Applications invited for librarian diversity programme

ARL is accepting applications for the Initiative to Recruit a Diverse Workforce (IRDW). This programme is designed to recruit master of library and information science (MLIS) students from traditionally underrepresented ethnic and racial minority groups into careers in research libraries and archives.

The IRDW includes a stipend in support of MLIS education of up to $10,000 over two years, leadership and career development training, a site visit to the Purdue University Libraries, financial support for skills development, and a formal mentorship programme.

The IRDW is funded by ARL member libraries and is said to reflect the commitment of ARL members to create 'a diverse research library workforce that will better meet the challenges of changing demographics in higher education and the emphasis of global perspectives in the academy'.

Successful applicants will: identify as an underrepresented racial or ethnic minority, based on the categories outlined by the US Census Bureau or Statistics Canada; be a citizen or permanent resident of the USA, Canada, or Puerto Rico; be accepted into an ALA-accredited MLIS programme; and have a strong interest in pursuing a career in a research library or archive. The deadline to apply is 11:59 pm EDT on 28 April 2014.