Plan and implement a two-day forum at which professionals from archives, special collections, library and information science (LIS) programs, hbcus, and related organizations will explore the content,…

The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded a $217,498 Project Grant to the Califa Group under the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (CFDA 45.313) to plan and implement a two-day forum exploring the components needed for a diverse library and information science workforce. The forum will bring together professionals from archives, special collections, library programs, historically black colleges and universities, and related organizations to identify skills required for success and develop a toolkit, online internship model, and draft curricula with a focus on archives and special collections work. Beneficiaries include current and future archives and special collections professionals and scholars. The period of performance is September 30, 2022 through September 30, 2025.

Plan and implement a two-day forum at which professionals from archives, special collections, library and information science (LIS) programs, hbcus, and related organizations will explore the content, components, and considerations necessary for the success of a program to satisfy the need for a more diverse LIS workforce, particularly among black, indigenous, and people of color (bipoc) populations. Forum participants will engage in mutual learning through keynote addresses, facilitated discussions, brainstorming, and prioritization activities. They will identify skills needed for success and will develop a toolkit, an online internship model, and a draft LIS and soft skills curricula and assessment tool with a special focus on archives and special collections work. Beneficiaries will include current and future archives and special collections professionals and scholars.