On March 24, the Libraries welcomed eighteen Kent State University MLIS graduate students for a one-day tour. After receiving an overview from Assistant Director Martin Kalfatovic, the students broke into groups to investigate two library branches in the National Museum of Natural History. Librarians David Steere and Amy Levin led tours of the Natural History Libraries and the Museum Studies and Reference Libraries, respectively. The students then explored the National Museum of Natural History, some visiting the Feather Identification Laboratory, and others viewing the Rock and Ore Collections. The students finished up their day by either touring the National Museum of American History Library with Librarian Chris Cottrill, or visiting Freer and Sackler Gallery Librarian Mike Smith.
All of the Kent State students are recipients of the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Laura Bush 21st Century full tuition scholarship, which is part of a $643,007 grant titled “Youth Services, Librarians and Museums—A New Vision of Learning.” The grant co-directors are Dr. Carolyn S. Brodie, Dr. Greg Byerly and Dr. Yin Zhang. The students will complete their MLIS degree with a specialization in youth services librarianship with an emphasis on the use of museums with children and young adults. —Liz O'Brien
One Comment
My granddaughter was one of the students and had an incredible time while visiting. I just wanted to say thanks to the Smithsonian Libraries on behalf of her family.