Engaging with leadership development in Irish academic libraries: some reflections of the Future Leaders Programme (FLP)

Abstract

Four librarians from Irish university libraries completed the U.K. Future Leaders
\nProgramme (FLP) in 2010. In this article they recount their experience and
\nassess the effect of the programme on their professional practice and the value
\nfor their institutions. The programme is explored in the context of the Irish higher
\neducation environment, which is facing significant challenges due to the demise
\nof the Celtic Tiger economy. A brief review of the literature relating to structured
\nprogrammes to prepare librarians for senior positions, is presented. The structure
\nand content of the FLP and the learning methodologies, theories, tools and
\ntechniques used throughout are discussed. The article suggests that the
\nprogramme has real value for both individuals and institutions and that it can play
\na significant role in succession planning and the leadership development of
\nlibrarians