please contact these organizations directly to learn more.
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Why is the Institute held for a full week?
Portions of the Institute involve deep introspection and feedback from peers and mentors. A week away from daily distractions is necessary to develop the trust and openness that must exist in order for participants to gain the greatest benefit possible.
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Can the Institute be emotionally challenging for some?
Yes. In the course of the week participants may make personal realizations or experience peer or mentor feedback which can be difficult. Every effort is made to prepare participants for this and to create a supportive environment where the information can be received constructively.
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Would a less involving program be better?
The intensity of the program allows participants to gain the greatest benefit and insight from the experience. A lighter program would not yield the same results.
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What makes MLLI different from management training?
The Institute focuses on self-awareness, self-assessment, and leadership. Participants develop an understanding of their strengths, acknowledge and understand areas for potential improvement, and deepen their commitment to making positive change in the libraries of the future. This is not nuts and bolts management or supervision training. It is an opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.
What are the selection criteria for candidates?
Candidate applications are evaluated by a selection committee using a rubric. In addition to reviewing the applications based on their technical qualities such as the use of appropriate grammar and the originality of the written statement, the diversity of candidates received will also be taken into consideration.
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Are alternates selected to fill spots that may open at the last minute?
Yes. While there have been very few instances where selected candidates have been unable to participate, alternates are selected and notified.
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Are endorsements from Directors required?Â
Yes, each applicant must also include a signed Form of Support signed by both your immediate Supervisor and Dean/Director/CEO/Head of Media Specialist/or Equivalent.
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What is the notification process for candidates who are selected / not selected?
All applicants will be notified by email.
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Why is there such a rigorous application process?
The Institute comes at a considerable cost in money, time, and effort, therefore, it is important to select the best candidates possible. The application process has been designed and revised over the years to identify participants who show strong leadership potential and who will derive the greatest benefit from the Institute. The effort required on the part of the applicant is necessary to help the selection committee identify candidates who are truly interested in attending and are willing to illustrate that by putting forth the effort to complete the application.
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Is being a member of MLA a requirement?
No.
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Is having a Masters of Library Science degree a requirement
No.
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After being selected, what's next?
Candidates who are selected receive initial notification by email with instructions on how to confirm their attendance and how to arrange for payment of the registration fee. Candidates are then subsequently contacted with more detailed information about how to prepare for the Institute, what to pack, etc., and to make arrangements for physical, dietary or any other accommodations that the participant might require.