Directors University
August 4-6, 2025
Bloomington-Normal, Illinois
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.
When is Directors University?
The in-person institute will be held August 4-6, 2025, at the Hilton DoubleTree in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois. Accepted participants will receive a complete schedule with topics and speakers.
During June and July, there are five virtual sessions that will be live and recorded. Participants will be able to work at their own pace and have an opportunity to meet virtually with a facilitator on the topic, discuss with other directors, and ask questions.
How much is Directors University?
The registration fee is $200. Participants are responsible for their own travel expenses. Materials, lodging, and meals will be covered by the registration fee and support from the Illinois State Library using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).
After applicants are notified that they have been accepted for the 2025 Directors University class, they will receive an invoice to be paid prior to attending the first virtual session.
If the registration fee is prohibitive, please contact your library system. Contact information is below.
All cancellations and refund requests must be received in writing via emailing ila@ila.org by July 15, 2025. No refunds can be issued after July 15. All cancellations are subject to a $30 processing fee.
Who can attend Directors University?
Approximately fifty participants will be selected to attend, with the intent of maintaining both geographic distribution and variation in size and structure. Preference will be given to new directors who have not previously attended Directors University or the Statewide Public Library Management Institute (SPLMI). Applicants must have been named the permanent director of the library by May 1.
Applications will be accepted until May 15. Attendees will be notified of their selection on May 24.
Contact RAILS, IHLS, ILA, or Directors University Co-Chairs with questions. If the registration fee is prohibitive, please contact your library system contact below.
Directors University is a joint project of the Illinois Heartland Library System, Illinois Library Association, and Reaching Across Illinois Library System.
DU Committee
Betsy Adamowski, Wheaton Public Library
Amy Byers, Chatham Area Public Library
Monica Cameron, Shelbyville Public Library *
Amanda Doherty, Mount Pulaski Public Library
Jennifer Drinka, Antioch Public Library
Julie Milavec, Downers Grove Public Library
Jamie Paicely, Flossmoor Public Library *
Kathy Parker, Library Consultant
Bobbi Perryman, Vespasian Warner Public Library
Donna Schaal, Argenta-Oreana Public Library
Leander Spearman, Belleville Public Library
Alex Todd, Prospect Heights Public Library
* 2025 Co-Chair
Ex-Officio Members
Leslie Bednar, Illinois Heartland Library System
Monica Harris, Reaching Across Illinois Library System
Kate Kite, Illinois Heartland Library System
Kate Niehoff, Reaching Across Illinois Library System
Kristin Pekoll, Illinois Library Association
Cyndi Robinson, Illinois Library Association
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