CILIP, the library and information association, is pleased to announce the launch of Future-ready Libraries leadership training programme, with two new online learning modules created for public library professionals.

The new training programme stems from the Arts Council England-funded Future Libraries project and the accompanying horizon-scanning report, Come Rain or Shine, which identified leadership development as a pivotal opportunity to support the public library workforce, particularly for those at early career stages.

Designed to equip aspiring and emerging leaders in the public library workforce with the skills to contribute to strategies that meet local goals and needs through the lens of global trends.

The Future-ready Libraries programme focuses on building capacity in two critical areas:

• Digital Skills: This module supports the evolving role of libraries as gateways to digital access, encompassing basic digital literacy, information services, and an understanding of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
• Futures Literacy: Utilising the UNESCO Futures Literacy framework alongside the CILIP Future Libraries toolkit, this training empowers library leaders to craft agile strategies for future development tailored to their local communities' needs.

Louis Coiffait-Gunn, Chief Executive Office at CILIP, said:

“Public libraries are the beating hearts of our communities, and their leaders play a crucial role navigating the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. Through the Future-ready Libraries programme, we are investing in the people who will shape the future of our library services, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and knowledge to lead with confidence and innovation.”

Luke Burton, Director of Libraries at Arts Council England, commented:

“It is exciting to build on CILIP’s initial Come Rain or Shine work which was funded by Arts Council England. The Future-ready Libraries project is an opportunity to support library workers in building, developing and growing library programmes and projects in a fast-changing technology landscape. We are keen to work with valuable partners like CILIP to ensure that libraries are planning and prepared to ensure their services are relevant and impactful not just in the next two to three years but in the next 20 to 30 years. We feel that this work will help to equip library workers, a libraries most important asset, with the skills to achieve this.”

Each module incorporates a baseline assessment framework to evaluate participants' understanding of the topics before and after the training, ensuring measurable learning outcomes.

To develop the content for these modules, CILIP has commissioned Evidence to Action to conduct a comprehensive literature review, ensuring the training is grounded in current research and best practices.

Future-ready Libraries leadership training programme was commissioned by CILIP with funding from Arts Council England.

www.cilip.org.uk/future-libraries

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