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UA Library School Awarded $1.9M in Grants

Thursday, June 29, 2006

Rural and small libraries in Arizona will have an easier time keeping up with their big city counterparts, thanks to one of two grants awarded to The University of Arizona School of Information Resources and Library Science (SIRLS).

The Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian grant, announced by the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS), will fund more than $930,000 for graduate fellowships to librarians and library students serving rural and small communities throughout the state.

SIRLS will collaborate with the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records to support at least 25 students, and possibly more, during the next three years. Recipients will represent the diversity of the communities served and will earn the master's degree in library and information science while working in small and rural libraries as continuing staff or through internships.

The distance-friendly course delivery options through SIRLS will make it easy for fellowship recipients to work in libraries while earning their degree. The Arizona State Library will contribute staff who will provide significant support and mentoring for fellowship recipients.

SIRLS also won a second Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian grant to develop a new certificate program in digital curation. The grant earmarks more than $960,000 for course development that will provide students with the knowledge and skills required to develop, maintain and curate digital collections.

The past few years have seen tremendous growth in digital collections in libraries, in government and in the private sector. As a result, there is a growing shortage of librarians who can manage them effectively. The certificate program will benefit both new librarians and current practitioners who need to acquire advanced training.

The Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records and The University of Arizona Office of Continuing Education will collaborate to develop the curriculum and administer the program. The Arizona State Library is an internationally recognized leader in developing methods for digital data curation. The UA Office of Continuing Education will provide technical course development, online delivery, program marketing and aspects of administration including student enrollment and setup in the course management delivery system.

"These grants affirm both the importance of our graduate library programs to the community and the confidence others have in the strength and quality of our school," remarked SIRLS director Jana Bradley. "Many thanks go to our outstanding faculty, staff, and students whose vision and dedication to academic excellence and community service are reflected in the receipt of these prestigious awards."

Details on these and other programs at SIRLS are available on its website at http://www.sir.arizona.edu, by emailing sirls@email.arizona.edu , or by calling the school at 520-621-3565.