The struggle to find external applicants helped us realize the potential of current staff. To ensure smooth leadership transitions and minimize turnover in a library system of twenty-one branches, we acknowledged the value of our existing team and committed to investing in their personal growth.

The main objectives of this program are to:

• Equip staff with tools, resources, and support to be successful
• Identify potential leaders within our system
• Build a team that is passionate about developing
  leaders

Guest speakers from the community touch on relevant topics such as mental health support and effective communication. Students complete an in-depth book study with upper-level management and apply collaboration skills to complete a community service project. Each student is assigned mentors and meets with them regularly to refine their professional goals. We celebrate each student’s success by hosting a graduation at the end of the program. SML U alumni possess a unique credential for internal leadership positions.

Since 2019, half of SML U participants are currently in supervisory roles. In our current class, one of the six students received a promotion after nine weeks in SML U.

"Two current participants, Monyunna and Fatima, were recently promoted to Assistant Branch Managers. I would contribute their recent growth to SML University, which allows participants to discuss leadership topics with their peers, community leaders, and other library and business professionals in a small group setting."
- Jenifer F., Area Manager