April 30, 2025 – The Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL) is now accepting nominations for participants for FLOURISH, a pilot library leadership program designed for participants from BPOC (Black and People of Colour) communities.
This six-day Canadian-focused leadership-mentorship program is designed for mid-career racialized academic librarians in Canada who are looking for purposeful and meaningful pathways to leadership in academic libraries. It will be delivered over a six month period with opening and closing two-day in-person workshops and four virtual gatherings in between.
- First in-person workshop will take place November 6th and 7th at the University of Toronto.
- Four virtual sessions will be scheduled between December 2025 and April 2026.
- The final and second in-person workshop will take place in St. John’s, NL, coinciding with the CARL Spring Meeting in the week of May 25, 2026.
Objectives of the program
- Create a positive and inclusive leadership library culture that includes BPOC voices, experiences, and perspectives.
- Empower future BPOC leaders to reach their leadership potential by building or strengthening critical leadership attributes.
- Provide a positive space for BPOC leaders in Canadian academic libraries to grow together and build a network.
- Enable mentoring opportunities and presentations from other Canadian academic library leaders with diverse experiences.
Eligibility
Mid-career racialized academic librarians in Canada who are considering pursuing leadership roles in academic libraries, have exhibited leadership interests, or see themselves in leadership roles.
“Mid-career” includes but is not limited to librarians who have achieved tenure, permanent status, or who have worked at least five to seven years, preferably in an academic library.
“Leadership roles” for this pilot program is broadly defined. Leadership roles could include managerial, supervisory, head of a unit/department, or any library leadership role that participants seek to achieve and flourish in. Rather than “drifting” into leadership roles, participants would find purposeful and meaningful pathways to move beyond their current roles.
Nomination and Application Process
Applications from all Canadian libraries are welcome. However, priority will be given to CARL member libraries.
Applicants must submit a nomination package which will include the following:
- a current CV;
- a short description of why the participant wishes to attend;
- a letter of endorsement from their Library Dean/Director.
Nomination packages should be sent to the attention of Julie Morin (), on or before July 28, 2025.
Fees – $3000
Fees include all workshop materials, breakfast, lunch, and breaks for the duration of the two in-person workshops (plus networking events).
Travel, accommodation, and other expenses are the responsibility of the participant.
Additional Program Notes
At this time, the program will only be offered in English.
Indigenous participants are welcome to attend, however, the curriculum focus is not on Indigenous leadership styles and practices. The current program was a proposal to CARL from BPOC community members and it will move forward in its current design as a first (pilot) offering.
CARL welcomes other communities to propose similar types of opportunities for consideration in the future.
For more information
Julie Morin
Senior Program Officer, CARL
