Strengthening Smaller Public Libraries Through Staff Diversity
In the summer of 2021, Lawrence Public Library (LPL) was awarded a Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The library was awarded this grant to fund a pilot program to reduce barriers to entering the library profession, in particular for communities who are underrepresented in the field of library and information science.
We designed a program that would allow participants–two, in this case–to not only get their Masters in Library Science degrees (MLS), but also provide simultaneous experience in the library field via an internship at our library. Internship activities included shadowing and working in LPL departments, completing library projects, and visiting other local libraries and library systems.
I wouldn’t have wanted my start in libraries to begin anywhere else than at Lawrence Public Library (LPL). The staff here truly work to fulfill the needs of the Lawrence community and I was honored to help out in various departments. As someone new to working in libraries, interning at LPL and shadowing academic libraries gave me a deeper understanding, appreciation, and–most importantly for the job circuit–a variety of work experience in a short amount of time. It’s an experience I’ll never forget! —Kayla Cook
This intership tackled systemic barriers to librairanship in myriad ways. Tuition for the Masters in Library Science program at Emporia State was paid for in full. Also, it was essential to us that the accompanying internship be paid, as unpaid internships are a substantial econmic barrier for many folks interested in furthering their careers, in and outside of the library field. To learn more about our program, and how you might build something ismilar at your library, please see the Inclusive Internship Quick Guide, linked on this page.
How to Build an Internship that Promotes Equity
Frankie
she / her
Frankie Haynes is currently the Diversity and Equity Coordinator at Lawrence Public Library. Throughout the Strengthening Smaller Public Libraries project she coordinated all grant activities while also mentoring the IMLS interns. With input from the two interns, she has built an Inclusive Internship Quick Guide to help other libraries build similar projects. In November 2024, she will begin a new role as the Access and Inclusion Program Officer at Mid-America Arts Alliance. For more information, email Brad Allen, Executive Director, Lawrence Public Library.
Kayla
she / her
Kayla Cook worked for Lawrence Public Library as an Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Intern from October 2021 through December 2023 and Media Relations & Communications Specialist from March 2023 through August 2024. She briefly worked as Circulation & Reference Librarian at Morrill Public Library in Hiawatha, KS before relocating to Chicago, IL to work for Chicago Public Library at 1 of their 81 branches as a Librarian I.
Khiana
she / they
Khiana Harris is currently pursuing a PhD in Library and Information Science at Simmons University. With a focus on becoming faculty in an LIS program, her research interests include critical pedagogy and how to address curricular injustice within the LIS curriculum. In addition to being a Graduate Teaching Assistant, she is a Research and Project Assistant for the ILISE Project, opens a new window which is focused on ensuring LIS students can access DEI focused courses as part of their degree.