Prospective Students

The CALA Experience

CALAs work half-time positions of twenty hours per week and are assigned to departments throughout the UNC-Chapel Hill University Libraries, including:

  • Undergraduate Library
  • User Experience (UX)
  • Sloane Art Library
  • Kenan Science Library
  • Technical Services
  • Health Sciences Library
  • Software Development
  • Wilson Special Collections Library
  • University Archives
  • Rare Book Collection

Values of the Program

What we are most looking for in CALA applicants is passion and enthusiasm. See the “How to Apply” section for a more specific list of criteria that we use to review applications.

Benefits

CALAs receive tuition support, coverage of fees, a paid stipend, and paid health insurance. The value of this support over a two-year period is estimated at approximately $90,000.

CALAs also receive:

  • Career strategy sessions
  • Mentoring
  • Networking and professional development opportunities

Additional benefits include:

How to Apply

There is no separate application process. CALAs are nominated by SILS from the accepted pool of students.

CALAs are selected based on:

  • graduate school application materials
  • a statement of interest
  • video interviews with the Co-Directors of the program, Library staff, and CALA supervisors

Selection Criteria

  • Diversity of experience
  • Problem solving
  • Critical thinking
  • Flexibility
  • Creativity
  • Enthusiasm
  • Adaptability
  • Service ethic
  • Willingness to learn
  • Project management
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Demonstrated initiative