Sophia Lake

^{Participants of the 2022 Academic Libraries Leadership Institute (ALLI) at Memorial University’s Signal Hill Campus enjoying a coffee break in the Gardiner Centre lounge.}

Library leaders from across Canada gathered at Memorial University’s Signal Hill Campus this past June for the 2026 Academic Libraries Leadership Institute (ALLI), a national leadership development program delivered through a partnership between Gardiner Centre, Memorial University's professional and executive development unit within the Faculty of Business Administration, and the Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL).

Gardiner Centre provides leadership, management and professional development programs for individuals and organizations across Newfoundland and Labrador and beyond. Through initiatives such as ALLI, they work with partners across sectors to deliver practical, applied learning experiences that help professionals strengthen their leadership capacity.

Now in its third offering at Memorial University, ALLI has established a strong national reputation for helping academic library leaders develop practical leadership skills while building lasting professional networks. Feedback from the 2022, 2024 and 2026 cohorts points to a consistent pattern of high participant satisfaction, meaningful learning outcomes and continuous program improvement informed by direct participant feedback.

Held from May 31 to June 5, ALLI provided senior and emerging academic library leaders with an opportunity to strengthen leadership skills, explore common challenges and share solutions with peers from across the country. Designed specifically for academic library environments, the program addresses the increasingly complex demands facing library leaders, including rapid technological change, evolving communication practices, organizational transformation and resource constraints.

The week-long institute combines practical leadership development with collaborative exploration of the “wicked problems” confronting academic libraries today. Through interactive workshops, case studies, peer discussions and applied learning exercises, participants develop strategies to lead organizational change, foster innovation and engage teams effectively.

^{Participants of the 2026 Academic Libraries Leadership Institute (ALLI) at Memorial University’s Signal Hill Campus.}

Feedback from the 2026 cohort underscores the program’s continuing impact. Participants rated the overall value of the training at 4.8 out of 5 and rated how well the training met expectations at 4.7 out of 5. In addition, 100 per cent of respondents reported learning skills they could immediately apply within their organizations. Gardiner Centre’s customer service received a perfect 5.0 out of 5 rating.

This year’s program featured highly rated sessions on managing difficult conversations, change management, project management, library budgeting, employee engagement and problem solving. The directors’ panel emerged as a particular highlight, with participants praising the candid discussions and multiple perspectives shared by experienced library leaders. A lunchtime session on civil discourse also generated strong engagement and thought-provoking discussion among attendees.

Several themes emerged consistently throughout participant feedback. Networking and cohort-building were repeatedly cited as among the most valuable aspects of the experience, with attendees emphasizing the opportunity to connect with colleagues facing similar challenges at institutions across Canada. Participants also highlighted the practical tools, templates and frameworks introduced throughout the week, particularly in project management, change management and strategic problem solving.

Susan Cleyle, visiting program officer (leadership development initiatives) with CARL, noted that building these connections is a critical element of effective leadership: “Impactful leaders know the importance of building networks with those who understand the challenges you face every day. ALLI provides the opportunity to learn about yourself as a leader through a rich professional development curriculum and to also build a support network with peers from all across the country.”

 “The connections formed during the program are as valuable as the learning itself,” noted one participant. Others expressed enthusiasm about bringing new approaches, resources and leadership strategies back to their institutions.

The institute’s setting at Memorial University’s Signal Hill Campus also received high praise. Participants highlighted both the learning environment and the hospitality provided throughout the week as contributing factors to a positive and productive experience.

ALLI's success in 2026 builds on a proven track record. In 2022, 100 per cent of participants reported being satisfied or very satisfied with their overall experience and the quality of instruction. Similarly strong results were achieved in 2024, when participants rated both training expectations and overall value at 4.87 out of 5.

Across all three offerings, networking opportunities have remained the program's most consistently celebrated strength. Participants regularly describe the relationships formed during the institute as one of its most valuable outcomes, creating a national community of practice that extends well beyond the week-long program.

Several sessions have also emerged as perennial favourites. Project management, library budgeting, managing difficult conversations and the program's capstone problem-solving exercise have received strong praise year after year for their relevance, practicality and immediate application within academic library settings.

A key factor in ALLI's continued success is Gardiner Centre and CARL's shared commitment to continuous improvement. Organizers regularly refine both program content and participant experience based on feedback from previous cohorts, ensuring the institute remains responsive to the evolving needs of academic library leaders. The result is a mature, well-established leadership development program that equips participants with the knowledge, skills and networks needed to navigate an increasingly complex landscape.

The ongoing partnership between Gardiner Centre and CARL has been central to the program’s growth and success. Reflecting on the collaboration, Ms. Cleyle said, “It has been a pleasure to have CARL and Gardiner Centre collaborate together on this important initiative. Gardiner Centre developed a rich program for each offering that helped attendees explore their own leadership style while developing important everyday skills.”

Now firmly established as a national leadership program, ALLI continues to demonstrate the value of bringing academic library leaders together to learn, collaborate and prepare for the future of libraries in Canada.