Many of you have written to the University of Arizona protesting the
potential loss of the program. Today U of A supporters and alumni
received news from Brook Sheldon, Director of the School of Information
Resources and Library Science program at U of A, that the masters in
library science program at U of A has been removed from the proposed
elimination list. Read on and rejoice!! For more info, go to
http://dingo.sbs.arizona.edu/savesirls/.
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Date: Wed, 9 Apr 2003 21:19:57 -0700
From: Brooke Sheldon
Subject: Great News from Arizona!
I am elated to report that the School of Information
Resources,Universityof Arizona has been removed from the "proposed
elimination list" As you know, SIRLS was one of 16 programs in the
University proposed for elimination in the wake of major budget cuts
last January.
SIRLS prepareda comprehensive business plan that describes the means for
SIRLS to achieve a measure of self-sufficiency. That plan, together
with sustained and vocal support from alumni, employers, students,
colleagues and organizations around the country led the President and
Provost to issue the following statement: "The Masters Program is the
largest in the College, and one of the largest in the University. It is
the only accredited Library and Information Science program in Arizona
and in eleven other mountain states. The School has a long history of
educating Hispanic and Native American Librarians and its Knowledge
River program has been cited nationally as a model for the recruitment
and education of minorities in the information professions (Library
Journal, October, 2002). The 18% minority enrollments at SIRLS far
exceed average U of A graduate department minority enrollments.Based on
the recent Academic and Accreditation Reviews, we knew this about the
program. We are aware of the several strengths: demand for the program
within the state, the region and the nation; the programs excellence in
serving university diversity goals; and the intellectual synergies with
information science and technology overall...we have reached the
conclusion that SIRLS should not be eliminated, and that it should
retain its academic home in the College of Behavioral and Social
Sciences."
While this has not exactly been the most fun semester for faculty,
staff, students and SIRLS (in fact I would rate it as the worst of my
career),some very productive things for SIRLS are emerging from this
experience. Be on the lookout for further announcements!...and finally,
heartfelt thanks to all of you who wrote letters to President Likens,
Provost Davis, Arizona legislators and the Board of Regents. Every
single one helped! Brooke Sheldon
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-- __________________________________ Amy Hale-Janeke, J.D., M.L.S. Reference Librarian/Media Coordinator San Diego County Public Law Library 1105 Front Street San Diego, CA 92101-3999 (619) 531-4437 ahale@sdcll.org http://www.sdcll.org
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