1. The University Library Residency Program
Shaina V. Destine, Residency Librarian
Beth McNeil, Dean of Library Services

2. Agenda Purpose/History
ACRL Diversity Alliance
Residency Program
Structure of Residency Program at the University Library
Benefits & Challenges of the Residency
Future of the Residency
Questions & Answers

3. Purpose/History ACRL Diversity Alliance Residency Program
To unite academic libraries committed to increasing the hiring pipeline of qualified and talented individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups
Library leaders commit to creating one or more residency position, … to open doors, share networks, prepare residents for success in scholarship, professional service, and leadership
Residency Program
ISU Library joined the ACRL Diversity Alliance in early 2017
First resident, Shaina Destine, joined ISU Library in June 2017

4. Structure of Residency at the Library
Year one
Rotations in 3-4 departments to gain familiarity with a variety of library functions
First rotation in home department
Research project/study begins
Year two
The resident works full time in their home department
Job shadowing, information interviews, meeting attendance, and presentations will be scheduled to give the resident insight into the administration of an academic library and the diversity-related services offered by the university.
Toward the end of year two, the resident begins designing their capstone project
Year three
Resident works full time in their home department
Resident completes capstone project
Resident presents at conferences and publishes

5. Structure of Residency at the Library
Components:
Work experience
External Impact and exposure to library field/profession
Institutional Service
Mentoring
Exposure to Library Administration
Exposure to University Diversity Efforts

6. Benefits of the Residency
For the Resident:
Experience!
Practical on-the-job experience in a variety of areas
Experience as a librarian at a R1 University Library
Cohort of other residents at ACRL Diversity Alliance member libraries
For the Library:
New person. New perspective.
Diversifying workforce
Cohort of other ACRL Diversity Alliance member libraries
Messaging!
Attracting a more diversity candidate pool through job posting language, ACRL Diversity Alliance membership

7. Challenges of the Residency
For the Library
Organizational Culture/Readiness
First residency began in 2017 → Growing pains
Administrative challenges/University bureaucracy
For the Resident
Being alone in the process
Acclimating to a conservative climate
Taking on too much

8. Future of the Residency
Priority for current library administration
Adding a new resident each year → Budget-permitting
ACRL Diversity Alliance membership is growing
University Library’s residency program will be formally assessed each June and combined with other input received throughout the year

9. Questions? Beth McNeil – mcneil@iastate.edu
Shaina V. Destine –