Washington, DC—The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) Committee on Diversity and Leadership has selected 14 masters of library and information science (MLIS) students to participate in the 2012–2014 Initiative to Recruit a Diverse Workforce (IRDW) as ARL Diversity Scholars. Among those named is GSLIS student Thomas Padilla.
The ARL IRDW offers numerous financial benefits to program participants as well as leadership development provided through the annual ARL Leadership Symposium, a formal mentor program, career placement assistance, and a research library visit hosted by the Purdue University Libraries. The program is funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and by voluntary contributions from 52 ARL member libraries. This program reflects the commitment of ARL members to create a diverse academic and research library community that will better meet the challenges of changing demographics in higher education and the emphasis on global perspectives in the academy.
Julene Butler, University Librarian at Brigham Young University and member of the IRDW selection committee, offered her reflections on the incoming cohort of ARL Diversity Scholars in stating, "The applicant pool for this award was highly competitive. As a soon-to-retire library director it was gratifying to review each file and be assured that the profession will continue to move forward under such bright, aspiring professionals. During coming years I’m confident I’ll see these names associated with tremendous advancements in ARL libraries."
The 2012-2014 ARL Diversity Scholars are:
- Christina Chan-Park, University of North Texas
- Sabrina D. Dyck, University of Alabama
- Lisa Hardman, University of Michigan
- Mario Macias, University of Washington
- Ebony Magnus, University of British Columbia
- Christian Minter, Catholic University of America
- Na Qin, Indiana University Bloomington
- Peace Ossom, Texas Woman’s University
- Thomas Padilla, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Eva Rios-Alvarado, Simmons College
- Bredny Rodriguez, University at Buffalo, SUNY
- Camille Salas, University of Maryland
- Amber Saundry, University of British Columbia
- Curtis Small, Simmons College