FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the NC State University Libraries Fellows Program?
- When do you hire Fellows?
- What will I be working on?
- How many Fellows are hired each year?
- Who is eligible to apply?
- I graduated earlier than the listed eligibility dates; can I still apply?
- I am graduating from an MLS program that is not ALA accredited, but hopes to be in the future, am I eligible to apply?
- When should I apply?
- How do I apply?
- Is there a deadline for applications?
- To whom do I address my cover letter?
- Who should I list as references?
- After I have applied, how do I know how the search is proceeding?
- After I have applied, how do I update my application materials, including contact information?
- How can I find out more about the NC State University Libraries Fellows Program?
What is the NC State University Libraries Fellows Program?
The NC State University Libraries is well known for its digital research and learning initiatives, technological advances such as immersive visualization, support for open scholarship, interdisciplinary teaching and learning, public engagement with research, and commitment to fostering a welcoming environment of belonging and well-being for all—all of which help to redefine the future of librarianship. We seek out candidates with interests and aptitudes in these areas, and Fellows’ assignments reflect these areas of focus. The Fellows Program is a three-year post-MLS residency program aimed at recruiting a diverse pool of top graduates with demonstrated leadership potential, and to develop expertise in an area of institutional focus, such as: science or engineering, current and emerging digital skills and technologies, or in management and administration of libraries.
When do you hire Fellows?
We hire a new class of Fellows every year. Fellows are hired for a term of three years. The majority of Fellows begin in July, following spring graduation. Others start in August, following summer graduation.
What will I be working on?
Fellows perform as entry-level librarians with their time during the first 18 months being divided between two Libraries departments–allowing the Fellows to develop their interests and expertise in two functional areas of academic librarianship. The second 18 months will typically focus on areas that have emerged over the course of the Fellowship, taking into consideration both the Libraries’ needs and the professional interests and goals of the Fellow. The Libraries recognizes that self-determination is an important consideration in a Fellowship experience like this. During the interview process, candidates learn about the Libraries' departments and initiatives. They are given the opportunity to indicate their preferences for their dual department assignments, and those preferences are considered in determining their placements.
Every year, Libraries departments submit proposals outlining ways in which a Fellow could contribute to one of the Libraries' major initiatives. Those that meet the Libraries' criteria comprise the list of choices for Fellows that year. This list of proposals is then sent to those candidates chosen for interview. Candidates have the opportunity to find out more about the proposals during interview sessions with potential supervisors. Each candidate is then asked to rank the home and initiative assignments that most interest them. Assigned placements are later made based on the needs of the Libraries and the interests of the incoming Fellow.
How many Fellows are hired each year?
The number of Fellows hired varies from year to year depending on the needs of the Libraries. Typically, however, around two Fellows are hired for each cohort.
Who is eligible to apply?
Recent graduates of ALA-accredited MLS or MIS programs are eligible to apply. The exact eligibility degree dates are published each year with the vacancy announcement.
I graduated earlier than the listed eligibility dates; can I still apply?
Unfortunately, no, the program is designed for new graduates and we must adhere to the job specifications as advertised every year. If you received your diploma earlier than the published dates, you can no longer apply to the Fellows program, but please keep an eye on our Jobs page for other professional opportunities.
I am graduating from an MLS program that is not ALA-accredited, but hopes to be in the future. Am I eligible to apply?
We can only consider applicants who have graduated from programs that are accredited at the time of their graduation.
When should I apply?
Early! The vacancy announcement for the new Fellows class is posted to our website in the Fall of the year prior to the anticipated start date for the new cohort of Fellows. That means you might be applying for the Fellows program anywhere from a few months to an entire year before you graduate.
How do I apply?
All candidates must apply through the online application system administered by NC State University Human Resources. You will be asked to fill out a short application and to attach your résumé or CV, a cover letter, and a list of four professional references.
Is there a deadline for applications?
Our "anticipated closing date" is often around the end of December or early January, but encourage you to apply sooner. We typically interview in February-March.
To whom do I address my cover letter?
We suggest you address your letter "Dear Members of the Nomination Committee." The committee membership changes annually and will be posted on our website with the vacancy announcement.
Who should I list as references?
We ask for four professional references. Ideally these could include supervisors in a library or research setting, but they may include professors or supervisors in jobs not related to librarianship. Please be sure to provide their contact information, including their name, title, institution, email, and phone number. It is also helpful to explain your relationships to this person (for example, where you worked or studied with this person, if they are a current supervisor, a colleague, etc.). Please note that we do not encourage unsolicited emails, calls, or letters of reference.
After I have applied, how do I know how the search is proceeding?
After you apply for the Fellows Program through the online application system, you will receive an acknowledgment from our Libraries Human Resources office. If we require further information from you or if you are selected for an interview, we will contact you at the email address or phone number you provided in your application materials. When finalist candidates have been selected, we will notify those applicants who were not selected for interviews.
After I have applied, how do I update my application materials, including contact information?
If you need to update anything on your application materials, you will need to do so through the online system, as Libraries staff is not allowed to alter or update your application materials. Email employment@ncsu.edu and include the job title and number in the subject line of your email. In the body of the email, explain the changes or attach any updated documents.
How can I find out more about the NC State University Libraries Fellows Program?
We visit some of the top library and information schools every year in an effort to spread the word about the program and meet the best and brightest students. We often provide presentations (virtual and in-person), as well as conduct informational interviews with interested students. If we will not be visiting your school or you have any questions, please contact Tarida Anantachai, Director, Talent Management at tananta@ncsu.edu.