The Kaleidoscope Program is a two-year commitment designed to strengthen pathways into research libraries and archives and remove barriers for graduate students by supporting their ongoing education, professional development, and relationship building. The program provides an intentional exploration of personal identities, career opportunities, institutional operations, and broader issues that shape the values, goals, and missions of research libraries and archives.
The Kaleidoscope Program is designed for emerging and expanding first-level leaders interested in pursuing a career in a research library or archive. To be eligible, applicants must be residents of Canada or the US, be enrolled in a master’s program accredited by the American Library Association, and demonstrate a strong interest in pursuing a career in a research library or archive. All eligible and complete applications are given full and equal consideration through a masked evaluation process, irrespective of applicants’ social identities.
Through the Kaleidoscope Program, ARL acknowledges that systemic inequities exist in the field and understands the imperative to cultivate and advance inclusive and equitable research information environments. The Kaleidoscope Program is supported by the Kaleidoscope Program Task Force and Kaleidoscope Program Selection Working Group—both of which are charged by the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.
As an ARL Scholarship Program, the Kaleidoscope Program is implemented with the following considerations (unless noted otherwise):
- all full-cohort, virtual, synchronous content is scheduled between 12:00–5:00 p.m. (ET)
- all in-person, synchronous content is scheduled based on the local time zone
- all individual and small group content is scheduled based on Scholar’s schedules, as possible
- all content is presented in English
- all content is designed from and for Canadian and US perspectives
- participation in all program components is expected including—as applicable—in-person, individual, and small group components
Application Informational Session
ARL is hosting an informational session on Thursday, April 16, 2026, 1:00–2:00 p.m. eastern daylight time, to share more about the Kaleidoscope Program and answer questions. A recording of the session will be posted.
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/McNjMhvfTDWJktRWtGQRjA
Kaleidoscope Program Current Scholars
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Kaleidoscope Program Components
The KP engages scholars in intentionally varied and connected experiences over a two-year period, including (subject to change): ...
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Kaleidoscope Program Application and Eligibility
Review the timeline, materials, selection process, and eligibility for the 2026 Kaleidoscope Program application process. ...
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Kaleidoscope Program Alums
Past Kaleidoscope Program Scholars are listed below. The Kaleidoscope Program was previously named the Initiative to Recruit a Diverse Workforce (IRDW). Listed information was current at the time of program...
