New Pforzheimer Fellows will tackle library projects

The Harvard Library launched the Pforzheimer Fellows program this summer, which will bring together humanities graduate students who will have the opportunity to learn in-depth about the work of libraries today, especially about emerging fields in librarianship.

Named in honor of Carl H. Pforzheimer III’s generous contributions to the library, the fellows will work on projects under the tutelage of skilled librarian mentors and learn about career opportunities in  librarianship, touching on subjects like innovative collection building, online publishing, and the management of intellectual property.

Professor Robert Darnton, the Carl H. Pforzheimer University Professor and University Librarian, proposed the fellowships.

“Graduate students face uncertain futures, especially in the humanities. Research libraries are seeking talent, especially in areas that require humanistic learning and technological skill. By exposing students to the possibilities of library careers, the Pforzheimer Fellowships will bring together an opportunity and a need in a way that could have long-term benefits for the world of learning,” said Darnton.” And in doing so, they will honor Carl Pforzheimer for his generous contributions to Harvard and its libraries.”

Libraries from six different Harvard Schools (FAS, GSD, HBS, HLS, Harvard Archives and Radcliffe) proposed 10 projects for which graduate students were invited to apply. The committee fielded applications across disciplines and stage of study, from GSAS and the Divinity School, from G1s to students planning to graduate next year.