Milner Library Receives Grant For Information Literacy Project

Illinois State University’s Milner Library is working to promote information literacy among Illinois citizens and is a step closer to establishing an information literacy center on campus.  Milner Library recently received a $58,000 grant from the Illinois Secretary of State’s office to study the feasibility of such a center.

The money is part of a $3.9 million package of Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grants distributed to 241 Illinois libraries, library systems and museums containing libraries.  LSTA funding is awarded to states by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services and is used for the development of library service projects.

Milner Library is using the grant money to explore the feasibility of establishing the Illinois Center for Information Literacy.  The proposed center would coordinate statewide efforts to enhance the ability of Illinois citizens to access and utilize information more effectively.  The Center would also serve as a teaching and research resource on the subject of information literacy for librarians, educators and citizens.

“Information literacy is an important issue for all citizens, especially in the age of the internet,” said Dane Ward, Milner Library associate dean.  “Students and citizens are increasingly challenged by the rapidly expanding universe of information available at their fingertips.  People often have trouble distinguishing relevant and authoritative sources from those with less credibility.”

An important function of the Illinois Center for Information Literacy would be helping libraries across the state enhance their capacity to assist patrons in working with an increasing amount of diverse information.  The grant money is supporting research on the information needs of various constituencies and how libraries can help to meet those needs.  Milner Library is currently working with academic and public libraries, as well as elementary and secondary schools and colleges and universities across the state to develop information literacy programs.