LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE NEWS
The School of Information Studies at Syracuse University
The Original Information School
February 2006
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Give back to high-need urban schools: Apply now for New York City PLUS program
The application deadline for the Summer 2006 cohort of A Plus (A+) for New York City's Libraries is quickly approaching. A+, a program aimed at educating new cohorts of librarians for high-need urban schools, launched the Spring 2006 cohort in January. Interested applicants for the summer must submit their completed applications by April 14, 2006 in order to begin the program in July 2006.
A nearly $1 million grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) will provide two-thirds tuition scholarships for 40 masters-level students to participate in the A+ program. Students will also have the opportunity to receive additional scholarship support through New York City's Department of Education, Office of Strategic Partnerships.
Courses will be taught in New York City or through distance education using WebCT, the School of Information Studies' online teaching and learning environment.
The A+ program is multi-faceted, infusing a variety of special activities into the academic program, including:
* a Webcast lecture series featuring guest speakers on relevant issues affecting high-need urban schools
* leading E*LIT (Enhancing Literacy through Information Technology) program that involves children in projects that combine literacy and technology skills
* mentoring program pairing PLUS scholars with practitioner mentors from New York City schools
* a "buddy" system that pairs PLUS scholars in New of resources for high needs schools.
A+ scholars will begin their coursework in July 2006 and then proceed through a two-year, part-time, distance learning Master of Science in Library and Information Science program accredited by the American Library Association and certified by New York State. Students will take coursework in librarianship, specializing in motivating student reading, research and learning with technology, and serving as agents of change within their libraries. In the PLUS program, all fieldwork and practicum experiences occur in urban school library settings.
To apply, please complete the Application for Graduate Study and A+ application. The A+ application deadline for the summer (July) 2006 cohort is April 14, 2006. Visit http://istweb.syr.edu/academics/graduate/mls/mediaprogram/plus/ for more information.
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Congratulations School of Information Studies Honorees!
Scott Nicholson, an assistant professor in library and information science, Catherine Arnott Smith, an assistant professor in library and information science, and Kenneth O. Miles, assistant dean for student services, have been selected for inclusion in the 2006 issue of Marquis' Who's Who in America. Nicholson, Smith, and Miles honored along with a broad array of distinguished leaders and professionals, as well as famous movers and shakers.
Lee Howard, a library and information science Master's candidate, has been selected to receive a Who's Who Among Students award for the class of 2005-2006. In addition to completing the MS in Library and Information Science degree, Lee will earn a Certificate in Advanced Study in Digital Libraries upon graduating in May 2006.
Kirsten Hensley, a library and information science Master's candidate, has won one of seven $1,500 New York Library Association Dewey Scholarships.
Kristen Blake, a library and information science Master's candidate, has been selected as the School's representative to the American Library Association's Student to Staff Program.
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Center for Digital Literacy contest to feature works of Native American author
This winter, school librarians and their students will have a chance to delve into the works of local composer, singer, actress, and author Joanne Shenandoah, a Wolf Clan member of the Iroquois Confederacy-Oneida Nation who draws inspiration from the songs of her ancestors.
This opportunity arises as the Center for Digital Literacy at Syracuse University announces its 3rd Annual E*LIT (Enriching Literacy through Information Technology) Competition. School library media specialists are invited to participate by working collaboratively with students and classroom teachers to produce a technology-based project focusing on the life and/or works of Ms. Shenandoah.
All participating groups will receive an item autographed by Ms. Shenandoah and an invitation to attend a live performance on Friday, April 28.
The winning group will receive an award, reimbursement for transportation to the performance, and an invitation to a luncheon with Ms. Shenandoah after the performance.
All participants must register for the contest before submitting their projects. Projects must be submitted in electronic format on or before Monday, March 20. Winners will be notified by mail by Monday, April 3.
Registration forms, eligibility requirements, project evaluation guides, and additional information about the contest can be found online at http://digital-literacy.syr.edu/conferences/children_author.htm.
Ms. Shenandoah is an award-winning, Grammy-nominated (nominated, again, this year!) Native American singer-songwriter who embellishes the ancient songs of the Iroquois Nation using a blend of traditional and contemporary instruments. She has released 14 albums since 1989. In addition to her music career, Ms. Shenandoah has also written a book, "Skywoman: Legends of the Iroquois."
More information about Ms. Shenandoah's life and works can be found on her Web site at http://www.joanneshenandoah.com.
The Center for Digital Literacy (CDL) at Syracuse University, established in Spring 2003, supports collaborative research and development projects related to understanding the impact of information, technology and media literacies on children and adults in today's technology-intensive society. More information about CDL can be found at http://digital-literacy.syr.edu/index.htm.
The E*LIT Competition is funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Apple Computer, Inc., and The Office of the Chancellor at Syracuse University.
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For more information. . .
Amy Sloane-Garris
Director of Communications & Graduate Marketing
Syracuse University--School of Information Studies
Tel: 315.443.6885
Fax: 315.443.6886
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