The Jay Jordan IFLA / OCLC Early Career Development
Fellowship Program provides early career development and continuing education
for library and information science professionals from countries with developing
economies. The program is jointly
sponsored by the International Federation of Library Associations and
Institutions (IFLA) and OCLC.
On an annual basis program sponsors select up to
five individuals to participate in a four-week intensive
Fellowship program based at OCLC’s headquarters in
Dublin, Ohio, USA. Topics and issues
include information technologies and their impact on libraries, library
operations and management, and global cooperative librarianship.
Fellows visit selected libraries and cultural
heritage institutions, meet with leading information professionals and observe
OCLC’s governance structure in action.
The Fellows gain insight into issues affecting global library
cooperation and are exposed to the governance of a global library
cooperative. Key services and activities
of program sponsors IFLA and OCLC are highlighted. Fellows have numerous opportunities to meet
leading practitioners and discuss real-world solutions to the challenges facing
libraries today.
Fellows translate their learning and experiences
into specific professional development plans that guide their continued growth
as well as their personal contributions to their home institutions and country
of origin.
Eligibility
Promising library and information science
professionals who are in early stages of career development and who meet all of
the qualifications are encouraged to apply.
Applicants must:
Be employed in a library or information center.
Have a qualifying degree in library or information
science. The qualifying degree may vary depending
upon country of origin, but should be the general library or information
science degree recognized in the country.
Normally a PhD is not considered a qualifying degree, because theFellowship
program is targeted for early career librarians.
Have obtained the qualifying degree between
January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2013.
Have at least three years, but no more than eight
years, of library or information science experience. For the 2015 program, applicants must have
library or information science experience that begins no earlier than January
1, 2006 and no later than January 1, 2011.
Be a legal national from a qualifying country (see
list of Qualifying Countries) and be working as a librarian or information
science professional in that country.
Read and speak English proficiently.
Be prepared to work as a team member with other
Fellows and to participate as required in this fast-paced program.
Have a valid passport.
Be able to obtain documentation permitting legal
entry into the United States or any other country required for program
participation.
Application
Procedures
For consideration, qualified applicants must
prepare and submit an application, including an electronic copy of their
qualifying library or information science degree diploma. The application must follow the content outline
and format described in the document “2015 Application.” The completed
application, including diploma copy, PLUS two letters of recommendation must be
received by OCLC no later than February 14, 2014. The application and letters of recommendation
must be in English.
