The American Library Association's (ALA) Office for Diversity has awarded 2013-2014 Spectrum Scholarships to 51 exceptional students pursuing graduate degrees in library and information studies. Jason M. Broughton, Outreach Coordinator for the South Carolina State Library, is among the list of honored recipients. Since 1997, the ALA has awarded more than 800 Spectrum Scholarships.
Broughton is the Outreach Coordinator at the South Carolina State Library, which has given him the chance to connect users to libraries across South Carolina. According to Broughton, "Libraries are like living things; they are always changing, growing, and adapting. Coordinating outreach to meet the diverse needs of state government, public & academic libraries, and the citizens of the state is an honor that enhances library services overall."
Broughton also stated that "receiving the Spectrum scholarship means I had a lot of supporters and is just the beginning in achieving some of the goals that I have set for myself. I have higher goals to achieve and I look forward to striving for them. This scholarship is an opportunity to contribute to the library profession by helping libraries create true and lasting partnerships within their communities and help libraries expand services to unique and special populations."
In the 2013 application cycle, the Spectrum Scholarship Program received three times as many applications as there were available scholarships and the majority of this year's applicants were deemed highly fundable. A prestigious committee of six jurors selected this year's Spectrum Scholars based on their commitment to diversity, commitment to entering the library profession, demonstrated community outreach, academic ability and achievements, and leadership potential.
The Spectrum program continues to fund scholarships through its endowment and the generous contributions of individuals and organizations whose donations support named scholarships in the Spectrum Family of Funds. For 2013, scholarships have been awarded in honor of the following individuals: Leo Albert, Ron Clowney, Louise Giles, William R. Gordon, Howard M. and Gladys B. Teeple and Dr. Betty J. Turock.
The Spectrum scholarship program recruits and provides scholarships to American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino or Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander students to assist them with obtaining a graduate degree and leadership positions within the profession and our organization. The aim is to increase the number of racially and ethnically diverse professionals in the field of library and information science to best position libraries at the core of today's culturally diverse communities.
To learn more about the Spectrum Scholarship Program, please contact the ALA Office for Diversity at 1 (800) 545-2433, ext. 5048 or visit www.ala.org/spectrum. The application period for 2014 Spectrum Scholarships will open in October 2013.
