University of Denver (University of Denver Libraries)

In a project to prepare more librarians qualified to work with very young children in achieving early literacy, the University of Denver's Library and Information Science Program will partner with the Arapahoe Library District, the Colorado State Library, Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy, and Douglas Libraries. IMLS-funded fellowships will be awarded to support 10 students earning master’s degrees in librarianship with a specialization in early childhood literacy. As a part of their learning, these fellows will gain practical experience through placement in diverse public libraries and preschools. They also will be required to take coursework in various aspects of child psychology, and to demonstrate existing or learned Spanish-language proficiency. Project staff also will develop guidelines and training materials to help public libraries and preschools establish early childhood literacy programs.