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Applications may be submitted via the online application form or by mail.  All application must be received by the dates noted to be considered.  Please read through the instructions below thoroughly before you start the application process.

Application Deadline

Applications from Illinois residents must be submitted by Wednesday, February 28, 2007 to receive preferred consideration.  Online applications must be received by 3:00 p.m. CST; those delivered by hand or by mail must be received prior to the CARLI office closing at 4:30 p.m. CST. Please use a 9” x 12” envelope so the application is not folded.

As space allows, applications will be accepted (including non-Illinois residents) until Friday, April 27, 2007.  Online applications must be received by 3:00 p.m. CDT; those delivered by hand or by mail must be received prior to the CARLI office closing at 4:30 p.m. CDT. Please use a 9” x 12” envelope so the application is not folded. A waitlist will be established.

Application Tips

1. Review the Characteristics for Successful Applicants before you start the online application.
2. Writing the essays and responding to questions, arranging for funding and requesting letters of reference and support all take time. You are encouraged to begin early, and to prepare and submit your materials as soon as possible. Once you have begun the online application form, you need to complete the application while you are online.
   The deadline cannot be extended due to last minute illnesses or emergencies.
3. Have the following information prepared before you begin your online application:
   • Contact information
   • Work experience
   • Presentations and publications
   • Letters of reference.  One letter of reference is needed.  If completing the electronic application, please obtain an electronic version of the reference letter as you will need to cut and paste the text into the online application form.  You will need to indicate the name, title, and e-mail address for your reference.  Reference letters should be in English and should be made out to the "Illinois Immersion Planning Task Force."
     • Teacher Track: Reference one.  (Librarian Applicants) Letter from your director or current supervisor who can address the commitment of the institution to information literacy, your role in that process, and why you are the person from the institution who should attend
     • Teacher Track: (Graduate Student Applicants) One letter of reference from a professor, library supervisor, etc. who can address how Illinois Immersion ’07 will further enhance your career plans and professional development.
     • Program Track: Reference one.  Letter from your director or current supervisor who can address the commitment of the institution to information literacy, your role in that process, and why you are the person from the institution who should attend
   • Candidate statements
     TEACHER TRACK statements:
   1. The Teacher Track focuses on enhancing and extending individual teaching skills. Include a reflective statement on your experience as a teacher and your involvement with information literacy, with particular emphasis on events where you took initiative and then followed through. (500-700 words)
   2. Throughout the Immersion experience, participants are active members of a learning community.  What value do you see in being part of a learning community?  How would you benefit from and contribute to this type of group? Describe an experience you've had in a group learning situation that you found particularly valuable. (200-300 words)
   3. In light of the Immersion learning outcomes, what are the major benefits you hope to derive from Immersion for yourself and your institution? Why did you decide to apply? (200-300 words)
   4. Explain how the culture of your library and your campus affects the way that you teach and your opportunities to teach. (200-300 words)
   PROGRAM TRACK statements:
   1. Describe your leadership style and abilities, and your involvement with information literacy programming at your institution.  Describe how your personal leadership style has shaped your contributions to information literacy initiatives at your current institution and previous institutions if relevant.  Please give particular emphasis to events where you took initiative, followed through, and were able to implement change.  (500-700 words)
   2. Throughout the Immersion experience, participants are active members of a learning community.  What value do you see in being part of a learning community?  How would you benefit from and contribute to this type of group? Describe an experience you've had in a group learning situation that you found particularly valuable. (200-300 words)
   3. In light of the Immersion learning outcomes, what are the major benefits you hope to derive from Immersion for yourself and your institution? Why did you decide to apply?  (200-300 words)
   4. Explain how the culture of your library and your campus affects your information literacy programming efforts.  (200-300 words)
4. You need to complete your application while online in one session.
5. Please note that Immersion is an individual application process, and acceptance into the program is for an individual applicant.  There is no institutional ownership of an accepted-applicant slot, and if for some reason, an accepted applicant cannot attend, another person from that institution may not be substituted. The next accepted applicant on the ranked waiting list will be offered the slot.
6. Questions may be directed to either Elizabeth Clarage, or Lorna Engels.  They also may be contacted by phone at (toll-free) 866- 904-5843.