Post MLS Diversity Residency Program

ABOUT THE RESIDENCY

In 2008, the University Libraries established a two-year Post MLS Diversity Residency program to provide growth and development for a newly degreed librarian from a diverse and historically underrepresented population. Since that time, we have been proud to play a part in the support of our residents who have gone on to fulfilling careers within librarianship and academia, and we have grown our own experience and expertise in the development of successful residency programs.

The library residency program is intended to offer an opportunity for entry-level librarians with an interest in academic libraries to begin their professional careers and acquire core competencies and skills in research, scholarship, and instruction. The program allows the Resident the opportunity to work in up to three departments or functional areas to explore services and technologies and collaborate on projects. This program is flexible by design and will be developed to balance the Resident’s individual goals and interests with the Libraries’ needs. As members of the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Diversity Alliance, we are committed to “increasing the hiring pipeline of qualified and talented individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups” through this residency program.

The Residency is coordinated by Gerald Holmes, Associate Professor and Diversity Coordinator.

In the first year, the Resident works in multiple functional areas determined mutually by the Resident’s interests and the needs of the Libraries. In the second year, the Resident develops specialized expertise by focusing on one functional unit. The Resident is expected to plan and execute a major project during the second year. A final job description will be collaboratively developed. Duties could include a selection of the following or other options at the request of the Resident:

Teaching in the Library’s information literacy program
Teaching in the Digital Media Commons’ makerspace or VR workshops
Developing online learning modules
Library space planning and assessment
Supporting systematic reviews
Providing research data management services
Providing consultation on advanced research strategies and citation management
Planning for emerging technologies
Library outreach and communication
Collection development
Digitization of historical material
Metadata creation
Staff training
And more, as determined by capacity and the Resident’s interest.

Current Diversity Resident:

2022-present: Shelbi Webb

Shelbi graduated from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in mass communication and journalism. She also served as an administrative assistant for Stedman-Wade Health Services Inc., a community health center organization. She went on to graduate with a Master of Library and Information Studies from UNCG in the spring of 2021.