Midamerica nazarene university's (MNU) mabee library will formalize and disseminate an existing model that reframes undergraduate library employment as an intentional environment for vocational…

The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded Midamerica Nazarene University $197,680 on September 1, 2026, under the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (CFDA 45.313) to formalize and disseminate a model that reframes undergraduate library employment as intentional vocational exploration and formation in academic librarianship. The recipient will produce an open educational resource toolkit enabling academic libraries to adapt and implement the model in their student employment programs and strengthen recruitment pathways into the profession. The model, developed through practice at MNU's Mabee Library, structures undergraduate library work as apprenticeship within academic library professional culture, incorporating authentic library practice, collaboration with academic librarians, structured reflection, mentoring relationships, and peer learning. Performance takes place in Lenexa, Kansas, with a period of performance from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2028.

Midamerica nazarene university's (MNU) mabee library will formalize and disseminate an existing model that reframes undergraduate library employment as an intentional environment for vocational exploration and formation in academic librarianship. Developed through several years of practice at MNU, the model helps undergraduate library workers interpret their employment as apprenticeship within the professional culture of the academic library rather than simply campus work. Students participate in authentic library practice, collaborate with academic librarians, and engage in structured reflection, mentoring relationships, and peer learning. This community-centered implementation project will produce an open educational resource (OER) toolkit that enables academic libraries to adapt and implement the model in their own student employment programs and strengthen recruitment pathways into academic librarianship.