Library Diversity and Residency Studies Call for Editors

Summary:

The new journal entitled Library Diversity and Residency Studies (LDRS) is actively seeking applications for its inaugural editorial team. Founded as part of the 2018 Library Diversity Institutes project funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, LDRS provides a public forum for the following:

• Peer-reviewed articles examining specific questions concerning library diversity programs, with a special emphasis on diversity residency programs (see below)
• Invited contributions about specific residency programs; such contributions may include:
  • Summary information on the nature, purposes, and best practices associated with library diversity residencies
  • Curricular materials which seek to better prepare diversity residents for their residency experiences
  • Reports, opinion pieces and narratives from residents about their experiences and reflections
• Other submissions on a broad variety of topics which inform and provide guidance concerning diversity and equity programs in library settings

What are Library Diversity Residents?

Diversity residency librarian programs are post-MLIS programs aimed at providing recently graduated professionals with real work experience, with the expressed goal of recruiting and retaining a more-diverse workforce in professional librarianship. 

Start-up Process for New Journal

The first year of the journal (2019-2020) will be devoted to start-up activities, including (but not limited to) establishing an ongoing editorial board with staggered terms (see below), initial special issues stipulated in the IMLS grant, and basic technical tasks associated with establishing a new journal (implementation of journal management software, development of style guides, etc.). During the start-up period the project principal investigators and project team members will serve as the founding editorial board. The first cohort of the ongoing editorial board will be recruited by the time of ALA Annual 2019, and will then engage in a 6-9 month planning process with the founding board to work through start-up activities. Consultants from the Library Publishing Coalition may be hired to advise in this process. 

Ongoing Editorial Board Members Sought

Ongoing editorial board members will serve terms of 3 years (starting in July of any given year), and can serve one additional sequential term of 3 years. The following categories of editors are solicited:

Peer Review Editors: Will typically be either working librarians or Library & Information Science faculty. Peer review editors should be knowledgeable concerning the topics of the journal, and will be responsible for reading, initial proof-reading, and providing substantive comments on peer reviewed submissions to the journal, as well as making recommendations for acceptance or rejection to the Managing Editors. Peer review editors will also assist the Managing Editors in formulating special thematic issues, identifying and soliciting prospective authors, and promoting the journal. Will be expected to meet deadlines for review and embrace rigorous standards in publishing. 

Copy Editors: Will typically be graduate students or paraprofessionals. Will be responsible for preparing submissions for publication, including second proof-reading, style guide checks, formatting, citation checking, and putting articles online. Copy editors will work under the general supervision of the Managing Editors, and will be expected to meet publication deadlines and be thorough in their attention to detail. 

Managing Editors: Will typically be either working librarians or Library & Information Science faculty. A small number (1-3) of experienced and motivated individuals are sought to serve as leaders of the Editorial Board, collaboratively directing and coordinating the publication activities of the journal. The terms of Managing Editors should be staggered such that there is always one serving as the current Editor in Chief, and at least one in training and preparation to serve as the next Editor in Chief. Responsibilities will be broad and general, and will require demonstrated vision for the future of the journal. Managing Editors will also be responsible for subsequent calls for future Editorial Board members and selection processes. 

Application and Selection Process

We are soliciting applicants for all of the editorial types listed above. Interested persons should send an email with an attached letter of application and a current C.V. to the email address library.diversity@uncg.edu by May 24. The application letter should be addressed to the members of the Library Diversity and Residency Studies Editorial Selection Committee. The letter should identify which type of editorial position the applicant is applying for, and articulate the candidate’s knowledge and interests concerning diversity in library settings, any knowledge of library residents, editorial experience, technical knowledge, and other relevant considerations.

The project principal investigators will serve as the initial selection committee and notify applicants of decisions by June 7, 2019. An initial optional meeting of accepted board members is tentatively being planned for ALA Annual in Washington, D.C. at the end of June, with orientation and planning activities to start afterwards and run through at least the conclusion of 2019. The initial ongoing Editorial Board will begin work some time in the Spring of 2020. 

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Who We Are

Inaugural Editorial Board 
Dr. Martin Halbert 
Gerald Holmes 
Deborah Caldwell 
Arieal Lesure (Project Assistant)