Diversity Scholars are part of a program in support of the library profession's goal to more fully support and mentor individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups who are pursuing a MLIS degree. The Diversity Scholars Program has a particular emphasis on providing pathways for students of color into library and archives careers. The purpose of this program is to recruit, mentor, and retain people of of color to the library and archives professions. The Diversity Scholars Program is a cohort program hosting 2 scholars each academic year.

While working toward attaining their degree, the Diversity Scholars will have a part-time position within the Valley Library in Corvallis, Oregon --- the Diversity Scholar for the 2021-2022 academic year will work 100% remotely. A requirement for applicants this year is that at the time of employment, they must be a graduate student in an American Library Association accredited (and within the United States), online library/information science program; and, be a graduate student who is beyond their first term of their program.

The next Diversity Scholar (DS#5) start date is October 4, 2021.

Application Process

To apply, email the following items to Natalia Fernández at natalia.fernandez@oregonstate.edu:

• current resume or curriculum vitae
• a cover letter, of no more than two pages, that explains how you meet the position description qualifications
• contact information for at least two references -- professors, employers, and/or community mentors; the references can be a section of your resume, at the end of your cover letter, or in a separate file
• proof of enrollment in an ALA-accredited MLIS online program, beyond the first term of the program; once in the DSP, a Diversity Scholar must remain enrolled in their MLIS program with a minimum of one course

If you have any questions regarding the above requirements or would like to schedule a meeting before you apply, please contact the DSP committee coordinator and position supervisor via email at natalia.fernandez@oregonstate.edu

Application Timeline

• Application Period Opens: July 1, 2021
• Deadline to Apply: Sunday, July 25, 2021
• Virtual Interview Dates: August 13th (Friday), 16th (Monday), and 17th (Tuesday)
• Notification: early September
• Start Date: October 4, 2021

“...at the time of employment, they must be a graduate student in an American Library Association accredited (and within the United States), online library/information science program; and, be a graduate student who is beyond their first term of their program.”

Q: What does “who is beyond their first term of their program” mean?

A: We would like the Diversity Scholar to have already started their MLS Program by the time of their DS position start date, having completed at least one term of their program prior to submitting their application.

Q: How do I know if my MLIS program is ALA accredited?

A: The American Library Association has a database of searchable accredited programs https://www.ala.org/CFApps/lisdir/index.cfm

Q: What if I am enrolled in an online ALA-accredited MLIS program in the United States, but do not live in the United States?

A: We can only offer healthcare benefits to someone who lives within the United States.

Q: What if I am an international student enrolled in an online ALA-accredited MLIS program in the United States?

A: You would need a valid work permit within the dates of the position (October 2021-June 2022) to be eligible for employment.