The Metadata Research Center (MRC) at Drexel University’s College of Computing & Informatics (CCI), in partnership with Montana State University Library, UC San Diego Library, OCLC, and project LEADING Mentors/institutions, invites early-to-mid career library professionals and doctoral students to participate in the LIS Education and Data Science-Integrated Network Group (LEADING) program. This is a virtual fellowship program supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The application deadline is Monday, February 28, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
LEADING Fellows will complete the following:
- Self-paced online preparatory curriculum (10 to 15 hours during May 2022)
- Intensive four-day data science boot camp at Drexel University with other LEADING fellows
*Accommodations and COVID-19 pandemic adjustments are possible
- Six-month virtual data science internship at a LEADING hub or node. View project descriptions on the LEADING website (*Note: LEADING fellows may have on-site interaction, depending on their location)
- Development of a communication plan to connect with mentor(s) on a regular basis
- Development of research output (e.g., a paper, poster, presentation, published data, etc.)
- Completion of final report documenting methods, outputs and recommendations for project mentors (template to be provided)
Fellowship Support
- Fellowship stipend: up to $6,000 USD (~15 hours per week, July to December 2022)
- Barring COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, travel support provided to present project outcomes at a relevant conference or other venue. Travel support also provided for fellows to visit mentor(s)
Fellowship Eligibility
- Early and mid-career applicants: must hold a master’s degree earned by or before May 2022 (LIS or other disciplines acceptable)
- Doctoral students: need to be enrolled in iSchool or ALA-accredited LIS programs or a connected program
- International applicants must reside in the U.S., have access to CPT support through your institution, and be eligible to work in the U.S.
Application Requirements: Visit the LEADING application page
Applicants must complete the application form and upload the requested application materials:
- A one-page statement sharing your interest in the LEADING program and the selected fellowship sites. Your one-page statement must address why you seek to learn about the intersection of library science and data science, and your career goals
- A resume (one to two pages)
- For doctoral students: A letter of reference from your advisor or a mentor
- For early-to mid-career professionals: A letter of reference from a current or recent supervisor
- Rank your top three choices for your data science fellowship placement
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity (DE&I)
The LEADING program is committed to attracting and recruiting a diverse cohort of fellows. The LEADING team will strive to provide learning environments that are welcoming, inclusive and equitable. The College demonstrates its commitment and support through the CCI Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council with representation of current students (undergraduate and graduate), faculty and professional staff. The Council works to support CCI and University-led DE&I initiatives.
LEADING is funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), as part of the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program. The LEADING project includes hubs at Drexel University, Montana State University, OCLC Research, University of California, San Diego, and the following member nodes: Academy of Natural Sciences; AI-Collaboratory, University of Maryland iSchool; California Digital Library; Dryad; Kislak Center for Special Collections, University of Pennsylvania Libraries; Loretta C. Duckworth Scholars Studio, LYRASIS, Temple University Libraries; Movement Alliance Project; Research Organization Registry; Smithsonian Libraries; University of New Mexico; University of North Texas, and the University of Rochester.