Nielsen Library earns grants

(10-22-2009)

Reference librarians Brooke Andrade and Paul Mascarenas wrote their second successful Library Services and Technology Act grant to benefit ASC's Neilsen Library, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

The grant of $12,738 supports The San Luis Valley Digitization Project, which will scan and digitize the more than 10,0000 old, rare, and unique photographs housed in Nielsen Library Special Collections. These photos will be made available for viewing through the online photo sharing service Flickr.

Grant funds will support purchase of a computer, scanner, storage device, and the ability to hire work study students Christian Magtoto and Delonte Wallace to help with the project. Photos range from images taken by local historian Ruth Marie Colville to photos from the San Luis Institute and Adams State College related photos. This collection will be preserved for many generations to enjoy and use.

Last year, an LSTA grant funded the library's Mobile Learning Center & Laptop Loan Program. The grant allowed purchase of 20 laptops, a laptop storage cart, and projector. The program includes teaching computer literacy classes to SLV community members. When the laptops are not in use, they are available for check out to ASC students. Now in its second year, the grant funds also supports employment of ASC student Esteban Salazar to help teach the classes. The work will be continued thanks to another LSTA grant recently received by Peaks Public Librarian Salai Taylor and Carnegie Librarian Carol Lee Dugan.