The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) Diversity Programs is accepting applications for the Initiative to Recruit a Diverse Workforce (the Initiative), a program designed to recruit masters of library and information science (MLIS) students from traditionally underrepresented racial and ethnic minority groups into careers in research libraries. The Initiative includes a stipend up to $10,000, leadership and career development training, and a formal mentorship program.
The ARL Initiative to Recruit a Diverse Workforce, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and ARL member libraries, offers a stipend up to $10,000 (over two years) to attract MLIS students from underrepresented groups to careers in research libraries. These stipends can be combined with other financial aid to provide an extra incentive for completing library and information science degrees. This program reflects the commitment of ARL members to create a diverse research library community that will better meet the challenges of changing demographics in higher education and the emphasis of global perspectives in the academy.
Attracting MLIS students from underrepresented groups to careers in research libraries, especially students with an educational background in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) disciplines.*
Strengthening participants’ leadership skills via a Leadership Symposium held during the ALA Midwinter Meeting
Developing a network of mentors who will guide and nurture the career development of the participants
* Candidates from all academic disciplines are encouraged to apply. Those without academic training in STEM disciplines will be required to complete coursework that will better prepare the candidate to work in related areas.
The ARL Initiative to Recruit a Diverse Workforce consists of four main components in the two-year time frame: (1) stipend award and disbursement, (2) an ongoing Mentoring Relationship, (3) a three-day Leadership Symposium hosted during ALA’s Midwinter Meeting, and (4) a hosted visit to the Purdue University Libraries. A "community of learners" will be created with in-person exchanges and online interaction among the Diversity Scholar cohort and their mentors.
Mentors will be recruited based on mutual interest. Mentors are asked to commit time to the program's success; this includes interacting virtually and in-person as needed with his or her designated protégé. Mentors are expected to interact selectively, but regularly, with ARL Diversity Scholars via electronic communications, conference calls, and by attending the networking reception held during the ALA Midwinter Meeting. Scholar- and mentor-pairs will establish mutual expectations for their newly developed working relationship.
The ARL Initiative to Recruit a Diverse Workforce is a highly visible program sponsored by ARL member institutions and IMLS. ARL Diversity Scholars are expected to work with ARL to provide information (i.e., résumé, photo, e-mail address, etc.) to inform the ARL community about their participation in the program. ARL will announce the Diversity Scholars in print, online, and other communication vehicles, and provide information about each scholar on our Web site.
Member of an underrepresented racial or ethnic minority (Note: Racial and ethnic minority group membership is based on the categories outlined in the US Census. Racially and ethnically underrepresented groups include: American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, Hispanic or Latino.)
Citizen or permanent resident of the United States, Puerto Rico, or Canada
Acceptance into an ALA-accredited MLIS program
Interest in pursuing a career in a research library
Completed applications should be submitted by May 1, 2012.
To be completed online:
Please upload online in PDF:
____ Résumé
____ A 400-word essay describing what attracts you to a professional position in an ARL library (essays should be typed and addressed to the Initiative Selection Committee). Criteria for evaluating the essays:
a) Clarity and content
b) Clearly articulated career goals and professional interests
c) Enthusiasm
d) Perceived potential for growth
To be mailed directly to ARL:†
____ Two letters‡ of reference: one of which should be from a supervisor or school faculty member who can speak to the applicant's:
a) Oral and written expression
b) Achievements
c) Interpersonal skills (e.g., ability to work as a part of a team)
d) Initiative‡ Letters of reference must contain an original signature, written on either corporate or institutional letterhead, and must be mailed in a sealed envelope with the recommender's signature on the seal of the envelope.
____ Official undergraduate and graduate school transcripts including your last academic semester completed
____ Copy of an official letter of acceptance from an ALA-accredited library/information school
† Letters of reference, transcripts, and letter of acceptance should be mailed to:
Marianne Seales
c/o ARL Diversity Programs
Association of Research Libraries
21 Dupont Circle NW, Suite 800
Washington DC 20036
February 6, 2012: ARL issues Call for Applications
May 1, 2012: Applications due to ARL
July 9, 2012: Applicant notified of selection decision by e-mail
August 1, 2012: Memorandum of Understanding, Letter of Reiteration, and Fall 2012 enrollment verification due to ARL
September 1, 2012: First-semester stipends disbursed
January 24-27, 2013: Scholars attend Ninth Annual ARL Leadership Symposium
February 1, 2013: Second-semester stipends disbursed to those who meet qualifications
For questions about the application process please contact Mark A. Puente, Director of Diversity Programs, by e-mail at mpuente@arl.org.