International Library Leaders Programme
Applications are now open for the sixth International Library Leaders Programme, running 1 – 8 July 2026 at the British Library in London.
Gain valuable insights with peers from around the world
Now in its sixth year, our International Library Leaders Programme (ILLP) presents a rare opportunity, over one week, to join an intimate group of mid-career international library professionals at the British Library, and to meet our experts and learn from their experiences of dealing with the everyday issues facing libraries today. Throughout the week, participants will gain valuable insights into our initiatives, strategies and programmes.
If you are interested in finding out more about the programme, hear what last year’s delegates said, download the brochure (PDF, 1.4MB), and read on for more information.
About the International Library Leaders Programme
The programme will run for five and a half weekdays, from the afternoon of Wednesday 1 July 2026 to the end of the day on Wednesday 8 July 2026, with a free weekend 3 – 4 July 2026. Sessions take place at the British Library in London every programme day except for Friday 3 July, when delegates will travel to the British Library site in Boston Spa, Yorkshire.
Programme itinerary highlights
July 1
Wednesday afternoon
Welcome and orientation to the British Library.
July 2
Thursday
An overview of our vision, strategy and key projects.
July 3
Friday
Visit to our digital preservation and collections management facilities in Yorkshire.
July 6
Monday
Curating our collections: overview of digitisation projects and workflow management.
July 7
Tuesday
Conservation and preservation; digital scholarship; library management and leadership.
July 8
Wednesday
The library as a cultural institution: events, exhibitions and learning programmes.
Entry requirements
Up to 23 spaces are available on this bespoke programme for working library professionals, aspiring leaders and mid-career managers with a minimum of three years’ relevant library/archive experience. We welcome delegates from anywhere in the world outside of the UK. The programme will be fast-paced and delivered in English, so proficiency in the English language is essential.
We are actively seeking applications from individuals working in a wide range of roles across libraries and archives worldwide. Professionals keen to gain insights into the multitude of operations in a national library, and to exchange knowledge with their peers, will benefit most from this programme.
Fees
The programme fee is £2,530 per person (including VAT at 20%), which includes all programme materials, refreshments and lunch during the five full days that the course is running, and return transport between the Library’s sites in London and Yorkshire.
The fee does not include travel costs to and from the UK, accommodation, or any other incidental expenses, which are solely the responsibility of the participant.
Applying for the programme
Criteria for applicants
- Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to enter the Programme.
- Anyone from around the world is eligible to enter the Programme, as long as they have a suitable professional background working in a library, archive or heritage institution.
- Applicants should have a sufficient level of reading, listening and speaking in the English language in order to participate fully.
- Applicants are required to fill in all sections of the application form in order to be considered for a place on the Programme.
- Applicants must accept the terms and conditions (see 'How to apply' below).
How to apply
Please complete all of the sections in Part I (Personal Details) and Part II (Professional and Personal Interests) of the application form.
Apply using the online form.
Please ensure you have read and agree to the terms and conditions (PDF, 148KB) before submitting your application.
If you are unable to use the online form, please email us at international@bl.uk and we will send you an alternative.
The application deadline is 12.00 midday GMT Thursday 5 February 2026.
When submitting your application, we ask that you read and agree to the Terms and Conditions hosted on the International Office webpage.
Licensing and intellectual property
- Participants agree that: (a) the material they create and work on during the programme may be used by the Library for marketing of this programme in coming years; and (b) any material they provide as part of the programme will not infringe copyright or other intellectual property rights of any third party.
- The design and content of this programme is the intellectual property of the British Library and may not be reproduced for use elsewhere.
- Any documents or data provided by the Library for participants to work with during the course of the programme remain the property of the British Library.
Selection of applicants
Selection process
Each application will be assessed by a panel of experienced professionals working in the library and heritage sector, including British Library staff and an independent judge.
The selection panel will use the ‘assessment criteria below’ to evaluate each application at the selection meeting.
Successful applicants will be informed by Friday 27 March 2026, by email.
Assessment criteria
The selection panel will assess all applications using the following criteria:
- Has the applicant gained relevant experience by spending at least three years working in a library or archive, or in a similar institution?
- Does the applicant have a sufficient level of English language to be able to learn from taught components and contribute to group activities during the programme?
- On their return to their home institution, will the applicant be able to implement any of the new skills or learning delivered by the programme?
- In the reasons they gave for applying, did the applicant mention key areas that this programme will cover?
- Will the 'issue or problem' described by the applicant in their course goals be something that they can productively work on during the programme?
Frequently asked questions
How do you choose which applications are successful?
An independent panel, made up of professionals from both the British Library and external institutions, will assess each application according to the assessment criteria listed above. We are looking for a good match between what the applicant has stated as their learning and development goals, and what this programme will deliver.
If I make a mistake, or wish to add something to my application form, can I resubmit it?
Yes, as long as we receive your final application before the deadline of midday GMT on Thursday 5 February 2026.
Is the programme open to anyone from any country?
We welcome applications from any library professionals outside of the UK.
Is this programme accredited? Will I receive a formal qualification on completion?
The Programme is not accredited, but you will receive a certificate of completion.
I don’t have much experience of working in a library yet, can I still apply?
We are looking for applications from people who are currently working in a library or archive institution with at least 3 years’ experience in the sector.
Can more than one person from the same institution apply?
Yes, anyone with the relevant work experience in a library or archive who would benefit from this training is welcome to apply.
Will the British Library help me to get a visa to come to the UK for this programme?
The British Library cannot help secure visas but can issue an invitation letter to successful applicants if this is a requirement of the visa application process in their country.
Will the British Library help me with costs associated with coming to the UK to attend this programme?
The British Library cannot help individuals with any travel costs to, from, or within the UK, accommodation or any other incidental expenses.
Can the British Library offer a scholarship or financial assistance to attend this programme?
The British Library cannot provide scholarship or financial assistance for the programme.
Are there any bursaries available?
For 2026 we are pleased to share that, thanks to the generous support of Martin Plaut, there is one professional bursary available for a successful applicant for the International Library Leaders Programme from an African library or archive. Please see eligibility criteria and more details.
Contact us
If you have any further questions about the application process or the programme, please get in touch with us at international@bl.uk.