SLIS student receives ARL Kaleidoscope Scholarship

MLIS student, Jackson Charbonneau

The School of Library and Information Studies extends warmest congratulations to MLIS student Jackson Charbonneau for receiving the Association of Research Libraries' (ARL) Kaleidoscope Program Scholarship.

"I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be a 2026 ARL Kaleidoscope Scholar. I was encouraged to apply by the director of the library where I currently work, McMaster University’s Health Sciences Library, and I’m very glad I did. The program will provide me with opportunities to strengthen my leadership skills and connect with other diverse voices pursuing careers in the library and archives fields. Working with the program facilitators at ARL and a mentor will also broaden my perspectives and provide valuable opportunities for professional and personal growth. I’m particularly grateful for the educational opportunities, mentorship, and financial support the program provides to help offset the cost of my MLIS," said Charbonneau.

Through the Kaleidoscope Program, ARL acknowledges that systemic inequities exist in the field and understands the imperative to cultivate and advance inclusive and equitable research information environments.

"As someone who identifies as Indigenous, with a mother who is a member of the Bigstone Cree Nation and a father who was Métis, I recognize the importance of opportunities like the Kaleidoscope Scholars Program for those who are underrepresented. Representation in the library and archives professions is important not only for bringing diverse perspectives into these fields, but also for ensuring that those perspectives are heard, valued, and able to contribute meaningfully to the communities we serve," said Charbonneau.

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.