Fondren Library invites Rice faculty, research staff and library staff to propose projects for students to undertake through its Fondren Fellows program during the 2026-2027 academic year. By proposing a project, you agree to mentor the fellow(s) and to coordinate project work with the Fondren Fellows steering committee. This program funds Rice undergraduate or graduate students to work on research or educational projects that advance the library’s goals, such as enhancing access to archival collections, analyzing library collections, improving library services, or developing new workshops. Fellows are paid $18 an hour for up to 200 hours of work. Projects should begin in August of 2026 and end by May 1, 2027. Students will apply to participate in projects in March and be selected in April so that projects can begin soon after the fall 2026 semester begins.
THE DEADLINE TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS IS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20 AT NOON
In addition to applying to mentor a Fondren Fellow, you may also request up to $2000 in project funding, which can be used for project-related costs such as training, software, and equipment. These expenses must adhere to Rice’s spending guidelines.
Mentors will receive a $1000 honorarium for their work on a project; they are expected to spend at least 20 hours over the course of the academic year guiding students and overseeing project work.
If you don’t work in Fondren Library, we strongly suggest that you consult with a library colleague before proposing a project, especially if it involves time or resources from the library (such as IT support or assistance from Archives and Special Collections.) Contact fondrenfellows@rice.edu with any questions.
Information Session
To learn more about the Fondren Fellows program, attend our virtual information session on Tuesday, February 10 at 2 pm. Please register here: https://riceuniversity.zoom.us/meeting/register/RkxEXcSCS7SXPJYX5QrvSw
Application Instructions
Please submit your proposal to fondrenfellows@rice.edu using this application form by FEBRUARY 20 AT NOON. Criteria for evaluation include:
- Alignment with the Fondren Fellows program's mission to support inquiry-based projects that advance the library’s strategic priorities
- Feasibility
- Impact
- Reasonableness of the budget
Please contact fondrenfellows@rice.edu or lspiro@rice.edu with any questions.
About the Fondren Fellows Program
Fondren Fellows projects should:
- pose a research question
- balance complexity and feasibility to present opportunities for independent inquiry and enable the Fellow to complete the project or a coherent portion of a larger project in 200 hours
- involve the library as a focus or partner, such as by organizing and describing a collection, creating a training program on accessing and managing information, developing a digital scholarship or publishing project, analyzing how to improve a library service, etc.
- advance the library’s strategic objectives
- include a library staff member as a mentor or liaison (the Fondren Fellows steering committee can assist in linking mentors with liaisons)
Examples of past Fondren Fellows projects include:
- Creating an archival collection of documents and oral histories related to environmental justice in Houston
- Drawing from the university archives to write articles about the 50th year anniversaries of the Schools of Natural Science and of Engineering
- Developing programming workshops
Given limited resources, projects can expect to have no more than three fellows assigned to them; the Steering Committee may award fewer fellows so that it can support more projects.
What Is Expected of Mentors
By proposing a project, project mentors agree to:
- Participate in a brief orientation to the program.
- Evaluate applications, including through interviews.
- Select students for the project
- Mentor the fellow(s) by overseeing the development of a project plan, monitoring their progress, and providing guidance throughout the project.
- Evaluate the fellow’s work on a regular basis, including mid-way through and at the end of the program.
- Coordinate with the Fondren Fellows Steering Committee.
- Write a brief report at the conclusion of the fellowship explaining the fellow’s contributions to the project and its outcomes, as well as any lessons learned.
- Provide feedback on the program.
- Acknowledge the Fondren Fellows program in project-related outputs, such as papers, presentations, and websites.
Fondren will provide funding for student fellows, program oversight and coordination, and logistical support; some projects will also receive limited funding for relevant expenses such as training, services or equipment. A review panel will select possible projects for the Fondren Fellows program; not all selected projects will necessarily be matched with fellows.
Benefits for Mentors
- Draw upon students’ expertise, insights and time in advancing a research project.
- Provide a high-impact learning experience for students.
- Receive a $1000 honorarium, contingent on meeting mentor expectations and spending at least 20 hours in guiding students and overseeing project work.