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Tag Archives: IMLS
$60,000 in Library Improvement Grants Awarded to Nebraska Public Libraries
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 9, 2023
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Christa Porter
402-471-3107
800-307-2665
$60,000 in Library Improvement Grants Awarded to Nebraska Public Libraries
The Nebraska Library Commission recently awarded Library Improvement Grants for 2023 totaling $60,000 to twenty-five Nebraska public libraries.
These competitive grants were funded with federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) monies from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). These Library Improvement Grants help to facilitate growth and development of library programs and services by supplementing local funding with federal funds designated for these purposes.
In order to be funded, projects had to meet one or more of the following LSTA Purposes listed in the Commission’s long-range plan:
- Facilitate access to resources . . . for the purpose of cultivating an educated and informed citizenry;
- Encourage resource sharing among . . . libraries for the purpose of achieving economical and efficient delivery of library services to the public;
- Promote literacy, education, and lifelong learning and to enhance and expand the services and resources provided by libraries, including those services and resources relating to workforce development, 21st century skills, and digital literacy skills;
- Ensure the preservation of knowledge and library collections in all formats and to enable libraries to serve their communities during disasters;
- Promote library services that provide users with access to information through national, state, local, regional, and international collaborations and networks.
Local libraries also had to provide at least a 25% match in order to receive the funds.
The libraries receiving grants are:
- Baright Public Library, Ralston
- Bayard Public Library
- Blair Public Library & Technology Center
- Butler Memorial Library
- Central City Public Library
- Clearwater Public Library
- Cordelia B Preston Memorial Library, Orleans
- Elmwood Public Library
- Franklin Public Library
- Fullerton Public Library
- Gering Public Library
- Grand Island Public Library
- Hoesch Memorial Public Library, Alma
- Kimball Public Library
- Lied Lincoln Township Library, Wausa
- Maxine White-Sutherland Public Library
- Mead Public Library
- North Platte Public Library
- Plainview Public Library
- Ravenna Public Library
- Shelton Public Library
- St. Edward Public Library
- Valley Public Library
- Valparaiso Public Library
- Yutan Public Library
The projects and services planned include: Touch screen kiosks, a microfilm and newspaper digitization project, indoor and outdoor furniture/shelving/cabinets, laptops/tablets/PC computers, outdoor book returns, a hydroponics tower, wireless printing/copying systems, certified career coaching classes, storytime materials, a Virtual Reality headset, telescopes, and an Owl 3 Conference Camera.
As the state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services, “bringing together people and information.”
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The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission Website, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases.
Posted in General, Grants, Public Relations
Tagged IMLS, Library Improvement Grants, LSTA, Nebraska Libraries, Public Libraries
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$332,471 in Library Improvement Grants Awarded to Nebraska Public and Institutional Libraries
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 5, 2022
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Christa Porter
402-471-3107
800-307-2665
$332,471 in Library Improvement Grants Awarded to Nebraska Public and Institutional Libraries
The Nebraska Library Commission recently awarded Library Improvement Grants for 2022 totaling $332,471 to seventy-four Nebraska public libraries, a library consortium, and a state-run institutional library.
These competitive grants were made available by the Nebraska Library Commission with funding provided from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the federal stimulus bill passed by Congress, as administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The Nebraska Library Commission has received a one-time award of $2,422,166. A portion of this funding was allocated for the Library Improvement Grants.
You can find the full list of grant recipients in the Nebraska Library Commission grants database at http://nlc.nebraska.gov/scripts/grants/Database/grantsdb.asp?grantnamedropdown=Library+Improvement+Grant&YearDropdown=2022&libraryDropdown=blank&cityDropdown=blank&B1=Submit
These Library Improvement Grants help to facilitate growth and development of library programs and services in Nebraska, by supplementing local funding with federal funds designated for these purposes.
In order to be funded, projects had to meet one or more of the following LSTA Purposes listed in the Commission’s long-range plan:
- Facilitate access to resources . . . for the purpose of cultivating an educated and informed citizenry;
- Encourage resource sharing among . . . libraries for the purpose of achieving economical and efficient delivery of library services to the public;
- Promote literacy, education, and lifelong learning and to enhance and expand the services and resources provided by libraries, including those services and resources relating to workforce development, 21st century skills, and digital literacy skills;
- Ensure the preservation of knowledge and library collections in all formats and to enable libraries to serve their communities during disasters;
- Promote library services that provide users with access to information through national, state, local, regional, and international collaborations and networks.
The projects and services planned include: Story Walks, makerspace equipment and supplies, indoor and outdoor furniture/shelving, laptops/tablets/PC computers, outdoor book returns, a book bike, wireless printing/copying systems, a sensory music garden, COVID-19 response and cleaning supplies, and digitization projects, as well as funding the migration of the Pioneer Consortium to a new ILS service with ByWater Solutions.
As the state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services, “bringing together people and information.”
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The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission Website, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases.
NCompass Live: Improving Internet Access In US Libraries: the ‘Toward Gigabit Libraries’ Project
Learn how to Improve Internet Access in US Libraries with the ‘Toward Gigabit Libraries’ Project on next Wednesday’s FREE NCompass Live webinar!
While much worthy attention has been paid to improving “last mile” connectivity for rural and tribal libraries, it’s the last 100 meters (the network inside the building) that is often overlooked and in need of improvement. The IMLS-funded Toward Gigabit Libraries project aims to address that problem through a self-service toolkit suitable for even the most novice of library workers. In straightforward, easy-to-understand language, the toolkit is designed to take lay people through technical concepts and tasks to create a Broadband Improvement Plan for each library. The plan is designed to help the library where it’s needed most – including improvements to hardware, software and configuration, suggestions for training and education, resources to advocate for better connectivity, and more. Fresh from the overwhelmingly successful pilot implementation of the toolkit in Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, Washington, Alaska, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut, the presenters will share the results of the pilot, lessons learned, and how this free toolkit applies to libraries of all types and sizes.
Presenters: Carson Block, Library Technology Consultant; Holly Woldt, NLC Library Technology Support Specialist; Tom Rolfes, Education IT Manager, Nebraska Information Technology Commission.
Upcoming NCompass Live events:
- March 13 – Ethics Behind Emerging Technology
- March 20 – Reading Diversely
- March 27 – Health Education Resources with the National Network of Libraries of Medicine
- April 10 – What is OER? Outstanding, Extraordinary Raw materials?
- April 24 – Connect to Meetings, and more…Experts, Virtual Field Trips with Zoom
For more information, to register for NCompass Live, or to listen to recordings of past events, go to the NCompass Live webpage.
NCompass Live is broadcast live every Wednesday from 10am – 11am Central Time. Convert to your time zone on the Official U.S. Time website. The show is presented online using the GoToWebinar online meeting service. Before you attend a session, please see the NLC Online Sessions webpage for detailed information about GoToWebinar, including system requirements, firewall permissions, and equipment requirements for computer speakers and microphones.
Posted in Broadband Buzz, Education & Training, Technology
Tagged broadband, digitalinclusion, IMLS, Internet2, libraries, NCompLive
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Partnership Launched to Help Close the Homework Gap for Rural Students
High-speed Internet access is essential to Nebraska schoolchildren and a partnership between schools and libraries in five Nebraska communities will demonstrate an innovative way to ensure that children can complete homework assignments and projects. The Nebraska Library Commission has been awarded a National Leadership Sparks Grant of $25,000 by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) for a partnership project with the Nebraska Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) and five local school districts and public libraries. The Nebraska Schools and Libraries—Breaking the Ice and Igniting Internet Relationships grant is one of 26 projects out of 117 applications to receive funding totaling $5,770,682 to support libraries across the nation.
Five Nebraska rural school districts and public libraries will work together as partners to increase Internet speeds at the public library using fixed wireless technology to provide additional Internet to the library, augmenting the current Internet service. Up to one gigabit (1,000Mbps) of Internet speed will be provided for a designated homework hotspot for school district students and staff. This will help close the “homework gap” that rural students face when attempting to complete homework assignments and school projects without a reliable Internet source at home. The libraries will use the school districts’ network to augment existing Internet service, supplementing it with high-speed Internet access for K-12 students and staff in these school districts so that students can complete homework assignments, collaborate in groups on research projects, access online instruction, work on special projects, and undertake other digital learning activities. Nebraska communities participating in this one-year project beginning June 1 include Bancroft, Genoa, Imperial, Verdigre, and Wymore.
“I am pleased to announce the recipients of IMLS’s highly competitive library grant programs,” said IMLS Director Dr. Kathryn K. Matthew. “These grants leveraged over $2.7 million in matching funds from local partners and community collaborators, helping to ensure the sustainability of these projects and to enhance their reach and impact.”
“As Nebraska students and teachers embrace digital learning, Nebraska public libraries look for new partnership models with schools to ensure equal access to digital learning resources for all students. Students need broadband services outside of school and after school hours. Libraries fill the gap and contribute to educational achievement. This project demonstrates the commitment of Nebraska’s public libraries to provide high-speed Internet service through innovative educational partnerships with schools. We thank the schools and libraries that have committed to demonstrating this innovative approach to school and public library collaboration,” said Nebraska Library Commission Director Rod Wagner.
“The State of Nebraska’s Office of the CIO is pleased to partner with the Nebraska Library Commission on this project to improve Internet access in small, rural public libraries and to leverage the investments made in the state education network, Network Nebraska,” said Ed Toner, the State Chief Information Officer.
This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services [IMLS grant: LG-99-18-0018-18].
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s approximately 120,000 libraries and 35,000 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 us on Facebook and Twitter.
As Nebraska’s state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services—“bringing together people and information.” The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission are always available on the Library Commission website, http://nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases.
The Nebraska Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) is the State’s agency for Information Technology services. Through partnerships with public organizations, the OCIO provides coordinated IT management, enterprise oversight, and reliable solutions to support the business needs of the state agencies, boards, commissions, and political subdivisions serving Nebraska. Its staff helps manage Network Nebraska, the statewide telecommunications network serving public and private K-12 schools and higher education entities. Network Nebraska is uniquely positioned to assist public libraries with faster and lower cost commodity Internet and peered routing achieved through statewide aggregation and consortium E-rate expertise.
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#SparksNebraska #digitalinclusion #DIW2018 #digitalequityis
Sparks! Ignition Grants for Libraries and Museums – Application due 2/2/2015
Deadline: Feb. 2, 2015
Amount: $10,000 – $25,000
Awarding institution: Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Sparks! Ignition Grants for Libraries are a special funding opportunity within the IMLS National Leadership Grants for Libraries program. These small grants encourage libraries and archives to test and evaluate specific innovations in the ways they operate and the services they provide. Sparks Grants support the deployment, testing, and evaluation of promising and groundbreaking new tools, products, services, or organizational practices. You may propose activities or approaches that involve risk, as long as the risk is balanced by significant potential for improvement in the ways libraries and museums serve their communities. Successful proposals will address problems, challenges, or needs of broad relevance to libraries and/or archives.
Eligibility: Libraries that fulfill the general criteria for libraries may apply. In addition, institutions of higher education, including public and nonprofit universities, are eligible.
For more information: http://www.imls.gov/applicants/detail.aspx?GrantId=19
There’s Still Time to Apply for a 21st Century Librarian Scholarship
The Nebraska Library Commission is accepting online applications for its 21st Century Librarian Scholarship program through March 3, 2014(http://nowhiringatyourlibrary.nebraska.gov/Scholarships.asp). These scholarships are for students pursuing a degree or certificate in Library and Information Science at the Associate’s and Bachelor’s levels. Legal residents of the state of Nebraska are eligible to apply. Transcripts (as required) are due February 18, 2014; and letters of recommendation, if mailed, are due February 18, 2014. Scholarships of up to $3,500 will be awarded, depending on the degree or certificate the applicant is pursuing and the applicant’s course plan.
Scholarships may be used for tuition (for coursework contributing toward a certificate or degree, including general education classes), course-required materials, and school-assessed fees at the following levels:
- Library and Information Science (LIS) Professional Certificate
- Associate of Arts or Science Degree in Library and Information Science (LIS)
- Bachelor of Arts or Science Degree/Endorsement with a major in Library and Information Science or Library Media
- Scholarship students meet up: Monica Tidyman (r.) had the opportunity to complete her practicum at Hastings Public Library, where Dana Still (l.) works.
Scholarship recipients will be eligible to apply for stipends for such things as laptop or tablet computers, Nebraska Library Digital Literacy Coaching Corps, professional association dues, and regional or national conference attendance.
The scholarships, stipends, and value-added training are offered through the Nebraska Library Commission’s Cultivating Rural Librarians’ 21st Century Skills program, which is funded through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program. For more information, contact Kathryn Brockmeier, Grant Program Manager, by e-mail or by phone, 402-471-4002 or 800-307-2665.
NOTE: Due to the significant number of applications for the Nebraska Library Commission master’s-level scholarships (funded through the Librarians for the 21st Century Program of the Institute of Museum and Library Services), as of July 1, 2012, graduate-level scholarships will no longer be available. Scholarships DO continue to be available for undergraduate Library Science studies, including LIS certificates, and Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees.
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. The Institute’s mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.
There’s Still Time to Apply for Internship Grants — Applications due Feb. 18, 2014
The Nebraska Library Commission’s Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian program offers support for internships through grants to accredited public libraries. Application deadline is Feb. 18, 2014. In partnership with the Nebraska Library Association and funded through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program, the internship grants increase awareness about library professions and education and the opportunities for employment in Nebraska libraries.
Internship grants range from $500 to $1,000. Library grantees will recruit, select, and hire their interns. Usually, interns are hired as contract workers and paid on a stipend rather than an hourly wage, but the terms of employment are determined by the library’s governing body. Interns provide valuable assistance with library service activities and local library programming. Library staff help introduce interns to the joys of library service careers. Partnership projects involving collaboration between a public library and another type of library will be given special consideration.
2014 intern Saresse Clay returns from school to implement the Story Walk project she designed during her summer internship.
To the right is a Facebook post by the Rock County Public Library showcasing their 2013 intern Saresse Clay. Saresse designed a Story Walk project during the summer and implemented the project in November 2013.
Web conferencing: NLC staff are available by phone and through e-mail to discuss general issues relating to the internship grant program. We also invite you to the recorded NCompass Live webinar, Internships: Cultivating Nebraska’s Future Librarians, to learn more about the program from previous grant recipients and to listen to the questions and comments of other participants. In this session, participating libraries and intern Saresse Clay shared their experiences with the internship program, including successes and lessons learned. This session also introduced the 2014 grant opportunity for internships, including information on writing a winning proposal.
To apply: Applications are now being accepted. The deadline for applications is Feb. 18, 2014. More information is available on the Now Hiring @ your library® website, at http://nowhiringatyourlibrary.nebraska.gov/Internships.asp.
– – –
As Nebraska’s state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services — “bringing together people and information.”
The Nebraska Library Association is the cornerstone of the Nebraska library community. The Association advocates for its members, enriches their professional lives, advances the lifelong learning of all Nebraskans, and promotes all library interests in Nebraska. For more information, visit http://nebraskalibraries.org.
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. The Institute’s mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit http://www.imls.gov.
Public Libraries Invited to Apply for Internship Grants — Applications due Feb. 18, 2014
Posting date: Dec. 17, 2013
Application deadline: Feb. 18, 2014
Award amount: $500 – $1,000
The Nebraska Library Commission’s Cultivating Rural Librarians’ Technology Skills program offers support for internships through grants to accredited public libraries. In partnership with the Nebraska Library Association and funded through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program, the internship grants increase awareness about library professions and education and the opportunities for employment in Nebraska libraries.
So, what can your library do with the internship program?
- Share your enthusiasm for library education and the library profession
- Expand your programming
- Bring in fresh faces
- Show interns what happens behind-the-scenes
- Partner with other library types to show the variety of work settings
Internship grants range from $500 to $1,000. A library may provide one 100-hour internship during the summer months that might last eight weeks, or two 50-hour internships during the school year that might last ten weeks, depending on the needs of the library and the scheduling needs and qualifications of the internship candidates. Library grantees will recruit, select, and hire their interns. Usually, interns are hired as contract workers and paid on a stipend rather than an hourly wage, but the terms of employment are determined by the library’s governing body. Interns provide valuable assistance with library service activities and local library programming. Library staff help introduce interns to the joys of library service careers. Partnership projects involving collaboration between a public library and another type of library will be given special consideration.
Reflection from one intern:
I learned that there are a lot more duties for a librarian to perform than the general public thinks. I liked working with all of the patrons and learning how to keep the library organized and running smoothly. I haven’t decided what I would like to do for a career in the future, but after this summer I would definitely consider being a librarian.
Web conferencing: NLC staff are available by phone and through e-mail to discuss general issues relating to the internship grant program. We also invite you to participate in a webinar to learn more about the program from previous grant recipients, ask questions, and listen to the questions and comments of other participants. NLC’s NCompass Live will air Internships: Cultivating Nebraska’s Future Librarians on Wednesday, January 8, 2014, at 10 a.m. Central time. In this session, participating libraries will share their experiences with the internship program, including successes and lessons learned. This session will also introduce the upcoming 2014 grant opportunity for internships.
To apply: Applications are now being accepted. The deadline for applications is Feb. 18, 2014. More information is available on the Now Hiring @ your library® website, at http://nowhiringatyourlibrary.nebraska.gov/Internships.asp.
– – –
As Nebraska’s state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development, and coordination of library and information services — “bringing together people and information.”
The Nebraska Library Association is the cornerstone of the Nebraska library community. The Association advocates for its members, enriches their professional lives, advances the lifelong learning of all Nebraskans, and promotes all library interests in Nebraska. For more information, visit http://nebraskalibraries.org.
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. The Institute’s mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit http://www.imls.gov.
Sparks! Ignition Grants for Libraries and Museums – Application due 2/3/2014
Deadline: Feb. 3, 2014
Amount: $10,000 – $25,000
Awarding institution: Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Sparks! Ignition Grants for Libraries are a special funding opportunity within the IMLS National Leadership Grants for Libraries program. These small grants encourage libraries and archives to test and evaluate specific innovations in the ways they operate and the services they provide. Sparks Grants support the deployment, testing, and evaluation of promising and groundbreaking new tools, products, services, or organizational practices. You may propose activities or approaches that involve risk, as long as the risk is balanced by significant potential for improvement in the ways libraries and museums serve their communities.
Eligibility: Libraries that fulfill the general criteria for libraries may apply. In addition, institutions of higher education, including public and nonprofit universities, are eligible.
For more information: http://www.imls.gov/applicants/detail.aspx?GrantId=19
IMLS National Leadership Grants – Applications due 2/3/2014
Institute of Museum and Library Services National Leadership Grants support projects that address challenges faced by the museum, library, and/or archive fields and that have the potential to advance practice in those fields. Applications are due February 3, 2014.
Successful proposals will seek innovative responses to the challenge(s) identified in the proposals, and will have national impact. IMLS invites libraries to address STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) in their programs and projects in order to advance learning and support the acquisition of STEM knowledge at all ages, but particularly for at-risk youth.
Applicants that fulfill the general criteria for libraries may apply. These include public libraries, public elementary and secondary school libraries, college and university libraries, research libraries and archives that are not an integral part of an institution of higher education and that make publicly available library services and materials that are suitable for scholarly research and not otherwise available.
More information is available at http://www.imls.gov/applicants/detail.aspx?GrantId=14.
There’s Still Time to Apply for a 21st Century Librarian Scholarship
The Nebraska Library Commission is accepting online applications for its 21st Century Librarian Scholarship program through November 1, 2013 (http://nowhiringatyourlibrary.nebraska.gov/Scholarships.asp). These scholarships are for students pursuing a degree or certificate in Library and Information Science at the Associate’s and Bachelor’s levels. Legal residents of the state of Nebraska are eligible to apply. Transcripts (as required) are due October 25, 2013; and letters of recommendation, if mailed, are due October 25, 2013. Scholarships of up to $3,500 will be awarded, depending on the degree or certificate the applicant is pursuing and the applicant’s course plan.
Scholarships may be used for tuition (for coursework contributing toward a certificate or degree, including general education classes), course-required materials, and school-assessed fees at the following levels:
- Library and Information Science (LIS) Professional Certificate
- Associate of Arts or Science Degree in Library and Information Science (LIS)
- Bachelor of Arts or Science Degree/Endorsement with a major in Library and Information Science or Library Media
Scholarship recipients will be eligible to apply for stipends for such things as laptop or tablet computers, professional association dues, and regional or national conference attendance.
The scholarships, stipends, and value-added training are offered through the Nebraska Library Commission’s Cultivating Rural Librarians’ 21st Century Skills program, which is funded through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program. For more information, contact Kathryn Brockmeier, Grant Program Manager, by e-mail or by phone, 402-471-4002 or 800-307-2665.
NOTE: Due to the significant number of applications for the Nebraska Library Commission master’s-level scholarships (funded through the Librarians for the 21st Century Program of the Institute of Museum and Library Services), as of July 1, 2012, graduate-level scholarships will no longer be available. Scholarships DO continue to be available for undergraduate Library Science studies, including LIS certificates, and Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees.
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. The Institute’s mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.
IMLS National Leadership Grants – Applications due 2/1/2013
National Leadership Grants support projects that address challenges faced by the museum, library, and/or archive fields and that have the potential to advance practice in those fields. Successful proposals will seek innovative responses to the challenge(s) identified in the proposals, and will have national impact. For FY2013, IMLS continues to pursue its commitment to early learning by seeking proposals addressing learners from ages 0-8 and their parents and caregivers. Library applicants are encouraged to partner with community organizations to address at least one of the challenges identified by the Campaign for Grade Level Reading including school readiness, summer reading loss, and chronic school absence. Click here to learn more about IMLS’s role in this initiative. Projects addressing the goals of the Campaign for Grade Level Reading should check the appropriate box on the Program Information Sheet component of the application.
The National Leadership Grant program accepts applications under four main categories:
- Advancing Digital Resources—Support the creation, use, presentation, and preservation of significant digital resources as well as the development of tools to enhance access, use, and management of digital assets.
- Research—Research—Support research that investigates key questions that are important to museum, library, and archival practice.
- Demonstration—Demonstration—Support projects that produce a replicable model or practice that is usable, adaptable, or scalable by other institutions for improving services and performance.
- Library Museum Collaboration Grants— Support collaborative projects (between museums and/or libraries and other community organizations) that address the educational, economic, cultural, or social needs of a community. In 2012, a funding priority will be projects that promote early learning.
Applicants may choose to submit a Project Grant, Planning Grant, or National Forum Grant proposal in any of the above categories. Project Grants support fully developed projects for which needs assessments, partnership development, feasibility analyses, prototyping, and other planning activities have been completed. Planning Grants allow project teams to perform preliminary planning activities that could lead to a subsequent full project, such as needs and feasibility analyses, solidifying partnerships, developing project work plans, or developing prototypes or proofs of concept. Applications for Planning Grants must include at least one formal partner in addition to the lead applicant. National Forum Grants provide the opportunity to convene qualified groups of experts and key stakeholders to consider issues or challenges that are important to libraries, museums, and/or archives across the nation. Grant-supported meetings are expected to produce widely disseminated reports with expert recommendations for action or research that address a key challenge identified in the proposal. The expert recommendations resulting from these meetings are intended to guide future proposals to the National Leadership Grant program.
Eligibility: Libraries that fulfill the general criteria for libraries may apply. See program guidelines for special conditions of eligibility for this program. Museums that fulfill the general criteria for museums may apply. Public or private nonprofit agencies, organizations, or associations that engage in activities designed to advance museums and the museum profession may also apply. In addition, institutions of higher education, including public and non-profit universities, are eligible.
More information is available at http://www.imls.gov/applicants/detail.aspx?GrantId=14.
Sparks! Ignition Grants for Libraries and Museums – Application due 2/1/2013
Deadline: Feb. 1, 2013
Amount: $10,000 – $25,000
Awarding institution: Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Sparks! Ignition Grants for Libraries and Museums are a special funding opportunity within the IMLS National Leadership Grants program. These small grants encourage libraries, museums, and archives to test and evaluate specific innovations in the ways they operate and the services they provide. Sparks Grants support the deployment, testing, and evaluation of promising and groundbreaking new tools, products, services, or organizational practices. You may propose activities or approaches that involve risk, as long as the risk is balanced by significant potential for improvement in the ways libraries and museums serve their communities.
Successful proposals will address problems, challenges, or needs of broad relevance to libraries, museums, and/or archives. A proposed project should test a specific, innovative response to the identified problem and present a plan to make the findings widely and openly accessible.
To maximize the public benefit from federal investments in these grants, the Sparks Grants will fund only projects with the following characteristics:
Broad Potential Impact—You should identify a specific problem or need that is relevant to many libraries, archives, and/or museums, and propose a testable and measurable solution. Proposals must demonstrate a thorough understanding of current issues and practices in the project’s focus area and discuss its potential impact within libraries, archives, and/or museums. Proposed innovations should be widely adoptable or adaptable.
Significant Innovation—The proposed solution to the identified problem must offer strong potential for non-incremental, significant advancement in the operation of libraries, archives, and/or museums. You must explain how the proposed activity differs from current practices or takes advantage of an unexplored opportunity, and the potential benefit to be gained by this innovation.
Eligibility: Libraries that fulfill the general criteria for libraries may apply. Museums that fulfill the general criteria for museums may apply. Public or private nonprofit agencies, organizations, or associations that engage in activities designed to advance museums and the museum profession may also apply. In addition, institutions of higher education, including public and nonprofit universities, are eligible.
For more information: http://www.imls.gov/applicants/detail.aspx?GrantId=19
Nebraska Library Commission Awards 21st Century Librarian Scholarships
Thanks to a grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the Nebraska Library Commission recently awarded 21st Century Librarian scholarships to thirty-eight Nebraska students in undergraduate and graduate Library Science programs. Nebraska Library Commission Director Rod Wagner commented, “The 21st Century Librarian scholarships contribute to a workforce equipped to provide the kind and quality of library services expected in Nebraska’s communities and schools. The Nebraska Library Commission is pleased to support Nebraska students involved in library science education programs. We offer our best wishes to these students in pursuing their educational and career goals.”
Students who wish to apply for scholarships for a Library and Information Services Professional Certificate (offered through Nebraska’s community colleges), an Associate of Arts or Science Degree in Library and Information Services, or a Bachelor of Arts or Science Degree with a major in Library and Information Science or Library Media should submit application materials by November 1, 2012.
For more information about Nebraska’s Cultivating Rural Librarians’ 21st Century Skills program, see NowHiringAtYourLibrary.org. For a list of current scholarship recipients, see http://nlc1.nlc.state.ne.us/nowhiring/Scholarshipsrecipients.asp.
NOTE: Due to the significant number of applications for the Nebraska Library Commission master’s-level scholarships (funded through the Librarians for the 21st Century Program of the Institute of Museum and Library Services), as of July 1, 2012, graduate-level scholarships will no longer be available. Scholarships DO continue to be available for undergraduate Library Science studies, including LIS certificates, and Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees.
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. The Institute’s mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.
June 2012 Scholarship Recipients
Nancy Armstrong, Ogallala
Jennifer Barnason, Lincoln
Nancy Black, Uehling
Michaela Braun, Atkinson
Dixie Codner, Wood River
Shanna Crosby-Wilson, Omaha
Kelley Dible, Sidney
Karen Dittbrenner, Beatrice
Michael Elsener, Lincoln
Susan Finkral, Leigh
Justine Goeden, West Point
Emily Hilkemann, Pierce
Anne Hubbell, Lincoln
Chandra Kosmicki, Boelus
Angela Kroeger, Omaha
Jared Lechner, Norfolk
Ann Maass, Bellevue
Brian Maass, Bellevue
Misty McClain, North Platte
Cory McCune, Omaha
Emily McIllece, Elkhorn
Jennifer Misbach , Omaha
Cally O’Brien, Schuyler
Annette Parde, Lincoln
Jayme Prisbell, Omaha
Stephen Sautter, York
Dorothy Schultz, Wood River
Andrew Sherman, Omaha
Amanda Sisavanh, Bennington
Stefanie Skrdla, Gretna
Shari Spiehs-Hudson, Springfield
Jordan Stough, Bellevue
Rozanne Tuttle, Ogallala
David Watchorn, Ponca
Celeste Wright, Lincoln
21st Century Librarian Scholarship Applications Due Nov. 1, 2012
The Nebraska Library Commission announces the sixth cycle of its 21st Century Librarian Scholarship program (http://nlc1.nlc.state.ne.us/nowhiring/scholarships.asp). Legal residents of the state of Nebraska are eligible to apply. In this sixth cycle, online applications are due November 1, 2012; transcripts (as required) are due Oct. 22, 2012; and letters of recommendation, if mailed, are due Oct. 22, 2012. The amount of the scholarship award varies by the degree or certificate the applicant is pursuing and the applicant’s course plan.
Scholarships may be used for tuition (for coursework contributing toward a certificate or degree), course-required materials, and school-assessed fees at the following levels:
- Library and Information Science (LIS) Professional Certificate
- Associate of Arts or Science Degree in Library and Information Science (LIS)
- Bachelor of Arts or Science Degree with a major in Library and Information Science or Library Media
Scholarship recipients will be eligible to apply for stipends for such things as laptop computers, professional association dues, and regional or national conference attendance.
This dynamic program includes enhanced learning opportunities such as the 21st Century Skills Seminar (Tech Rodeo, recently held in Crete, NE), webinars, face-to-face training, and online social networking, such as the Nebraska Librarians Learning Together Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/NebraskaLibrarians.
To date, ninety-four scholarships have been awarded to seventy-six students. Current scholarship recipients are participating and reporting on trainings that range from a hands-on introduction to eBooks and eReaders to live and recorded webinars about the latest Internet tools. Participants are networking with Nebraska librarians on the Nebraska Librarians Learning Together Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/NebraskaLibrarians. And, through the associated stipends program, students have purchased laptop computers to use with their online classes, joined professional library associations, and attended regional and national conferences.
The scholarships, stipends, and value-added training are offered through the Nebraska Library Commission’s Cultivating Rural Librarians’ 21st Century Skills program, which is funded through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program. For more information, contact Kathryn Brockmeier, Grant Program Manager, by e-mail, or by phone 402-471-4002 or 800-307-2665.
NOTE: Due to the significant number of applications for the Nebraska Library Commission master’s-level scholarships (funded through the Librarians for the 21st Century Program of the Institute of Museum and Library Services), as of July 1, 2012, graduate-level scholarships will no longer be available. Scholarships DO continue to be available for undergraduate Library Science studies, including LIS certificates, and Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees.
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. The Institute’s mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.
IMLS Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program Grants – Deadline Sept 24, 2012
Closing Date for Applications: September 24, 2012;
Award Amount: Up to $500,000;
Issuing agency: Institue of Museum and Library Services;
Project Types: Community Engagement, Formal Education, Informal Learning, Partnerships, Professional Development/Continuing Education, Research
Institutions: Archives, Federally Recognized Native American Tribe, Historical Society, Library, Nonprofits that serve Native Hawaiians, Professional Association, Regional Organization, State Library Administrative Agency, State or Local Government, Public or Private Non-profit Institutions of Higher Education
Informational webinars: Wednesday, July 25, 2012, 3:00-4:00 (EDT); Tuesday, August 14, 2012, 3:00-4:00 (EDT)
The Institue of Museum and Library Services Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program invests in the nation’s information infrastructure by funding projects designed to address the education and training needs of the professionals who help build, maintain, and provide public access to the world’s wide-ranging information systems and sources. In 2013, the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program will support projects to develop faculty and library leaders, to recruit and educate the next generation of librarians and archivists, to build institutional capacity in graduate schools of library and information science, and to assist in the professional development of librarians and archivists. This grant program is especially interested in developing information professionals who can help manage the burgeoning data generated by the nation’s researchers, serve as stewards of the nation’s cultural legacy, and meet the information needs of the underserved. The program also seeks to help librarians develop the information and digital literacy of their communities, as well as other critical skills their users will need to be successful in the 21st century. This program addresses the field’s need to advance the work of new faculty in library and information science by supporting an early career development program for untenured, tenure-track faculty. Research conducted under the early careers program should be in the faculty member’s particular research area and is not restricted to research on the profession.
The primary goal of this grant program is to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the library and archives workforce to meet the information needs of the nation. Five project categories of grants are featured in FY 2013. The goals of each LB21 project category are described here:
- Doctoral Programs
- Master’s Programs
- Early Career Development
- Programs to Build Institutional Capacity
- Continuing Education
Regardless of the project category you choose, you must also decide which of the following funding categories you want to apply for:
- Project Grants — Amount of grant: $50,000 to $500,000.
- Collaborative Planning Grants — Amount of grant: Up to $50,000
In all project and funding categories, if your application has a recruitment component, you should address ways to 1.bring to the profession skills required to enhance library and/or archives services; and2.broaden participation in the library profession, including but not limited to members of traditionally underserved groups and communities We encourage proposals that seek to increase the ability of librarians to provide programs and services relating to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) across all categories.
Details are available at http://www.imls.gov/applicants/detail.aspx?GrantId=9.
Posted in Education & Training, General, Now hiring @ your library, Technology
Tagged grants, IMLS
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Scholarship students headed to ALA Conference in Anaheim
Thanks to a grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), three 21st Century Librarian scholarship students will attend the upcoming American Library Association 2012 Annual Conference in Anaheim. Chip Watchorn, Mike Elsener, and Michelle McCay-Broyles received stipend awards to attend the conference. The purpose of the stipend program is to enhance and broaden students’ educational experience. To date, ten students have attended conferences sponsored by the Public Library Association, American Association of School Librarians, Library Information Technology Association, as well as the Mountain Plains Library Association 2012 Leadership Institute.
To date, fify-four scholarships have been awarded to fifty-one students. Current scholarship recipients are participating and reporting on trainings that range from a hands-on introduction to eBooks and eReaders to live and recorded webinars about the latest Internet tools, and many are register for this summer’s Tech Rodeo. Participants are networking with Nebraska librarians on the Nebraska Librarians Learning Together Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/NebraskaLibrarians. And, through the associated stipends program, students have purchased laptop computers to use with their online classes, joined professional library associations, and attended regional and national conferences.
The scholarships, stipends, and value-added training are offered through the Nebraska Library Commission’s Cultivating Rural Librarians’ 21st Century Skills program, which is funded through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program. For more information, contact Kathryn Brockmeier, Grant Program Manager, by e-mail, or by phone 402-471-4002 or 800-307-2665.
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. The Institute’s mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.
Scholarship students to attend PLA conference
Thanks to a 21st Century Librarian grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, five scholarship students will attend the Public Library Association 2012 Conference March 13–17 in Philadelphia through the scholarship stipend program.
The Nebraska Library Commission’s 21st Century Librarian scholarship program is not just about paying for Nebraska students’ tuition, fees, and books. It’s about enhancing the students’ educational experiences and helping prepare them for a successful library career. Stipends are payments for use toward approved, scholarship-related expenses in addition to their scholarship awards. Stipend opportunities include the purchase of a laptop computer, attendance at one library-related national or regional conference, and membership in one library-related professional association.
Upon return, students are expected to report on their experiences, by posting on the Nebraska Librarians Learning Together Facebook page, and by presenting during live webinars and conference presentations. And, watch for live updates from the students during the conference by reading their posts the Facebook wall.
For more information about Nebraska’s Cultivating Rural Librarians’ 21st Century Skills program, see NowHiringAtYourLibrary.org.
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. The Institute’s mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.
Posted in Education & Training, Now hiring @ your library
Tagged grants, IMLS, scholarships, stipends
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