Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

publishedVersion

Publication Date

7-2026

Abstract

Strong leadership skills are becoming more important for librarians as they deal with rapid digital change in a VUCA world, rising user expectations, and a workforce made up of different generations. The Emerging Library Leaders’ Summer School for Asia-Pacific (ELLSSA) is Singapore Management University (SMU) Libraries’ main leadership development program, created to prepare early‑career librarians and high‑potential staff for future leadership roles across the Asia‑Pacific region and beyond. Recognised by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) as one of only a small number of leadership programs in the region, ELLSSA helps address gaps in leadership development within the library profession.

This article outlines the ideas behind ELLSSA, its unique program design, and how its teaching approaches have evolved over time. Developed in response to regional interest in SMU Libraries’ practices, ELLSSA is an intensive program designed for adult learners and emphasises collaboration, discussion, and active participation. Delivered in partnership with SMU Academy, the program includes keynote talks from university leaders, real‑world case studies led by practitioners, library visits, informal discussions, and hands‑on workshops. These sessions focus on key issues such as digital collections, user experience, research impact, and building skills in artificial intelligence.

Several innovative features set ELLSSA apart from traditional training programs. These include industry sponsorships positioned as long‑term partnerships, a gamified “Pitch Tank” exercise where participants present practical solutions to real challenges, and a structured six‑month mentoring program.

Participant feedback shows consistently high satisfaction and clear evidence that learning is applied back in participants’ home institutions. Beyond individual development, ELLSSA also highlights the need for clear talent management strategies, succession planning, and strong leadership pipelines in libraries. The article concludes by encouraging regional library leaders and professional groups to actively support and invest in emerging leaders to build future‑ready academic libraries across the Asia‑Pacific region.

Keywords

Library leadership development, Emerging library leaders, library leadership development, emerging library leaders, professional development programs, academic libraries, leadership pipeline and succession planning, Asia-Pacific libraries

Discipline

Leadership Studies | Library and Information Science

Publication

Ticker: The Academic Business Librarianship Review

Volume

11

Issue

1

First Page

1

Last Page

5

Identifier

10.3998/ticker.9591

Embargo Period

7-30-2026

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.3998/ticker.9591

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