Academic Library Residency Programs: An Avenue of Success for Newly-Minted Librarians

Abstract

Library residency programs are invaluable sources for recruiting and developing professional librarians in academic libraries. In academia, some residency programs offer candidates the opportunity to work towards obtaining their M.L.S. degrees while working for a small stipend and health insurance up to a maximum period of two years as a student librarian. Other academic library programs offer the post M.L.S. degree residency position within the first year of obtaining the degree. Often, a first year librarian salary is offered with an excellent benefit package that may include a line item to cover moving expenses. A well designed residency program can be a window of opportunity and not just a crafty human resources recruitment tool. From the perspective of the M.L.S. student seeking an academic librarian position, the process of obtaining a position may seem daunting because most position descriptions found in academic libraries require one to two years of professional experience. Going through a residency program can help fill such a requirement. Residency programs encourage professional development of new librarians and allow them to learn from colleagues who can enrich their knowledge base of this profession.