An extraordinary opportunity for an extraordinary new Children’s Librarian.



Darien Library<http://www.darienlibrary.org/> in Darien, CT is now accepting applications for the inaugural Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Fellowship.


Harold McGraw was an active supporter of Darien Library with a personal commitment to education and a belief in the important role a child's library experiences play in the beginning of life-long literacy. The McGraw family has funded the formation of a Children's Librarian Fellowship at Darien Library to honor his memory, through a two-year full-salaried position for a recent Master in Library Science graduate who:

 *   demonstrates exemplary scholarship
 *   possesses a passion for working with children and for the development of literacy
 *   shows significant leadership promise
 *   has strong personal qualities
 *   demonstrates a penchant for technology

Selection Process

The Fellowship will be open to LIS graduates from an accredited Library School in the United States or Canada who will have received his or her diploma between December 1, 2011 and July 1, 2012.

Applications will be due March 30, 2012. After initial screening, interviews for finalists will be held at a mutually convenient time and place, and the finalist will be invited to visit Darien Library for a meeting with the Fellowship Committee prior to appointment.



Term
The successful applicant will be employed at Darien Library for two years, commencing approximately July 1, 2012, with a final employment date of June 30, 2014.

Compensation
The Fellow will be paid initially at the Connecticut Library Association MLS minimum salary for entry-level positions (for 2012: $50,700) with full benefits, paid membership in CLA and ALA, and funding for attendance at the American Library Association Annual Meeting and other meetings as appropriate.

Position Parameters
The Fellow will work as a member of the Children's Services team, providing reference and reader's advisory services in addition to creating and conducting programs for children and families. The Fellow will be given specific, defined, high-stakes projects and responsibilities that will be determined by the successful candidate's skills and interests. The Fellowship will provide experience, growth, and challenges in the following areas:
·         Children's materials collection development
·         Program development, implementation, and evaluation
·         Outreach to defined areas of the community
·         Continuing education, professional development, and support
·         Access to the latest technology

This Fellowship is an opportunity to work on real-world, significant projects and gain experience in close coordination with very strong staff. The Fellow will receive direct mentoring from Gretchen Caserotti, Assistant Director for Public Services.



More information about the Fellowship and application process is available at darienlibrary.org/mcgrawfellowship