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 the goal of which was 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 (2), 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.
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 internship 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 *insert PDF title here*
How to Build an Internship that Promotes Equity
Frankie
To be filled with text that explains Frankie's role and IMLS overview. Include contact information and mailto:frankiehaynes link.
Kayla
To be filled with text that explains Frankie's role and IMLS overview. Include contact information and mailto:frankiehaynes link.
Khiana
To be filled with text that explains Frankie's role and IMLS overview. Include contact information and mailto:frankiehaynes link.
I'm here to help answer questions.
Frankie Haynes
she / her
Diversity & Equity Coordinator
fhaynes (at) lplks.org
