photo by Margo Reed
The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) is accepting applications for the 2022–2024 cohort of the Kaleidoscope Program. The program recruits master of library and information science (MLIS) students from historically underrepresented ethnic and racial groups into careers in research libraries and archives.
Benefits of the Kaleidoscope Program include:
- Tuition support of up to US$10,000 over two years to defray the cost of MLIS education
- Leadership and career development training
- A site visit to an ARL member library
- Financial support for professional development
- A formal mentorship program
The Kaleidoscope Program is funded by ARL member libraries. This program reflects the commitment of ARL members to create a diverse workforce that will better reflect the changing demographics of higher education and society and will advance the Association’s goals of creating more inclusive, equitable, and just organizations.
The Kaleidoscope Program Task Force updated the application and selection processes with the goal of increasing access through increased transparency and the removal of barriers. The task force will host an informational session via Zoom to explain the application process and support applicants in preparing their materials—details TBA. Additionally, the scoring rubric will be available on the program page of the ARL website.
Program Goal and Objectives
The Kaleidoscope Program seeks to:
- Attract MLIS students from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups to careers in research libraries and archives
- Strengthen participants’ leadership and job-searching skills via the ARL Annual Leadership Symposium
- Develop a network of peers and mentors who will guide and nurture the career development of the participants
Applicant Criteria
Successful applicants will meet the following criteria:
- Identify as being from an underrepresented racial or ethnic group, based on the categories outlined by the US Census Bureau or Statistics Canada or Aboriginal (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) people classifications
- Be a resident of the US or Canada
- Be accepted into an MLIS program accredited by the American Library Association (ALA)
- Have a strong interest in pursuing a career in a research library or archive, especially one that is a member of the Association of Research Libraries
To Apply
All applicants are required to submit the following materials by 11:59 p.m. Pacific daylight time on Monday, May 16, 2022 (requests for accommodations, questions, and concerns can be sent via email to dei@arl.org):
- Online application form (requires Google account; program participation also requires a Google account; a free Google account may be created at https://www.google.com/account/about/)
- Résumé
- Undergraduate transcripts (unofficial or official) including last academic semester completed
- Graduate transcripts (unofficial or official) including last academic semester completed OR copy of official letter of acceptance into a graduate-level program in library and information science (either at the time of application or before being accepted into the Kaleidoscope Program)
- Two letters of recommendation (See application requirements for details.)
For 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 organization of 126 research libraries in Canada and the US whose mission is to advance research, learning, and scholarly communication. The Association fosters the open exchange of ideas and expertise; advances diversity, equity, and inclusion; and pursues advocacy and public policy efforts that reflect the values of the library, scholarly, and higher education communities. ARL forges partnerships and catalyzes the collective efforts of research libraries to enable knowledge creation and to achieve enduring and barrier-free access to information. ARL is on the web at ARL.org.
