Brooklyn Public Library

Brooklyn Public Library—in partnership with Queens College, University at Albany, University at Buffalo, BookOps, and the Metropolitan Library Council—will: 1) offer a scholarship program for non-librarian staff from groups underrepresented in the library and archives field to pursue a master’s in library and information science (MLIS) degree; and 2) create a framework and resources that other library systems can use to develop their own diverse library leaders. Over the project period, BPL will provide staff members with MLIS scholarships and create a robust set of professional development tools. This includes developing partnerships with MLIS programs to support applicants and scholars; offering student support services such as mentorship, job shadowing. and core competency trainings; and creating resources that support leadership development and address diversity, equity, and inclusion broadly. The program will benefit library professionals who do not have MLIS degrees and are from groups underrepresented in librarianship, as well as library systems that want models for diversifying their library staff. Results will build a sustainable model that can be adapted by other libraries with a range of resources and funding.