UA News

The UA School of Information Resources and Library Science is currently recruiting American Indian and Hispanic students for its Knowledge River program.

More than 100 American Indian and Hispanic librarians have earned their master's degrees in library and information science through the Knowledge River program at The University of Arizona. The program works to fill the library and information needs of multicultural communities throughout the country.

The program is currently recruiting new students and will accept applications through mid-March.

Jana Bradley, director of the UA's School of Information Resources and Library Science, is the current director of the Knowledge River program, which was begun by Patricia Tarin, the director of the program from its inception in 2001 until 2007.

"The recruitment and training of multicultural librarians is critically important for communities of color, particularly for those that have historically gone without access to information," Bradley said.

Knowledge River is a federally funded program designed to increase the numbers of minority librarians in the field. Bradley cited a recent study by the American Library Association showing that only a very small percentage of librarians are Hispanic. The number for American Indians is even smaller.

UA Knowledge River students Jessica Hernandez, Monique Becerril and Kelly Battese are all recent recruits of the program and are interested in giving a voice to their communities.

"Library science has evolved with the development of the Internet, and the U.S. population has changed demographically as well. Knowledge River provides a training program to bridge digital divides and serve a new community of library patrons," Hernandez said.

Hernandez was convinced of the program's worth upon visiting the South Tucson Library and speaking with Sol Gomez, a graduate of the program who has transformed the South Tucson library to serve the needs of its overwhelmingly Hispanic patrons.

"I realized the importance of having people in the field of library science serving their own communities because they are part of the community. They know what the needs are and can work with the community to address core issues that haven't been addressed before," Hernandez added.

Acceptance into the program includes on-the-job training as graduate assistants working at the UA Main Library, with opportunities to work in targeted community libraries throughout the state as well as professional development opportunities attending conferences throughout the country.

Monique Becerril graduated from the UA in May 2008 with a degree in Mexican American studies and a minor in history and is now in her second semester with the program. "I am most surprised by the on the job training I am receiving, and as a result, I will be able to create a library filled with resources to meet the community's need," she said.  

"In some communities, the library may be the main or only community gathering place and is sometimes the only hub to access information technology. Our program creates teachers and community leaders that enable these communities to learn how to use the technology, find trustworthy information and improve their lives," Hernandez said.

National conferences, such as the Tribal Archives Conference, provide students with the ability to network in a field of professionals eager to help. "We are nationally known for this program and our graduates have moved up very quickly into high places," Bradley said.

Cross-cultural training is also a part of the program. "I am pleased that I have learned not only about the needs of my community, the Hispanic population, but also of the needs of the American Indian community," Becerril said.

"The funding and work experience has made all the difference to me in terms of affording my education and refining my career opportunities. The people of Knowledge River are likewise a valuable asset that provides for networking, information and friendships. I encourage students to apply to Knowledge River because it enables Native American and Hispanic students to succeed in library and information studies," said Kelly Battese an American Indian currently enrolled in the program.

Knowledge River assistants will be holding information sessions on Tuesday, Feb. 3, at noon at the UA Main Library Room A314 and Friday, Feb. 13, at 8 a.m. at the Joel D. Valdez Pima County Public Library, 101 N. Stone Avenue in Downtown Tucson.