Essential information workshops prepare prospects for graduate education and careers in library and information science

CHICAGO — The American Library Association’s Office for Diversity and Spectrum Scholarship Program, through a project funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), has partnered with libraries and graduate schools of library and information science in five cities to present essential information workshops for individuals interested in graduate education and careers in library and information science. 

The workshops, part of the Knowledge Alliance project, will provide attendees, especially those from underrepresented groups, with information about the wide range of careers available to those with a Masters of Library and Information Science; opportunities to network with peers and potential mentors in the profession; and guidance for selecting, applying to and financing a graduate degree.

Regional programs and locations include:

• Seattle (May 17, 2014) – sponsored by the University of Washington’s (UW) iSchool Office of Diversity Programs; the UW Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards; and UW Undergraduate Advising;
• Atlanta (May 30, 2014) – sponsored by Georgia Perimeter College – Dunwoody Campus Library and Spellman College Women’s Research & Resource Center;
• Chicago (May 30 & 31, 2014) – sponsored by the University of Illinois – Chicago University Library and the Graduate School of Library and Information Science (GSLIS) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign;
• Los Angeles (May 30 & 31, 2014) – sponsored by the Loyola Marymount University (LMU) William H. Hannon Library; LMU Career Development Services; and the Los Angeles Public Library;
• New York (May 31, 2014) – sponsored by the Brooklyn Public Library; the Queens Library; New York Black Librarians’ Caucus, Inc.; and REFORMA: The National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking.

The Knowledge Alliance highlights careers in library and information science for high school and undergraduate college students by allowing early career librarians to serve as recruiters for the profession at career fairs and student events across the country.  The Knowledge Alliance website allows prospective library and information science professionals to find an ally, a library professional who will support every step of their journey, from initial interest to selecting a graduate program and pursuing professional opportunities.   This innovative program creates a network of diverse library colleagues who serve as resources for individuals interested in pursuing library and information science careers. 

The Knowledge Alliance and the five essential information workshops are made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services [RE-03-10-0063-10].

About IMLS

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow IMLS on Facebook and Twitter.