Program Overview

The Jay Jordan IFLA / OCLC Early Career Development Fellowship Program provides early career development and continuing education for library and information science professionals from countries with developing economies. The program is jointly sponsored by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and OCLC.

On an annual basis program sponsors select up to five individuals to participate in a four-week intensive Fellowship program based at OCLC’s headquarters in Dublin, Ohio, USA. Topics and issues include information technologies and their impact on libraries, library operations and management, and global cooperative librarianship. Fellows visit selected libraries and cultural heritage institutions, meet with leading information professionals and observe OCLC’s governance structure in action.

The Fellows gain insight into issues affecting global library cooperation and are exposed to the governance of a global library cooperative. Key services and activities of program sponsors IFLA and OCLC are highlighted. Fellows have numerous opportunities to meet leading practitioners and discuss real-world solutions to the challenges facing libraries today. Fellows translate their learning and experiences into specific professional development plans that guide their continued growth as well as their personal contributions to their home institutions and country of origin.

Eligibility

Promising library and information science professionals who are in early stages of career development and who meet all of the qualifications are encouraged to apply. Applicants must:

Be employed in a library or information center.

• Have a qualifying degree in library or information science. The qualifying degree may vary depending upon country of origin, but should be the general library or information science degree recognized in the country. Normally a PhD is not considered a qualifying degree, because the Fellowship program is targeted for early career librarians.
• Have obtained the qualifying degree between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2015.
• Have at least three years, but no more than eight years, of library or information science experience. For the 2017 program, applicants must have library or information science experience that begins no earlier than January 1, 2008 and no later than January 1, 2013.
• Be a legal national from a qualifying country (see list of Qualifying Countries) and be working as a librarian or information science professional in that country.
• Read and speak English proficiently.
• Be prepared to work as a team member with other Fellows and to participate as required in this fast-paced program.
• Have a valid passport.
• Be able to obtain documentation permitting legal entry into the United States or any other country required for program participation.

Application Procedures

For consideration, qualified applicants must prepare and submit an application, including an electronic copy of their qualifying library or information science degree diploma. The application must follow the content outline and format described in the document “2017 Application.” The completed application, including diploma copy, PLUS two letters of recommendation must be received by OCLC no later than February 12, 2016. The application and letters of recommendation must be in English.

Selection Process and Award Notification

All applications and letters of recommendation received by the deadline will be reviewed for completeness and responsiveness to the application criteria. Materials (applications, letters of recommendation and diploma copies) received after February 12, 2016 will not be considered. Due to high volume, committee members will not respond to inquiries about application status. A specially appointed Selection Committee, comprised of representatives from the sponsoring organizations, will evaluate and score the applications and propose award winners to the Program Director, Education and Professional Development, OCLC, who shall have final selection authority. Award recipients will be contacted via email in July 2016 to confirm their participation. Award recipients will be announced at the World Library and Information Congress: 82nd IFLA General Conference and Assembly in Columbus, Ohio, August 2016. Names of award recipients will be posted on the OCLC website after the announcement is made at the IFLA General Conference.

Provisions of Award

The award provides the following for each Fellow:

• Airfare, coach class, from the recipient’s home country to the United States and return trip to the recipient’s home country (transportation to and from the airport in the recipient’s home country is the responsibility of the award recipient). Note: All travel arrangements must be made through OCLC’s travel agency.
• Transportation related to library visits (arranged by OCLC).  Lodging (arranged by OCLC).
• Subsistence, including meals.
• Medical insurance (arranged by OCLC). The award does not provide for (and award recipient is responsible for):
• Any costs associated with preparing and submitting an application.
• Any costs associated with obtaining a valid passport, passport photo, visas, document processing, or other costs associated with entering the United States or any other country legally except as noted, above.
• Any costs associated with medical treatment that is not covered by medical insurance.
• Any costs associated with travel unrelated to Fellowship activities, entertainment, personal effects, clothing, toiletries, souvenirs, or other incidental expenses incurred by the award recipient.
• Any costs other than those specifically enumerated, above.

This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:

https://www.oclc.org/about/awards.en.html