University of Oklahoma

Oklahoma University will assess the need for an accelerated master’s in library information sciences degree focused on 21st Century Public Library Leadership and design the program with the goal of delivering it to the target audience of rural public librarians. The School of Library and Information Science’s experience shows that an essential step in successful training grant implementation is analysis of the stakeholders’ needs prior to program design. The planning period is needed to: consult with other IMLS grant recipients who have successfully surveyed needs of rural public librarians in their states; identify and contact public stakeholders in Arkansas and Oklahoma, inside and outside libraries; identify and invite potential public library program students; and engage with various stakeholders.