PRISM
Prism Plus
About the Program
PRISM Plus Fellowship is a scholarship program funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and dedicated to educating future librarians about information literacy for diverse populations. We invite you to learn more about our individual scholars and faculty members take a look at our activities!
PRISM prepares future librarians to work with diverse populations and provide culturally sensitive information literacy instruction that empowers individuals to access and use information effectively. Students awarded the fellowship receive full scholarships in the GSLIS program and earn a Masters Degree in Library and Information Science.
Specific coursework, professional experience, conference-attendance and supplemental meetings and workshops prepare PRISM scholars to work with diverse populations.
The PRISM Plus Fellowship has been available on two different occasions; first in 2000 , and again in 2006, with its 11 scholars graduating in 2007 and 2008.
Course Work:
Academically, PRISM scholars are expected to maintain a GPA of X.X. In addition to the course required for an MLIS, PRISM scholars are expected to take an additional five courses. These courses are specifically related to information literacy and diversity.
- LSC 517 Community Relations for Libraries (3 credits)
- LSC 524 Teaching About Information: Philosophy and Methodology (3 credits)
- LSC 525 Multiculturalism in Libraries (3 credits)
- LSC 527 Information Literacy Instruction (3 credits)
- LSC 593 Independent Work (1-6 credits)
Conferences:
As part of the PRISM Plus Fellowship, scholars attend conferences nationwide. The following are conferences our scholars have attended in the past, and conferences they look forward to attending in the future.
- ALA Annual Conference, June 2006 - New Orleans, LA
- Joint Conference of Librarians of Color, October 2006 - Dallas, TX
- ALA Midwinter Meeting, January, 2007 - Seattle, WA
- Breaking Down Barriers to Serve our Diverse Communities, May 2007 - New York City, NY.
- ALA Annual Conference, June 2007 - Washington, D.C.
Meet the Scholars!
Each PRISM scholar and PRISM faculty member brings their own experiences and knowledge to the program. We learn from our experiences and we learn from each other.
To find out more about a PRISM scholar or faculty member, click here.
One can also view photos of the PRISM scholars at various conferences and events here.
PRISM Plus Resource List:
Please take a look at our compiled on-line resources, a webliography about diversity, information literacy and librarianship.
PRISM Resources
Professional Organizations
- American Library Association (ALA)
- American Indian Library Association (AILA)
- Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA)
- Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA)
- Chinese American Librarians Association (CALA)
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered Round Table (GLBTRT)
- REFORMA (National Association to Provide Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking)
- Cornucopia of Rhode Island: A Library Community of Color
Information Literacy
- Teaching about Information by Dr. Donna Gilton
Multicultural Librarianship
- Mulitculturalism in Libraries a (not so brief) Bibliography by Dr. Donna Gilton
- Library Instruction for Diverse Populations Bibliography
- National Center for Cultural Competence
For Fun
- Info Island.org: Second Life Library 2.0 blog
- Unshelved - webcomic
