2026 Core Forum

The Core Leadership and Management Competencies Working Group is conducting a comprehensive review and revision of the division’s leadership competencies framework. Since the last revision by LLAMA in 2016, the professional landscape has shifted significantly. Libraries are navigating increased organizational complexity, heightened attention to equity and inclusion initiatives, evolving workforce expectations, and rapid technological change.

This poster shares an in-progress update on the revision process, including emerging themes, proposed structural reframing, and areas under active reconsideration. In addition to updating language and scope, the working group is examining how leadership competency frameworks function within broader institutional and systemic contexts and power dynamics, including whose leadership is recognized, cultivated, and rewarded.

Attendees will learn about the revision methodology, key areas of expansion (including culturally responsive leadership, inclusive decision-making, and organizational context awareness), and be given opportunities to provide feedback before the revised competencies are finalized in 2027.

 This session invites community input to ensure the revision process reflects the realities, values, and future direction of the Core community and the broader profession.