The Massachusetts Library System is pleased to announce that we have contracted with ALA to provide our members with access to their live webinars.  These webinars are free to MLS members who register through our calendar.  Please do not register directly with ALA. Members who register directly with ALA are responsible for paying their registration fee. 

Please help us keep MLS sponsored training free for all members. If you are unable to attend the live webinar, please cancel your registration. A cancellation link can be found in your confirmation email, or you may contact Sarah Donnelly at sdonnelly@masslibsystem.org to cancel. 

Please note: This is a TWO-PART webinar series taking place Wednesday, April 15 and Thursday, April 16, 2026. Please only register if you can attend both parts. By registering here, you are registering for both dates. 

Description

Management and leadership positions in libraries rarely come with an instruction manual—for many library administrators, learning on the job is the only option. Even for those with training and experience, it can be difficult to find support for the emotional aspects of the job.

In this webinar series, Cinthya Ippoliti will guide participants through a new approach to leadership where they will explore tools they can proactively apply to navigate a complex and ever-changing environment while emphasizing reflection and well-being. In two 90-minute live, active-learning sessions, Cinthya will teach tools to build self-awareness and engage in adaptive leadership as a framework towards discovering authenticity, building a positive work culture, and gaining confidence along the way at both the individual as well as the organizational levels.

Participants will receive an optional digital workbook and added readings that follow each session that can be utilized once the series has ended.

Learning Outcomes

Through participation in this event, learners will:

• Develop a leadership purpose and values that establish the core of who they want to become as leaders regardless of positional authority.
• Explore psychology and philosophy concepts that form the basis of a cohesive professional strategy to lead authentically, embrace ambiguity, and learn from mistakes.
• Apply practical strategies to scale these techniques to a group/organizational level for broad impact.

Session Learning Objectives

Session 1: Adaptive Leadership For Individual Practice

• Situate adaptive leadership within broader systemic challenges
• Examine the brain/body connection needed for adaptive work
• Frame adaptive leadership as an opportunity to experiment and learn

Session 2: Emergent Strategy for Organizational Applications

• Explore how to design systems for long-term success
• Apply emergent strategy to organizational frameworks
• Utilize elements of psychological safety/culture of care to build trust and support employees

Presenter

Cinthya Ippoliti has been a librarian for over 25 years and has held roles at a wide variety of academic institutions. She is currently the dean of the University Library at California State University, San Marcos. Prior roles include serving as the director of the Auraria Library, the Associate Dean for Research and Learning Services at Oklahoma State University, and the Head of Teaching and Learning at the University of Maryland Libraries. Her research interests include psychology of leadership, change management, and organizational development.

Accessibility Information

If you have questions or requests regarding accessibility, contact ce@ala.org or at 312-280-5100.