The ARL/MLA Diversity and Inclusion Initiative (ARL/MLA DII) Scholarship, 2012-2013 (MLIS)

Overview

This scholarship, under the auspices of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL)/Music Library Association (MLA) Diversity and Inclusion Initiative (DII) and funded by a Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), offers minority candidates an opportunity to pursue the Master’s in Library and Information Science degree while gaining valuable, “hands-on” experience in a large academic music library environment. The goal is to increase the number of underrepresented racial/ethnic minorities within academic music librarianship by providing support for the graduate education and the practical experience critical for successful entrance into the profession. For more information about the program, please visit http://www.arl.org/diversity/arl-mla-dii/.

Completed applications must be submitted no later than January 15, 2012. Selection of the successful candidates will be a joint decision of the School of Information Sciences and the University Library System.

Program Structure

The ARL/MLA DII Scholarship offers a generous compensation package for each program participant consisting of:

Tuition stipend in support of MLIS education in the amount of $7,500. (Stipends will be distributed in increments of $2,500 per semester);
Paid internship in the Theodore M. Finney Music Library for a period not to exceed one calendar year (compensation is $11,880 a year); the internship may include temporary assignments in related ULS units (e.g., Special Collections, Archives, etc.);
Financial assistance for relocation ($1,000) to the area of the MLIS program into which the participant has been accepted;
Paid student membership in MLA for one year;
Support for travel to and attendance at the annual MLA Annual Meeting; MLA will develop and host a career development workshop that will address strategies for job searching, skills development, résumé writing, interviewing skills, and other topics related to job placement.

In addition to financial support, the ARL/MLA DII Scholarship will provide each program participant with:

Mentoring by a library/information professional employed in the partner library. Mentors will participate in formal training provided by ARL consultants;
The opportunity to network with first-time MLA attendees and MLA officers and luminaries at special programs at the annual meeting;
Career placement assistance for program participants provided by the MLA placement officer, programmatic events at the MLA annual meeting, and other career resource services available through the respective MLA and ARL Career Resources Websites.

During the degree program, the incumbent will have the ULS’s Music Librarian as a direct supervisor, who also acts as the program coordinator. In addition to the above assignment, the incumbent will be expected to work closely with the program coordinator to revise the program for succeeding participants.

Qualifications

In order to participate in the ARL/MLA DII scholarship the applicant must:

Demonstrate genuine interest in a career in academic music or performing arts librarianship;
Be accepted into the School of Information Sciences, and willing to pursue the MLIS degree full-time (three-term program);
Be a racial/ethnic minority as defined by the Labor Department’s Executive Order 11246:
- American Indian or Alaskan Native
- Asian or Pacific Islander
- Black or African-American
- Hispanic or Latino

Have an academic background (minimum a baccalaureate degree) in one of the following areas:

Musicology
Applied music (performance)
Music education
Music therapy

Once accepted into the program, participants must:

Relocate to the geographic area of the host music/performing arts library;
Maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average and display satisfactory progress toward completion of the MLIS or equivalent degree;
Remain enrolled in at least 6 graduate credit hours per term through completion of the MLIS or equivalent degree;
Attend the MLA annual meeting in the first year of the program and actively engage in programmatic activities.

The following materials must be submitted in the application for the ARL/MLA DII Scholarship:

Résumé
Official academic transcripts, including any graduate-level coursework completed
Names and contact information of two references, one of which should be from a supervisor or school faculty member, who can speak to the applicant’s:
- Abilities in oral and written communication
- Achievements
- Interpersonal skills (e.g., ability to work as a part of a team)
- Initiative

500-word essay describing what attracts the applicant to a career in music and performing arts librarianship. Criteria for evaluating the essays include

Content and clarity
Clear professional and educational goals articulated
Enthusiasm
Potential growth perceived

Environment

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 32,500 students, including more than 8,500 graduate students, in the 15 schools at the Pittsburgh campus and the four regional campuses.

The School of Information Sciences (www.ischool.pitt.edu) offers seven degrees and three certificates of advanced study in the areas of information science, telecommunications, and library and information science. The Library and Information Science Program at the University of Pittsburgh has been recognized as one of the top-ten programs by U.S. News & World Report in the magazine's 2009 edition of "America's Best Graduate Schools." The MLIS program as a whole was ranked tenth in the nation, based on a 2007 survey, and the MLIS Specializations received top honors as well. 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 approximately 5.9 million volumes, 87,000 subscriptions, and 5.4 million pieces of microforms. The University Library System (ULS) consists of 8 libraries and employs 66 faculty librarians and 120 staff. Information on the Theodore M. Finney Music Library can be found at: http://www.library.pitt.edu/libraries/music/music.html. 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: www.pittsburgh.net

To Apply

Interested applicants must submit a completed application to the University of Pittsburgh, School of Information Sciences. The following materials must be submitted to apply for the ARL/MLA DII Scholarship:

Résumé
Official academic transcripts, including any graduate-level coursework completed
Names and contact information of two references, one of which should be from a supervisor or school faculty member, who can speak to the applicant’s:
- Abilities in oral and written communication
- Achievements
- Interpersonal skills (e.g., ability to work as a part of a team)
- Initiative

500-word essay describing what attracts the applicant to a career in music and performing arts librarianship. Criteria for evaluating the essays include

Content and clarity
Clear professional and educational goals articulated
Enthusiasm
Potential growth perceived

Applications are available online at https://app.applyyourself.com/?id=up-is.

Questions should be directed to:

Debbie Day, Program Support Specialist
Library and Information Science Program, School of Information Sciences
(412) 624-9420