Missouri Library Association

The Missouri Library Association, with the support of the Missouri State Library and guidance from the Michigan Library Association, Kentucky Library Association, Iowa Library Association, Virginia Library Association, and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, will plan and implement the You Belong Scholar Program to retain and develop existing library workers from historically underrepresented groups. This project will address the persistent lack of diversity in library and information science professions and develop a leadership academy, train mentors, and implement two cohorts of scholars. The program will include a stipend, participation in the academy, mentorship from diverse library professionals, and opportunities for paid internship experience. Results will include a scalable project plan for other state library associations and libraries to adopt to retain diverse library employees as well as increased interest in and preparation for long-term library and information careers among diverse library workers.