The Nebraska Library Commission supports education for librarians by providing programs, but also by providing scholarships and grants to aid individuals in furthering their professional education. Kathryn Brockmeier and Laura Johnson will discuss the NLC scholarship program and the Continuing Education and Training Grants for 2012. NCompass Live - Oct. 12, 2011.

1. Laura Bush21st Century LibrarianSCHOLARSHIPS NCompass Live – October 12, 2011

2. The NLC will cultivate rural librarians’ 21st century skills through: Scholarships, internships, and stipends to support preprofessional and professional education for at least 165 students.

3. WANTED Well-trained personnel in Nebraska libraries who are capable of meeting the information needs of the residents

4. “All Nebraskans will have improved access to enhanced library and information services, provided and facilitated by qualified library personnel, boards, and supporters with the knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes necessary to provide excellent library and information services.” Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Plan 2008-2012

5. Nebraska librarians who assume the role of community leaders and keep up with technology can position their libraries to assure that their services remain vital to their communities.

6. “Staffing levels are not keeping pace with patron demand—both for those staff who provide training and other direct patron services, as well as for those staff who maintain the information technology infrastructure. Libraries cite the need for greater staff expertise and availability as a barrier to being able to support and manage public access technologies.” Libraries Connect Communities: Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study 2007–2008

7. GOALS Goal 1: Increase education levels of current library staff and new recruits in rural Nebraska. Goal 2: Enhance and improve the technology competency and 21st century skills among program participants, and among library staff in Nebraska libraries, improving library service delivery. Goal 3: Foster a supportive community among program participants and other Nebraska library staff.

8. http://nlc1.nlc.state.ne.us/nowhiring/scholarships.asp

9. http://facebook.com/NebraskaLibrarians

10. Contact information Kathryn Brockmeier, Grant Program Manager kathryn.brockmeier@nebraska.gov 402-471-4002 Mary Jo Ryan, Grant Program Director maryjo.ryan@nebraska.gov 402-471-3434