Articles, job-hunting advice, professional development opportunities, and other news and ideas on how to further your library career. Compiled by the Library Job People, Sarah Johnson and Rachel Singer Gordon.
March 18th, 2010 rachel
Recent research conducted by a team of researchers from Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies and funded by the Institute for Museum and Library Studies indicates that students in schools that have certified librarians perform better on English/Language Arts tests than students in schools without certified librarians. Certified librarians are also more likely to provide students with materials that present more diverse points of view and that better support the curriculum than non-certified librarians, the research indicates (http://ischool.syr.edu/report).
However, since not all schools are mandated to employ certified librarians, many high-needs districts do not have these skilled professionals on staff to assist students and classroom teachers.
The Syracuse University School of Information Studies (iSchool) has developed a new Preparing Librarians for High-Needs Schools Scholarship program to help infuse energetic and skilled school media professionals into these high-needs school districts while providing financial assistance to educate the highest caliber school media students.
Scholarship recipients will receive financial support to cover one-third of their tuition costs. In exchange, those students will be required to complete their fieldwork (100 hours) and practica (300 hours) in high-needs districts, as designated by New York State. These are generally districts in both urban and rural areas whose needs outweigh their resources, as calculated by dividing a district’s poverty percentage by its combined wealth ratio. Teachers with appropriate experience have an option for reduced practica hours.
“Our hope in establishing this new scholarship program is really three-fold,” said Meredith Professor Ruth V. Small, program director of the iSchool’s School Media programs. “We hope to provide these high-needs districts with the talent and skills of school media students during their required fieldwork and practica experiences. The program also highlights the value and impact of certified school media specialists in districts across the entire state, and enables us to recruit the best and brightest school media students to the iSchool.”
This scholarship program builds on the work that Small conducted as the creator and administrator of the Preparing Librarians for Urban Schools (PLUS) program from 2003 to 2007. The PLUS program was a distance-learning program for library service in high-need urban schools, and graduated more than 120 new teacher-librarians in New York State for service in New York City, Binghamton, Rochester, and Syracuse.
“The new scholarship program expands the reach of the PLUS program into high-needs rural districts as well,” Small said.
To be eligible for consideration for the Preparing Librarians for High-Needs Schools scholarships, individuals must be accepted into the M.S. in Library and Information Science School Media Specialization or the Certificate of Advanced Study in School Media programs. They also must submit a 500-word essay describing their vision of a future library in a high-needs school.
Scholarship applications received before April 21, 2010, will be given preference.
For more details, visit http://ischool.syr.edu/high-needs.
Learn more about the school media program by watching this video: http://www.youtube.com/user/SyracuseiSchool#p/a/f/0/SZe00VLzsBA.
Tags: school media, syracuse
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November 5th, 2008 rachel
Funds available to support future library faculty
The School of Information Studies (iSchool) at Syracuse University has a number of Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Fellowships available for new Ph.D. students interested in the library and information science field.
IMLS Fellowships are available to full-time doctoral students on a yearly basis. Benefits include a stipend of $19,500 for the year and 24 credit hours of tuition. Fellows are also eligible to receive partial travel support for attendance at librarianship-oriented conferences as well as small grants to support research.
Funding for the IMLS Fellowship comes from the Developing Faculty to Educate the Next Generation of Library Professionals award obtained by the School of Information Studies with matching funds provided by the iSchool. Graduating fellows are required to seek employment as a professor in an accredited MLS-granting department after completing their degrees. They are not, however, required to obtain or accept such a position.
This fellowship is a multi-year award and it is likely, though not guaranteed, to be renewed for subsequent years. Most doctoral students receive funding for their education, and the iSchool at Syracuse tries to continue their funding throughout their entire program.
IMLS Fellows are expected to devote themselves fully to the program and not take on other paid employment. Exceptions are considered, but fellows should expect to focus primarily on their education while they are receiving fellowship support. Other requirements of the fellowship include maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.0 each term, maintaining full-time matriculated status and residency in the Syracuse area, being involved in service to the profession and school, and complying with University policies and procedures. A master’s degree is required for any Ph.D. program in the School of Information Studies.
Anyone who applies to the Ph.D. in information science and technology program at Syracuse University with a background in library and information science or holding an MSLIS degree will automatically be considered for the fellowship.
For more information, contact Associate Professor Ping Zhang, director of the Ph.D. in information science and technology program, at pzhang@syr.edu or 315-443-5617. [jesse]
Tags: IMLS, phd, syracuse
Posted in education, fellowships, scholarships | Comments Off
November 5th, 2008 rachel
NASKO 2009 call for participation
Please excuse cross-postings.
North American Symposium on Knowledge Organization
June 18-19, 2009
Syracuse University School of Information Studies
Syracuse, NY
We invite proposals for papers and posters for the 2009 North American Symposium on Knowledge Organization, sponsored by the Canadian and U.S. chapter of the International Society for Knowledge Organization (ISKO). This will be our first official meeting as a chapter. Accordingly, it serves as a fitting occasion for us to take stock of our past in light of the present and with an eye to how this living heritage might be leveraged for the future. We hope that it will serve as a springboard for future symposia and lay the groundwork for possible research agendas in the years to come. In the spirit of these objectives, the theme of NASKO 2009 will be “Pioneering North American Contributions to Knowledge Organization.”
The theme “Pioneering North American Contributions” borrows from the approach adopted by W. Boyd Rayward for the special Library Trends issue (Vol. 52, No. 4, Spring 2004), a collection of essays on people, events, theories, movements, policies, and publications that were “pioneering” in the field of Library and Information Science. In his introduction, Rayward explained the overarching goal of the collection—to present evidence-based narratives that are not primarily celebratory, but that offer an opportunity for “detailed critical assessments of matters of importance” (p. 676). Following Rayward’s lead, we have intentionally left the notions of “contribution” and “pioneering” negotiable (p. 676): Each paper or poster may follow its own approach and use its own methodology for marshalling evidence in its own voice. Proposals taking an historical approach should not only provide an interesting narrative, but should also “function as an heuristic for detailed analysis of aspects of the past in the light of present trends of development and vice versa”(p. 679). Thus, we hope that historical submissions will not be purely celebratory of past accomplishments, but will provide reflective and substantive evaluations of these accomplishments that do justice both to their historical context and to current perspectives.
Proposals for papers and posters may address any of the following aspects of North American contributions to knowledge organization, broadly understood:
• Individuals and organizations that are/were influential in knowledge organization, not only as representatives of their times, but also in terms of their influence on future developments;
• Individuals and organizations that are either being reconsidered or should be reconsidered in light of new thinking and advances in technology;
• The role of policies, standards, consortia, movements, technologies, etc., in developments relevant to knowledge organization;
• Evaluation (or re-evaluation) of long-held beliefs and theories in light of their influence on the field of knowledge organization;
• Important services, institutional developments, or educational trends that serve or have served as contributions to knowledge organization;
• The influence of North American initiatives on the field of knowledge organization around the world; and
• Any other North American contribution or pioneering effort deemed relevant to knowledge organization.
Proposals for papers and posters are due by January 1, 2008. The proposal should be no more than 600 words and should include a title but no other identifying information to ensure anonymity in reviewing. The proposal should be accompanied by a cover page that includes the name(s) of the author(s), the title, and a full mailing address and telephone and fax numbers for the corresponding author as well as e-mail addresses for all other authors. All proposals must be in Word or RTF format and should be submitted electronically to Nicolas George <nasko2009@gmail.com>.
Proposals will be refereed by the members of the Program Committee. Authors of papers will be notified of the committee’s decision no later than January 30, 2009; authors of posters will be notified no later than February 15, 2009. All accepted papers will be published online. Final papers to appear in the electronic proceedings must be submitted no later than May 15, 2009. With permission of the authors, the most highly ranked papers will be submitted for publication in Knowledge Organization.
We extend special encouragement to students to contribute proposals for papers and posters, so please distribute this call to doctoral and masters-level students.
Important dates for papers:
January 1, 2009 Submission of proposal (600 words maximum)
January 30, 2009 Notification of authors
March 15, 2009 Final paper due (3000 words maximum)
May 1, 2009 Reviewed papers returned to authors for editing
May 15, 2009 Revised final papers due
Important dates for posters:
January 1, 2009 Submission of proposal (600 words maximum)
February 15, 2009 Authors notified of acceptance
Program Committee:
Clement Arsenault, Université de Montréal
Thomas Dousa, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Nicolas L. George, Indiana University Bloomington
Michele Hudon, Université de Montréal
Elin K. Jacob, Indiana University Bloomington, Co-Chair
Barbara Kwasnik, Syracuse University, Co-Chair
Kathryn La Barre, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Shawne Miksa, University of North Texas, Denton
David M. Pimentel, Syracuse University
Richard Smiraglia, Long Island University
Joseph T. Tennis, University of Washington
Questions regarding this call should be directed to Elin Jacob at <nasko2009@gmail.com>. [jesse]
Tags: knowledge organization, nasko, syracuse
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August 30th, 2008 rachel
6/2/2008
The School of Information Studies has launched a part-time executive doctoral program for highly qualified middle level managers looking to boost their careers.
The Doctorate of Professional Studies in Information Management is a three-year program with fall, spring, and summer terms, which is offered in a limited residency, distance learning format. The 51-credit hour program involves 16 courses on methods, research, and practice topics (36 credits total), plus 15 credits for thesis work. Read entire press release (Syracuse).
Tags: distance, doctorate, phd, syracuse
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December 12th, 2007 rachel
CALL FOR PAPERS
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Introducing Conversants. Conversants (ISSN: 1940-5022) is a limited-run, open-access journal about participatory networks. Part of a joint project on Participatory Librarianship (http://ptbed.org) between the Information Institute of Syracuse and the American Library Association’s Office for Information Technology Policy (OITP), the journal is a forum for the exchange of ideas relating to conversation-based theories as well as their applications in knowledge environments. Articles and essays are solicited not only to increase our understanding of participatory approaches to virtual and physical settings, but also to challenge the scholarly and practice communities. The emphasis of the journal is on durable concepts that transcend any particular technology or suite of functions.
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While treatments related to all types of settings are welcome, a special emphasis is placed on the library domain and the role librarians play as facilitators of conversations. Submissions might include:
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·     Empirical articles analyzing user contributions to web resources;
·     Thought pieces concerning the library as conversation;
·     Podcasts of presentations concerning Library 2.0; and
·     Discussions of curricular initiatives to incorporate new web technologies into information science education.
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All submissions will be reviewed by the editors of the journal and then, in keeping with the central tenets of participatory networks, made available for ongoing public review via CommentPress. Authors are encouraged to follow these conversations, and can incorporate these comments into revised drafts.
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Unlike most journals, pieces are published as they are accepted to encourage timely discussions of current trends and events. Selected pieces will be edited into a volume exploring participatory librarianship.
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Please e-mail submissions to conversants@iis.syr.edu in Word, HTML, RTF or ASCII text format.
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The editorial board of Conversants comprises:
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Editors
·     R. David Lankes, Associate Professor Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies
·     Joseph Janes, Associate Professor University of Washington’s Information School
·    Eli Neiburger, Ann Arbor District Library
Associate Editors
·     Todd Marshall, Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies
·     David Pimentel, Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies
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If you are interested in joining the board, please contact David Lankes rdlankes@iis.syr.edu
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More information is available on the project website at http://ptbed.org/conversants.php
[jesse]
Tags: conversants, participatory networks, syracuse
Posted in CFPs, publishing | No Comments »
October 30th, 2007 rachel
Is there a support staff member in your library who:
is a progressive thinker and an innovative problem-solver?
enjoys adapting the latest technologies to expand access to information?
cherishes library stacks as much as an online reading community?
has the potential to lead libraries in the ever-evolving digital landscape?
If so, nominate him or her for a Librarianship for the Future Award at the School of Information
Studies at Syracuse University. This award program helps library support staff members earn a life-changing M.S. in Library and Information Science (MSLIS) degree from one of the top distance programs in the country—the iSchool at Syracuse University.
THE LIBRARIANSHIP FOR THE FUTURE AWARD
Recipients of the Librarianship for the Future Award will receive up to one-third the cost of tuition to earn an MSLIS degree, based on their application and employer recommendations. The faculty members at Syracuse are leaders in the areas of digital libraries, evaluation and assessment, and school media. As library staff members take courses, they can apply class projects in these areas to the needs of their local library.
The faculty members at Syracuse are leaders in the areas of digital libraries, evaluation and assessment, and school media. As library staff members take courses, they can apply class projects in these areas to the needs of their local library.
Nominate a Colleague Today
To nominate a candidate for the Librarianship for the Future Award, send a letter of support, including the candidate’s full name, current position, qualifications, and reasons for consideration to:
Librarianship for the Future Award Nomination
School of Information Studies
Syracuse University
343 Hinds Hall
Syracuse NY 13244
Or e-mail the letter to mslis@syr.edu
THE MSLIS PROGRAM at SYRACUSE
Fully accredited by the American Library Association, the MSLIS degree
program is ranked third in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, with
our information systems, digital librarianship, and school media programs
coming in first, second, and fourth, respectively.
Our MSLIS distance program begins with a short on-campus
residency during the summer, and the rest of the coursework can
be completed online.
Students can also earn a Certificate of Advanced Studies in
Digital Libraries as part of their MSLIS work, which will allow them to
help libraries improve their digital services.
THE iSCHOOL AT SYRACUSE
Our faculty members come from a range of academic and professional areas of expertise, making the School of Information Studies a fertile environment for interdisciplinary learning.They teach across our three master’s degree programs in library and information science, telecommunications and network management, and information management.
Our master’s programs are available on-campus, online, or a combination of both formats.
Margaret D. Costello Spillett
Director of Communications
School of Information Studies
Syracuse University
229 Hinds Hall
315-443-1069 (phone)
315-443-5806 (fax)
mcostell@syr.edu
ischool.syr.edu [jesse]
Tags: future, paraprofessionals, syracuse
Posted in awards, education, scholarships | No Comments »
October 30th, 2007 rachel
Join the Next Generation of Library Leaders
Open House
5:15-7 p.m.
Monday, November 12
Hinds Hall Lobby
Syracuse University Campus
Syracuse, N.Y.
Discover the exciting opportunities awaiting you in the ever-evolving library profession. Hear from our faculty, staff current students, alumni, and professionals in the library community.
Learn about:
·       Distance learning options
·       Digital libraries
·       Renowned MS LIS and MS LIS – School Media programs
·       Career opportunities
·       Student life at Syracuse
We invite you to explore the rewarding profession of librarianship and learn more about the program at Syracuse.
Refreshments will be served.
Please RSVP at 315-443-2911 or Sue Nemier (sanemier@syr.edu). [jesse]
Tags: openhouse, syracuse
Posted in education | No Comments »
October 23rd, 2007 rachel
For Immediate Release: Contact: Margaret Costello Spillett
Tuesday, October 23, 2007 315-443-1069
mcostell@syr.edu
iSchool Secures Grant to Fund Five Future Library Professors
The School of Information Studies (iSchool) at Syracuse University received an $885,600 grant from the Laura Bush 21st Century Library Program, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, to support a future generation of library science faculty. The monies will cover four years of tuition for five Ph.D. students who are interested in pursuing an academic career in library and information science. The five recipients will also receive a living stipend.
In addition, Associate Dean for Research and Doctoral Studies Jeff Stanton says the grant will enable the iSchool to focus on two other related goals—the creation of a model for library Ph.D. education that can be shared with other universities and the generation of publicity for library doctoral studies, in general.
“As graduates of this program accept faculty positions in library schools,†Stanton says, “they will contribute directly to the education and enculturation of a future generation of librarians and library faculty, and they will ultimately increase the number of qualified professionals for employment as librarians throughout the country.â€
The project will use a number of strategies to attract new doctoral candidates and help them make the transition to library faculty. These strategies will include the recruitment of strong and dedicated librarians and library students; support for students in the form of financial aid, library-focused training, and research assistance; and the creation of a national doctoral student conference on library research and teaching.
The grant program was created in response to address a growing trend of decreasing numbers of graduates entering the ranks of library faculty, coupled with increasing numbers of retirements. At the iSchool at Syracuse and many other accredited library science schools, many students come to the doctoral program without library backgrounds, and others move away from libraries to pursue other topics in the ever-expanding field of information science. These trends, similar to those in library doctoral programs nationwide, foreshadow an urgent shortage of library faculty.
The 21st Century Library Program supports efforts to recruit and educate the next generation of librarians and the faculty who will prepare them for careers in library science. It also supports grants for research related to library education and library staffing needs, curriculum development, and continuing education and training.
The School of Information Studies at SU is ranked No. 1 in the nation for information systems and is a nationally ranked center for innovative programs in information policy, information behavior, information management, information systems, information technology, and information services. The school offers an undergraduate degree, certificates of advanced studies, three professional master’s degree programs, and a Ph.D. The School of Information Studies was established in 1896 as the School of Library Science and is accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). For more information, visit the school’s web site at http://ischool.syr.edu.
For more information about applying for these Ph.D. awards, contact Stanton at 315-443-2879 or jmstanto@syr.edu.
Tags: IMLS, ischool, phd, syracuse
Posted in awards, scholarships | No Comments »