FLOURISH is a leadership and mentorship program developed by the Canadian Association of Research Libraries to support mid-career racialized academic librarians in Canada who are seeking purposeful and meaningful pathways to leadership. Designed as a six-day, Canadian-focused program delivered over six months, FLOURISH combines in-person workshops with virtual gatherings to foster sustained learning, reflection, mentorship, and community-building.
The program creates a dedicated space for participants from BPOC (Black and People of Colour) communities to explore leadership in academic libraries, strengthen critical leadership competencies, and build national networks of support.
Program Objectives
- Foster a positive and inclusive leadership culture in academic libraries that includes and centres 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 Criteria
FLOURISH is intended for mid-career racialized academic librarians in Canada who:
- Are considering pursuing leadership roles in academic libraries;
- Have demonstrated leadership interests; or
- See themselves moving intentionally into leadership positions.
Mid-career includes, but is not limited to, librarians who have achieved tenure or permanent status, or who have worked at least five to seven years, preferably in an academic library.
Leadership roles are broadly defined and may include managerial, supervisory, head of a unit or department, or other formal or informal leadership positions. The program supports participants in identifying meaningful and intentional pathways to leadership, rather than “drifting” into such roles.
2025-2026 Cohort
Toronto
The first in-person workshop took place November 6th and 7th, 2025 at the University of Toronto.
Virtual Sessions
Four virtual sessions are scheduled between December 2025 and April 2026.
St. John's
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.
For more information about the 2025-2026 Cohort, See Call for Participants – FLOURISH: BPOC Academic Library Leadership Program