The University of Arizona School of Information
Resources and Library Science (SIRLS) invites you to share in a unique
opportunity to prepare for a career as a librarian or information professional with specific focus perspectives of Hispanic and Native American communities.
Knowledge
River is a Tucson-based educational experience within the School of Information Resources and Library Science (SIRLS) that focuses on library and information issues from the needs and
perspectives of Hispanics and Native Americans. Knowledge River participants
will graduate with an ALA-accredited MA in Information Resources and Library Science.
Me? A librarian? Yes!
Librarians today are the front line of information providers in colleges
and universities, corporate settings, and, of course, in schools and
public libraries. As a Knowledge River graduate, you can help members
of your community use information and technology to improve their
lives. Or you can bring valuable cultural perspectives and diversity
to settings outside Native American and Hispanic communities.
Successful Knowledge River Applicants will:
- Receive full tuition and fees for two semesters as part of a graduate assistantship (see below).
- Receive a graduate assistantship typically involving twenty hours work week in a library or information setting with a salary of at least $12,000 over two semesters. Ten-hour-a-week assistantships are available with a reduced salary.
- Be a part of a cohort group of Knowledge River scholars with personalized advisement, professional enrichment activities, academic support and peer interaction
- Be able to take courses that focus on library and information issues from Native American and/or Hispanic perspectives.
- Be eligible for funding to complete the degree.
What can I do with a degree from Knowledge River?
Knowledge River offers students the opportunity to develop distinct areas of expertise as librarians or information specialists, based on a sound professional education, enhanced by Hispanic and Native American cultural awareness. These skills are in demand in traditional libraries and archives, and in public institutions such as schools, museums and historical societies.
How does Knowledge River work?
Knowledge River is a program within the School of Information Resources and Library Science (SIRLS). On average, fifteen Knowledge River scholars are selected each year. Knowledge River scholars attend a special orientation at the beginning of the fall semester where they meet each other and learn about the resources of Knowledge River, SIRLS and the University. In the fall, Knowledge River scholars are required to take IRLS 550, Information Environments from Hispanic and Native American Perspectives. This course provides a foundational introduction to library and information work from the perspectives of these cultural communities. As Knowledge River scholars progress in their SIRLS program, they have opportunities to take additional coursework from cultural perspectives. Examples of such courses currently offered on a rotational schedule are:
- IRLS 521 Children's and Young Adult Literature in a Multicultural Society
- IRLS 551 Equity of Access
- IRLS 552 Instructional Methods for Librarians
- IRLS 553 Issues in Culture and Information Technology
- IRLS 554 Diverse Cultures, Communities, and Libraries
- IRLS 588 Issues in Indigenous Information Services
- IRLS 588 Adult Services in Public Libraries: Theory & Practice from Cultural Perspectives
- IRLS 651 Information Policy and Cultural Perspectives
As Knowledge River scholars, students have access to advising from the Knowledge River staff as well as all the SIRLS faculty and staff. Knowledge River scholars meet regularly, both formally and informally, and have opportunities to participate in professional development activities locally and nationally.
Knowledge River is a Tucson-based, full-time graduate experience. Students usually take 9 credits and work 20 hours a week at an assistantship that provides real-life experience in a library or information environment. Under special circumstances, students may take 6 credits in a semester, or receive a 10 hour assistantship. Please note that Knowledge River is not a virtual program, although students may elect to take some virtual classes. Also, Knowledge River is not a part-time degree program and in most circumstances cannot be pursued in conjunction with a full-time job external to the program.
How can I apply to be a Knowledge River Scholar?
Knowledge River Scholars have a combination of knowledge, heritage and sensitivity to the language and culture of at least one Hispanic or Native American group and must be accepted for admission into the SIRLS graduate program.
