About the Kenlee Ray Library & Archives Fellows Program

The Kenlee Ray '67 Library & Archives Fellows program advances career discovery. Every spring semester the program accepts Earlham students interested in the library, archives, or related library information science (LIS) professions. Students undertake project work, meet with library personnel, and discuss readings under the supervision of Earlham Libraries administrative faculty. They also network with Earlham LIS alumni. Upon successful completion of the semester, the student receives a stipend less taxes withheld. The Kenlee Ray Library & Archives Fellows program is funded by generous donor support that yields positive outcomes for both students and the College.

Student learning goals:

Gain experience in the LIS workplace.
Explore LIS professional associations and issues.
Initiate a network of LIS professional contacts.
Develop a significant vocational relationship with an adult in the LIS profession at Earlham.
Refine interviewing, resume, and cover-letter writing skills.
Recognize the power of self-reflection and planning in terms of career aspirations.

Student outcomes:

Upon completion of the fellowship, the student will be able to:

Articulate the ways in which Earlham Libraries and Archives supports the College's mission.
Demonstrate understanding of the complex inner workings of Earlham Libraries and Archives.
Recognize the rewards of librarianship.
Address the challenges facing academic libraries and the profession of academic librarianship.
Identify the variety of career options in academic librarianship and archival work.
Express his/her own aptitudes and preferences among types of librarianship.
Pursue ongoing professional relationships within Earlham Libraries and Archives, within Earlham's librarian alumni community, and beyond to the larger network of librarians.

Institutional Outcomes:

Cultivate future professional leaders with Earlham connections.
Link current students to Earlham LIS alumni, and LIS alumni to Earlham.
Demonstrate the value of the Earlham Libraries to College recruitment and retention.
Align the Earlham Libraries with the College focus on post-graduate success.

Modalities during Spring Semester:

Project work
- Hands-on projects that arise from student interests and library staff needs.
Tutorial
- 1 hour weekly for 15 weeks: a text-based, one-credit conversation with a librarian or archivist about an assigned reading.
Job-Seeker Training
- Learn about interviewing, resume-writing, and other vocational skills.
Self-Reflection
- Journaling and the option for a clearness committee.
Alumni Engagement
- Meetings with LIS alumni.

To Apply:

Current Earlham students eligible to apply.
Juniors/seniors preferred.
Complete the online application form, including personal statement and the names of references.
Deadline: October 31, 2020
For more information contact Neal Baker, Library Director.