SWIM: Learning Cohort for MLIS and Media Specialists

SWIM SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS POSTED -- MLIS or SLME

SWIM Q & A Online Sessions -- December 2009

SWIM: Regional Collaborative Library Education Project

Four states—South Dakota, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana—are collaborating to provide provide education scholarships for least 6 Idaho librarians and 4 school library media specialists to work in the region's rural communities through the SWIM Regional Collaborative Library Education Project. The project is funded through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program.

Recruitment will begin October 2009 and in the fall of 2010 students will begin their coursework, receiving a substantial level of financial support (80% of tuition and fees) and the opportunity to earn an American Library Association-accredited Masters of Library and Information Science (MLIS) or a School Library Media Endorsement.

Vision
To provide improved library services for residents in the SWIM region by graduating students with strong technology skills, new solutions to information challenges, and a commitment to a 21st century career in librarianship.

Goals for SWIM Grant

Increase the number of MLIS librarians in the four-state region
Increase the number of certificated school librarians with media specialist endorsement in the four-state region
Recruit Native Americans and Hispanics to the library profession
Encourage professional development and collaboration among librarians

Project Timeline

Recruitment and application period begins October 2009
Study program: August 2010 to August 2012

Required Qualifications for All Candidates

Bachelor’s degree
Have not been enrolled in a graduate degree or endorsement program since January 1, 2005

Expectations for All Candidates

Be willing to commit to a 21st century career in librarianship
Have access to a computer and the Internet
Be accepted by a participating university
Following graduation secure a full-time professional library position for a minimum of two years in any academic, public, school or special library located in one of the SWIM states.
Serve as ambassador for the library profession, sharing expertise and mentoring future librarians.
Become a member of individual’s state library association and attend the 2011 annual conference
Stay involved and active with individual’s state library association

MLIS Program Cohort
Students will enroll in the University of North Texas, Department of Library and Information Sciences blended learning program, a 36 credit-hour program combining:

on-line courses (Endorsement Cohort - at least two courses per semester for six academic semesters)
intensive in-person, four-day institutes (MLIS Cohort - one in September 2010 in Missoula, Montana and one in January 2011 in Billings, Montana)
annual conference of state library association (2011)

CLICK here for more information on MLIS and Scholarship Application

School Library Media Endorsement Cohort
The online endorsement program available at either the University of Montana or Montana State University is accepted by the Idaho Department of Education and requires the following:

up to 25 credit-hours online
Library Media Practicum (90 hours of fieldwork)
10 hours of seminar online
annual conference of state library association (2011)

CLICK here for more information on SLME and Scholarship Application

Brochure

For more information or to express interest contact:
Shirley Biladeau, shirley.biladeau@libraries.idaho.gov, Continuing Education Consultant, Idaho Commission for Libraries 208.639.4149