Inclusive Internships

Host libraries sought for 2020 PLA Inclusive Internship Initiative

LDEUTSCH — Tue, 07 Jan 2020 22:07:26 +0000

Host libraries sought for 2020 PLA Inclusive Internship Initiative

Applications due February 3rd

CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) is now accepting applications from public libraries interested in participating in PLA's Inclusive Internship Initiative (III) this year. In alignment with PLA’s strategic goal related to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice, III was piloted in 2017 as a pathway program to increase diversity in public librarianship. The initiative has been a tremendous success, and PLA is proud to offer III once again with the support of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (grant RE-00-17-0129-17).

Through III, PLA will sponsor paid, mentored internships at public libraries for 50 high school juniors and seniors during the summer of 2020. With individual guidance from a mentor, each intern will engage with multiple facets of library life, from administration to programming to user services, while also completing a connected-learning project on behalf of their host library.

In addition to identifying an appropriate intern, participating libraries must complete the following items:

Assign a staff person to serve as a mentor;
Develop a connected learning project in conjunction with the intern;
Provide the intern at least five hours per week of one-on-one mentoring and coaching;
Attend a June kick-off event in Washington, D.C. and a September wrap-up event in Chicago, Ill.;
Share their successes, challenges, opportunities across the III cohort, within the library, and to community stakeholders; and
Comply with applicable nondiscrimination laws, including but not limited to those in the Assurances and Certifications, throughout the grant award and the intern application and selection process.

The 2020 application for host libraries can be found here. All public libraries, regardless of PLA membership of applicants, are eligible. Small, rural, and tribal libraries are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. Central Time on Monday, Feb. 3, 2020.

For more information, please see the program guidelines and answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ). If your questions isn't addressed in the FAQ, please contact PLA at plinterns@ala.org.

# # #

About the Public Library Association

The Public Library Association (PLA) is the largest association dedicated to supporting the unique and evolving needs of public library professionals. Founded in 1944, PLA serves nearly 10,000 members in public libraries large and small in communities across the United States and Canada, with a growing presence around the world. PLA strives to help its members shape the essential institution of public libraries by serving as an indispensable ally for public library leaders. For more information about PLA, contact the PLA office at 1 (800) 545-2433, ext. 5PLA, or pla@ala.org.

PLA to host free "office hours" webinar for prospective Inclusive Internship host libraries

LDEUTSCH — Mon, 23 Dec 2019 19:01:06 +0000

PLA to host free "office hours" webinar for prospective Inclusive Internship host libraries

CHICAGO –The Public Library Association's (PLA) Inclusive Internship Initiative (III) offers paid, summer-long internships to high school students at their local public library. Over the course of the summer, each intern works with a library mentor on a community-based learning project. Through III, students from diverse backgrounds are introduced to careers in librarianship, library mentors practice leadership skills, and host libraries grow new audiences through outreach and programming.

Applications for the 2020 III host libraries will open Monday, Jan. 6, and PLA will host a free "office hours"-style webinar on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 1–2 p.m. Central Time. During the webinar, PLA staff will review the application process, deadlines and program requirements. Participants will also hear from past III mentors who will share their insights and experiences from participating in this program. PLA staff and past mentors will be available to answer any questions your library has about applying to or participating in the program. Participation is free, but registration is required and space is limited. Learn more and register for this webinar.

Applications for the 2020 III host libraries will close Monday, Feb. 3. Libraries will go through a competitive application process to be selected as a host site. Once selected, the library is responsible for recruiting an intern from a background representing the diversity of their local community. To receive a notification when the application opens, please complete this form.

# # #

PLA Inclusive Internship Initiative kicks off for summer 2019

LDEUTSCH — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 19:00:21 +0000

PLA Inclusive Internship Initiative kicks off for summer 2019

CHICAGO -- This week, the Public Library Association (PLA) commenced its Inclusive Internship Initiative (III) activities for summer 2019. Through III, PLA sponsors paid, mentored summer internships at public libraries for high school juniors and seniors. The libraries were selected through a competitive application process in early 2019. With individual guidance from a mentor, each intern engages with multiple facets of library life, from administration to programming to user services, while also completing a connected-learning project on behalf of their host library.

A total of 96 people--48 interns and 48 mentors--are attending the 2019 III Kick-Off, taking place in Chicago, Ill., June 13-15. The three-day event includes networking, social activities, and master classes focused on the people, programs, and priorities of public libraries.

The following 48 public libraries are hosting interns this summer as part of III:

Alameda County (Calif.) Library
Algona (Iowa) Public Library
Allen County (Ind.) Public Library
Arapahoe Libraries (Englewood, Colo.)
Athens-Limestone (Ala.) Public Library
Auburn (Ga.) Public Library
Baltimore County (Md.) Public Library
Boone County (Ky.) Public Library
Bucyrus (Ohio) Public Library
Burnsville (W.V.) Public Library
Butler (Penn.) Area Public Library
Camden County (Ga.) Public Library
City of Casa Grande (Ariz.) Public Library
Clinton-Macomb (Mich.) Public Library
Cottage Grove (Ore.) Public Library
Cumberland County (N.C.) Public Library & Information Center
Denver (Colo.) Public Library
Evanston (Ill.) Public Library
Gloucester County (N.J.) Library System
Hedberg Public Library (Janesville, Wisc.)
Henrico County (Va.) Public Library
Hillsboro & Cornelius (Ore.) Public Library*
Juneau (Alaska) Public Library
Kenosha (Wisc.) Public Library
Laredo (Texas) Public Library
Madison (Wisc.) Public Library
Manheim (Penn.) Community Library
Martinsburg-Berkeley County (W.V.) Public Library
Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library (Long Beach, Calif.)
Milton (Mass.) Public Library
Montville Township (N.J.) Public Library
Multnomah County (Ore.) Library
National Hispanic Cultural Center Library (Albuquerque, N.M.)
New York (N.Y.) Public Library
Palm Springs (Fla.) Public Library
Patchogue-Medford (N.Y.) Library
Pioneer Library System (Canandaigua, N.Y.)
Piscataway (N.J.) Public Library
Poudre River Public Library District (Fort Collins, Colo.)
Salt Lake City (Utah) Public Library
San Jose (Calif.) Public Library
Schaumburg (Ill.) Township District Library
Skokie (Ill.) Public Library
Sonoma County (Calif.) Library
Springfield-Greene County (Mo.) Library District
St. Johns County (Fla.) Public Library System
West Caldwell (N.J.) Public Library
Wilkes County (N.C.) Public Library

In alignment with PLA’s strategic goal related to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice, III was piloted in 2017 as a pathway program to increase diversity in public librarianship. Since its inception, more than 100 high school students at 80 libraries have participated. This project is made possible with support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (grant RE-00-17-0129-17).

*Intern will be shared by two nearby libraries

Host libraries sought for 2019 PLA Inclusive Internship Initiative

LDEUTSCH — Tue, 08 Jan 2019 20:50:03 +0000

Host libraries sought for 2019 PLA Inclusive Internship Initiative

Applications due February 1st

CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) is now accepting applications from public libraries interested in participating in PLA's Inclusive Internship Initiative (III) for the summer of 2019. In alignment with PLA’s strategic goal related to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice, III was piloted in 2017 as a pathway program to increase diversity in public librarianship. The initiative has been a tremendous success, and PLA is proud to offer III once again with the support of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (grant RE-00-17-0129-17). Click here to view photos from the 2018 Wrap-Up Event.

Through III, PLA will sponsor paid, mentored summer internships at public libraries for 50 high school juniors and seniors. With individual guidance from a mentor, each intern will engage with multiple facets of library life, from administration to programming to user services, while also completing a connected-learning project on behalf of their host library.

In addition to identifying an appropriate intern, participating libraries must:

Assign a staff person to serve as a mentor
Develop a connected learning project in conjunction with the intern
Offer approximately five hours per week of one-on-one mentoring and coaching
Attend a June kick-off event in Chicago, Ill. and a September wrap-up event in Washington, D.C.
Share their successes, challenges, opportunities across the III cohort, within the library, and to community stakeholders
Comply with applicable nondiscrimination laws, including but not limited to those in the Assurances and Certifications, throughout the grant award and the intern application and selection process

The 2019 application for host libraries can be found here. All public libraries, regardless of PLA membership, are eligible. Small, rural, and tribal libraries are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. Central Time on Friday, Feb. 1, 2019.

For more information, please see the program guidelines and answers to frequently asked questions. If your questions isn't addressed in the FAQ, please contact PLA at plinterns@ala.org. PLA will also host an “office hours” webinar on Monday, Jan. 14, to give interested libraries a chance to learn more and ask questions.

# # #

About PLA

The Public Library Association (PLA) is the largest association dedicated to supporting the unique and evolving needs of public library professionals. Founded in 1944, PLA serves nearly 10,000 members in public libraries large and small in communities across the United States and Canada, with a growing presence around the world. PLA strives to help its members shape the essential institution of public libraries by serving as an indispensable ally for public library leaders. For more information about PLA, contact the PLA office at 1 (800) 545-2433, ext.5PLA, or pla@ala.org.

Public Library Association announces library cohort for 2018 Inclusive Internship Initiative

LDEUTSCH — Thu, 19 Apr 2018 19:17:20 +0000

Public Library Association announces library cohort for 2018 Inclusive Internship Initiative

CHICAGO -- Today the Public Library Association (PLA) announced the libraries in its 2018 Inclusive Internship Initiative (III) cohort. Last summer, PLA piloted this first-of-its-kind internship program designed to present librarianship as a viable career option for the next generation of Americans. In 2017, PLA sponsored paid, mentored public library internships for 50 high school juniors and seniors at 39 host libraries across the U.S., including two tribal libraries and sites in Alaska and Hawaii.

For 2018, PLA is proud to offer this opportunity to 50 libraries, with support from IMLS’ grant RE-00-17-0129-17. Each participating library will recruit an intern who, with individual guidance from a mentor, will engage with multiple facets of library life this summer. Each intern will also complete a connected-learning project on behalf of their host library. The following libraries are participating in the summer 2018 Inclusive Internship program:

Algona (Iowa) Public Library
Anythink Library (Thornton, Colorado)*
Auburn (Georgia) Public Library
Austin (Texas) Public Library
Berwyn (Illinois) Public Library
Birmingham (Alabama) Public Library
Bridgton (Maine) Public Library
Brooke County (West Virginia) Public Library
Buffalo & Erie County (New York) Public Library
Butler (Pennsylvania) Area Public Library
Cabell County (West Virginia) Public Library
Casa Grande (Arizona) Public Library
Catawba County (North Carolina) Library System
Cecil County (Maryland) Public Library
Chapel Hill (North Carolina) Public Library
Charleston County (South Carolina) Public Library
Columbus (Ohio) Metropolitan Library
Everett (Washington) Public Library
Fremont County (Wyoming) Library System
Grand Rapids (Michigan) Public Library
Grants (New Mexico) Public Library
Greece (New York) Public Library
Indianapolis (Indiana) Public Library
Juneau (Alaska) Public Library
Kirkwood (Missouri) Public Library
Kokomo-Howard County (Indiana) Public Library
L.A. County (California) Library at East Los Angeles
Laurel (Delaware) Public Library
Lawrence (Kansas) Public Library
Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library (Opelika, Ala.)
Lincoln Library (Medicine Lodge, Kansas)
Logan County (Kentucky) Public Library
Madison (Wisconsin) Public Library
Meridian (Idaho) Library District
Natchitoches (Louisiana) Parish Library
Niles-Maine (Illinois) District Library
North Miami Beach (Florida) Public Library
Pikes Peak Library District (Colorado Springs, Colorado)*
Poudre River Public Library District (Fort Collins, Colorado)
Prosser Public Library (Bloomfield, Connecticut)
Pueblo (Colorado) City-County Library District
Purcell (Oklahoma) Public Library
Rio Abajo Community Library (La Joya, New Mexico)
Salem (Oregon) Public Library
Santa Clara County (California) Library
Seminole County (Floridaa) Public Library
Siouxland Libraries (Sioux Falls, South Dakota)
Skokie (Illinois) Public Library
Springfield (Massachusetts) City Library
St. Louis County (Missouri) Library
Thorp (Wisconsin) Public Library
Ventress Memorial Library (Marshfield, Massachusetts)

The 2018 internship will begin with a kickoff event, June 14-16, in Washington, D.C. Welcome remarks will be given by Richard Reyes-Gavilan, executive director of the District of Columbia Public Library, and the interns will receive a broad overview of library work through a set of targeted master classes, conversations with mentors, and other activities.

Additional information about the Inclusive Internship Initiative can be found at https://apply.ala.org/plinterns.

*This library's participation in the 2018 III cohort is not funded by the IMLS grant.

# # #

About PLA

Public Library Association to offer diversity-focused youth internship program in 2018

LDEUTSCH — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 21:45:44 +0000

Public Library Association to offer diversity-focused youth internship program in 2018

Applications due March 25

CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) is now accepting applications from public libraries interested in participating in PLA's Inclusive Internship Initiative (III) for the summer of 2018. Last year, PLA piloted III, an internship program designed to introduce young people from diverse backgrounds to careers in librarianship. The project was a tremendous success, and PLA is proud to offer III once again with the support of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (grant RE-00-17-0129-17).

In addition to identifying an appropriate intern, participating libraries must:

Assign a staff person to serve as a mentor
Develop a connected learning project in conjunction with the intern
Offer approximately five hours per week of one-on-one mentoring and coaching
Attend a June kick-off event in Washington, D.C. and a September wrap-up event in Chicago
Be comfortable sharing successes, challenges, opportunities across the III cohort, within the library, and to community stakeholders
Comply with applicable nondiscrimination laws, including but not limited to those in the Assurances and Certifications, throughout the grant award and the intern application and selection process

"Participating in the 2017 cohort was an eye-opening experience for both the libraries and the interns. The libraries discovered how much passion, talent and enthusiasm the teens can have for their work, and the interns discovered the powerful contributions that libraries make in our communities," remarked PLA President Pam Sandlian Smith, director of Anythink Libraries (Adams County, Colo.).

All public libraries, regardless of PLA membership, are eligible. Small, rural, and tribal libraries are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. Central Time on Sunday, March 25, 2018.

PLA will host an “office hours” webinar on Monday, Feb. 26, to give interested libraries a chance to learn more and ask questions. Information about III, including an application for libraries interested in participating, can be found at https://apply.ala.org/plinterns2018.

# # #

About PLA

The Public Library Association (PLA) is the largest association dedicated to supporting the unique and evolving needs of public library professionals. Founded in 1944, PLA serves nearly 9,000 members in public libraries large and small in communities across the United States and Canada, with a growing presence around the world. PLA strives to help its members shape the essential institution of public libraries by serving as an indispensable ally for public library leaders. For more information about PLA, contact the PLA office at 1 (800) 545-2433, ext.5PLA, or pla@ala.org.

Nationwide library internship program to hold commencement program in Chicago

LDEUTSCH — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 14:30:10 +0000

Nationwide library internship program to hold commencement program in Chicago

CHICAGO – Demonstrating the commitment of public libraries to equity, diversity and inclusion, the Public Library Association (PLA) provided a group of 53 high school juniors and seniors from diverse backgrounds with summer jobs with competitive wages at 39 host libraries.

The work of these high-school-aged library interns, along with 47 librarian mentors representing 24 different states, will be recognized during the National Inclusive Internship Initiative commencement event, held from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, and from 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15, at the Embassy Suites Magnificent Mile, 511 N. Columbus Drive, Chicago.

The program, held for the first time and funded by a Laura Bush 21^st Century Librarian Program Grant (RE-00-17-0129-17) from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, is designed to introduce teenagers to careers in librarianship. The teens were chosen from among the best and brightest from our nation’s rural communities and urban centers.

The commencement event will feature innovative project presentations by the interns, educational sessions with career guidance for aspiring librarians and an awards ceremony recognizing the outstanding work of interns and mentors.

Members of the media interested in attending the event, or speaking with participating interns, library mentors or session leaders, are encouraged to contact Larry Deutsch, PLA manager of communications, at (314) 642-5918 or ldeutsch@ala.org.

About PLA

The Public Library Association (PLA) is the largest association dedicated to supporting the unique and evolving needs of public library professionals. Founded in 1944, PLA serves nearly 9,000 members in public libraries large and small in communities across the United States and Canada, with a growing presence around the world. PLA offers continuing education opportunities, unique public library initiatives, and a conference that welcomes public library staff into meaningful partnership. In collaboration with its parent organization, the ��ý, PLA strives to help its members shape the essential institution of public libraries by serving as an indispensable ally for public library leaders.

Public Library Association hosts Washington, D.C. kickoff event for inclusive summer internship program

LDEUTSCH — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 19:10:42 +0000

Public Library Association hosts Washington, D.C. kickoff event for inclusive summer internship program

CHICAGO — A group of high-school-aged interns and their library mentors will travel to Washington, D.C. this month for the Inclusive Internship Initiative kickoff event. This initiative, which seeks to introduce young people from diverse backgrounds to careers in librarianship, is administered by the Public Library Association (PLA), a division of the ��ý (ALA).

Through III, PLA is sponsoring paid, mentored public library internships for 50 high school juniors and seniors from diverse backgrounds during the summer of 2017. With individual guidance from a mentor, each intern will engage with multiple facets of library life, from administration to programming to user services, at libraries across the U.S. PLA received support for this program from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, through a pre-professional Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program Grant (grant RE-00-17-0129-17). A total of 33 public libraries were selected to participate in this first-of-its-kind program.

The kickoff event will take place June 16-17 in Washington, D.C., and will include special welcomes by Robert Newlen, deputy director of the Library of Congress, and Felton Thomas, Jr., president of PLA. Interns will receive a broad overview of library work through a master class covering such issues as educational paths to library careers and libraries’ role in increasing community literacy. The national cohort of interns and mentors will convene at the end of the summer in Chicago, Ill., to present the findings from their projects.

This project will have an immediate benefit to the libraries and student participants. Library staff will better understand early career pathways to librarianship and gain appreciation for their role and impact in supporting diversity along those paths. Students will better understand the many ways librarians positively serve their communities, and gain the tools to make decisions about the educational directions that will lead them into library service and leadership. Interns will have opportunities to connect with one another, and mentors across the country, to share what they are learning and doing through live and virtual channels, creating a ripple effect of learning and awareness.

The following libraries are participating in the summer 2017 Inclusive Internship program:

Alexandria Library (Alexandria, VA)
Anythink Libraries (Thornton, CO)
Auburn Public Library (Auburn, AL)
Blackfeet Community College (Browning, MT)
Calvert Library (Prince Frederick, MD)
Centre County Library & Historical Museum (Bellefonte, PA)
Charleston County Public Library (Charleston, SC)
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library (Charlotte, NC)
Chico Public Library, Inc. (Chico, TX)
Cleveland Public Library (Cleveland, OH)
Clinton-Macomb Public Library (Clinton Township, MI)
Cuyahoga County Public Library (Parma, OH)
Denver Public Library (Denver, CO)
El Paso Public Library (El Paso, TX)
Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library (Evansville, IN)
Great River Regional Library (St. Cloud, MN)
Haines Borough Public Library (Haines, AK)
Hennepin County Library (Minnetonka, MN)
Houston Public Library (Houston, TX)
Kenai Community Library (Kenai, AK)
Jacksonville Public Library (Jacksonville, FL)
Los Angeles Public Library (Los Angeles, CA)
Madison Public Library (Madison, WI)
Miami Public Library (Miami, OK)
Nashville Public Library (Nashville, TN)
New Orleans Public Library (New Orleans, LA)
Oakland Public Library (Oakland, CA)
Portland Public Library (Portland, ME)
Pikes Peak Library District (Colorado Springs, CO)
Saint Paul Public Library (St. Paul, MN)
Santo Domingo Pueblo Library (Santo Domingo, NM)
Skokie Public Library (Skokie, IL)
Waipahu Public Library (Waipahu, HI)

Additional information about the Inclusive Internship Initiative can be found at https://apply.ala.org/plinterns.

# # #

The Public Library Association (PLA) is the largest association dedicated to supporting the unique and evolving needs of public library professionals. Founded in 1944, PLA serves nearly 9,000 members in public libraries large and small in communities across the United States and Canada, with a growing presence around the world. PLA offers professional development opportunities, unique public library initiatives, and a conference that welcomes public library staff into meaningful partnership. In collaboration with its parent organization, the ��ý, PLA strives to help its members shape the essential institution of public libraries by serving as an indispensable ally for public library leaders.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is celebrating its 20th anniversary. IMLS is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Its mission has been to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. For the past 20 years, its grant-making, policy development, and research has helped libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Inclusive Internship Initiative to launch at Library of Congress

SHAWNDA.KAY — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 22:47:30 +0000

Inclusive Internship Initiative to launch at Library of Congress

Washington, D.C. - This summer 50 teens from diverse backgrounds and from 25 states will participate in the first-ever national Inclusive Internship Initiative, set to kick off at 9:30 a.m. on June 16, in the Madison Building of the Library of Congress. The program is the first of its kind to introduce teens to careers in librarianship.

Public libraries value equity, diversity and inclusion and are working to recruit librarians that mirror the nation’s changing demographics. Interns reflect the diversity of local communities and align with eligibility for the ��ý (ALA) Spectrum Scholarship and Century Scholars programs.

Through a pre-professional Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program Grant, Public Library Association (PLA), a division of the ��ý (ALA), will provide 50 high school juniors and seniors from underrepresented backgrounds at 39 host libraries (including Alaska and Hawaii and two tribal libraries) with competitive wages for summer jobs within libraries. Participating interns will have a unique opportunity to connect with one another and participate in training sessions on June 16 and 17 with some of our nation’s most renowned library leaders, including Felton Thomas, Jr., President, Public Library Association; Robert Newlen, Deputy Librarian for Institutional Advancement, Library of Congress; and Robin Dale, Acting Deputy Director of Libraries, Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Members of the media interested in attending the event, or speaking with participating interns, library mentors or session leaders are welcome to contact Shawnda Hines, Press Officer, ��ýWashington Office, (202) 628-8410, or shines@alawash.org.

SHAWNDA.KAY Mon, 06/12/2017 - 17:47

Awards (Scholarships & Grants)

Diversity

Inclusive Internships

Contact:

Shawnda Hines

Press Officer

��ýWashington Office

shines@alawash.org

(202) 628-8410

Inclusive Internships

Host libraries sought for 2020 PLA Inclusive Internship Initiative

Applications due February 3rd

Related Links

PLA to host free "office hours" webinar for prospective Inclusive Internship host libraries

Related Links

PLA Inclusive Internship Initiative kicks off for summer 2019

*Intern will be shared by two nearby libraries

Related Links

Host libraries sought for 2019 PLA Inclusive Internship Initiative

Applications due February 1st

Related Links

Public Library Association announces library cohort for 2018 Inclusive Internship Initiative

Related Links

Public Library Association to offer diversity-focused youth internship program in 2018

Applications due March 25

Related Links

Nationwide library internship program to hold commencement program in Chicago

Related Links

Public Library Association hosts Washington, D.C. kickoff event for inclusive summer internship program

Related Links

Inclusive Internship Initiative to launch at Library of Congress