The Wayne State University Library and Information Science announced the recipients of the "Recruiting and Educating the 21st Century Fine and Performing Arts Librarian Project for 2007-2009. The students are:

Asako Chihaya, Ferndale, Mich.
Kallene D. Clark- Rutherford, Detroit, Mich.
Nicolet V. Elert, Detroit, Mich.
Justine Flores, Detroit, Mich.
Paul Gallagher, Wyandotte, Mich.
Amisha Harijan, Detroit, Mich.
Kristine A. Kuhl, Saline, Mich.
Sheila M. Palmer, Detroit, Mich.
Bridghette Parker, Southfield, Mich.
Sara Mary Quimby, Phoenix, Ariz.
Kathryn Reineke, Flushing, Mich.
Ben Richardson, Anoka, Minn.
Gladys Santiago, Brandon, Fla.
Molly Jean Schoen, East Lansing, Mich.
Serena Jennifer Vaquilar, Northridge, Calif.
Joseph E. Weber, Belleville, Mich.

This IMLS grant is specifically designed to help offset a current shortage of librarians working in underserved communities, as well as the looming shortage of library directors and other senior librarians, many of whom are expected to retire in the next 20 years. “I’m very impressed with the 49 individuals who applied for the Fine Arts Librarian program; they will receive an excellent education and experience during their two years with us. It is unfortunate that we only have space for 16 students,” said Joseph J. Mika, director of the Wayne State Library and Information Science Program.

Partners in the Detroit collaborative include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Michigan Opera Theater and the Wayne State University Libraries. Students will be placed in mentoring relationships with senior librarians. In addition to earning master’s degrees in library and information science from Wayne State University, the recruits will receive practical training from mentors in building and organizing a new library; managing an orchestra library; providing services in a well-established museum library; and providing services to faculty in an academic environment. Jennifer Moldwin Gustafson, former head of the Detroit Institute of Arts Research Library and Archives is program coordinator for this project. “It is exciting that these important cultural institutions of Detroit are working together to organize and preserve their rich history for future generations,” she said.

The Wayne State University Library System consists of the universities\' five libraries: The David Adamany Undergraduate Library, the Purdy/Kresge Library, the Shiffman Medical Library, the Arthur Neef Law Library and the Science and Engineering Library, the Library and Information Science Program and UGE 1000 general education course.

Wayne State University is a premier institution offering more than 350 academic programs through 12 schools and colleges to more than 33,000 students in metropolitan Detroit.