All applications must be submitted online. To apply, please follow these steps:

1. Complete the LCDP Application Form online.

To be submitted with your online application:

2. A current résumé or CV

3. An essay of up to 500 words addressing the following:

a. Your interest in the program

b. Your goals or objectives for participating in the fellowship

4. A one-page description of your proposed research project addressing the topic and the proposed methodology

To be submitted either with the online application form or faxed under separate cover*:

5. A letter from your immediate supervisor describing your potential to take on leadership roles in research libraries

6. A letter from your library director confirming your readiness for the program, and confirming that the library will support your participation in a rigorous, 18-month fellowship**

*Letters may be sent directly to ARL Program Assistant, Mariane Seales at marianne@arl.org. Please direct the letters to the attention of Marianne Seales and indicate in the footer that the document is in support of your application for the LCDP.

**Tuition for the 18-month fellowship is $5,000 for professionals employed in ARL member libraries, $5,500 for all others, payable in two equal installments to be invoiced by ARL on December 1, 2012, and July 1, 2013. Tuition covers:

• Expenses for administering and delivering the LCDP;
• Travel expenses (up to $500 per instance) to attend the LCDP Institutes II and III (in March 2013 and April 2014 respectively);
• All lodging (double occupancy) and food for Institutes II and III;
• Program materials and audio-visual services for all events;
• Hosting of the closing ceremony and poster session.

In addition to tuition, the fellow’s institution will be responsible for:

• Participant’s travel expenses in excess of $500 for LCDP Institutes II and III (and additional expenses if fellow requires single-occupancy accommodations);
• Participant’s travel, board, and lodging expenses to attend the LCDP Leadership Institute, January 23-26, 2013 (during ALA Midwinter);
• Participant’s travel, board, and lodging expenses to attend the Closing Ceremony and Poster Session, June 2014 in Las Vegas, NV (during ALA Annual);
• Support for the participant’s relationship with a designated Career Coach and (if necessary) for the fellow’s visit to the Career Coach’s library;
• Providing release time so that LCDP fellows can be fully engaged in programs and participate in online training and conference calls as scheduled.

US and Canadian citizens are eligible for the program. Applications are welcome from library and information professionals in any setting, but applicants should be able to demonstrate a strong interest in pursuing a leadership position in a research library. Applications will be reviewed by the ARL Committee on Diversity and Leadership, comprised of ARL library directors. Applicants will receive notification of the committee’s decision by November 15, 2012. Online applications and all supporting documents should be received by ARL no later than October 19, 2012.