A Florida State University College of Information project, “Southeast Florida Library Leaders: Building the Next Generation of Service to Underserved Populations” recently received $559, 872 in grant funding from the Institute of Museum & Library Services. The project will provide 30 students with scholarships-15 who are seeking a master’s degree with a specialization in leadership and management from the college’s American Library Association-accredited program and 15 who are seeking a certificate in leadership and management from the college.

“Southeast Florida has experienced a tremendous growth of population, diversity, and library expansion over the last thirty years,” said Dr. John Bertot, principal investigator on the grant. “But current estimates indicate that approximately 1/3 of public librarians in the region will be retiring within the next three years. By working with our partners in Southeast Florida, we will focus on the identified needs of its underserved communities-the minorities, low income groups, and immigrants-and we will prepare leader/managers that are capable of meeting those needs.”

Partnering in the project with the college are the Broward County Library, Miami-Dade Public Library, Southeast Florida Library Information Network, and the State Archives and Library of Florida. The partners will serve as project advisors, contributing in such activities as helping to identify and recruit applicants, providing supplemental workshops, and mentoring the students.

“With the help of our partners we’ll be looking for students who demonstrate the skills and desire to work in library management positions,” said co-principal investigator Dr. Michelle Kazmer. “But we especially want those who have a knowledge of, and commitment to, working with the under served populations of Southeast Florida.”

Contact: Dr. John Bertot
Associate Professor
(850)644-8118; jcbertot@ci.fsu.edu