The Conference of Academic Library Management (CALM), sponsored by the UC San Diego Library, is taking an exciting step to reshape how academic librarians grow their management skills. Thanks to a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), awarded through the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program, CALM launched a project aimed at identifying and proposing solutions for the professional development gaps for library managers. The project, titled Expanding the Impact of the Conference of Academic Library Management: Identifying Gaps and Opportunities in Professional Development Support for Managers, represents a significant step toward addressing the professional development needs of academic library managers.
What’s the Purpose of the IMLS Grant?
At its core, the IMLS grant supports CALM’s effort to identify and fill gaps in professional development for academic library managers. While many professional development programs focus heavily on leadership, CALM focuses on practical, person-centered management skills necessary for the day-to-day operations within library departments. With this grant, CALM is exploring sustainable strategies that are inclusive and adapt to the evolving needs of library managers, all while fostering an environment of ongoing learning.
The Project in Action
So, what does this project actually look like? It starts with a deep dive into the current landscape of academic library management. Through a syllabus and course review, combined with a nationwide survey of academic library managers, CALM aims to pinpoint areas where professional development is most needed. To incorporate a wide range of perspectives, CALM hosted its recent 2024 CALM Forum to facilitate conversations with leaders in the field on library management support and practices. Ultimately, the project’s goal is to create a set of recommendations that will help ensure professional development opportunities are equitable and focused on practical, person-centered management practices—grounded in empathy, care, and inclusivity.
Goals and Objectives
CALM’s work through this grant supports a larger mission: increasing growth and retention in the academic library community. To achieve this, CALM is focused on four key objectives:
Identify the professional development needs of academic library managers.
Engage with a wide variety of perspectives on library management with a particular attention to library professionals from historically excluded communities.
Collaborate with academic librarians and organizations interested in person-centered management principles to map a professional development program for academic library managers.
Create a sustainable and equitable set of recommendations to facilitate opportunities for professional development in person-centered management practices.
Next Steps: Continuing to Build on Research and Care
As CALM continues to analyze the data from the survey and research efforts, the team has decided to wait to apply for an implementation grant in the FY26 cycle. We will take this additional time to synthesize research findings and determine the best next steps for the project. This decision reflects our commitment to centering care–both for the team and the community.
That said, CALM is still very active in the library management community. The team will be presenting preliminary research results in November at the Library Assessment Conference alongside forum attendees Julie Adamo and Kim Nayyer. By January 2025, a draft of their white paper is expected, and the final wrap-up of all grant activities is planned for summer 2025. CALM will also be engaging with the community at the ACRL conference in Minneapolis in April 2025, keeping the dialogue going about library management and professional development.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for CALM?
This IMLS grant is just the beginning of CALM’s ongoing work to make a real difference in how academic library managers develop their skills. With a focus on practical management, community building, and thoughtful reflection, CALM is aiming for a lasting impact across academic libraries nationwide. As this project moves forward, CALM will continue to create spaces where library managers can come together, share knowledge, and build the skills they need to thrive in their roles. The CALM conference will also return in May 2026.
Stay tuned as CALM’s journey unfolds—there’s so much more to come!
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