About

Drexel’s College of Computer and Informatics department has partnered with the Free Library of Philadelphia and the Lindy Center for Civic Engagement to create a post-baccalaureate certificate program for 6 potential fellows possessing library paraprofessional experience or pre LIS majors.

The certificate focuses on developing students’ abilities in design, development, and management of community-based service projects.

The credits earned in this certificate are fully transferable to an LIS master’s degree, thus providing library paraprofessionals a new pathway to hone their skills and advance their careers through the certificate or the full LIS degree. The new courses will have a strong focus on digital skills. 

Starting in the Fall of 2020, the grant will fund 6 Fellows each year for two years or 3 – 4 quarters. The certificate includes 3 courses (3 credits each) offered in Face-to-face, online, or cross-listed capacities.

Certificate Learning Outcomes

• Foundational principles, professional ethics and values, and social and technological contexts of information work
• Identify and analyze the information needs of various communities
  • Design and implement library/information programs and services to meet those needs
• Demonstrate core values of the profession (access, equity, intellectual freedom, privacy, social justice)

We are recruiting as IMLS Community Catalyst Fellows 12 paraprofessionals and prospective LIS students who demonstrate superior service attitudes and who are interested in community engagement and community-based learning.

The Fellows will be admitted to the Certificate or the LIS degree program, depending on their particular needs and interests. During the Fellows selection process, priority will be given to students who self-identify as underrepresented minorities. Each fellow will also complete a specialized capstone course (for 20 weeks) comprising a supervised community project to advance their proficiency in design and in developing community-based digital services.