Call for Articles: Recruiting, Supporting, and Developing Library Staff
Share Your Experience: Library Workforce Development and Recruitment
How is your library recruiting new employees, supporting staff, and preparing future leaders? Public Libraries wants to hear from you.
Our March/April 2027 issue will focus on Library Workforce Development & Recruitment, and we’re seeking articles that offer practical ideas and lessons from the field.
Possible topics include:
- Innovative recruitment strategies
- Retaining and supporting staff
- Onboarding and mentorship
- Leadership development and succession planning
- Practical management skills for new leaders
- Budgeting, facilities, and operational training
- Internships, residencies, and career pathways
- Building resilient workplace cultures
- Preparing library school graduates for today’s workplace
We welcome proposals from across the library community as we work to expand the range of voices and perspectives represented in our pages.
Tell us about an approach your library has tried, a challenge you’ve addressed, or something you’ve learned that could help colleagues. You don’t need to have all the answers to share a useful experience.
To propose an article: Email Kathleen Hughes at khughes@ala.org with a brief description of your idea and the examples you would include by Monday, November 16, 2026.
Feature articles generally run 2,500–3,000 words; shorter contributions may also be considered. Completed manuscripts are due Friday, December 18, 2026.
See our editorial guidelines for more information.
