ASU's Library Science Program Celebrates 70 Years

(Boone, NC) - Over one hundred alumni gathered on Saturday, July 12, 2008 to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the library science program at Appalachian State University. Frances Bryant Bradburn served as the luncheon's key note speaker.

Two new scholarships were announced at the luncheon. The Daniel Barron Current Scholarship, funded by Dr. Dan Barron, will support Mitchell County student(s) attending Appalachian State University that demonstrate financial need. Both part-time and full-time students are eligible. First preference will be given to library science graduate students. The Library Science Alumni Scholarship, funded by generous donations by alumni, will provide scholarship assistance to library science students enrolled in the Reich College of Education. The goal is to endow the scholarship and raise $75,000 by the 75th Anniversary. The Library Science Program at Appalachian State University offers a Master's of Library Science (MLS) degree in School and Public Libraries. The program serves as one of the leading educators of school and public librarians for North Carolina and is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and by the North Carolina Public Library Commission.

The Department of Library science was created at Appalachian State Teachers College in 1937-1938 under the direction of Miss Louise Moore. The first school library media certification program was added in the summer of 1942. Today, the Library Science Program is housed in the Department of Leadership and Educational Studies within the Reich College of Education and serves more than 100 students. Students attend classes on campus in Boone and at extension locations located throughout western North Carolina, including Asheville, Spindale, Yadkinville, Hickory, and Mooresville.

Contact Dr. Robert Sanders, Program Director, for additional information about the program at 828-262-7236.