The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) is accepting applications through Thursday, July 27, for the 2017–2018 Fellowship for Digital and Inclusive Excellence, a program designed to introduce undergraduates from historically underrepresented ethnic and racial groups at ARL member institutions to the library and information science discipline. The program offers a paid internship with a focus on digital stewardship in a partner ARL library or archive, participation in the annual ARL Leadership Symposium, formal mentorship, financial support for student membership in a professional organization, and attendance at a capstone institute. Participants will develop leadership skills and will train in diversity, equity, and social justice topics.
The Fellowship for Digital and Inclusive Excellence is funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
Applicant Criteria
Successful applicants will meet all of the following criteria:
- Identify as a member of an underrepresented racial or ethnic group, based on the categories outlined by the US Census Bureau or Statistics Canada, as well as Native, Aboriginal, and Indigenous classifications
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States
- Currently be enrolled as an undergraduate at an ARL member institution
- Express an interest in exploring possible career and graduate school options in the library and information science or archives field, as well as training in diversity, inclusion, and social justice topics
- Express commitment to the fundamental values and mission of libraries and archives
To Apply
All applicants are required to submit the following materials by 11:59 p.m. eastern daylight time on Thursday, July 27, 2017:
- Online application form
- Résumé
- Essay (500 words maximum) on your interest in the fellowship and the knowledge, skills, interest, or abilities you would bring to the library or archives environment
- Unofficial undergraduate school transcripts, including your last academic semester completed
- Two letters of recommendation (See application requirements for details.)
For more information about the program and the application process, visit the Fellowship for Digital and Inclusive Excellence website.
About the Association of Research Libraries
The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) is a nonprofit organization of 123 research libraries in the US and Canada. ARL’s mission is to influence the changing environment of scholarly communication and the public policies that affect research libraries and the diverse communities they serve. ARL pursues this mission by advancing the goals of its member research libraries, providing leadership in public and information policy to the scholarly and higher education communities, fostering the exchange of ideas and expertise, facilitating the emergence of new roles for research libraries, and shaping a future environment that leverages its interests with those of allied organizations. ARL is on the web at ARL.org.
About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and approximately 35,000 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
