Librarian-In-Residence Program

In 2003, a library task force was created to draft a proposal for a new Librarian-In-Residence Program at the U of A Libraries. The Task Force based its proposal on the Pauline A. Young Residency Program at the University of Delaware. The purpose of the U of A program is to increase the diversity of professional staff at the University Libraries and to encourage the involvement of underrepresented groups in academic librarianship. This purpose is congruent with and in fulfillment of the University's third objective of the Diversity Plan for the University of Arkansas: Create a U of A community that includes members of diverse groups. University goals include increasing student enrollments; strengthening academic quality and reputation, especially through the Honors College and Graduate School; and enhancing diversity among the faculty, students, and staff.

In concert with these goals and in this growth environment, the Libraries have identified strategic initiatives to meet increasing expectations of students and faculty, including the establishment of this position. The University Libraries hold over 1.7 million volumes to support the learning, teaching, and research needs of those at Arkansas's only major research university. The Libraries participate in the Greater Western Library Alliance, the Center for Research Libraries, the Coalition for Networked Information, Amigos Library Services, and OCLC. Library personnel include 25 library faculty, 82 professional and support staff, 3 library graduate assistants, and 61 hourly and work study employees.

In 2007, the Libraries activated the Program and began recruiting for its first Librarian-In-Residence/Visiting Assistant Professor.