LEADers III Library Scholarship Program

What It Is
Due to the great response to the Future LEADers of America and LEADers II programs, the Denver Public Library has reapplied for a grant to fund MLS scholarships through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums.  The Institute’s mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. LEADers III will cover full tuition and fees (from date of LEADers III acceptance forward) for a Master's in Library and Information of Science degree from the University of Denver.

LEADers III (Librarian Education and Diversity) specifically addresses the issue of diversity in the librarian profession. The emphasis is on enhancing the demographic mesh between the neighborhoods served and professional librarian staff, particularly along the lines of race, ethnicity and language. It is offered through a collaborative partnership between the Denver Public Library, the University of Denver, REFORMA-Colorado and the Colorado Association of Libraries.

What It Means
The Denver Public Library MAY be able to offer scholarship money for full tuition and fees beginning September 2009 through May of 2012. IMLS will announce the organizations receiving grants sometime in late June or early July 2009.

It is the intent that the pre-announcement application process will result in participants being selected and admitted to the University of Denver for the Fall 2009 Quarter (if not already enrolled). Recipients will be selected through a demonstrated commitment to public librarianship and a competitive interview process.

Priorities are as follows:

1. Minority applicants with fluency in a second language, preferably Spanish or Vietnamese
2. Minority Applicants willing to commit to Library-sponsored Spanish classes and applicants with second language fluency
3. Applicants willing to commit to Library-sponsored Spanish classes

Terms Upon Acceptance:

1. Participant must work with the Denver Public Library and University of Denver to enroll in the ALA accredited Master’s program at the University of Denver starting in the Fall Quarter 2009
2. Participant must agree to actively participate in a mentoring relationship with a professional Colorado Association of Libraries or REFORMA-Colorado member and subsequently submit a written plan on continued special committee membership or leadership opportunities
3. Participant must agree to attend quarterly Library-sponsored career-development sessions and related progress reports
4. Participant must complete a service learning project through the University of Denver aimed at developing skills in working with underserved populations
5. Participants without a second language fluency will be required to attend assigned Library-sponsored Spanish classes
6. Participants must become a member of REFORMA-Colorado and Colorado Association of Libraries

What You Do Next
Complete the application (PDF) — you may attach another sheet if space provided on PDF is too small — and return it to:

Kristen Svendsen, Employment Manager
Denver Public Library
10 West 14th Avenue Parkway
Denver, CO 80204
Phone: 720-865-2073
Fax: 720-865-2085
Email: ksvendse@denverlibrary.org

Applications must be received by May 15, 2009.

Please be aware that participants selected for LEADers III through the application and interview process will not receive scholarships unless IMLS funds the grant proposal.