Kaleidoscope Program Call for Applications—Deadline May 15, 2019

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:

·         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:

·         Online application form

·         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

ARL Hosts Fourth Annual Leadership Institute Jan. 10-13, 2008

ARL to Host Fourth Annual Leadership Institute, Philadelphia, January 10–13, 2008—Register by December 28, 2007

Washington DC—In January 2008, in conjunction with the American Library Association Midwinter Meeting in Philadelphia, the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) will host its Fourth Annual Leadership Institute for MLS graduate students. The Leadership Institute will focus on issues related to transitioning into, and building career networks in, research libraries. The program will include presentations by library leaders and former ARL Diversity Scholars.

The Leadership Institute will provide:

• a theoretical overview of macro-level issues facing research libraries;
• advice on career opportunities in, and transitioning into, a research library;
• opportunities to develop a community of learners amongst the participants;
• opportunities for both formal and informal mentoring; and
• opportunities to network with ARL library leaders.

The Leadership Institute has two tracks: the ARL Diversity Scholars Track, which begins on Thursday, January 10; and the Public Track, which begins on Saturday, January 12. The institute concludes on Sunday, January 13.

The Public Track is open to any MLS student or librarian who is interested in transitioning into an ARL library.

Register by December 28, 2007

Registration is free of charge. The institute agenda and registration form are on the ARL Web site at http://www.arl.org/diversity/leadinst/.

The Leadership Institute is one component of ARL’s Initiative to Recruit a Diverse Workforce—funded by ARL member institutions and the Institute for Museum and Library Services—which includes leadership development training, a strong mentoring relationship with a professional librarian, career placement assistance, membership in professional associations (including the five ALA ethnic caucuses), and a stipend up to $10,000 (over two years). The Initiative to Recruit a Diverse Workforce 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. The Initiative to Recruit a Diverse Workforce is located on the Web at http://www.arl.org/diversity/init/.

The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) is a nonprofit organization of 123 research libraries in North America. Its mission is to influence the changing environment of scholarly communication and the public policies that affect research libraries and the diverse communities they serve. ARL pursues this mission by advancing the goals of its member research libraries, providing leadership in public and information policy to the scholarly and higher education communities, fostering the exchange of ideas and expertise, and shaping a future environment that leverages its interests with those of allied organizations. ARL is located on the Web at http://www.arl.org/.