Graduate - Clarion University

64 Clarion University of PennsylvaniaLibrary ScienceThe Department of Library Science is dedicated toaddressing the information needs of the constituenciesof all types of libraries, large and small. The Centerfor the Study of Rural Librarianship was organized inrecognition of this need. “Rural” is defined by the centeras a population of 25,000 or fewer people. The center hasdeveloped out of a particular concern for library servicesapart from areas influenced by metropolitan librarysystems, i.e., the small library in the rural context. Public,school, academic, and special or corporate libraries are allwithin the interests of the center. Further, library systemsor networks that include the small library are included inthe center’s work.The activities of the center are varied. They includethe annual hosting of a national bookmobile conferencealong with statewide and regional conferences relatingto community economic development and informationtechnology. In addition to continuing education activities,the center conducts ongoing research on a variety ofrural-related topics. Additionally, a major project of thecenter involves an annual investigation of the impact ofpublic libraries in the United States. The H.W. WilsonFoundation supports the latter activity.The center supports a publication program that includesa biannual journal, Rural Libraries, the only one that isbeing published in the area of rural librarianship.Current Studies in LibrarianshipCurrent Studies in Librarianship is a forum forresearch by library science students on subjects of generalinterest to librarians. It is published jointly by theDepartment of Library Science and the Division ofGraduate Studies under the co-editorship of Dr. James T.Maccaferri and Dr. William Buchanan. Current Studiesin Librarianship is indexed by Library and InformationScience Abstracts (LISA) and Library Literature &Information Science.School Library Information CentersThe institute was established in fall 1999 as a unitof the Center for the Study of Rural Librarianship. Itconducts and disseminates research in the areas related toschool library development and the professional educationof school librarians; provides professional developmentopportunities for school library information professionals,classroom teachers, and school administrators withinPennsylvania and across the nation; and providesconsulting services to schools and agencies interested inthe development of urban or rural school library mediacenters.Beta Phi Mu International Library ScienceHonor SocietyBeta Phi Mu was founded in August 1948 at theUniversity of Illinois by a group of leading librariansand library educators. The motto of the society is “AliisInserviendo Consumor,” which reflects the dedicationlibrarians must possess toward service to others if booksare to become instruments of liberal education.Beta Phi Mu approved a chapter at Clarion in August1978. The chapter, Beta Sigma, was installed and thefirst members were initiated in spring 1980. Membershipin this international society is granted to a graduate ofa library school program accredited by the AmericanLibrary Association who has earned a 3.75 scholasticaverage on a 4.00 scale and has been recommended bythe library school faculty. The faculty recommendationattests to the candidate’s professional competence andpromise. At present, the local chapter is permitted togrant membership to only 25 percent of the graduatingclass each year.Opportunities for ServiceInstitute for the Study and Development of