Who should apply to the Archives Leadership Institute?
The ideal Archives Leadership Institute participant is a mid-career archivist or archives professional who exhibits exemplary leadership potential with a solid, established professional foundation of practical knowledge and experience. The ideal candidate should already have an established career foundation and a strong grasp on archival practice and theory. This individual will be seeking leadership training in order to positively affect the profession. Characteristics of successful candidates include:
Do I need a Master's degree in Library Science to be considered for ALI?- identifiable leadership skills and potential
- the ability to influence change within the archival field
- a strong commitment to the archival profession
- demonstrated professional organizational involvement and service
- a collaborative and innovative spirit
- representation and/or support of diversity within the profession
There are no formal educational requirements for attending ALI. We know that archivists come into the profession in a variety of ways and our only real requirement is that you have been a practicing archivist or archives professional long enough to have a strong foundational understanding of the theories and practices of an archivist.
Is this the same ALI program that has been held in Madison, WI and Luther College?
Yes, this is the same Archives Leadership Institute! ALI is funded through a grant made by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC). This is the same grant that funded the ALI program in the past at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Luther College. The ALI program will be held at Berea College for years 2016, 2017, and 2018. It is similar to the last three years' institute held at Luther College. There is still an emphasis on a strong cohort relationship, a residential setting and the development of leadership skills within the context of the archival profession.
How can ALI alumni be involved?
If you've already attended ALI in the past, you can't attend again. But, there are many ways for you to re-involve yourself with the program. See how: Alumni.
Where is Berea, Kentucky, and how do I get there?
Located where the Bluegrass Region meets the Cumberland Mountains, the town of Berea (pop. 14,000) lies forty miles south of Lexington and is approximately two hours from Cincinnati, Louisville, and Knoxville. More information about Berea College is available at www.berea.edu. The Archives Leadership Institute will be providing transportation for the cohort from the Lexington Bluegrass Airport (LEX). Additional details regarding travel and transportation will be made available to the selected participants as the Leadership Intensive grows closer. For more information about Berea and Berea College, please visit Facilities.
When will applications be made available for the 2016 Cohort?
Applications will open in September and will be open until November 30, 2015. This deadline will not be extended. Please visit Apply to learn more and to submit your online application. Additionally, Subscribe to ALI News to get notifications of announcements and upcoming deadlines.
Can you explain the "Practicum Project"?
The practicum project is a specific case study or problem that you are experiencing that you would like to focus on solving during the ALI program. Some examples of past projects include managing oral histories with Asana software, archiving e-mail and born-digital records (including some software emulation needs), barcoding and cataloging archival containers, documenting special local history initiatives, and establishing a new archives program. ALI's only expectations for a practicum project is that you can actually do it (or show progress on it) during the 2015-2016 year. [See examples of practicum abstracts]
If accepted to ALI, how much will the program cost me?
The total cost for participants to attend ALI is well over $3,000 per participant. However, with the generous funding from the NHPRC, the tuition fee is $700, which includes meals, activities, and lodging during the Leadership Institute. ALI participants may be expected to cover any supplemental optional activities, and travel expenses to get to Berea, Kentucky. We will provide shuttles to and from the airport and lodging during the week at the Boone Tavern. Tuition and travel scholarships will be made available.
I would love to attend, but I'm afraid I can't afford it. Do you offer financial assistance?
Yes! ALI will be offering a number of travel and tuition scholarships on the basis of need. If you would like to apply for financial assistance, there are a number of questions at the end of the Application that you should answer.
