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Hi, I\u2019m your ASIS&T Student Chapter Secretary and I was chosen as one of the Career Enhancement Fellows by the Association of Research Libraries<\/a> (ARL). As a CEP Fellow, I will be working with a mentor at the National Library of Medicine<\/a> this summer in a paid internship with housing allowance.<\/p>\n As a minority, I invite those of you from underrepresented groups to explore the scholarship opportunities offered by the ARL. The ARL recognizes the importance of having a rich cultural environment in libraries to support the diversity of library users. ARL also wants to motivate LIS professionals from minority groups to aspire for leadership positions in the field. So every year, it launches its program called \u201cInitiative to Recruit a Diverse Workforce.\u201d It has five components:<\/p>\n Last January, I was an attendee at the ARL Leadership Symposium<\/a> in Chicago. It was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life. About 30 people attended this invitation-only event, which was especially exciting for me to have face-to-face interaction with like-minded people since I am an online student.<\/p>\n I can\u2019t put a value on the information that was given to us during that symposium. Mark Puente, the director of ARL Diversity and Leadership Program<\/a>, was the charming moderator and he was really good at making us feel at ease. As a cohort, we had a chance to get know each other through fun exercises and we were able to discuss the challenges we face as minorities. The symposium gave us a safe and secure environment to address these issues.<\/p>\n The organizers of this event put special attention to include a broad spectrum of topics for the sessions. Leaders from different areas of the library and information field spoke on different topics such as: value of libraries, the scholarly communication ecosystem, the relationship of libraries and learning and the community, open access and open education, and the future of digital archives and software development. I especially liked the leadership exercises based on Tom Rath\u2019s book Strengthfinder<\/i><\/a>.<\/i> I highly recommend this book because instead of focusing on what your weakness is, it focuses on your strengths and how to pair with people who can augment your limitations.<\/p>\n The guests were more than eager to share advice and answer questions. The generous librarians from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) hosted a cocktail party where we had a chance to talk to them and ask for advice. We also had lunch with librarians who were going to be our mentors at our internship sites and shared a few meals with librarians who were visiting from the ALA Midwinter Meeting. We each had a r\u00e9sum\u00e9 consultation with a practicing librarian. Our closing event was a dinner with more librarians, directors, and other information professionals who were more than willing to give guidance and suggestions, giving us the opportunity to have face time and hand out and receive business cards. How often do we have a chance to do that?<\/p>\n If you have never considered applying for a scholarship this is the time. I wish I knew about these opportunities earlier in the program. The IRDW program helps with $10,000 over two years and also pairs you with a mentor and support as you begin your career. I\u2019ve met many of the IRDW scholars during the symposium and they are very happy with the program. But do it soon because the deadline is fast-approaching!<\/p>\n All expenses were covered (hotel, airfare, food) but the event\u2019s true worth was being able to network with professionals in the field. Please see the news announcement below and turn in your applications. Good luck!<\/p>\n by Mark A. Puente | 202-296-2296 | mpuente@arl.org | on April 01, 2015<\/p>\n\n
Initiative to Recruit a Diverse Workforce Call for Applications\u2014Deadline May 13, 2015<\/a><\/h3>\n
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