This document provides an overview of Knowledge River (KR), a program within the School of Information Resources and Library Science (SIRLS) at the University of Arizona that aims to increase diversity in the field. KR began in 2002 with funding from IMLS and recruits an annual cohort of Knowledge River Scholars, who receive financial aid, work experience, mentorship and professional development. The goals of KR are to continue diversity as a major goal for SIRLS and increase cultural fluency among students. While KR is focused on recruiting scholars, its goals benefit all SIRLS students and incorporate diversity into the curriculum.

1. What is Knowledge River? All you wanted to know about KR but were afraid to ask Presented by Sandy Littletree January 6, 2010 Winter IRLS 504

2. “Knowledge River is the name given to the vision and efforts of the School of Information Resources and Library Science (SIRLS) at the University of Arizona to become a national exemplar in LIS education reflecting throughout its teaching, research, and outreach the diversity of communities that libraries in particular, and cultural heritage institutions in general serve--in Arizona and in the nation.”

3. What do ALL SIRLS students need to know about KR KR is a program within SIRLS Knowledge River Scholars are first and foremost SIRLS students KR’s goals benefit all SIRLS students

4. Knowledge River Goals Continue diversity as a major goal for SIRLS Recruit an annual cohort of Knowledge River Scholars Achieve sustainability Expand diversity curriculum development Increase emphasis on diverse faculty and diversity research, including connections with relevant campus departments

5. Goals continued Extend focus on library and community outreach, through service assistantships and other means Increase cultural fluency among all SIRLS constituencies Build upon the cohorts of previous graduates as support for KR students and to further the goals of KR

6. What do KR Scholars receive? Financial aid Library work experience Cohort support Mentorship Professional development

7. How does one become a KR Scholar? Meet eligibility requirements Demonstrated knowledge of, experience with, and sensitivity to at least one NA or Hispanic group Complete application process Take IRLS 550 Information Environments from Hispanic and Native American Perspectives in the fall

8. The Nuts and Bolts of KR Began in 2002 Funded by an IMLS Grant (Institute of Museum and Library Services) Partnerships with UA Libraries, Arizona Health Sciences Library, PCPL Currently in our 8th Cohort There are over 100 KR Graduates in the world!

9. You might be thinking… “I’m not a KR Scholar, so why should I care?” “I’m not a KR Scholar, but I’d like to become one” “I’m not able to participate as a KR Scholar, but I’m interested in diversity issues”

10. “I’m not a KR Scholar, so why should I care?” You don’t have to care, but… Realize that diversity issues are important to SIRLS, so it’s likely that your instructors are mindful of incorporating diversity into coursework Realize that diversity is important to the profession Realize that many of your classes will have KR Scholars in them

11. “I’m not a KR Scholar, but I’d like to become one” Do you meet the eligibility requirements? Are you able to take the 550 course in the fall (face to face course here in Tucson)? Are you able to take a GA position here in Tucson? The next cohort of KR students will begin Fall 2010

12. “I’m not able to participate as a KR Scholar, but I’m interested in diversity issues” Look for KR Events here at SIRLS Get involved with REFORMA, AILA, or other diversity-focused professional associations Apply for the Spectrum Scholarship from ALA Enroll in the IRLS 550 course or other classes offering cultural perspectives

13. Questions? Sandy Littletree sandy505@email.arizona.edu 520-621-5220 SIRLS Office, Room #

14. A History Lesson 1970s : : Dr. Arnulfo Trejo developed the Indian Graduate Library Institute 1975-1979 : : Graduate Library Institute for Spanish-Speaking Americans (GLISSA) 2001 : : Knowledge River Institute 2002-present : : Knowledge River at SIRLS