Nicola Andrews, a Master of Library and Information Science student at the University of Washington Information School, has been named a diversity scholar by the Association of Research Libraries.

Andrews is one of 15 MLIS students in North America chosen to participate in ARL’s 2016-18 Initiative to Recruit a Diverse Workforce.

“I am honored to be included in the newest cohort of ARL Diversity Scholars, and value the support that the Association of Research Libraries has given me as I begin the final year of my degree,” Andrews said. 

As part of the program, the diversity scholars earn financial awards, leadership training, career placement assistance, and an ARL research library visit. Funded by ARL member libraries, the program is intended to promote diversity in the research library community.

“The Initiative to Recruit a Diverse Workforce continues ARL's tradition of a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion,” said Beth McNeil, dean of university libraries at Iowa State and member of the selection committee. 

Andrews completed a three-month internship earlier this year as an ARL Career Enhancement Program fellow at UW Libraries. In addition to the ARL awards, she has been named as a 2015-16 ALA Spectrum Scholar, a recipient of the 2016 PLA Spectrum Scholar Travel Grant, and an IFLA IMLS Library Fellow.