Graduate student Nicole Stroud of the FSU College of Communication & Information’s School of Library & Information Studies was chosen for the American Library Association (ALA) 2010 Emerging Leader program. In  January at the 2010 ALA Midwinter Meeting in Boston, Nicole will be one of about 100 library staff from across the country to participate  in project planning workgroups; network with peers; gain an inside look into ALA structure; and have an opportunity to serve the profession in a leadership capacity early in their careers.

Participants will receive two days of orientation and education with Maureen Sullivan, an organizational development consultant whose practice focuses on leadership development for the profession, and Connie Paul, executive director of the Central Jersey Regional Library Cooperative. “The first three groups have shown what dynamic promise the Emerging Leaders hold for moving ALA into its future. Our fourth program will build on the lessons learned and success achieved by them,” Paul said.

Following the kickoff session, it will grow and develop in an online learning and networking environment for six months, culminating with a poster session showcasing the results of the project planning work at the 2010 Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. Participants commit to taking part in all aspects of the program and may have an opportunity to serve on an ALA, Division, Chapter or Round Table committee or a taskforce or workgroup upon completion of program.

Nicole recently presented a marketing analysis of the Palm Beach County Library Association at the annual meeting of the Arkansas Library Association. “It articulated what an organization can do to act more effectively for its patrons during difficult economic times,” said Dr. Christie Koontz of the FSU School of Library & Information Studies, “Her presentation was excellent and very well received.” Nicole plans to graduate in spring of 2010.