Simmons University Library Fellows Program

Posted September 8, 2023

In support of Simmons University’s commitment to fostering a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive community, the Simmons University Library, located in Boston, MA on the ancestral unceded territory of the Massachusetts and Pawtucket nations, offers graduate Fellowships in Library Science to provide graduate library and information science degree students pre-professional staff positions. The Fellowship provides salary and benefits along with tuition scholarships. It is intended to immerse Fellows in librarianship study and professional library work, enriching their experience through professional growth and mentorship opportunities. 

Under the direction of and in collaboration with the Simmons University Library staff, the University Library Fellows support the execution of core departmental functions and the oversight of the daily activities of the University Library and its collections. Following a curricular model that emphasizes learning through doing, the Fellows explore, in conjunction with their classwork, both the pedagogical and practical aspects of topics in academic librarianship or university archiving, depending on the specific fellowship. 

The Fellowship will culminate in the completion of a capstone project, the topic, format, and potential practical application to be chosen by the University Library Fellow and approved by Library staff. 

Potential candidates should note that although these positions are situated in an academic setting, the Fellowships are designed to prepare candidates for professional positions in libraries or archives, depending upon the specific fellowship. 

Compensation

The Fellowship is a full-time, benefits-eligible position with a salary of $45,000 per year.

Work Schedule 

The Fellow will work 40 hours per week. The specific schedule will be determined based on the department’s priorities and the candidate’s availability. Flexibility for class attendance will be considered. 

Timeline 

The Library Fellowship aims to support and strengthen both the theory and skills learned throughout the course of the Fellows’ library science degree program. The Fellowship is contingent upon enrollment in the Master’s degree program in the School of Library and Information Science. It is expected to last up to three years, but no longer than four, with the expectation that the fellowship concludes no longer than three months after the Fellow’s graduation. Fellows may take no more than one course per semester during their first year of employment and subsequently no more than two courses per semester for the duration of their program. 

FELLOWSHIP POSITION DETAILS 

Cataloging & Collections Fellow

The Collections & Access Team creates a productive and accessible library experience, positively impacting the academic goals of users by procuring and sustaining collections, facilitating the use of technologies, and providing learning spaces and services that are useful to the broadest diversity of users. The Cataloging & Collections Fellow contributes to practical aspects of acquisitions and cataloging work, oversees course reserves and interlibrary loan, and provides circulation and reference service. 

Qualifications

1. The Fellowship is contingent upon current enrollment in the Simmons School of Library & Information Science (if newly accepted to the program within one semester of enrollment; if newly enrolled, no more than three courses completed) and maintaining academic standing (SLIS) and Fellowship performance (annual staff performance reviews).
   
2. Candidates who share one or more of the following criteria are encouraged to apply 

• First generation in their family to attend college and graduate school 
• Socioeconomically disadvantaged (low income, very low income) 
• Attended a minority-serving institution 
• Participated in organizations offering services to socioeconomically disadvantaged communities (AmeriCorps NCCC/ City Year) or promoting racial equality (ACLU/NAACP/Immigrant Advocacy Groups) 
• Received a merit-based scholarship or aid for the promotion of justice and equity in LIS (e.g. ALA Spectrum Scholarship/ARL Kaleidoscope Program)
  

3. All applicants, including international students, must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

To Apply 

To apply for this Simmons University Library Fellowship position, please submit a copy of your resume and a personal statement of up to 750 words addressing why you are interested in the position, what you hope to achieve from the Fellowship, and what you believe you can contribute to the University Library. Please submit your materials to [email protected]. In your materials, please include your name and the title of the Library Fellow Position you are applying to.

Please note: While past library and/or archives experience is welcome, it is not a requirement for the Fellowship. Please do not self-reject. The Library is actively seeking a diverse group of candidates with different perspectives and experiences. 

Application Deadline: October 15, 2023