The new LLID Fellows were welcomed to the program with a two-day orientation held at the Indiana State Library and the School of Library and Information Science, Indianapolis. The Orientation was held on December 3-4, 2008.
At the opening session, the Fellows had an opportunity to introduce themselves: Hannah Cox, Shanika Hatcher, Dayna Masih, Willie Miller, Kisha Tandy, Tavis Hampton, Bernard McFarland, Crystal Smith, and Kirsten Weaver. Gail Lee was unable to attend. A few comments are included here:
- Open access to information is important to me.
- I am interested in academic libraries, and am doing a dual degree with English and Library Science.
- I want to help teens discover things to read.
- Libraries help guide people towards knowledge.
- I started as a student assistant at my college library - first as a shelver, then more duties. My supervisor mentioned the MLS at Indiana University.
- I come from a large family - with a passion for reading. The library was a financially friendly place for our family.
- With the economy in crisis, the library can provide resources and can educate people.
- Build relationships in the field. Keep learning.
- My joint degree will be in Library Science and Art History.
- Archivist Wilma Moore was a wonderful mentor.
- I am curious about young adult literature.
- I am finishing a master's thesis in Native American Studies. I am interested in Public History and Library Science.
- The need for libraries and librarians has increased with the information age.
- I have a passion for people and history. I would love to be a museum curator upon graduation.
- Keep asking questions.
Marcia Smith-Woodard (Project Director), Jacob Speer (Grant Administrator, and SLIS graduate - MLS' 03), Robert Brooker (State Librarian, and SLIS graduate - MLS'88) were among the members of the Indiana State Library staff who welcomed the Fellows.
20 more Fellowships will be offered over the next two years. Details are linked from the news stories below.
See related SLIS News stories:
- Indiana Receives $1 Million Grant for Librarian Diversity Initiative
- First Ten Fellows Named for Librarian Diversity Initiative
photo caption: (left to right: McFarland, Weaver, Smith, Tandy, Masih, Hatcher, Cox, Hampton, Miller, Smith-Woodard)
Posted December 10, 2008