University of Virginia (University of Virginia, Rare Book School)

The Rare Book School at the University of Virginia (RBS@UVA) will use its grant to fund a fellowship program that will provide two cohorts of 20 early career librarians, with a special emphasis on recruiting participants currently underrepresented within the profession. Through participation in the Rare Book School and participation n the Rare Books and Manuscripts section of American Library Association, fellows will build the skills, knowledge, and professional networks necessary to bridge the gap between their education and the positions currently available in special collections libraries. The project will also include a replicable, longitudinal study of the programs impact on the professional development and career growth of participating fellows.