Retreats
October 14–15, 2026 • Blacksburg, Virginia
Free registration
Hybrid retreat • In-person attendance highly encouraged
Connect, learn, and build community with residents, former residents, coordinators, and institutions shaping residency programs.
1. Current and former residents or fellows
Find community, mentorship, practical career preparation, and honest conversations with colleagues who understand the residency experience.
2. Coordinators and Residency Interest Group members
Share approaches, compare support structures, and identify ways to strengthen resident development and long-term program sustainability.
3. Institutions exploring residency programs
Learn directly from residents, coordinators, and peer institutions about program design, support needs, opportunities, and common challenges.
→ Growing together. Building the future.
Since its launch at the University of Virginia in 2024, the retreat has remained grounded in connection, mentorship, professional growth, and honest conversation about the evolving landscape of residency programs.
2024
The beginning at UVA
Seven institutions helped establish a regional foundation for connection and collaboration.
2025
Building momentum at Virginia Tech
Ten institutions expanded the network and deepened the retreat’s professional and community impact.
2026
Growing our community
The third annual retreat welcomes more partners, more voices, and a shared commitment to the future of academic libraries.
Day One
Building Community and Career Foundations
Focused on networking, mentorship, belonging, leadership identity development, and navigating early-career librarianship.
- Cross-institution relationship building
- Mentorship and early-career navigation
- Leadership identity and belonging
Day Two
Skill Building and Professional Sustainability
Focused on practical skill development, career sustainability, organizational navigation, leadership growth, and long-term success.
- Career preparation and professional direction
- Organizational navigation and leadership
- Sustainable contribution to the profession
Career Pathways Beyond the Early Years: Growth, Change, and Professional Direction
Librarians at different career stages share perspectives on professional growth, career transitions, and building a meaningful career without following a single leadership path.
Finding and Managing Funding Opportunities
An introduction to identifying internal and external funding, developing proposals, making effective pitches, and managing funded projects.
Managing Up, Leading Others, and Navigating Organizational Culture
A panel focused on relationships, organizational dynamics, and leading effectively from different positions.
Leading Through Service to the Profession
A panel exploring how to balance professional responsibilities while contributing to local, regional, and national associations.
CV, Interview, and Salary Negotiation Preparation for Academic Libraries
Practical guidance on strengthening application materials, preparing for interviews, and navigating salary conversations.
Cross-Institution Connections
A facilitated, movement-based networking activity designed to help participants build relationships across institutions and roles.
Resident, Coordinator, and Prospective Institution Breakout Sessions
Concurrent conversations will explore shared experiences, program design, support needs, common challenges, and the structures needed for stronger residency programs.
Collaborative Team-Building Activity
An interactive experience focused on communication, connection, collaboration, and creative problem-solving.
Lightning Talks
Additional participation details will be shared as the retreat approaches.
Current and Former Residents Breakout Sessions: Shared Experiences and Support Needs
Facilitated virtual discussions will give current and former residents space to reflect, connect, and identify common challenges and support needs.
→ Schedule at a glance
The page provides an accessible overview of the two-day experience. Session times, speakers, and the most current details are maintained in the full retreat schedule.
Wednesday, October 14
Building Community and Career Foundations
- Welcome and cross-institution connections
- Career development and professional direction
- Resident, coordinator, and prospective institution discussions
- Networking and collaborative activities
Thursday, October 15
Skill Building and Professional Sustainability
Focused on practical skill development, career sustainability, organizational navigation, leadership growth, and long-term success.
- Practical career preparation
- Funding, leadership, and organizational navigation
- Service to the profession
- Reflection, connections, and next steps
→ Hotel accommodations
Book through the retreat links below to secure the special group rate of $122 per night. Availability is limited, so early reservations are encouraged.
Marriott
Retreat Group Rate
$122 per night when reserved through the retreat booking link.
Interested in sponsorship opportunities?
Contact Eric Glenn or Roberto Silva.
Join the growing residency community
Continue building meaningful connections and sustainable pathways.
Registration is free for both in-person and virtual participants. We hope you will join us in Blacksburg, with in-person attendance highly encouraged.