The urban library program: Integrating theory and work

摘要

The paper reports on a collaborative education model involving library education, faculty and public library practitioners preparing under-represented and culturally diverse individuals for employment as support staff in public libraries. The Urban Library Program (ULP) is an intensive ten month education certificate at the para-professional level, training students from communities under-represented in the library workforce to provide service in Minnesota's public libraries. ULP, which evolved from a partnership between the College of Saint Catherine and the Saint Paul Public Library, was awarded a grant by the Institute of Museum and Library Services in 2003. Minneapolis Public Library joined the original partners in a second successful proposal to IMLS in 2006 allowing the program to expand beyond its original vision. As of June 2006, ULP has 31 graduates representing 12 nationalities with 61% employed in libraries and 35% pursuing other educational opportunities. Assessment of the Urban Library Program demonstrates that collaboration between public library administrators and staff, with faculty in library education programs can be successful in combining classroom instruction with praxis learning. The program assessment also identifies issues needing further study. The success of this program, the challenges it still faces, and the future of educating a diverse workforce will engage the partners for the foreseeable future.