The HBCU Library Alliance and CLIR/Digital Library Federation (DLF) jointly present the Authenticity Project, a fellowship and networking program:  

 

https://www.diglib.org/opportunities/authenticity-project/ 

 

Generously supported by the IMLS, the Authenticity Project will provide mentoring, learning, and leadership opportunities for 30 early- to mid-career library staff from American HBCUs (historically black colleges and universities), along with opportunities to build more genuine exchange and authentic connections among participants from HBCUs and PWIs (predominantly white institutions). The fellowship application is open now through March 15, 2022.

 

Each cohort of 15 fellows (30 total) will:

• receive full travel, lodging, and registration expenses for the next DLF Forum conference and Learn@DLF workshops, along with special opportunities to present and share  
• participate in a facilitated mentoring and networking program (with each Fellow matched to two volunteer mentors from the HBCU Libary Alliance and DLF communities)
• gain access to an always-available Slack space, email list, and facilitated, synchronous, online video-networking sessions for Fellows, mentors, and eventual microgrant project partners

 

Who’s eligible:
Authenticity Project Fellows will be early- to mid-career librarians, archivists, or any other library employees who currently work at HBCUs and are interested in advancing their knowledge, skills, and professional connections in digital library work. Fellows will commit to participating throughout the month-long program and will be asked to indicate a preference between the dates of Cohort 1 or Cohort 2 when applying.

 

How to apply as a Fellow:

Interested individuals should submit a brief statement of purpose that addresses their interest in the program and in digital library topics, a curriculum vitae or resume, and a letter of support from the applicant’s supervisor: 

 

https://www.diglib.org/authenticity-fellowship 

 

How to volunteer as a mentor:

We are currently seeking volunteers from the HBCU Library Alliance and DLF communities to act as Authenticity Project mentors. Mentors should be experienced HBCU library staff interested in fostering a new generation of library workers or digital library practitioners doing work at a PWI and interested in mutual learning and exchange. Mentors who are matched with a fellow will receive access to training on mentorship as well as a supportive community of peers, will support fellows’ learning through weekly discussions on specific topics, and will be granted stipends in acknowledgment of their time and commitment to the program. 

 

https://forms.gle/AAit8qrfwu4nzSmv6  

 

Full program details are available on DLF’s website. 

 

Fellowship applications and expressions of interest from volunteers will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. EST on March 15, 2022.