Feb. 21, 2011
One hundred years ago, librarians from the D.C. Public Library and staff of Catholic University's library began teaching courses in library science on campus.
Thirty years ago, Catholic University's program in library and information science was elevated to the status of a school. Today, it is the only library science program in Washington, D.C.
To mark these two special anniversaries, CUA's School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) and its alumni board will host a series of events on the theme of "A Century of Knowledge, Service, and Discovery." These events will focus on how the field has changed over the last 100 years and where it may be headed.
"The 21st century promises to be a golden age for library and information professionals because it is data driven and information intensive. SLIS's vision is to transform the role of libraries and information in society," says Ingrid Hsieh-Yee, acting dean of the library and information science school.
Hsieh-Yee notes that while the University's program is smaller than at some state schools, it has a tradition of success.
"Our graduates have been advancing knowledge, facilitating information access and use, and contributing to the betterment of society and the lives of individuals. As we reach the milestones of 100 years in library education and 30 years as a school, we have much to celebrate," she notes.
The first anniversary-related event will be the "Bridging the Spectrum" symposium on Feb. 25. This annual symposium offers a knowledge-sharing forum and meeting place for practitioners, students, and faculty in the field. Ann M. Martin, educational specialist for library services for Henrico County Public Schools in Richmond, Va., will be the keynote speaker.
On March 31, the school will host the 21st annual Elizabeth W. Stone Lecture, which will be delivered by Elizabeth Aversa, director of the School of Library and Information Studies at the University of Alabama and former dean of SLIS (1994 -- 1998). The lecture is named for the former chair of CUA's Department of Library Science. Under Stone's guidance, the department became a school in 1981.
On April 9, the CUA Alumni Association will honor a SLIS alumna with the Alumni Achievement Award. Judith C. Russell, dean of the George A. Smathers Library System at the University of Florida, will be honored for her professional achievements at the annual awards luncheon.
Other events are currently being planned for the fall. For information, visit the SLIS website at http://slis.cua.edu/centennial/ .