NELLS Leadership

| Tier 1: Emerging Leaders | Tier 2: Mid-Career Leadership | Tier 3: Advanced Leadership | Past NELLS Participants | NELLS Chair

The New England Library Leadership Symposium (NELLS) has long served as a cornerstone of professional growth, mentorship, and connection for emerging and experienced library leaders across our six states. We are currently embarking on a thoughtful evaluation process to refine and reimagine the program—ensuring it continues to empower, inspire, and equip New England’s library community for years to come.

Stay tuned! Details regarding the next iteration of NELLS, including program updates, timelines, and application info, will be announced in the coming months.

Thank you for your patience and ongoing passion for library leadership. We can't wait to share what's next!

Tier 1 - NELLS: Emerging Leaders

This program is designed to be an introduction to library leadership. It is most appropriate for early to mid-career library workers who have demonstrated potential to become leaders in the field, or who aspire to hold leadership positions. A Master’s degree in Library Science is not required in order to participate.

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Tier 2 - NELLS II: Mid-Career Leadership

The purpose of this four-day intensive training program (previously known as NELLS I) is to foster the mentoring and development of leaders in state and regional library associations. NELLS II was created through a cooperative effort of the New England Library Association and all six New England state library associations. NELLS II was introduced for the first time in 2003.

The NELLS Tier 2 program is designed for library professionals in mid-career (3-15 years experience in or with libraries). The program focuses on the application of leadership theory to real-world library issues. Participants will focus on topics such as creating equitable workplaces/public spaces, leading through change, self-care, mentoring talent, developing a strong vision, building strong communities, resilience, and other topics that will nurture and mentor attendees as they prepare for senior leadership roles. Applicants must be NELA members in order to be considered for this program.

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Tier 3 - NELLS III: Advanced Leadership

The NELLS III (previously known as NELLS II) program is a three-day leadership program for library workers with 15 years or more experience (NELLS III) was offered for the first time in 2016 and again in 2018. Participation is NOT dependent on having attended a NELLS program in the past.

The cost is typically around $800 for 3 days, including lodging, all meals & materials.