Tampa, FL 33620
Leading in the Middle: A Hands-On Intensive for Florida Library Managers.
IN-PERSON at University of South Florida Library | August 3–4, 2026
The Challenge
Middle managers are the engines of the library, yet they often face the most friction. You are expected to support your staff, execute leadership’s vision, navigate rapid technological shifts, and maintain daily operations while managing your own workload.
The Purpose
This intensive offers Florida library managers a dedicated space to pause, reflect, and recalibrate. Move beyond abstract theory and engage in honest conversations about the realities of the job. You will leave with practical strategies to tackle burnout, navigate difficult personnel dynamics, integrate AI into your workflows, and lead with renewed clarity.
Eligibility
This program is designed for library faculty and staff who supervise people, projects, or services. We specifically welcome:
Middle Managers & Department Heads
Assistant & Associate Directors
Unit and Student Supervisors
Project Managers and Program Coordinators
By opening registration to both faculty and staff, we recognize that leadership happens at every level and that all supervisors deserve access to high-level professional development.
The Curriculum: A Design-Thinking Approach
Forget passive PowerPoint presentations. This two-day intensive utilizes a hands-on design-thinking format. Working in small peer groups, you will:
Define the specific "pain points" in your current role.
Ideate solutions alongside colleagues who understand your unique environment.
Prototype workflows and communication strategies you can implement the very next Monday.
Key Outcomes
Participants will walk away with:
Actionable Strategies: Draft plans to navigate rapid organizational change.
Resilience Toolkit: Practical methods for managing stress, conflict, and professional uncertainty.
AI Integration: Real-world ideas for using emerging technology to automate routine tasks and improve library service delivery.
A Peer Network: A lasting community of middle management peers across Florida’s academic libraries.
Empowered Leadership: A shift in perspective from "feeling stuck" to knowing people to reach out for advice, support and guidance.
Hotel Information:
Hotels near USF https://www.usf.edu/undergrad/sss/forms/hotels.aspx.
Parking Information:
Visitor parking information is here: https://www.usf.edu/parking/parking/visitor-parking.aspx. The street address to use for Google Maps to get to the library is: 4101 USF Apple Dr., Tampa, FL 33620
Sponsors
FLVC https://libraries.flvc.org/
ASERL https://www.aserl.org/
ASERL is one of the largest regional research library consortia in the United States. By working together, ASERL members continue to provide and maintain top quality resources and services for the students, faculty, and citizens of their respective communities. See www.aserl.org for more information.
Leading in the Middle: A Hands-On Intensive for Florida Library Managers.
IN-PERSON at University of South Florida Library | August 3–4, 2026
The Challenge
Middle managers are the engines of the library, yet they often face the most friction. You are expected to support your staff, execute leadership’s vision, navigate rapid technological shifts, and maintain daily operations while managing your own workload.
The Purpose
This intensive offers Florida library managers a dedicated space to pause, reflect, and recalibrate. Move beyond abstract theory and engage in honest conversations about the realities of the job. You will leave with practical strategies to tackle burnout, navigate difficult personnel dynamics, integrate AI into your workflows, and lead with renewed clarity.
Eligibility
This program is designed for library faculty and staff who supervise people, projects, or services. We specifically welcome:
Middle Managers & Department Heads
Assistant & Associate Directors
Unit and Student Supervisors
Project Managers and Program Coordinators
By opening registration to both faculty and staff, we recognize that leadership happens at every level and that all supervisors deserve access to high-level professional development.
The Curriculum: A Design-Thinking Approach
Forget passive PowerPoint presentations. This two-day intensive utilizes a hands-on design-thinking format. Working in small peer groups, you will:
Define the specific "pain points" in your current role.
Ideate solutions alongside colleagues who understand your unique environment.
Prototype workflows and communication strategies you can implement the very next Monday.
Key Outcomes
Participants will walk away with:
Actionable Strategies: Draft plans to navigate rapid organizational change.
Resilience Toolkit: Practical methods for managing stress, conflict, and professional uncertainty.
AI Integration: Real-world ideas for using emerging technology to automate routine tasks and improve library service delivery.
A Peer Network: A lasting community of middle management peers across Florida’s academic libraries.
Empowered Leadership: A shift in perspective from "feeling stuck" to knowing people to reach out for advice, support and guidance.
Hotel Information:
Hotels near USF https://www.usf.edu/undergrad/sss/forms/hotels.aspx.
Parking Information:
Visitor parking information is here: https://www.usf.edu/parking/parking/visitor-parking.aspx. The street address to use for Google Maps to get to the library is: 4101 USF Apple Dr., Tampa, FL 33620
Sponsors
FLVC https://libraries.flvc.org/
ASERL https://www.aserl.org/