In the summer of 2022, fellows from HBCUs will join peers in a month-long, funded and facilitated program. Each will receive

• full travel, lodging, and registration expenses for the DLF Forum and Learn@DLF workshops (October 9-12) in Baltimore, MD 
• facilitated mentoring (with each Fellow selecting two volunteer mentors: one from an HBCU Library Alliance member organization and another from the DLF community, and given discussion prompts to provide a backbone for conversations and exchange)
• access to an always-available Slack space, email list, and a month of facilitated, synchronous, online networking and learning sessions

To Apply

Authenticity Project fellows will be early- to mid-career librarians, archivists, or other library employees who currently work at HBCUs and are interested in advancing their knowledge, skills, and professional connections in digital library work. Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to meaningful, community-building ideas and projects in their statement of purpose.

Update – April 2022: Applications are no longer being accepted. We have no information on future opportunities at this time. Please check back! 

Each fellow will be supported by two experienced library professionals from the HBCU Library Alliance and DLF communities. 

Over the course of the one-month fellowship program, mentors will share their career experience and knowledge of HBCU and PWI libraries and/or knowledge of the digital library field and provide collegial support, networking assistance, and serve as sounding-boards for fellows. Every mentor will receive access to training on mentorship prior to the program start, connect with a supportive community of peers, will support fellows’ learning through weekly discussions on specific topics, and will be granted $750 stipends in acknowledgment of their time and commitment to the program. 

To volunteer

DLF and the HBCU Library Alliance seek participants who are willing to share their expertise and are committed to promoting positive, systemic change in the library field, including by broadening career pathways and professional advancement for HBCU library staff.

Fellows will have the opportunity to choose their mentors based on shared interests. Those who are matched will commit to participating in two mentor training sessions as well as the month-long fellowship program and are eligible to participate in both 2022 cohorts if selected by a fellow in each cohort.

Update – May 2022: Volunteers are no longer being accepted.

Cohort dates: 

May 20, 27, + 29 (last session optional): mentor training
Program dates: July 11 – August 5

Weekly webinars:

During weekly sessions jointly facilitated by leaders in the HBCU Library Alliance and DLF, fellows will learn about and discuss meaningful topics together. Past sessions have touched on project management, grant-writing, and self-care, but are directed by cohort interests.

Chats:

Fellows and their mentors will receive thematic prompts for weekly chats, which can be conducted over video-conferencing or by phone. These are meant to keep the lines of communication open and help to deepen relationships and mutual understanding.

The DLF Forum:

All Fellows will be fully funded to attend Learn@DLF workshops and the DLF Forum in the autumn, where they will join other Forum fellows in special networking events and have the opportunity to present on their work.

Outcomes for fellows:

Through the program, individuals will

• find safe and supportive spaces for professional growth within their fellowship cohorts
• forge meaningful relationships with mentoring LIS professionals and staff/board members at the HBCU Library Alliance and Digital Library Federation
• engage in regular networking sessions and in-depth discussions that encourage conversation and relationship- and skill-building
• receive full support to attend and present at the DLF Forum and Learn@DLF workshop events in their fellowship year