The Laser Foundation is to sponsor a Public Library Fellowship on the Clore Leadership Programme. This is one of two Library Fellowships being offered by the Clore Leadership Programme in 2006-7, the other being supported by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA).

The Clore Leadership Programme has been designed to help develop the skills and experience of potential leaders in the cultural sector. The Programme includes the whole range of creative and cultural fields, and the Laser Foundation is supporting a Fellowship for librarians working in public librarianship. 

The Programme is in line with the work, research, development and ethos of the Laser Foundation since its creation in 2001, and is particularly related to the work the Foundation has done with a group from the rising generation of public library managers ('the Futures Group') and to its other work on leadership and development in the public library sector.

Barry George, a Trustee of the Laser Foundation, said “This sponsorship is another element in our strategy of helping to develop the leadership of the public library service for the challenging, and exciting, future that we believe is there for libraries to embrace with enthusiasm.”

David Whitaker, Chair of the Laser Foundation, said “The Laser Foundation has long recognised the importance of leadership in the public library service, and has already supported this in its programme of work.  We therefore welcome the opportunity to be associated with the Clore Leadership Programme.”

Claire Styles, a 2005 Clore Librarianship Fellow, says “The Clore Leadership Programme offers an incredible once in a lifetime opportunity to identify, challenge and develop personal skills and confidence. The flexible nature of the programme, which offers high calibre training, mentoring and work experience outside libraries, has enabled me to shape my own learning journey. Being one of 27 Fellows from across the cultural sector (including ballet dancers and theatre directors) has been truly energising, reinvigorating my passion for public libraries.”

The Foundation Trustees hope that eligible librarians working in public libraries will take advantage of this opportunity which could have great benefits not only for their career but for the sector as a whole.

Details of the Clore Leadership Programme, and how to apply, can be found on the website from January 11^th 2006 at www.cloreleadership.org. Applicants should apply direct to Clore. The closing date for applications is February 21^st 2006.

Laser Foundation:

For  over 70  years, The London and South Eastern Library Region  (Laser) served the  co-operative interests of public libraries in the UK,  mainly in London and the South East, but with services, research and development across the UK and internationally.

The Laser Foundation is a grant making Trust funding projects that involve or are led by public libraries, that benefit public library users and that make a real difference to the library landscape. Further details of the Foundation can be found on the web site at http://www.bl.uk/about/cooperation/laser.html. The British Library’s Regional and Library Programmes hosts the Foundation’s website.

For further details ring 01257 274833 or email [log in to unmask]

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Stephanie Kenna
Manager, Regional and Library Programmes
The British Library
96 Euston Road
London
NW1 2DB