Fully Funded Fellowship in USA is by OCLC and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). The application is open for the library professionals to participate in the 2019 Jay Jordan IFLA/OCLC Early Career Development Fellowship Program. The Fellowship Program, sponsored by IFLA and OCLC, is a four-week program based at OCLC headquarters in Dublin, Ohio, USA, that provides education and professional development opportunities for early career librarians from countries with developing economies. The 2019 program will run from 16 March to 12 April 2019.

The Fellows visit many libraries, cultural heritage institutions and library organizations. They also observe OCLC’s governance structure in action, gaining insight into issues affecting the global library cooperative. In addition, Fellows give presentations about their home countries and libraries and discuss real-world solutions to the challenges facing libraries today. The Fellows then 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.

Fellowship Benefits

The award provides the following for each Fellow:

• Airfare, coach class, from the recipient’s home country to the United States and return trip to the recipient’s home country (transportation to and from the airport in the recipient’s home country is the responsibility of the award recipient). Note: All travel arrangements must be made through OCLC’s travel agency;
• Transportation-related to library visits (arranged by OCLC);
• Lodging (arranged by OCLC);
• Subsistence, including meals;
• Medical insurance (arranged by OCLC).

Eligibility

• Be employed in a library or information center;
• Be a legal national from a developing country and be working as a librarian or information science professional in that country;
• 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;
• Have obtained the qualifying degree within the past five years;
• Have at least three years, but no more than eight years, of library or information science experience;
• 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;
• Provide documentation from your employer confirming support for your application and willingness to release you from work to travel to the United States for participation in the four-week Fellowship Program.

Application Procedure

Qualified applicants should prepare and submit:

• An application in Word or PDF
• Two letters of recommendation with original signatures, and
• A letter from your employer confirming support for your application and willingness to release you from work to travel to the United States for participation in the 2019 program (March 16-April 12, 2019) if you are selected as a Fellow