Program
ALA Unit/Subunit: PLA
Meeting Type: Program
Cost: Included with full conference registration.
Open/Closed: Open
The University of Washington (UW) iSchool is committed to ensuring that libraries have a strong and vibrant future in our communities. The Gates-funded Distinguished Practitioner in Residence (DPIR) program is designed to connect academia and the public library field, enhancing the education of future librarians.
The program is funded by a 10-year, $1.4 million grant which provides funding for up to five professors of practice, with each serving for two to three years and bringing a fresh perspective from the library world to the academic one. The intent of he program is to improve the educational experiences of LIS students and establish best practices for library and information science education. The Gates Foundation hopes to see a ripple effect as other library and information science schools follow the UW iSchool's lead.
Professors of practice typically come from outside academia to lend their expertise by fulfilling teaching roles. What is significant about the UW iSchool’s program is that these talented practitioners are fully integrated into the life of the academy, developing and shaping curriculum, teaching courses, interacting with faculty, serving on program committees and developing research projects that focus on the future of libraries.
Susan Hildreth, inaugural DPIR, will be joined by UW iSchool faculty, students and library colleagues, to share highlights of this unique program. Learn about the co-design of MLIS curriculum by library employers, the opportunities and challenges of practitioners in the academy and share your thoughts on aligning MLIS graduate education with needs of 21st century libraries.
Susan Hildreth
Professor of Practice
University of Washington Information School
Susan Hildreth
Professor of Practice
University of Washington Information School
Joseph Janes
Associate Professor
University of Washington Information School
Beck Tench
PhD Student
University of Washington Information School
Audrey Barbakoff
Community Engagement and Economic Development Manager
King County Library System
Pam Smith
Director
Anythink Libraries
Chris Jowaisas
Senior Research Scientist
TASCHA, iSchool, University of Washington