The Association of Research
Libraries (ARL) is accepting applications for the 2019–2021 cohort of the Kaleidoscope Program. Formerly
known as the Initiative to Recruit a Diverse Workforce (IRDW), the Kaleidoscope
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:
·
A tuition stipend of up to $10,000 over two years in support of
MLIS education
·
Leadership and career development training
·
A site
visit to an ARL member library
·
Financial support for skills 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.
Program Goal and Objectives
The Kaleidoscope Program seeks to:
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 held during the American Library Association
(ALA) Midwinter Meeting
·
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 ALA-accredited MLIS program
·
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. eastern daylight time on
Wednesday, May 15, 2019:
·
Résumé
·
Essay (400 words maximum) describing what attracts you to a career
in a research library or archive
·
Unofficial undergraduate transcripts including last academic
semester completed
·
Unofficial graduate transcripts including last academic semester
completed OR 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 https://www.arl.org/kaleidoscope
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