Mapping the residency program landscape

When properly structured, library residencies introduce recently graduated Master of Library and/or Information Science (MLIS) professionals to librarianship, allow recent graduates apply the knowledge and skills learned during their MLIS studies, infuse host institutions with new, innovative ideas, including latest technology theory being taught in information science (LIS) programs. Unfortunately, rather than realizing potential, are often hampered by miscommunication a lack organization that cause real harm new resident current employees creating tense, sometimes even hostile, work environment. This can negate potential benefits residency program, leaving unhappy disillusioned profession. Understanding landscape programs is necessary first step toward evaluating efficacy this form early career employment retaining an engaged next generation professionals. Using survey research, study answered questions: What characteristics programs? How success measured some specific best practices currently implementing? The findings from indicate there no one-size-fits-all program structure, mission goals how measures its ultimate success, responses were varied. While positive trends, like lasting for at least two years, still much be done. Notably, most only have one per cohort cohorts do not overlap leading residents feel isolated. we concede likely many concerns (including budgetary) may make or more overlapping unfeasible, it issue should addressed because themselves asked change. We also detail several suggestions building maintaining buy-in among stakeholders ensuring each feels welcome institution ultimately successful. It our hope research provides coordinators roadmap follow when planning re-evaluating residencies.