The Nebraska Library Commission and the Nebraska Library Association
recently awarded
21st Century Librarian internship grants
totaling $20,250 to eighteen Nebraska public libraries. These internship
grants will support public library interns, who will contribute to the
scope and value of the diverse programs and activities in Nebraska’s
public libraries.
“The internships offer valuable work and learning experiences for the
interns and helpful assistance to the participating libraries. We thank
the participating libraries for their contributions to the internship
program and we wish this year’s group of interns the very best for great
and worthwhile experiences,” said Nebraska Library Commission Director
Rod Wagner.
Funding for the project is provided through a Laura Bush 21st Century
Librarian Program grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library
Services (IMLS), administered through the Nebraska Library Commission.
Such funding helps the Nebraska Library Commission and the Nebraska
Library Association continue to support the missions and goals of
libraries across Nebraska and statewide efforts to recruit the next
generation of Nebraska’s librarians.
Student interns will learn about library work as they shadow and assist
with day-to-day library operations and implement special projects.
Interns will lead youth summer reading program activities, conduct
training sessions to teach senior citizens to use technology, facilitate
book discussion activities, help develop and update library Website and
Facebook pages, create young adult library programs and spaces, work on
publicity materials for library programs, sort and preserve archival
materials, and assist in a host of other worthwhile activities.
In 2012, interns brought their technology skills to the forefront, much
to the appreciation of the library staff, library customers, and
community:
One intern taught library users how to check out and
download eBooks to their devices.
Another intern researched
best practices for effective Website design.
A third intern assisted library users with utilizing computer
programs to complete projects. Said one intern: “I learned that librarians work very hard to stay
abreast of changing technology, cultures, and, of course, books. I had
no idea our library had so many online databases to offer.”
The following Nebraska libraries received internship grant funding in
March 2013:
Bassett, Rock County Public Library
Beatrice Public Library
Emerson Public LibraryFremont, Keene Memorial Library
Grant, Hastings Memorial LibraryKimball Public LibraryLa Vista Public LibraryLincoln City Libraries
Norfolk Public LibraryNorth Bend Public LibraryOmaha Public Library
Ord Township LibraryPapillion, Sump Memorial Library
Ponca Carnegie LibrarySchuyler Public Library
South Sioux City Public Library
Stromsburg Public LibraryVerdigre Public Library
As the state library agency, the Nebraska Library Commission is an
advocate for the library and information needs of all Nebraskans. The
mission of the Library Commission is statewide promotion, development,
and coordination of library and information services, bringing together
people and information. For more information, visit
http://nlc.nebraska.gov/.
The Nebraska Library Association is the cornerstone of the Nebraska
library community. The Association advocates for its members, enriches
their professional lives, advances the lifelong learning of all
Nebraskans, and promotes all library interests in Nebraska. For more
information, visit
http://nebraskalibraries.org.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of
federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums.
The Institute’s mission is to create strong libraries and museums that
connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the
national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to
sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and
innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about
the Institute, please visit
http://www.imls.gov.
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The most up-to-date news releases from the Nebraska Library Commission
are always available on the Library Commission website,
www.nlc.nebraska.gov/publications/newsreleases.