Association of Research Libraries Diversity Initiatives. Call for Applications. Deadline: July 31, 2008

Call for Applications

The Association of Research Libraries Diversity Initiatives is accepting applications for two programs:

The Initiative to Recruit a Diverse Workforce (the Initiative), a program designed to recruit MLS graduate students from ethnic and racial background into careers in research libraries. The Initiative includes a stipend up to $10,000, leadership and career development, mentor, and visit to a research library. For more information, please see below. Applications for the 2008-2010 program class are available now and are due by July 31, 2008. For more information, please see below.

The Leadership and Career Development Program (LCDP), a program designed to prepare and train librarians from underrepresented groups, with a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 10 years professional experience, for leadership roles in research libraries. The LCDP focusing on the ARL Strategic Directions: Scholarly Communication, Information Policy, and Research, Teaching and Learning. The LCDP also incorporates Leadership and Career Development Theories through out the program. The LCDP is an 18 month program and fellows are responsible for completing a research project at the closing of the program. Applications are available now and are due April 21, 2008 For more information, please see below.

For more information about the ARL Diversity Initiatives, please contact Jerome Offord, Jr., Director of Diversity Initiatives at jerome@arl.org.

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Initiative to Recruit a Diverse Workforce

1. Program Overview
1. Program Goals and Objectives
2. Program Design
3. Program Promotion
2. Application
1. Application Criteria
2. Submission Guidelines
3. Program Timeline

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The ARL Initiative to Recruit a Diverse Workforce, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and ARL member institutions, offers a stipend up to $10,000 (over two years) to attract students from underrepresented groups to careers in research libraries. These stipends can be coupled with any other financial aid to provide an extra incentive for completing library school as well as providing the opportunity to work in an ARL library upon graduation. This initiative reflects the commitment of ARL members to create a diverse research library community that will better meet the new challenges of global competition and changing demographics.
Program Goal and Objectives:

• To attract MLS students from underrepresented groups to careers in research libraries; especially those with an educational background in applied and natural sciences and information technology;
• Strengthening participants leadership skills via a Leadership Institute held in conjunction with ALA Midwinter meeting; and,
• Developing a network of mentors who will guide and nurture the career development of the participants.

Program Design

The ARL Initiative to Recruit a Diverse Workforce comprises three components over a two-year timeframe: (1) stipend award and disbursement, (2) an ongoing Mentoring Relationship, and (3) a two-day leadership institute hosted in conjunction with ALA Midwinter meeting. A "community of learners" will be created when participants interact in in-person exchanges, online interaction, and hands-on experiences with mentors.

Mentor Relationship

Mentors will be recruited based on interest. Mentors are asked to commit time to the Program's success; ability to interact electronically and in-person as needed with his or her designated protégé. Mentors are expected to interact selectively, but regularly, with ARL Diversity Scholars via the Internet, conference calls, and by attending the Networking Reception held in conjunction with ALA Midwinter meeting. Scholars and mentor pairs will establish mutual expectations for their newly developed working relationship.

Program Promotion

The ARL Initiative to Recruit a Diverse Workforce is a highly visible program sponsored by ARL member institutions. ARL Diversity Scholars are expected to work with ARL to provide information (i.e. resume, photo, email address, etc.) to inform the ARL community about one's participation in the program. ARL will announce the Diversity Scholars in print, online, and other communication vehicles, and provide information about each scholar on a public Web Site.


APPLICATION

Application Criteria

1. Member of an underrepresented racial or ethnic group. (Note: Racial and ethnic group membership is based on the categories outlined in the U.S. 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.)
2. Be accepted into an ALA accredited MLS program
3. Interest in pursuing a career in a research library

Completed application packets should include:

1. Completed application summary sheet (online)
   
2. Résumé
3. Official undergraduate and graduate school transcripts including your last academic semester completed
4. Three letters of reference: one of the three references should be a supervisor or school faculty member that can submit a letter that speaks to the applicant's
1. Oral and written expression
2. Achievements
3. Interpersonal skills (e.g. ability to work as a part of a team)
4. Applicants initiative
5. A 350-word essay describing what attracts you to a professional position in an ARL library (Essay should be typed and addressed to the Initiative Selection Committee). Criteria for evaluating the essays:
1. clarity and content
2. clear goals and benefits
3. enthusiasm
4. potential growth perceived
5. professional goals
6. Official letter of acceptance from an ALA-accredited library school.

Prospective participants in the Initiative to Recruit a Diverse Workforce should submit application materials directly to ARL. ARL will collect applications and prepare them for review and selection by the ARL Diversity Working Group. Completed application packets are due by Friday, July 31, 2008.

Submission guidelines:

The application submission guidelines have changed from previous years and all applicants will need to follow the following guidelines:

1. Applicants must complete the Applicant summary sheet online and must upload the following documents:
1. Essay (350 words or less); and,
   
2. Resume
2. Applicants must mail, or have mailed, the following directly to ARL:
1. Letters of recommendation:
   
1. Letters of recommendation must include an original signature, written on either personal or corporate/institutional letter head, and in a sealed envelop with the recommender's signature on the seal of the envelop.
2. Official undergraduate and graduate school transcripts including your last academic semester completed.
3. Official letter of acceptance from an ALA-accredited library school.

Information should be mailed to:

Jerome Offord, Jr.

Director of Diversity Initiatives

Association of Research Libraries

21 Dupont Circle NW, Suite 800

Washington, DC 20036

Link to Application

Application & Program Timeline:

• February 2008: ARL issues Call for Applications
• July 31, 2008: Applications are due to ARL.
  
• October 22, 2008: Applicant notified of selection decision by electronic mail.
• November 3, 2008: Fall enrollment verification due to ARL
• January 19-21, 2009: Attend ARL 5th Annual Leadership Institute
• April 2008: Visit Purdue University Libraries.

For questions about the application process please contact Jerome Offord Jr., Director of Diversity Initiatives, by e-mail at jerome@arl.org. Or visit the ARL Initiative to Recruit a Diverse Workforce Website at: http://www.arl.org/diversity/init/.