Associate Fellowship Program: Program Year

The Fellowship is divided into two phases, the first being a structured curriculum and the second being project-based. The curriculum offers an opportunity to learn from the staff at NLM – experts in their fields – about the work they do, why they do it, and the national and international impact of that work.

Summer/Fall (July-December)

Curriculum

The purpose of the curriculum is to introduce the Associate Fellows to the depth and breadth of the activities of the National Library of Medicine; to expose them to a broader picture of the impact of NLM on the national and international fields of biomedicine, informatics, and information policy; and to foster an inquisitive approach to learning that will aid them throughout their careers. The curriculum is immersive, contextual, and cumulative, with each successive presentation creating a layered understanding of NLM’s mission and its strategic initiatives.

The curriculum is divided into units. The units vary in length, from one day to a whole week, and consist of all-day classes. Staff teach through lectures, discussion, selected hands-on experiences, demonstrations, exercises, and shadowing. Some of the units may include a small amount of homework, and time is provided to complete the assignments during the workday.

Summer/Fall Project

During the curriculum phase, the Associates will also complete a small project of no more than 40-60 hours’ work. It is designed to provide practical experience, additional contact with NLM staff, and in some cases, develop a foundation for a project proposal for Spring Projects. Open time is allowed in the curriculum schedule to work on the project.

Winter/Spring (January-June)

Winter/Spring Projects

The latter half of the program focuses on individualized projects related to the study, research, and evaluation of NLM programs and services. The purpose of the projects is to create a self-directed course of study and investigation and to meet the challenge of interpreting results for decision-making in a library environment.

Each Associate Fellow:

• selects two projects proposed by staff
• completes projects of approximately three months’ duration
• shares project results through
  • formal and informal presentations to staff
  • multimedia presentations

Spring Practicum

Each Associate Fellow participates in a weeklong practicum at a health sciences library of their choice in the contiguous United States. This is an opportunity to observe the operations of another organization positioned as a leader in the field, and to shadow senior staff.