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The University of the Virgin Islands libraries have been awarded over $280,000 in grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the American Library Association (ALA), UVI has announced. The grants will support increased reference services, digitization efforts, and telehealth programming in partnership with VI community leaders.
“The University of the Virgin Islands is extremely grateful for these grants and the opportunity specifically to enhance the library services we provide in the territory,” said Sharlene Harris, vice president of Institutional Assessment and Information Services at UVI.
According to the release, the IMLS funding will partner UVI librarians with community leaders to design training materials to improve computer literacy and telehealth skills within the VI community. “By developing this technology, information seeking skills, training and working with agency partners, we hope to create a framework that will allow us to sustain the benefits of this project for years to come,” added Harris. The ALA grant will support the libraries’ effort to increase and enhance technology access, collection development, digital instruction, staffing and outreach efforts.
Established in 1996, IMLS has provided millions of dollars in federal funding for the purpose of advancing, supporting and empowering America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. In 2020, IMLS awarded $280.6 million dollars to museums and libraries throughout the United States and territories.
The ALA is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide leadership for the development, promotion, and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.
