Corbin Public Library employees receive scholarship

 Corbin Public Library employees Deborah Elaine Egner, assistant director, and Lisa Kersey, library services coordinator, have been named recipients of a Bridging the Gap Scholarship.

The award is part of the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program and is offered through a partnership between Northern Kentucky University (NKU), Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) and the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA.)

The Institute of Museum and Library Services, which funded the scholarships, is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The institute’s mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas.

Scholarships are renewable for a total of three years and recipients will receive tuition to either BCTC or NKU. Tuition will cover up to five courses within a 12-month period and recipients will also receive an initial stipend to cover any additional expenses to help ensure completion of the program. 

Librarians with master’s of library science degrees will be assigned to each scholarship recipient as a mentor and will provide support, direction and expertise for the duration of the program. Additionally, recipients will be eligible for future stipends to attend state or national library conferences as a way to enhance their professional experience.

Wayne Onkst, Kentucky’s state librarian and commissioner of KDLA, said the scholarships will not only assist the public library system but will help the local communities in which they are located.

“These scholarships will enable training for public library staff members across Kentucky and better prepare them for assisting library users,” he said. “The result will be stronger libraries that will improve the quality of life in Kentucky’s communities.”

The Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program supports efforts to recruit and educate the next generation of librarians and the faculty who will prepare them for careers in library science. The program also supports grants for research related to library education and library staffing needs, curriculum development and continuing education and training. 

KDLA provides equitable access to quality library and information resources and services, as well as helps public agencies ensure that legislatively mandated documentation of government programs is created, efficiently maintained and made accessible. For more information on KDLA resources, programs and services visit www.kdla.ky.gov or call 502-564-8300 ext. 315.