Summer Library Institute is a professional development, training and networking opportunity for non-MLS library staff serving mostly small and rural communities throughout Arizona.
Summer Library Institute is a week-long professional development event that brings together rural library staff from different regions of Arizona to learn about new trends, technologies, and best practices in the field. Over the course of three years, participants form lasting connections as they experience a variety of workshops, sessions, and keynote speeches by renowned experts and practitioners. Topics cover collection development and programming, outreach, community engagement, emerging technologies, project management and more!
Participants stay in college campus dorms, which provides ample opportunities for conversation, collaboration, and sharing of ideas and experiences among the cohort. There is no cost to attend for participants or their employing libraries, and scholarships will be available to reimburse mileage and travel expenses.
The 2026 Summer Institute will be held June 8 - 12, in Prescott, Arizona.
Eligibility Requirements
The Summer Library Institute is open to Arizona library staff who:
- are currently employed in a library serving fewer than 100,000 people
- are in a leadership role in their library
- neither have, nor are pursuing, a MLIS/MLS degree
- have support & permission from their employer to participate
Participants in Summer Library Institute agree to fully participate in all Institute activities, and to stay on campus in the dorms.
Application Information
The deadline to apply for the 2026 Summer Library Institute has now passed.
Please contact Library Development with any questions.
Summer Library Institute is supported by the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records, a division of the Secretary of State, with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.