Press Release Fun: Free Library School

 
In the information age, there is an opportunity for well-educated
professionals to make a difference for good in society, so the Federal
Institute for Museum and Library Studies (IMLS) and St. John’s
University have partnered with the New York Library Resources Council
(METRO) and the Law Librarians of Greater New York (LLAGNY) to fund 40
full scholarships for qualified applicants who are interested in careers
in urban information centers and special libraries. Twenty students
already enrolled in January, and there are only 20 spots left for May
2009.

We are hoping that you will share this information with your colleagues
and staff, as an opportunity to further their commitment to professional
librarianship. Classes begin in the Summer and Fall semesters of 2009.

The scholarship includes:

â—� Full tuition and fees covering all courses and supplemental
technical labs,
â—� A laptop computer with specialized software,
â—� Up to $1,000 for membership in professional associations,
workshops, and participation in and
travel to local or national professional meetings, and
â—� Mentoring by information professionals and faculty members
through the education and early career.

Note: Students will take two courses per term in Manhattan in the
evening or online.
Apply by April 15, 2009 to receive full consideration. Applications
will be accepted afterward until all scholarships are awarded.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Scholarship decisions will be based on the graduate application and an
interview. Applicants should tailor their personal statement and letters
of recommendation to support their candidacy for the scholarship. Please
address the following criteria:

1. How you will use the education to make a difference for good
in
society.

2. Willingness to commitment to:
â—� Service in a special library in New York,
� Active involvement in St. John’s University’s Division of
Library and Information Science before and after graduation,
â—� Active participation in professional organizations,
internships, service learning, community outreach and other service to
diverse groups;

3. Ability to bring contextually relevant knowledge and skills to
the profession;

4. Strong analytical and communication skills;

5. Appropriate cross-functional training in law, finance,
marketing, policy or other information-based professions; and

6. Creativity and judgment in solving complex information
problems.
Consistent with St. John’s mission, preference will be given to
applicants from NGOs, government agencies and other organizations that
serve the underserved.

THE PROGRAM

St. John’s University, in partnership with the Metropolitan New York
Library Council (METRO) and the Law Library Association of Greater New
York (LLAGNY), will improve the services offered by special libraries to
their clients, affiliated libraries, and members of the information
professions by recruiting and educating 40 highly committed students for
future employment in special libraries in the New York City metropolitan
area. This exciting degree program focuses on leadership, professional
involvement and best practices, as students work closely with a dynamic
and passionate faculty and staff. In addition to other benefits, a
recent survey indicates that salaries for experienced information
managers can exceed $300,000, with approximately 1/3 of survey
respondents reporting salaries in excess of $150,000.

Interested in being a part of this exciting program?

Filed under: Press Release Fun