The IU Libraries Communications Department will take applications from May 1 to June 5 for the 2026-27 academic year.
IU Libraries Beverly Railsback Fellowship for Library Engagement is a paid, two-semester opportunity ($5,000) for a Bloomington graduate student of any school. In addition to fellowship funds, it comes with a required hourly job with IU Bloomington Libraries' Communication Department. The goal of the Fellowship is to amplify the work of librarians and library staff working in the Wells Library while also providing an in-person experiential learning experience that financially supports a graduate student.
Fellowship Details:
The 2026-2027 Railsback Fellowship opportunity will focus on digital content creation. Reporting to the Assistant Dean for Engagement, the Railsback Fellow supports the IU Libraries Office of Communications by creating content on various online platforms such as Drupal (library website), Salesforce marketing (e-mail) and social media applications. The library will offer paid time for the required training to access to these platforms. Office space within Library Administration inside the Herman B Wells Library is provided to the Fellow for this in-person experience.
Semester one assignments: Learn platforms via provided online training and Canvas courses (Drupal, Salesforce); engage in Asana communications team workflows; master basic photo editing to size and upload photos for use in platforms. Complete Social Media training module. Create news web pages with provided text and photos. Prepare basic e-vites with provided text and photos. Review weekly employee newsletter for errors, grammar and technical issues (Between Tuesdays at 4:30 and Wednesdays at 9:30). Serve as content owner for web pages for In the News. Send one issue of the We Saved This for You special collections newsletter.
Semester two assignments: Continue basic assignments from semester one, increasing complexity of online layouts. Layout enews bulletins for library units such as IU Archives or Wylie House in Salesforce. Interview selected students for web profiles, create and load profiles in Drupal. Plan and execute Instagram feature(s) on exhibitions at Wells, attend and feature library events on Instagram. Perform advanced reviews of departmental content to ensure grammar, quality, tone, and level of depth are sufficient; also review against requirements for specific publications, including content, length, brand guidelines, and deadline specifications. An opportunity to select an outreach project that aligns with personal learning goals will be provided and resourced.
Compensation:
- $5,000 stipend to be paid to the Bursar in two $2,500 payments, Fall and Spring. This stipend (scholarship) is considered gift aid and will count towards the total amount of financial aid awarded.
- Requires a two-semester commitment. Minimum 12 hrs/week, up to 15 hours weekly; at an additional $11/hour (Library Assistant I rate).
- In consultation with the Assistant Dean, successful students may extend beyond the two-semester commitment.
- Returning students receive $11.50 hourly after 12 months.
- Students may apply for financial support from IU Libraries to offset costs for one professional development opportunity.
Qualifications:
- Graduate student status in any degree program at IU Bloomington with at least 12 hours of weekly time available for employment at Indiana University.
- Strong interest in pursuing professional or research opportunities in GLAM (galleries, libraries, archives, and museums) organizations, or in communications professions.
- Receptive to learn and participate in a collaborative, team-based environment with excellent communication and customer service skills.
To Apply
Candidates will submit the following information as e-mail attachments to libcomm@iu.edu . Incomplete applications will not be considered. Do not apply through Handshake.
Please use the subject line: Railsback Fellowship
Include:
- Cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications for the position, as an attachment. Please discuss your ability to meet the three qualifications specified above.
- Current resume/CV.
- Writing/communications sample. This is preferably a form of professional or journalistic writing. Examples include personal blogs, published media stories, newsletters for student organizations, letters to the editor, online exhibitions, or proposals for projects. This may be substituted with video or podcast examples. Please do not send academic papers.
- You are welcome to include links to relevant work output such as digital exhibits and projects, blogs or other GLAM-related outreach work, but these are not required to apply.
2026 Timeline
May 1 - June 5: Applications accepted
Week of June 8: Virtual interviews scheduled for top candidates
Week of June 22: Candidate choice notified
Week of August 24: Fellowship begins