We are issuing a call for applications for the IRDL Online 2024. We are seeking novice librarian researchers who are employed by academic libraries or by libraries in a research setting in the United States or Canada, employed full-time as a librarian or archivist, to participate in the Institute. Employment may be permanent, term, visiting, or in a residency. We define “novice” broadly; if you feel that you would benefit from being guided throughout the entire research design process, we encourage your application. Librarians of all levels of professional experience are welcome to apply.

The year-long experience begins with the Summer Research Workshop, delivered in an online format, weekdays 9:00 a.m. - 1: 30 p.m. (Pacific), from May 27-June 7, 2024. Each Scholar will participate in synchronous components of the Summer Workshop from 9a.m. - 1:30 p.m. (Pacific) and can also expect to complete four hours of daily asynchronous work like watching recorded lectures, completing homework assignments, and revising research proposals.

We seek librarians with a passion for research and a desire to improve their research skills. IRDL is designed to bring together all that the literature tells us about the necessary conditions for librarians to conduct valid and reliable research in an institutional setting. The cohort will be chosen from a selective submission process, with an emphasis on enthusiasm for research and diversity from a variety of perspectives, including ethnicity and type and size of library.

Selection criteria:

  • Commitment to the year-long process of participating in the IRDL Online research community and conducting the proposed study within the 2024-2025 academic year;
  • Significance of the research problem to the operational success of libraries or to the profession of librarianship;
  • Thoughtfulness, thoroughness, and clarity of the research proposal;
  • Enthusiasm for research and a desire to learn.

Scholars accepted to the Institute will be notified in early March 2024. Application information may be found on our Prepare Your Proposal page.

Please contact one of the Program Directors with any questions about the Institute or the application process. You may contact them using our contact form.