The Minority Librarian Fellowship and Residency Program offers minority candidates an opportunity for pursuing the Master’s in Library and Information Science 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 underrepresented racial/ethnic minorities within academic librarianship by providing the graduate education and the practical experience critical for successful entrance into the profession.

During the first year, the successful candidate will be given a full tuition scholarship to complete the MLIS program (three-terms) at the School of Information Sciences.  The incumbent will also receive a stipend (currently $17,745/full year) and a full benefits package for 20 hours/week as a Graduate Student Assistant within the University Library System that will provide opportunities to experience academic librarianship within the major areas (public services/reference, collection development, and technical services).   Upon successful completion of the MLIS program (minimum GPA of 3.0), the incumbent will receive a 12-month appointment at the rank of Librarian I and will be paid the prevailing ULS entry-level salary ($30,000) with full faculty benefits. The actual assignment will be made based on the particular interests of the incumbent and the needs of the library system at that time.   The incumbent will be provided appropriate workspace and equipment, and will be given financial support to attend one professional conference per year.  During the period as a GSA and subsequent full-time appointment, the incumbent will have a direct supervisor in each area of assignment.  The ULS Head of Library Human Resources will act as the program coordinator.  The ULS will assist incumbents 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 incumbent will be expected to work closely with the program coordinator to revise the program for succeeding participants.

To qualify, the candidate needs to be accepted into the School of Information Sciences, be willing to pursue the MLIS degree full-time (three-term program), and commit to a one-year appointment as a resident librarian within the ULS immediately following successful completion of the MLIS program; be a member of an underrepresented racial/ethnic minority group; have excellent oral and written communication skills; demonstrate genuine interest in academic librarianship; and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Founded in 1787, the University of Pittsburgh (www.pitt.edu) is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the United States. Today Pitt is an internationally recognized center of learning and research, strong in the arts and sciences and the professions.

Pitt serves approximately 33,000 students, including more than 9,000 graduate students, in the 15 schools at the Pittsburgh campus and the four regional campuses. 

The School of Information Sciences (www2.sis.pitt.edu) offers six degrees and three certificates of advanced study in the areas of information science, telecommunications, and library and information science.  The Department of Library and Information Science at the University of Pittsburgh is ranked in the top 10 nationally in all categories (master's and doctoral programs, research, and leadership) by library administrators and educators. Ranked in the top three among closely ranked programs in a survey by U.S. News and World Report in 1999, the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program is accredited by the American Library Association.  

The University of Pittsburgh's University Library System (www.library.pitt.edu) is a member of the Association of Research Libraries and contains over 4.9 million volumes, 50,000 subscriptions, and 7.5 million pieces of microforms. The University Library System (ULS) consists of 16 libraries and employs 66 faculty librarians and 135 staff. In addition to the ULS, the University of Pittsburgh includes libraries for the health sciences and law school.

The city of Pittsburgh is located in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains in Southwestern Pennsylvania.  Consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the United States, Pittsburgh is recognized for its natural beauty and unique blend of cultural, education, and technological resources.  Additional information on the city of Pittsburgh can be found at: http://www.pittsburgh.net/

Interested applicants must submit a completed application to the University of Pittsburgh School of Information Sciences.  Additional information and application packets may be obtained from:

Library and Information Science Program
School of Information Sciences
University of Pittsburgh
510 IS Building
Pittsburgh, PA  15260
(412) 624-3988
FAX:  (412) 624-5231
E-mail:  sreza@sis.pitt.edu
 
Information may also be found at:
www.sis.pitt.edu/academics/financial_aid.html

In addition to the documents required for admission into the School of Information Sciences, applicants for this program are required to write a 1-2 page essay describing their interest in academic librarianship and the Minority Librarian Fellowship and Residency program (academic librarianship is defined as serving in college/university/research libraries).  This essay should be submitted with the completed application no later than February 15, 2008.  Selection of the successful candidate will be a joint decision of the School of Information Sciences and the University Library System.

The University of Pittsburgh is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution.