The McNair Scholars Program at Virginia Tech: A Unique Model of Librarian Mentoring

Abstract

L ibrarians are involved in many aspects of the McNair Scholars Summer Research Experience at Virginia Tech — a unique component of the federal program that allows low-income, first-generation college students and those from underrepresented ethnic groups to prepare for future doctoral study through involvement in research and other scholarly activities. McNair Scholars who are accepted into the summer research program attend seminars, network with colleagues during special-focus luncheons, participate in an annual research conference, prepare for the GRE, conduct research and prepare presentations, and receive significant library instruction and individualized research assistance from the university’s librarians.