Preparation for
Exceptional Leadership 
In the summer of 2008, Simmons GSLIS received an additional grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), supplementing the original 2005 multi-year grant that enabled the development of the successful concentration in the GSLIS Ph.D. program focused specifically on managerial leadership in the information professions (MLIP). This program contributes to the successful future of leadership in library and information settings by creating a flexible, innovative doctoral program that nurtures and strengthens the intellectual and interpersonal assets of students as working managers, actively involves leading practitioners in shaping the educational experience, and generates rigorous research to improve the knowledge base and the practice of managerial leadership.
The nearly $1 million dollar grant recieved in 2008 will expand the current MLIP program to allow a focus on leadership in the context of public and state libraries. State and public library information managers in middle- to upper-level management have the opportunity to hone their skills through guidance by current library leaders. Successful applicants will be awarded full tuition and a travel stipend.
Flexible Learning
The program is characterized by flexible learning options to encourage participation by candidates in full-time managerial roles who do not wish to leave their current positions to pursue a degree. Learning occurs through a combination of brief face-to-face instruction sessions, independent study, online activities and group work. In addition to full-time and adjunct faculty, the program annually engages multiple recognized and respected leaders from the information professions as professors of practice. These leaders work closely with students and faculty in research, teaching, and mentoring. Along with structured coursework, program activities include presentations to diverse stakeholder groups and a variety of research and analysis projects that will generate a comprehensive portfolio for every student, featuring publishable business cases, scenario plans, issue briefs, and research and analytical papers. Students complete their program with a written dissertation and oral defense before the Committee on Doctoral Studies.
Research Focus
The PhD/MLIP program is focused on developing outstanding library and information services leaders who are credentialed in conducting high quality original research. Program graduates demonstrate competency in a full range of leadership skills along with a keen understanding of the value of original research (and the accompanying research skills) in making wise and visionary decisions while leading library and information centers. Graduates are experienced in evaluating library and information services, with a focus on the evaluation of the management and leadership of those services.
The MLIP doctoral program differs from leadership institutes and other doctoral programs in a number of ways. First, as compared to leadership institutes, it is intensely research-focused. Program delivery is designed for working managers, but it is a Ph.D. degree - by definition a research focused course of study. Secondly, the MLIP program has longer timeline, allowing for fuller investigation of leadership theories and exploration of them through comprehensive research studies. Thirdly, the MLIP program results in the achievement of a recognized degree demonstrating exceptional proficiency integrating theory and practice.
The MLIP program is different other doctoral programs in that the entire program is set in the context of managerial leadership, with the focus on leadership theories and their application to the work force. Most importantly, there is an emphasis on advancing students’ understanding of research and their ability to perform research and scholarship that contributes to the theory of organizational management and change. This is critical to assist leaders who need to cope with accountability, effectiveness, efficiency, and service improvement. Finally, in addition to full-time Simmons faculty, from GSLIS and the School of Management, the program engages multiple recognized and respected leaders from the information professions as professors of practice and guest speakers who serve as models of outstanding leaders who are grounded in research.
Program Models
All curriculum and assessment activities are guided by a leadership model, which was adapted from a model developed by the National Center for Healthcare Leadership. The model consists of twenty-five distinct leadership competencies in three broad areas: Transformation, Accomplishment, and People.
The diagram and language of the model are adapted from the NCHL Healthcare Leadership Model with permission from the National Center for Healthcare Leadership (NCHL). The NCHL Healthcare Leadership Model is © 2004-2005 National Center for Healthcare Leadership. All rights reserved. No part of this material may be copied or reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of the National Center for Healthcare Leadership, 515 N. State Street, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60610, Phone: 312-755-5017, Fax: 312-755-7498. See the original model: Competency Model, Version 2.0 (PDF).
Graduates excel in their understanding and demonstration of the twenty-five leadership competencies outlined in the model, including achievement orientation, analytical thinking, problem solving, communication skills, organizational awareness, professionalism, team leadership.
The program is also guided by a curriculum model, which positions the program at the intersection of management, leadership and library and information science. Students are expected to understand and demonstrate their leadership competencies within the disciplinary, temporal, spatial, and political contexts in which library and information enterprises operate.
Students
The candidates most likely to leverage the greatest value from the program in managerial leadership in the information professions (MLIP) are those who already have attained a senior level in their career and are poised to make lasting contributions to the field. The program is expected to attract and accept directors, assistant/deputy directors, and department heads from Association of Research Libraries and Association of College and Research Libraries member institutions, as well as large urban public libraries. Directors from substantial corporate or government information centers, or large school library systems, may also make excellent candidates.
Program Leadership
The program is led by Dr. Peter Hernon and Dr. Candy Schwartz, senior professors at GSLIS and nationally recognized for their contributions to the field of library and information science. They are assisted by a prestigious and diverse Board of Advisors consisting of current and past leaders of major professional organizations such as the American Library Association, the Association of College and Research Libraries, the Association of Research Libraries, the Association for Library and Information Science Education, the American Society for Information Science and Technology, the Special Libraries Association, the Council on Library and Information Resources, and the National Commission on Libraries and Information Science.
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