Audrey Barbakoff and Kathleen Monks, both 2010 graduates of the UW Information School Master of Library and Information Science program, were among the 50 national participants selected as this year’s American Library Association Emerging Leaders.

The ALA Emerging Leaders program enables newer library professionals to participate in problem-solving work groups, network with peers, gain an inside look into the structure of ALA, and have an opportunity to serve the profession in a leadership capacity. It allows participants to be on the fast track to ALA committee volunteerism as well as serve in other professional library-related organizations.

“Emerging Leaders is designed to help new librarians find a voice in ALA,” says Audrey Barbakoff who is the Adult Services Librarian at Kitsap Regional Library. “I believe that taking on a leadership role in our professional association is an important and rewarding way to influence the future of our profession, our careers, and our communities. I am excited for this opportunity to learn and grow, while making a substantive contribution to ALA.“

Kathleen Monks, Assistant Professor and Reference & Instruction Librarian at the University of Idaho Library is also looking forward to the experience. “Admittance to the American Library Association’s Emerging Leaders program provides an excellent catalyst for developing additional skills to excel in my profession and better serve my community. Participation opens doors to leadership and service opportunities within ALA that otherwise would not be available. I am very grateful for the support of the University of Idaho Library, the Idaho Library Association, and the University of Washington Libraries and Information School!"

The leadership program began with a day-long session during the ALA Midwinter Meeting in Seattle at the end of January. After Midwinter, the program continues to develop in an online learning and networking environment for six months. The program culminates with a poster session presentation to display the results of the project planning work of each group at the ALA Annual Conference.