Northern Kentucky University (Northern Kentucky University, W. Frank Steely Library)

Only 37 percent of library directors in West Virginia have a master’s of library science and a majority lack undergraduate degrees, factors that may negatively impact the level of service they can provide to their communities. Northern Kentucky University will partner with the West Virginia Library Commission and Mountwest Community and Technical College to replicate its successful Bridging the Gap program currently underway in Kentucky. Through a combination of financial assistance, a unique mentoring system, online colloquia, and travel stipends, 40 West Virginia library workers will be assisted and encouraged to progress through online undergraduate programs in library science at Northern Kentucky University and Mountwest Community and Technical College so later they can proceed to graduate study. The program should dramatically increase the level of education among library staff and leadership in at-risk counties throughout West Virginia.