LibraryJobline

Job Description

This summer, Lawrence Public Library received grant funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to start a pilot pipeline program intended to increase diversity in libraries. The Strengthening Smaller Public Libraries Through Staff Diversity internship’s goal is to reduce barriers to entering the library profession for Black, Indigenous, and people of color. In partnership with Haskell Indian Nations University, Emporia State University, KU Libraries, and the Northeast Kansas Library System, we will send two people to the School of Library and Information Management at Emporia State University, all tuition paid. While attending graduate school, participants will concurrently complete a paid part-time internship at Lawrence Public Library. Over the course of the internship participants will gain experience throughout the library's different departments, as well as spending time at grant partner sites.
 

Ideal Candidates: We are looking for two people who are committed to social justice, active in their community, and passionate about working in libraries. BIPOC identifying community members are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applicant Requirements:

• Have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution
• Be a resident of the Northeast region of Kansas 
• Ability to travel between grant partner sites, via personal vehicle or public transportation
• Submit a resume (or CV) and a personal statement (in response to the prompt below)
• Must meet application requirements for SLIM at Emporia State University, applicants will be required to apply to SLIM separately, with assistance from LPL staff
• Applicants must be available to start graduate school in January of 2022 (spring semester)

Internship:

• $15.03 per hour
• 15-20 hours a week
• Located at Lawrence Public Library in Lawrence, Kansas, except spending one month each at Haskell, KU, and another Northeast Kansas library
• Internship will begin in fall of 2021, and ends on 8/31/2023

Graduate School: Applicants must be available to begin school at Emporia State in January of 2022, and will be required to submit a separate application to the School of Library and Information Management at Emporia State. The internship will begin before school, in fall of 2021. All Masters in Library Science courses are offered online, so regular travel to Emporia will not be required, although occasional travel to one of Emporia’s campuses may be necessary. Computers for online coursework and library work will be provided by LPL. Visit SLIM's website for more information.

Essay Prompt:

What does a public library mean to you and why do you want to become a librarian? Answer in no more than 2 pages. Please upload your essay as a "cover letter" in this application.

Application Deadline: 9/17/2021

For more information, contact Frankie Haynes:

Email: fhaynes@lplks.org

Additional Info & Requirements

Because this program is both an internship and a library school experience. Candidates must possess an undergraduate degree, and the ability to attend library school virtually starting in spring of 2022. The internship will begin in fall of 2021, prior to candidates beginning school. We will get the acclimated at the library, and assist in the beginning of library school.

The Community

We have created this internship program to reduce barriers to entering the library profession for underrepresented and historically marginalized populations. We encourage anyone to apply who wants an MLS degree, coupled with hands on experience at a public library and in the community. 

HR Info

Frankie Haynes, fhaynes@lplks.org