The Ohio Center for the Book (OCFB) at Cleveland Public Library announces an inaugural Scholar-in-Residence position to enhance the Library’s programming and outreach while providing a scholar with the support to explore research and scholarship interests. The position provides a $4,000 stipend along with an additional $1,000 programming allowance. OCFB will accept applications for the inaugural Scholar-in-Residence program from June 1-30, 2018.
The Scholar-in-Residence will support, plan, and promote programming related to OCFB initiatives that may include the Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards, It’s Time to Talk, Cleveland Public Poetry, Poetry Out Loud, the Mike Curtis Collection of Superman Memorabilia, Octavofest, Read Ohio, Get Graphic!, the National Book Festival, Choose to Read Ohio, or other related programs.
“Our Scholar-in-Residence applicants have the opportunity to propose the type of OCFB programming that aligns with their own research interests,” says Amy Dawson, OCFB Manager. “In general, we’re looking for applicants who embrace literacy and lifelong learning. We love working with smart, engaged people who are eager to help others understand and appreciate their scholarship interests.”
In 2016, OCFB’s pilot Scholar-in-Residence position was held by Kent State University doctoral student Valentino Zullo, who developed twice-monthly comic book discussions and other programming surrounding comics. Based on the success of Zullo’s work, OCFB set out to formally define the position and support it with a stipend.
The Library’s objectives for the Scholar-in-Residence position include promoting literacy; supporting critical thinking; encouraging cultural diversity; increasing and broadening patron and user participation in literature; encouraging literacy by connecting patrons and users with innovative ways to read and discuss literary works; promoting relationships and connections with local and statewide agencies; and more.
Position Requirements
- The Scholar-In-Residence will support, plan, and promote related OCFB programming for no fewer than 150 hours. The majority of this time (120 hours) will be devoted to patron engagement while the remaining hours may be used for planning and promotion.
- The Scholar-In-Residence will be responsible for producing an end-of-project summary.
- While the position is generally slated for 2018-2019, programming dates are flexible depending on the scholar’s proposal. The position may begin as soon as September 1, 2018, but a scholar interested in programming in the spring or summer of 2019 may arrange to begin at a later date in 2019.
- All programming created and led by the Scholar-in-Residence must be free and open to the public. Programs will take place at Cleveland Public Library or at outside venues in the Cleveland area, though applicants are welcome to propose partnerships with institutions located elsewhere in Ohio.
Application Guidelines
- Applicants must live in Ohio. Interested applicants who live outside of the Greater Cleveland area are welcome and encouraged to apply, but OCFB is unable to grant financial or logistical support for travel or accommodations.
- While OCFB has not outlined specific educational requirements for this position, desirable applicants will likely have significant educational backgrounds, graduate training, and/or related experience.
- Applicants must submit a resume or CV, an OCFB Scholar-in-Residence application form with a 500-word statement of purpose, and two letters of recommendation. Applicants should specify the type of programming they wish to explore, as well as how that programming aligns with their scholarship interests and experience, in the statement of purpose.
- Applications will be accepted June 1-30, 2018 and should be submitted via email to OhioCenterForTheBook@cpl.org. Recommenders should submit their letters of recommendation directly to OCFB via email within two weeks following the June 30 application deadline.
Funding for this position is supported by the Malon/Schroeder Endowment Fund, which sustains programs and activities related to the Ohio Center for the Book concept, encouraging people to develop their interests in reading, writing, publishing, and using books.
Scholar-in-Residence applications will be reviewed by the OCFB Manager, a Cleveland Public Library administrator, a representative of the State Library of Ohio, and a representative of the Ohioana Library Association. The Scholar-in-Residence will be chosen by the end of August 2018.
“Above all, we’re looking for creativity and passion,” says Dawson.
To learn more, please visit the OCFB blog.
About OCFB
The Ohio Center for the Book at Cleveland Public Library is dedicated to promoting and celebrating books, reading, literacy, and libraries to Ohio’s citizens and the book community at large. The Ohio Center for the Book also maintains a growing collection of fiction and non-fiction books written by Ohio authors. This circulating collection is housed in the Literature Department at Cleveland Public Library.