The University of Arizona’s School of Information Resources and Library Science seeks Applications for Knowledge River Scholars Program

School of Information Resources and Library Science (SIRLS) at the University of Arizona is currently inviting applications for the Knowledge River Scholars Program. This program offers a unique opportunity to candidates to prepare for a career as a librarian or information professional with focus on Latino and Native American communities. The program focuses on educating information professionals who have experience with and sensitivity to Latino and Native American populations. Over 120 scholars have graduated from this program since its inception.

Eligibility Conditions

Applicants for Cohort 11 must:

Submit application and receive admission to the SIRLS Master of Arts degree program. This is a prerequisite for Knowledge River admission.

To be eligible for Knowledge River admissions:

Applicant must demonstrate a strong combination of knowledge, cultural sensitivity, and commitment relating to Latino/Latina and/or Native American populations.
Applicant must be able and willing to take a minimum of 6 credit hours (two courses) per semester.
Applicant must be willing and able to be a part of the Tucson-based Knowledge River learning community.
Applicant must indicate an aspiration to seek employment in a library or information environment upon graduation, and as an LIS professional and KR Alumnus, continue to consider the needs of diverse communities.

General Requirements

Students must apply for admission to both the University of Arizona’s Graduate College and to SIRLS. Successful applicants must be approved by both the SIRLS Admission Committee and the Graduate College Admission Department. Successful applicants will then be reviewed for admission into Knowledge River and then reviewed for Knowledge River financial aid.

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance is available for a limited number of Knowledge River Scholars. Most of this aid is in the form of Graduate Assistantships. Criteria for KR financial aid are as follows:

Financial need
Demonstrated excellence in the criteria for admission to KR, including academic excellence, writing proficiency, commitment to Latino/Latina and/or Native American populations.
For KR Graduate Assistantships (GA): Applicant must be able and willing to accept a 20 hour/week GA appointment in partner libraries in the Tucson area and other information environments. To remain eligible for Graduate Assistantships, KR students must maintain a 3.0 GPA. Applicants may indicate their preferences for their graduate assistantship locations in one of the streams described in the application. The Knowledge River program will work to place accepted students in their preferred location, but the program cannot guarantee specific placements.