Call for Applications: Kaleidoscope Program

April 22, 2021

The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) is accepting applications for the 2021–2023 cohort of the Kaleidoscope Program. The 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
• 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 Thursday, May 13, 2021:

• 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 ARL.org/kaleidoscope

(Via Association of Research Libraries)