Milner receives $58,000 information literacy grant
Chris Davies
Issue date: 11/30/07 Section: News
Milner Library received a $58,000 grant from the Illinois Secretary of State's office to study the effectiveness of a center for information literacy.
Information literacy, according to Dane Ward, associate dean of Milner Library, is raising the level of awareness about information and how to evaluate that information.
Ward described the purpose of the grant as, "A grant to look at the possibility of creating a center to help the citizens of Illinois to use information more effectively."
He stressed that the goal of the grant was, "To try and create a culture of literacy in the state of Illinois." The possible benefits, he believes, could include an improved economy and better decision-making both for personal decisions and community decisions. The center would address a full range of any kind of research, including everyday things, like prescription directions and community developments. The center would also help librarians enhance their capacity to help their patrons with research involving a diverse set of information.
"Information literacy is something that people use everyday. Most students should be familiar with library sessions, these are activities in increasing information literacy," Ward said. "Even for decisions like which movie to see, we have to evaluate the information we are given to make the best decision."
A large part of the grant is meant to coordinate statewide projects. This includes school, university and local libraries. Likewise, the grant would aid in creating a strong network of libraries in the Bloomington-Normal area.
Ward also hopes the grant will help to establish a public library outreach to assist people in gaining information in non-library settings.
Milner Library is one of about 241 libraries to receive funding for this type of research. In total the state awarded $3.9 million as a part of the Library Services and Technology Act. The federal Institute of Museum and Library Services awards funding to Library Services and Technology Act's at the state level for use in the development of library service projects like the information literacy project.
Milner library applied for this grant through the Illinois State Library, who awards money based on a competitive grant system. Milner's proposal was reviewed and selected based on its merit.
Tat McGuckin, manager of communication at the Illinois State Library, described the Library Services and Technology Act grant as, "Very worthwhile, because they allow libraries to be creative and more closely focus on the specific needs of the community."
McGuckin added that Milner would have to report their findings on the feasibility of such a center to the state library next year, once the grant has run its course.
Information literacy, according to Dane Ward, associate dean of Milner Library, is raising the level of awareness about information and how to evaluate that information.
Ward described the purpose of the grant as, "A grant to look at the possibility of creating a center to help the citizens of Illinois to use information more effectively."
He stressed that the goal of the grant was, "To try and create a culture of literacy in the state of Illinois." The possible benefits, he believes, could include an improved economy and better decision-making both for personal decisions and community decisions. The center would address a full range of any kind of research, including everyday things, like prescription directions and community developments. The center would also help librarians enhance their capacity to help their patrons with research involving a diverse set of information.
"Information literacy is something that people use everyday. Most students should be familiar with library sessions, these are activities in increasing information literacy," Ward said. "Even for decisions like which movie to see, we have to evaluate the information we are given to make the best decision."
A large part of the grant is meant to coordinate statewide projects. This includes school, university and local libraries. Likewise, the grant would aid in creating a strong network of libraries in the Bloomington-Normal area.
Ward also hopes the grant will help to establish a public library outreach to assist people in gaining information in non-library settings.
Milner Library is one of about 241 libraries to receive funding for this type of research. In total the state awarded $3.9 million as a part of the Library Services and Technology Act. The federal Institute of Museum and Library Services awards funding to Library Services and Technology Act's at the state level for use in the development of library service projects like the information literacy project.
Milner library applied for this grant through the Illinois State Library, who awards money based on a competitive grant system. Milner's proposal was reviewed and selected based on its merit.
Tat McGuckin, manager of communication at the Illinois State Library, described the Library Services and Technology Act grant as, "Very worthwhile, because they allow libraries to be creative and more closely focus on the specific needs of the community."
McGuckin added that Milner would have to report their findings on the feasibility of such a center to the state library next year, once the grant has run its course.
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