Formerly SCI / ULS Diversity Fellowship Residency Program
Overview
The SCI/ULS Alliance Fellowship and Residency Program SCI/ULS Library Fellowship and Residency Program, a collaborative initiative between the School of Computing and Information and the University Library System, offers candidates from multiple perspectives and lived experiences to pursue the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree while gaining valuable, hands-on experience in a large academic library system. The goal of this two-year program is to increase the number of librarians in academic and research libraries who reflect diversity by providing the professional degree and the practical experiential learning critical for successful entrance into the library and information profession.
The SCI/ULS Librarian Fellowship and Residency Program admissions process is competitive, and applicants are assessed across a range of characteristics. The Program seeks applicants from many diverse backgrounds and lived experiences across all undergraduate and graduate disciplines or majors who have already demonstrated academic success, including those who improved their academic performance over their undergraduate careers.
Program Structure
During the first year, the selected Fellow will receive a full-tuition scholarship to cover the completion of the MLIS program (three-terms) at the School of Computing and Information. The Fellow will also receive a stipend (currently $24,090/full year and medical benefits) and a 20 hours/week Graduate Student Assistant position within the University Library System (ULS), which will provide an unparalleled opportunity to experience academic librarianship from all the major perspectives (e.g., public services/reference, collection development, digital scholarship, archives, and technical services).
Upon successful completion of the MLIS program (minimum GPA of 3.0), the Fellow will receive a 12-month residency appointment at the rank of Visiting Librarian I and will be paid the prevailing ULS entry-level librarian salary with full faculty benefits. The actual residency assignment will be made based on the particular interests of the Fellow and the needs of ULS at that time. The Fellow will be provided with appropriate workspace and equipment, as well as financial support to attend one professional conference per year.
During the period as a GSA and subsequent full-time appointment, the Fellow will report to a direct supervisor in each area of assignment. The ULS Director of Administrative Services will act as the program coordinator. The ULS will assist the Fellow in any reasonable way to find permanent employment in academic librarianship upon successful completion of the full-time residency. In addition to the above assignments, the Fellow will be expected to work closely with the program coordinator to revise the program for future participants.
Application
To apply for consideration in the Program, the applicant must:
- Be a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or a DACA recipient.
- Apply and be accepted into the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program.
- Pursue the MLIS degree full-time (Fall, Spring and Summer Terms).
- Commit to a one-year appointment as a resident librarian within the University Library System immediately following successful completion of the MLIS program.
- Possess excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Demonstrate genuine interest in academic librarianship.
- Submit a personal statement:
- Please explain how you will draw on your individual background and life experiences, as well as your commitment to contribute to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment in the two years of the Program and in your career as an academic librarian.
The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.