Am I eligible to apply?
The Mortenson Center Associates Program is a program for individuals working in a library and/or information services setting outside the United States.
What visa category should I be applying for if I want to attend the Mortenson Center Associates program, a short, non-degree training program, in the United States?
International library and information professionals who require a visa to enter the United States are recommended to apply for a B1/B2 visa.
Do I have to ask my direct supervisor to write my letter of recommendation?
It is recommended that you talk to your supervisor regarding your application as they need to support your attendance and upon returning from the Mortenson Center Associates Program, discuss your new proposals, and support the presentation of your new knowledge and skills with colleagues. However, a recommendation letter may also come from a library director or a mentor.
How long does the Mortenson Center Associates program take?
The Mortenson Center Associates program lasts for 3.5 weeks, and takes place in May/June of each year. Please see the dates for the year of the program of interest.
Is the ALA (American Library Association) conference attendance included in the Associates program?
No, the ALA conference attendance is optional, and needs to be funded by Associates who choose to attend. The Associates Program is organized to provide the participants the opportunity to attend the conference after the completion of the program. Please check the ALA conference website for information on the conference.
What does the Associates program include?
In the 3.5 weeks, the program offers an opportunity for librarians and information specialists, working outside the US, to learn first-hand the workings and strategic developments of U.S. libraries. You will be learning as a cohort of international library and information innovative leaders. The program includes:
- Seminars and Workshops which provide an overview of current trends in the field. Library experts will be invited to share their perspectives, offer expertise, and foster conversations on the themes of leadership and user-centered.
- Tours of a variety of libraries, including academic, public, and special libraries. We may also visit the American Library Association headquarters in Chicago, Illinois, and other sites of interest.
- Networking with a dynamic group of international colleagues during and post-program.
- Development of individual action plans by Associates, to apply their learning and put into action an activity/initiative, appropriate to their professional and institutional needs, which is followed by post-program implementation review.
Are meals provided as part of the program and what other costs should I need to cover?
A few meals are provided in the program, so participants are asked to have available approximately $1,000 USD for meals and other personal expenses during the duration of the program.
What is the cost of the program and when is payment due?
The program fee covers: Accommodations, Transportation for field visits, Programming costs, Speaker fees, Medical Insurance and Other materials and logistics. Please check the current program for price of the program fee. In addition to this cost, applicants will need an additional $3,000 USD or more for airfare, visa application and out of pocket expenses mentioned above. Please see the upcoming year’s program deadlines for fee payments that include:
mid-February – $200 non-refundable deposit fee, which is a placeholder and administrative fee. Upon request, a deposit may be rolled over to the subsequent year if the Associate applies and is admitted to the program for the following year.
1 April – Remaining balance of program fee due
Early preparation of funds is recommended
Payment Methods: Credit card or wire transfer via https://www.flywire.com/pay/Mortenson
Are there funding opportunities provided for the Mortenson Center Associates program attendance?
Most Associates are self-funded or sponsored by their institution or their country’s professional association. The Mortenson Center and partners have provided funding to support international library and information professionals to attend the Associates Program. Each funding opportunity is different, is managed in its own specific manner, and supports only the program fee and/or travel, and additional expenses. Please learn more below about current and past funding opportunities at our Associates Program Funding webpage.
Is accommodation provided as part of the program?
The program provides on-campus student residential housing. These are single rooms in shared suites with common areas. There is easy access to local shops, restaurants, libraries and other campus buildings by walking or bus.
If I’m not selected this year, may I reapply?
Yes, you are welcome to reapply for the program. As well, Associates who are admitted but are not able to attend in their particular year, need to apply for admissions for a subsequent year.
Can I contact the Center if I have additional questions about the Associates program?
Yes, you may contact the center for any further inquiries or questions about the program at: Mortenson@illinois.edu.