OSU Libraries’ fourth Diversity Scholar is Alexandria (Ally) Fripp, a second-year Master of Library and Information Science student at the University of Arizona. Alexandria has a number of experiences that will align really well with this year’s 100% remote position, and Alexandria will start the Diversity Scholar position in October.

Here are some key facets of the Diversity Scholar position:

  • The 2020-21 Diversity Scholar position is for a person of color who is enrolled in an online or distance learning library science master's program — a program that is American Library Association accredited and within the United States — who plans to graduate in the spring or summer of 2021. 
  • The position is for one nine-month appointment, October 2020-June 2021, 20 hours per week, for 30 weeks over the nine-month period. 
  • The goal of the position is to provide mentorship, professional development opportunities, and first-hand experiences working in an academic library for an MLIS student. Diversity Scholars’ projects support strategic initiatives of OSU Libraries while providing concrete and innovative opportunities for the Diversity Scholar to interact with librarians from various departments as a fully integrated member of the library faculty.

Alexandria spoke about her interest and background in her application letter:

I started working in libraries as an undergraduate student worker at my college library and became passionate about the field and the opportunities that libraries offer. As I approach my final year of my MLIS program, I have been cementing my “why” of librarianship. At my core, my goal is to work at the intersection of individuals and information and empower people of color in information environments. There is much inequality in higher education, and academic librarians can help combat it by working with students and their informational needs. I am dedicated to making a difference.

Alexandria will be joining the Diversity Scholar for 2019-20, Valeria Davila Gronros, who will be continuing. More info about the Diversity Scholar program is at https://guides.library.oregonstate.edu/diversity-scholars-program.

Posted - September 21, 2020