University of the Virgin Islands libraries have been awarded over $280,000 in grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the American Library Association (ALA). The grants will support increased reference services, digitization efforts and telehealth programming in partnership with V.I. community leaders.
“The University of the Virgin Islands is extremely grateful for these grants and the opportunity specifically to enhance the library services we provide in the territory,” said Sharlene Harris, vice president of Institutional Assessment and Information Services at UVI.
The IMLS funding will partner UVI librarians with community leaders to design training materials to improve computer literacy and telehealth skills within the Virgin Islands community.
“By developing this technology, information seeking skills, training and working with agency partners, we hope to create a framework that will allow us to sustain the benefits of this project for years to come,” said Harris. The American Library Association grant will support the libraries’ efforts to increase and enhance technology access, collection development, digital instruction, staffing and outreach efforts.
Established in 1996, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has provided millions of dollars in federal funding for the purpose of advancing, supporting and empowering America’s museums, libraries and related organizations through grantmaking, research and policy development.
In 2020, IMLS awarded $280.6 million dollars to museums and libraries throughout the United States and territories. The American Library Association is a non-profit organization with a mission to provide leadership for the development, promotion and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.
For more information, contact the Public Relations Office at pr@uvi.edu
