ĢƵ

Master of Information Studies Fellowship for Black Students

ĢƵ

Black Student Librarian Fellowship Program

The Black Student Librarian Fellowship Program offers the opportunity for a Black student to pursue a Master of Information Studies (MISt) degree at ĢƵ and to work part-time as a student librarian (or archivist) at the ĢƵ Libraries. This initiative is a partnership between the ĢƵ School of Information Studies, and the ĢƵ Libraries.

Eligibility

The program is open to students with Quebec residency status. Students must also be accepted into the Master of Information Studies (MISt) program at ĢƵ and begin their studies in the Fall 2026 term.

Objectives of the Black Student Librarian Fellowship program:

  • To support a Black student in obtaining a master’s degree in the field of library and information studies while gaining practical library work experience.
  • To foster a culture of diversity and inclusion among members of the library team.
  • To offer the opportunity for a Black student to contribute to the ĢƵ Libraries and to the wider ĢƵ community.
  • To provide the student with a wide exposure to the range of activities in an academic library setting including the opportunity to work in reference, instruction, special collections, library technology, and on special projects. Placements will be made in an area of professional interest to the Fellow and that address an area of need in the host library.
  • To allow the student the opportunity to develop experience in areas of interest to begin a successful career in academic librarianship or archives.

The program is two years in length. It is expected that the Black student librarian will complete their master’s degree within that time.

Features of the MISt program of study to award recipients

  • MISt degree tuition is funded by the School of Information Studies for two years.
  • Access to all support services for Black students at ĢƵ.

Features of the practical work experience program for award recipients

  • A part-time paid position in the ĢƵ Library (downtown or Macdonald campus). The position entails a guarantee of 15 hours of work per week from September to April. The rate of pay is currently @22.11/hour.
  • Supervision and mentorship by professional librarians.
  • Support from programs and groups that are part of the Black Campus Community.

Applications

Eligible incoming students may apply before confirming acceptance of the MISt program. However, acceptance into the student librarian program is dependent upon the student enrolling full-time in a Master’s degree program leading to a MISt.

Application deadline: January 15th 2026 (same as the MISt application deadline)

To apply:

  • Submit a statement of interest in the Black Student Librarian Fellowship program
    • The statement should specify:
      • Your goals for the fellowship
      • Future plans in the field of library and information studies
      • A statement confirming your eligibility for the program
      • You may (optionally) also include one letter of recommendation from an instructor, supervisor (past or present), or a member of the community.
    • Send your statement of interest by email to studentaffairs.sis [at] mcgill.ca, with the subject heading “Black Student Librarian Fellowship application”
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