Diversity Fellowship Program Description
The structure of the Purdue University Libraries (PUL) Diversity Residency Program is designed to encourage and promote the professional development and research contributions of entry-level librarians and to increase the rich diversity of professionals who will become partners in leading a transformation within the field. The two-year residency provides a broad-based awareness of foundational principles and practices in academic research librarianship as well as specialization experiences. Each Diversity Resident will develop a cumulative portfolio that will include all work relevant to the program objectives and will culminate in a showcase portfolio that highlights capstone experiences. Residents are strongly encouraged to engage in professional committees and organizations, present results of research or other professional initiatives, and write for professional publications.
In year one, the Diversity Residents will explore various interest areas by participating in a rotation through several libraries/units. Each rotation will be determined based on the interests of the Resident and the ability of the respective library/unit to accommodate the Resident for 3-4 months. While in each rotation, the Resident will be fully integrated into the unit as any other professional staff member and may be involved in routine duties and/or special projects. Residents will also become familiar with research methods and practices throughout the first year.
In the second year, the Residents will focus on one or two areas of specialization, participating in the work of the corresponding library/unit and developing and implementing a capstone project. A capstone advisor will work with the Resident and guide him/her through the project, the results of which will be shared with all Libraries faculty and staff toward the end of the program.
Throughout the two-year program, each Resident will have a mentor, selected from among the Libraries faculty and administrative/professional staff. The mentor will help acclimate the Resident to the Libraries environment, the campus community, and the Greater Lafayette community, while also serving as liaison and providing general guidance and support.
The Diversity Residency Program is directed by Rebecca Richardson, staff development coordinator, and Scott Mandernack, head of the Undergraduate Library. As program directors, they will oversee all aspects of the program, including orientation, mentoring, site assignments, professional development activities, and program assessment.
An advisory board will play a vital role in assessing the progress and success of the Diversity Residency Program. National leaders with expertise in academic research librarianship and diversity issues will provide valuable guidance and direction in the pursuit of program objectives. Three advisory board meetings over the course of the program will include interactions with Residents as well as planning and oversight discussions with the program directors and other key individuals from PUL.
