ARL Kaleidoscope Site Visit 2026

Hosted by the University of Calgary between July 11 – July 15, 2026.

The Kaleidoscope Program is a two-year commitment designed to strengthen pathways into research libraries and archives and remove barriers for graduate students by supporting their ongoing education, professional development, and relationship building. The program provides an intentional exploration of personal identities, career opportunities, institutional operations, and broader issues that shape the values, goals, and missions of research libraries and archives.

The program is designed for emerging and expanding first-level leaders interested in pursuing a career in a research library or archive. Applicants must be residents of Canada or the United States, be enrolled in a master’s program accredited by the American Library Association, and demonstrate a strong interest in pursuing a career in a research library or archive. All eligible applications receive full and equal consideration through a masked evaluation process.

Through the Kaleidoscope Program, ARL acknowledges that systemic inequities exist in the field and recognizes the imperative to cultivate and advance inclusive and equitable research information environments. The program is supported by the Kaleidoscope Program Task Force and the Kaleidoscope Program Selection Working Group.

As an ARL Scholarship Program, the Kaleidoscope Program is implemented with the following considerations:

Full-cohort virtual synchronous content is scheduled between 12:00–5:00 p.m. (ET)
In-person synchronous content is scheduled based on the local time zone
Individual and small-group content is scheduled based on scholars’ availability when possible
All content is presented in English
All content is designed from Canadian and U.S. perspectives
Participation in all program components is expected, including in-person, individual, and small-group components

Land Acknowledgement

The University of Calgary, located in the heart of Southern Alberta, both acknowledges and pays tribute to the traditional territories of the peoples of Treaty 7, which include the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprised of the Siksika, the Piikani, and the Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations). The city of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation within Alberta (including Nose Hill Métis District 5 and Elbow Métis District 6).

The University of Calgary is situated on land Northwest of where the Bow River meets the Elbow River, a site traditionally known as Moh’kins’tsis to the Blackfoot, Wîchîspa to the Stoney Nakoda, and Guts’ists’i to the Tsuut’ina. On this land and in this place we strive to learn together, walk together, and grow together “in a good way.”

Goals

The ARL Kaleidoscope Scholars program at the University of Calgary aims to contribute to fulfillment of ARL Kaleidoscope programs goals related to:

Creating a Scholars-centered community of BIPOC leaders in research libraries & archives;
Facilitating connections between scholars and emerging and established leaders in research libraries and archives;
Preparing Scholars to navigate post-degree professional settings;
Provoking critical inquiry and action toward more just and equitable research information environments.

Vision

The University of Calgary Libraries’ vision for this site visit is to welcome scholars in our community. We offer a window into our approaches to inclusion in information systems, knowledge systems, library services, and support for learners, scholars, and community engagement, rooted in this land and region.