Directors University

APPLICATIONS OPEN! The deadline to apply is May 15. Applicants will be notified by May 24 of their selection.

The ninth annual Directors University will be held August 4-6, 2025, at the Hilton DoubleTree in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois. This professional development is intended for first-time directors and directors new to Illinois from public libraries of all shapes and sizes.

What is Directors University?

Directors University (DU) is a continuing education program that provides new directors of public libraries--regardless of whether they hold a Master's in Library Science--with foundational training in public library directorship. It includes a comprehensive multi-day in-person institute and five robust virtual sessions. 

The mission of the program is to provide public library directors with a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities and to provide them with the skills they need to better serve their constituents. Training topics include an overview of the types of public libraries; library systems; library policies; human resources; legal; building maintenance; basic budgeting and finance; board relationships; state grant programs; customer service; and resource sharing. 

Directors University is a joint project of the Illinois Heartland Library System, Illinois Library Association, and Reaching Across Illinois Library System.

View the ILA event page for more details and the application link. Questions? Contact Kristin Pekoll, kpekoll@ila.org.