A system-wide training program in a large, urban public library system is sought relating to library administration's expectations of branch manager roles in the field while developing library leaders. This study employed a qualitative phenomenological methodology to investigate branch manager perspectives on the needs of front-facing managers and their prospects as leaders within the library system. Emergent themes of the study included communication issues between site managers and system-wide administration, subject matter areas for the proposed program, and the viability of engaging branch managers through sustained leadership development. The study proposes a relevant action research plan to develop, implement and maintain a leadership development and management training program. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]