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The Council on Library and Information Resources is pleased to announce the 2012 Postdoctoral Fellowship in Academic Libraries.
Radical changes in the information landscape are transforming traditional academic roles and the roles of libraries within the academy. This program prepares a new generation of librarians and scholars for work at the intersections of scholarship, teaching, and librarianship in the emerging research environment.
Participating libraries benefit from the expertise of accomplished scholars who can invigorate approaches to collection use and teaching, contribute field-specific knowledge and provide insight into the future of scholarship. Library fellows work on projects that exploit current information technology to forge, renovate, and strengthen connections between academic library collections and their users. The program offers scholars the chance to develop new research models, collaborate with information specialists, and explore new career opportunities.
What are the benefits to my library? During the one- or two-year fellowship, the fellow is a full-time member of your staff and works on a project or projects of your choice. Examples of work undertaken by past fellows include:
- consulting on the best, pedagogically sound ways to integrate technology and digital materials in the undergraduate classroom;
- collaborating with librarians, archivists, and information technologists on the development of writing and research guides for students;
- participating in the design and implementation of metadata standards for faculty using digital visual resources in their teaching and research;
- improving library sites and portals to reflect undergraduate user patterns;
- advising on and contributing to inventories of digital projects in area collections; and
- writing and consulting on grant proposals for digital projects.
Which institutions currently participate in the program? Bryn Mawr College, Bucknell University, Emory University, Johns Hopkins University, Lehigh University, McMaster University, UCLA, University of Michigan, University of North Texas, and University of Pennsylvania.
How do fellows benefit the library? Library directors cite the value of the fellows' disciplinary expertise and teaching experience. They point to the critical, growing role of librarians in the classroom. Directors mention the contributions fellows have made to the library's digital projects, working with faculty and students to ensure that such projects are planned for classroom use. Many directors view the fellowships as a means to attract more individuals to a profession that will see a high number of retirees in the coming decade.
What do fellows gain from the experience? Fellows gain new perspectives on the materials that underlie their discipline and the potential for new use of library resources in the digital age. The experience also broadens their career options. Several fellows are pursuing MLIS degrees.
What is the cost of the program? Host institutions pay the fellow's salary and benefits. Two-year commitments are encouraged. Host institutions pay CLIR $5,000 for related activities: a preparatory seminar at Bryn Mawr College; monthly online symposia; a mid-winter meeting of fellows; and a spring meeting in conjunction with a major conference.
Where can I find more information? Please visit our website at http://www.clir.org/fellowships/postdoc/postdoc.html.