By Marcia Smith-Woodard, Special Services Consultant, Library Development Office
The State Library recently announced receipt of a $1 million grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Services for recruiting and educating 30 ethnically/racially diverse students for the Indiana Librarians Leading in Diversity project. The application process will go live next Monday, August 4, by noon. Potential candidates must apply to the Indiana University School of Library and Information Science (IU SLIS Application – Indianapolis / Bloomington) by September 15, 2008. The application process is open until 4:00 p.m. on Monday, October 3, 2008.
Ten candidates a year for three years are eligible to be selected for this Master of Library Science Degree Fellowship program. Applicants must have a primary self-identification as American Indian/Alaska Native; Asian; Black/African-American; Hispanic/Latino; or Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander. In addition to applying to the library school, candidates will be required to complete a fellowship application which includes an essay and two letters of recommendation from non-relatives.
Successful candidates will be required to sign a fellowship agreement, attend an orientation week in Indianapolis in early December, and begin classes full time with the spring semester on January 12, 2009. Candidates also must commit to work two years in Indiana libraries upon graduation.
The fellowship award will cover tuition for up to 36 credit hours completed within 18 months. Stipends up to $15,500.00 will be available to cover room, board, and travel expenses.
The State Library is asking your assistance in sharing this information with staff, family, listservs, and other communication outlets. An email reminder will be sent out next Monday with a link to the application on the State Library’s Diversity Webpage.
This grant opportunity was given as part of the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program. Additionally, the project is supported by the Indiana State Library’s Diversity Advisory Council, Academic Libraries of Indiana, Administrators of Large Public Libraries in Indiana, the Indiana Black Librarians Network, the Indiana Library Federation, and the Indiana Special Libraries Association.
For more information, contact Marcia Smith-Woodard at mwoodard@library.in.gov, (317) 232-3719 or (800) 451-6028.
About the Institute for Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute’s mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. In all, the IMLS awarded 31 institutions grants totaling $20.3 million as part of the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program.
SPACE LIMITED FOR LEU OPPORTUNITY DAY WORKSHOPS AT THE STATE LIBRARY
By Jessica Jacko, Regional Coordinator, Professional Development Office
The Indiana State Library’s Professional Development Office is hosting an LEU Opportunity Day at the State Library in Indianapolis on September 10, 2008. Participants will have an opportunity to attend one, two, or three two-hour workshops. Attendees of all three workshops are eligible for six (6) LEUs.
The day’s schedule of classes includes: Google for Fun and Nonprofits (9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.); del.icio.us and Social Bookmarking (11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.); and Marketing Your Library’s Physical Space (2:30 pm. to 4:30 p.m.). To read detailed course descriptions and to register for courses, visit WebJunction Indiana’s online calendar.
These workshops are provided by the State Library at no cost to Indiana library professionals. Hurry, enrollment for each workshop is filling fast.
WEBJUNCTION TO LAUNCH ENHANCED WEBSITE, RESOURCES ON AUGUST 4TH
WebJunction will make several format changes this Monday that will include a new site, great new features, and better resources and experiences all around.
Cosmetically, WebJunction has received a complete makeover featuring a new look and feel online and new WebJunction logo. The new WebJunction.org and many partner sites will feature a new technology platform loaded with new features, a dramatically different design, and extensive improvements to all aspects of the community and learning experiences our member and partner communities have come to depend on.
The goals of the new design are to deliver improved and easier-to-use experiences for both WebJunction members and partners, develop a site and technology platform that will be a solid foundation for the future, and take advantage of many developments in learning, community, and social technologies from the past few years to create the premier online learning community site for library staff.
WebJunction will feature an online video tutorial to walk users through the new website beginning August 4th. Users should also update their profiles on Monday to take full advantage of enhanced WebJunction features and services. To learn more about the upcoming changes ahead of time, check out The Next WJ Series on BlogJunction.
HISTORICAL BUREAU MAKING SPECIAL OFFER TO INDIANA LIBRARIES
Savings on new book for Indiana libraries; get copies signed
The Indiana Historical Bureau is now taking orders for a book of special interest being featured at a book signing/reception at the Indiana State Library on Thursday, August 14, 2008. Libraries who order copies of Madame President 1901-1905: Nellie Fairbanks, Path Finder to Politics for American Women by August 8th at 4:30 p.m. (EDT) will have their books autographed by the author and Indianapolis resident, Dr. Lucy Jane King. The price of hard cover is $24.99 or paperback is $14.49. As always, the Historical Bureau Book Shop offers a 25% discount to Indiana libraries on items for public use, and a 20% discount to librarians on items for personal use.
To order a copy today: email Matt Allison at mallison@history.in.gov; call 317-232-2535; FAX 317-232-3728; or mail the Indiana Historical Bureau, 140 North Senate Avenue, Room 130, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
Complete purchasing instructions are available online.
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