site visit to University of Manitoba Libraries co-hosted
by University of Saskatchewan Library, October 2024
The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) invites applications for the 2026 cohort of the Kaleidoscope Program—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.
Kaleidoscope Scholars receive financial support for tuition and professional development and benefit from mentoring and access to educational experiences and signature events. 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.
Who Should Apply?
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 after August 1, 2026; 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, without considering applicants’ social identities.
Program Components
The Kaleidoscope Program engages scholars in intentionally varied and connected experiences over a two-year period, including (subject to change):
- Financial support
- Tuition support of up to US$10,000 over two years to defray the cost of an ALA-accredited master’s program*
- Professional development funding up to US$2,000
- Virtual educational sessions
- Attendance at the ARL Leadership Symposium
- Attendance at an ARL member institution site visit
- Formal mentorship program
- Peer-mentoring community
- Individual coaching
* Tuition-support funds are disbursed in stipends of up to US$2,500 across a maximum of four academic terms in which a scholar is enrolled in at least six eligible credit hours.
The Kaleidoscope Program is funded by ARL member institutions. The program was established in 2000 as the Initiative to Recruit a Diverse Workforce (IRDW) and was renamed Kaleidoscope in 2019.
To Apply
Applications are due by Wednesday, May 13, 11:59 p.m. Hawai’i standard time.
Informational Session
ARL is hosting an informational session on Thursday, April 16, 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.
For Zoom details and more information about the program and the application process, visit ARL.org/kaleidoscope.
About the Association of Research Libraries
The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) is a nonprofit membership organization of research libraries and archives in major public and private universities, federal government agencies, and large public institutions in Canada and the US. ARL champions research libraries and archives, develops visionary leaders, and shapes policy for the equitable advancement of knowledge.
