Welcome to the ARL Research Library Residency Programs Database Web site. The database is a free, Web-based registry for descriptions of residency programs and internships in academic and research libraries and/or library and information science educational programs. Anyone is welcome to search the database or submit listings.

Residency programs play a vital role in the recruitment and professional development of newly credentialed librarians. The Association of Library and Information Science Educators (ALISE) laid the groundwork for residencies in its 1992 "Guidelines for Practices and Principles in the Design, Operation, and Evaluation of Post-Master's Residency Programs." These guidelines define residency programs as "the post-degree work experience designed as an entry level program for professionals who have received the MLS degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association."

The Association of Research Libraries supports residency programs and their role in the recruitment and training of new professionals. ARL collects and provides access to residency information on a broad range of career opportunities for future and new professionals. ARL is particularly interested in attracting new and transitioning professionals to careers in research libraries.

ARL is committed to continuing its support of residency programs in libraries and has:

• redesigned the Web site for the ARL Residency Programs Database;
• created an electronic community for professionals managing residency programs and those past and current participants in residency programs (if you are interested in joining the group, send an e-mail to divlmgr@arl.org); and
• tentatively planned a post-conference session to be held in October 2008, after the National Diversity in Libraries Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, to discuss the future of library residency programs.

For more information about ARL's Diversity Initiatives, please contact Jerome Offord Jr., Director of Diversity Initiatives, at jerome@arl.org.