Grant supports virtual learning laboratory at Internet Public Library
Posted by Jacque on August 31st, 2007
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has given a grant to Drexel University, working with the University of Michigan and Florida State University, to transform the Internet Public Library (IPL) into a virtual teaching and learning laboratory for digital reference. The grant is part of the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian awards.
According to Drexel, the project will help librarians as well as students in library and information science programs to keep up with the new technological developments in digital reference services. Users want to access information around the clock via handhelds, cell phone text messaging and online virtual environments, the university said.
“The grant will be used to develop and disseminate digital reference curricula, establish an online learning community to support the IPL, and design and determine the feasibility of a technological training center for digital librarianship,” according to the statement.
Because of the grant, more library and information science students will receive hands-on digital library experience and more faculty members will be able to collaborate on new projects in the area of digital reference.
