ARL Diversity Initiatives support efforts within research libraries to promote and develop library staff and library leaders who are representative of America's diverse population. These efforts include the recruitment and retention of library personnel from a variety of backgrounds--particularly from those groups traditionally underrepresented in the research library workforce--and through professional development opportunities that create networks and promote diverse leadership.
ARL Diversity Initiatives include professional development opportunities such as the Leadership and Career Development Program, which is an intensive leadership experience for mid career librarians of color. Other professional development services include a variety of workshops on diversity issues as they affect both library personnel and the customers they serve, and consultation on special topics related to diversity such as equal opportunity, harassment, and free speech. Workshops on leadership and management skills are available as well.
Library recruitment and personal job search efforts may be supported through the Career Resources Service. One of the programs highlighted in this service is the ARL Initiative to Recruit a Diverse Workforce. This initiative provides MLS students of color with stipends and an opportunity to work in an ARL library. The ARL Research Library Residency and Internship Program Database, which features library residency openings, is another avenue for finding out about residency opportunities in research libraries.
