University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin School of Information's "Stepping Up" program will provide a replicable model of community-wide cooperation designed to recruit, retain, and foster the professional growth of current library support staff with an interest in earning a master's degree in library and information science. Upon admittance to the program, eleven current librarians from partner libraries will receive tuition, a small stipend, and a laptop, and be matched with mentors. The libraries at which the students are employed will give them time to attend class for the grant's duration. In addition to increasing the number of professional librarians prepared for leadership positions, the project will facilitate a series of management workshops, developed jointly by faculty members and local library managers, to be offered to the library community.