The second iteration of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL)/Society of American Archivists (SAA) Mosaic Program is now accepting applications for the 2016–2018 cohort. The program, established in 2013 and recently awarded a grant by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to extend the program for three years, promotes much-needed diversification of the archives and special collections professional workforce by providing support for master of library and information science (MLIS) students from traditionally underrepresented racial and ethnic minority groups who are pursuing degrees with a concentration in archives or special collections librarianship. The program is funded by ARL member libraries and SAA in addition to IMLS.
Components of the ARL/SAA Mosaic Program II include a robust internship experience, mentoring, career placement assistance, and leadership development. This new iteration of the program will also offer a professional development experience to emphasize digital curation and management skills. The program seeks to attract individuals who demonstrate excellent potential for scholastic and personal achievement and who manifest a commitment both to the archives and special collections profession and to advancing diversity concerns within it.
Program Benefits
The ARL/SAA Mosaic Program II offers a generous compensation package for each program participant consisting of:
- Tuition stipend of up to $10,000 distributed in four equal installments of $2,500 per semester
- Paid internship in a partner archives or library organization beginning in early fall 2016
- Participation in select Digital Archives Specialist (DAS) training events
- Mentoring from an archives professional or special collections librarian
- Financial assistance of up to $1,000 for relocation to the area of the MLIS program that the participant will attend
- Student membership in SAA for two years
- Support for travel to and participation in the annual ARL/SAA Mosaic Leadership Forum and SAA Annual Meeting in July 2017
- Support for travel to and participation in the ARL Annual Leadership Symposium, held in conjunction with the American Library Association Midwinter Meeting in January 2017
Eligibility
To be eligible for the ARL/SAA Mosaic Program II, you must:
- Identify as an underrepresented racial or ethnic minority, based on the categories outlined by the US Census Bureau or Statistics Canada as well as Native, Aboriginal, and Indigenous classifications
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States or Canada
- Be accepted into a master’s program in archival science, archival management, digital archives, special collections, or a related program
- Remain enrolled in at least six graduate credit hours per term through completion of the designated graduate programs and have at least one full academic year remaining in studies
- Maintain a 3.0 grade point average (on a 4-point scale) each term and submit transcripts as evidence of progression towards completion of graduate studies in the targeted areas
More Information & Application
For additional information about the program and to apply, please visit the ARL/SAA Mosaic Program webpage. The completed online application form and attachments as well as both letters of recommendation should be submitted to ARL by 11:59 p.m. eastern daylight time (EDT) on Monday, June 13, 2016.
About the Association of Research Libraries
The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) is a nonprofit organization of 124 research libraries in the US and Canada. ARL’s mission is to influence the changing environment of scholarly communication and the public policies that affect research libraries and the diverse communities they serve. ARL pursues this mission by advancing the goals of its member research libraries, providing leadership in public and information policy to the scholarly and higher education communities, fostering the exchange of ideas and expertise, facilitating the emergence of new roles for research libraries, and shaping a future environment that leverages its interests with those of allied organizations. ARL is on the web at https://www.arl.org/.
About the Society of American Archivists
Founded in 1936, the Society of American Archivists (SAA) is North America’s oldest and largest national archival professional association. It is the preeminent source of professional resources and the principal communication hub for American archivists. Through its activities and advocacy efforts, SAA promotes the values and diversity of archives and archivists and enables archivists to achieve professional excellence and foster innovation to ensure the identification, preservation, and use of records of enduring value. SAA is on the web at http://www.archivists.org/.
About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit http://www.imls.gov/ and follow IMLS on Facebook and Twitter.
