Diversity Scholars are students of color pursuing a MLIS degree. The Diversity Scholars Program has a particular emphasis on providing pathways for underrepresented students into library and archives careers. The purpose of this program is to recruit, mentor, and retain people of underrepresented groups 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 2020-2021 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 with plans to graduate in the spring or summer of 2021.

The next Diversity Scholar (DS#4) start date is October 1, 2020.

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 with an expected graduate term of spring or summer 2021; 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 co-chair and supervisor natalia.fernandez@oregonstate.edu

Application Timeline

• Deadline to Apply: Sunday, August 2, 2020
• Virtual Interview: mid-to-late August
• Notification: early September
• Start Date: October 1, 2020

“At the time of employment must be a graduate student in an American Library Association accredited, and within the United States, online library/information science program with plans to graduate in spring or summer 2021.”

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 2020-June 2021) to be eligible for employment.

Q: What if my current plan is to graduate after spring/summer 2021?

A: Our requirement is that you have an expected graduation date of spring or summer 2021.

Q: What if my plan is to graduate in the spring/summer 2021, but will not be enrolled in any classes during the spring 2021 semester?

A: The purpose of the program is to apply theory to praxis. Once in the DSP, a Diversity Scholar must remain enrolled in their MLIS program with a minimum of one course.

Q: What if my current plan is to graduate in December 2020? Could I extend my graduation date or graduate as planned but then enroll in more classes in the spring to be eligible for the Program?

A: The decision to postpone your graduation date and pay for extra courses is a personal choice.