WHYCCI Summer Classes?

By Britney Beaman

As the semester is coming to an end, it’s not a bad idea to register for summer classes. I know the last thing you probably want to think about is another class right now, but enrolling in a summer class or two isn’t a bad idea. Why you ask?

1. Make hard classes easier: Taking a tough class in the summer will make the class easier for a couple reasons. One, you won’t (unless you choose to) have as many classes to juggle as you would during a regular semester. This gives you much more time to study and focus on the class or classes you’re taking. Two, summer classes are condensed courses, so you won’t have to spend as many weeks in that course as you would during a regular semester.
2. Graduate on time: If you don’t want load up on classes during your semesters, summer classes can help you to graduate in four years. That’s what I ended up doing, and it really helped me out. Each regular semester I took 15 credit hours of class and almost every summer I took a summer class or two. I will earn my Bachelor’s degree in four years and never had a semester over-loaded with credits.
3. Move ahead in your major:  If you choose to take LERs and LSRs in the summer, you’ll have less non-major classes to take during your semesters. As I said before, condensed courses make the classes easier on you, and if you get these classes out of the way, you can move on quicker in your major. This way, too, you won’t have to take as many of these classes as an upper-classman.
4. Improve your GPA: This is another aspect of summer classes that I took advantage of. After a long semester of 12-plus credit hours, taking one or two courses is cake. You have all the time you need to study, do your homework and get a good grade in the class. It’s a great way to improve your GPA a little.
5. Maintain school mode: After a long summer, the first couple weeks of the fall semester can be rough. I know it is for me. I always feel like I don’t remember how to write, I can’t focus and I can’t manage my time, nor do I want to. When you take summer classes, though, you maintain school mode without much stress. Just taking a couple classes at a time is easy and keeps your work ethic polished for the full semester to come.

Summer classes are open for registering now. Below you can find some classes that are offered for students in the College of Communication and Information:

School of Communication Studies

- COMM 15000 Intro to Human Communication: An inquiry into the nature and function of human communication in interpersonal, group and public contexts.

- COMM 26001 Public Communication in Society: Examines communication in public settings. Content includes issues in mass media, political communication and political advertising, news, crisis communication, public opinion and communication in executive, legislative and judicial settings. Students explore the influence of mediated messages via application of mass communication theories and constructs.

- COMM 30000 Communication Research Methods: Introduction to qualitative and quantitative research methods in communication. Students should complete this course early in their program of study.

School of Journalism and Mass Communication

- JMC 20006 Multimedia Techniques: Introduction to basic elements of multimedia journalistic storytelling, including the creation of audio, video, slideshows and multimedia packages for distribution via the Internet.

- JMC 21001 Principles of Advertising: Advertising history, purposes, techniques, media and research; analysis of functions of advertising organizations.

- JMC 40006 Law of Mass Communication: Libel, slander, privacy, copyright, obscenity, regulation of advertising, broadcasting and corporate speech.

School of Library and Information Science

- LIS 30010 Information Fluency in the Work Place and Beyond: Teaches information access, technology and media literacy skills, which enables students to become, not only information literate, but also information fluent-able to move seamlessly among multiple information sources and technologies resources to fill their informational needs whether in the classroom or the workplace.

- LIS 50693 Open Source Software for Libraries: Maximum workshop credit accepted for MLIS degree is 4 semester hours. Intensive examination of special topics of interest to practicing librarians.

- LIS 60001 Access to Information: Examination of information access issues. Topics include discussion of information needs, use of information sources and information access services.

School of Visual Communication Design

- VCD 13000 Intro to Visual Communication Design I: Introduction to the design and illustration program in VCD as well as the design profession. Focus on historical overview, industry standards, job opportunities, creative design process and skills needed to succeed.

- VCD 28000 Photography: Basic camera techniques to provide a better understanding of photography as a creative skill in visual communication.

- VCD 37000 Visual Design for Media Advanced: A lab course which students apply design concepts to computer-generated communication pieces using a layout software program. May not be used toward degree requirements for VCD majors.

For more information about these or other classes offered this summer, visit http://www.kent.edu/summer.

CCI is now on Pinterest!

By: Emily Horne

Pinterest, a virtual bulletin board, seems to be the new “it” Web site and social media outlet that many people are talking about. While it has not entirely reached the business and organization audience, Kent’s College of Communication and Information (CCI) is now on Pinterest. Like some other universities, CCI has been researching the best ways to utilize Pinterest. There seem to be mixed opinions on whether universities need to be on Pinterest yet or not but why shouldn’t Kent’s College of Communication and Information be one of the first?

What other universities are doing:

1. Contests
2. Showcasing its Personality
3. The Student Experience
4. Study Abroad Destinations
5. Dorm Room Decorations
6. Artwork Created by Students
7. Achievements from Alumni

What can students gain from CCI’s Pinterest profile?

1. CCI Student, Alum and Faculty Successes: Many people with connections to CCI go on to do great things during or after their time with the college. On this board, followers can see what these people are doing.
2. School of _________: There is a board for each of CCI’s four schools that showcase information about the school and stories that relate. Pay attention to these boards if you are a prospective student, a current student, or a former student!
3. Facilities: This board showcases the great facilities each of CCI’s programs are housed in. From the recently renovated facilities in Franklin Hall to the Resource Room in the Art building, CCI’s programs offer their students the best.
4. Study Away: CCI offers a variety of study away programs. Here, we are pinning information about various programs.
5. Why CCI Kent Blog: Here we are reposting blogs posted here on our Why CCI Kent blog to reach more students.
6. For Future Students: Students interested in CCI, whether current college students in other majors or current high school students, can look to this board for basic information.

Send us your work:

We would love to begin showcasing student work (artwork, photography, research, Web site design, etc.) on Pinterest. If you are interested in seeing your work on our page, please send an E-mail to ccikent@kent.edu with your work, a caption, and a link (if applicable) to attach to the pin.

Follow CCI Kent State:

Follow us on Pinterest to keep up on the latest information.  http://pinterest.com/ccikentstate/ Also, please help us to promote our Pinterest account. Share it on Facebook, Twitter and repin our pins that interest you!

Benefits of Living on Campus

By Nicole Gennarelli

Information from CCI Commons

As an incoming freshman, you can’t wait for the freedom of moving out of your parent’s house and moving into a dorm room with a new roommate. However, as freshman year comes to an end, you may start entertaining the thought of living off campus in an apartment or house. All first year students must live on campus for two years, so why not sign up to live in a living and learning community? There are many benefits that an LLC can provide compared to living off campus.

According to the College of Communication and Information (CCI) Commons website, it is “a living a living and learning community housed in Olson Hall exclusively for students with majors or pre-majors in one of the College of Communication and Information’s four schools (Communication Studies, Library and Information Science, Journalism and Mass Communication or Visual Communication Design). Students live with others who are studying the same major or similar fields of interest, allowing an open exchange of ideas and experiences that go beyond the classroom. CCI Commons is the central hub for activities and information related to CCI Kent State. Weekly programs offer students a peek into various career possibilities and current practices in the broad field of communications.”

CCI Commons is located in Olson Hall right in the middle of campus near the Kent Student Center and close to the coordinating buildings for each of CCI’s four schools.

“As a resident of the commons for three years, I can say that living here is not just a place to sleep and do homework, it is an experience all in itself. The people you meet are going through your classes with you, so you suffer and grow together. Its a way to make a large campus seem a lot smaller.” – Kristen Deran, CCI Commons resident

Building Benefits:

• Studio Space
• Community director on site
• Advising and technology help provided weekly
• Classes help within the hall with other Commons members

Why should you join CCI Commons?

• Connections with other students who share the same academic and professionals goals/interests
• Close location to your college advising office and classrooms
• Guest speakers geared toward your major
• Computer lab and studio space available in your hall
• Up-to-date valuable information  about CCI with the Community Director’s listserv

How do I join?
Students must be accepted to the College of Communication and Information in order to be eligible to join the CCI Commons. Rooming assignments are based on the date you turn in your housing application. To receive a CCI Commons assignment, make sure to get your application in early!

Students who are interested in applying to participate in the CCI Commons need to follow these steps:

• Select Olson Hall and CCI Commons as your #1 choice on your residence hall application, and alert the academic advisor during your Destination Kent State: Advising & Registration program that you would like to participate in the CCI Commons.
• If you have already completed and submitted your residence hall application and now want to make changes, you may re-enter your application by logging back into it through the residence hall application website.
• If you need further assistance, or have questions about how to join the CCI Commons please contact the community coordinator.

“The CCI Commons offers advantages to our students both academically and socially to help them connect to their major and set them up for success. We’re a living/learning community, so in order to reap the benefits of our programs and services students are asked to live in Olson Hall.  It’s the only live-in community on campus for our CCI majors, and we work very hard to provide programming and support to help you succeed here at Kent State.  With more than 200 students living in the community, you have an opportunity connect with others in the College of Communication and Information and to make bonds that will last beyond KSU.” –Marianne Warzinski, CCI Commons Director

Nicole Gennarelli is a senior public relations major and a marketing assistant for the College of Communication and Information.

Information Architecture and Knowledge Management to Celebrate 10th Anniversary

By Nicole Gennarelli

The Information Architecture and Knowledge Management (IAKM) program will celebrate its 10th anniversary this November.

IAKM takes a holistic approach to how knowledge is managed, interpreted and retained through the graduate program’s three concentrations: knowledge management, user experience design and health informatics. The program is administered by the School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) and is designed to keep students informed of new information skills that will help them find career opportunities that are relatively new yet growing — and are highly in demand.

The Master of Science in IAKM originated as an interdisciplinary program with partners from the schools of Journalism and Mass Communication, Library and Information Science, Communication Studies and Visual Communication Design, along with the College of Business Administration and Graduate School of Management and the Department of Computer Science.

“It was and is a truly innovative program that strived to anticipate new roles for information professionals,” saidThomas Froehlich, Ph.D., IAKM founder and former program director. “It has done so quite successfully, though at the beginning it was challenging to encourage applicants to sign up for fields that were just emerging and for which there were few job ads. Yet, there were many students who, upon searching the Internet for a good program to suit their interests, happened upon the IAKM site and knew they had found an educational home.”

The original concentrations were in information use, information architecture and knowledge management. In keeping with the evolution of the information professions, the concentrations now are user experience design (which encompasses usability and information architecture), knowledge management and health informatics, a new concentration that started this year. In addition to offering the M.S., IAKM also offers certificate programs in these concentrations.

“The program was designed to be innovative, progressive and adaptive, and in its 10-year existence, it has changed courses, curricula and requirements in response to the dynamic and changing environment for the need for information professionals,” Froehlich said. “The number of students enrolled in the program has been growing steadily, and the program is poised to rapidly increase enrollments in each of the concentrations, mainly due to the concentration advisers and their plans and realizations. Leadership has evolved to the advisers in each concentration: Denise Bedford, Ph.D., in Knowledge Management; David Robins, Ph.D., and Karl Fast, Ph.D., in User Experience Design; and Professor Michael Bice in Health Informatics. They all have considerable expertise in their respective fields and can lead these concentrations to maturity.”

Richard Rubin, Ph.D., associate provost for extended education who served as SLIS director from 1999 to 2010, attributes much of the program’s success to Froehlich.

“Dr. Froehlich’s energy and commitment made IAKM possible,” Rubin said. “During my time as director, I strongly supported IAKM’s work. SLIS has also enthusiastically supported IAKM with both fiscal and human resources.”

IAKM was ahead of the curve in recognizing the need for both knowledge managers and information architects, Rubin said.

“Although it had a relatively slow start, it now has substantial enrollments as the need for such individuals has become apparent in the workplace,” he said. “Over the years, the curriculum has changed as the needs for such individuals have changed, and its contemporary curriculum makes it highly desirable for those going into the field. IAKM is a tremendous interdisciplinary asset to the university community.”

James Gaudino, Ph.D., former dean of the College of Communication and Information who is now president of Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Wash., remembers IAKM as a cutting-edge program with the potential to gain an international presence.

“I saw it as a practical extension of changes in information and communication sciences generated by digital technologies,” he said. “I was particularly impressed by its interdisciplinary breadth and its attractiveness to a broad range of professions. Without question, it held the potential of providing a framework to integrating the disciplinary and professional program that were the basis of the college.”

Being at the leading edge of such a pioneering program at Kent State has been challenging and rewarding, Froehlich said.

“One of the greatest pleasures of the program is to see how many graduates have found successful and prestigious jobs, mainly because they were creative, energetic and hard-working persons,” he said. “The program became a vehicle for them to shine, making the program look good and attracting more employers. A program is known by its graduates and if the IAKM program sparkles, it is due to the aura created by its graduates.”

The graduates – along with Froehlich – will be the focus of the 10^th anniversary celebration reception, said Don Wicks, Ph.D., SLIS interim director. “We’re delighted to honor Dr. Froehlich’s leadership, without which IAKM might not exist. And we look forward to welcoming back some of our alums, including our first ever IAKM alumnus of the year.”

The reception will take place on Nov. 29 in Rm. 330 of the Kent State University Library from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. RSVP athttp://bit.ly/iakm10th-rsvp.

Nicole is a senior public relations major and a marketing assistant for the College of Communication and Information.

Students Relate Health Informatics to Careers

By Nicole Gennarelli

Students in the health informatics program at Kent State University are seeing the long-term benefits it can have on their career.

Health informatics is a new concentration in the Information Architecture and Knowledge Management (IAKM) program in the School of Library and Information Science.

According to the IAKM website, “Health informatics (HI) is the science that defines how health information is captured, analyzed, transmitted and managed. It focuses on information systems, informatics principles and information technology as it is applied to the continuum of health care delivery. This integrated discipline features specialty domains in management science, management engineering principles, health care delivery and public health, patient safety, information science and computer technology.”

Rachel Helbing

Rachel Helbing, who obtained a Master of Library Science (M.L.I.S) from Kent State in 2007, said health informatics seemed like a perfect fit for her background.

“I worked in community mental health for two years after earning a degree in psychology from Miami University. I am currently the community health librarian for Barberton Public Library’s branch at Summa Barberton Hospital. Health informatics brings together my major interests of mental health and information,” she said. Helbing recently completed Professor Michael Bice’s Health Informatics Management class.

Health Information Management, one of the first courses in the health informatics sequence, covers planning, selection, deployment, management of electronic medical records (EMR), management decision-support and tracking systems (DSS) and other health information technologies (HIT).

Charles Trunick

Chuck Trunick, clinical research informaticist at a large local health system, is also in the Health Informatics Management class. He said this course has provided him with a broad view of the healthcare landscape and how it is evolving every day.

“I have been a successful information sciences and implementation professional with many industries for more than 30 years,” Trunick said. “I desired a formal education to learn about other perspectives of health informatics in addition to my current experiences.  I believe this program will provide me with updated skills and help me learn other methods and approaches, achieve academic credentialsrecognized by the healthcare industry and open doors to other institutions to contribute to my ‘know-how’ learned and experienced over time.”

Joan King

Joan King, a registered nurse for more than 30 years, said the health informatics program is “phenomenal.” She loves that she can advance her career by getting a health informatics certificate with 18 graduate hours, and then go on to obtain a master’s degree using 12 of those hours. The certificate allows her to get into the field sooner as she continues her school work.

“The past five to 10 years of change regarding the impact of health information technology has fascinated me,” King said. “This is the first online class I have taken, and I was concerned about classroom interaction, but our class discussions are phenomenal. I have learned so much through the lectures, readings and discussions. The government involvement with electronic health records is so encompassing. Through the discussions, it’s interesting to see how the government’sinvolvement will impact the adoption of the EHR either negatively or positively. This class has expanded my concept of what the EHR means to institutions, physician offices, clinicians, the patient and the delivery of health care.”

Michael Bice

Michael O. Bice, Kent State professor and former health care executive, leads the HI program. He said the program appeals mainly to physicians, nurses and other professionals already working in health care.

“One look at the headlines will tell you that health informatics professionals are in great demand across the country, and will continue to be needed as Federal initiatives for electronic health information networks are implemented,” Bice said.

Bice added that the demographics of the first class are impressive: 58 percent have an RN degree; the average health care experience is 15 years; and most of the students are direct care givers or middle managers. Two students are in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and three are MSN/MBA students. The largest contingent of students is from the Cleveland Clinic, followed by the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center and Akron General Medical Center.

For more information, visit www.kent.edu/healthIT.

Nicole is a senior public relations major and a marketing assistant for the College of Communication and Information.

Graduate School—How do I do it?!

By Emily Carle

In today’s world, it can feel like a bachelor’s degree is the new high school diploma. Many students may feel the need to get a master’s degree just to stand out in the workforce only to be overqualified for entry-level positions. Also, many career paths today require a graduate degree simply to get started out. For example, to be a librarian, one must earn a Master’s in Library Science.

The most important step in making a decision about graduate school is research. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

Should I Choose Graduate School?

1.      Does my desired career field require a master’s degree?

Go to professional association websites for information about careers in a desired field.

Popular choices

Library Sciences: American Library Association, http://ala.org

Public Relations: Public Relations Society of America, http://www.prsa.org

Communication: National Communication Association, http://www.natcom.org

Journalism: Society of Professional Journalists, http://www.spj.org

Graphic Design: AIGA, http://www.aiga.org

Law: America Bar Association, http://www.americanbar.org

Business: Association of MBAs, http://www.mbaworld.com or American Marketing Association, http://www.marketingpower.com

Higher Education: NASPA, http://www.naspa.org or ACPA, http://www.myacpa.org

2.      What programs should I apply to?

Just like applying for undergraduate admission, many of the same factors apply in graduate school application.

Caliber of the Program: Traditionally the number one starting point in the application process. US News & World Report always publishes the Grad School Rankings of over 1,200 graduate programs in the United States. Their website  lists the top programs in everything from Education to Engineering to Economics. Once choosing a desired program, US News & World Report gives advice on the application to grad school, paying for grad school, as well as information on the GRE.

Degree Requirements: After picking some top choices of programs, do some research and find out what comes along with the degree.

• How many years?
• How many credit hours?
• Extracurricular requirements?
• Assistantships/Internships?
• How much research is involved?
• Master’s thesis?

Again, every university’s program varies, even if it’s within the same career field. Make sure you understand what you want out of it. For example, if a program requires their students to instruct a course, but you don’t want that experience, it may not be the right program for you.

Funding: As in undergraduate programs, finding out how students pay for their education plays a large part in the deciding factor. If you know you want to have funding assistance, look into programs tuition costs as well as their scholarship possibilities. Many programs allow students to work part-time in an assistantship to help cover tuition and other costs.

3.      What steps do I need to take to apply to graduate school?

Entrance Examinations:

Many programs require an entrance exam along with the traditional application. For many programs, the GRE is standard. This encompasses fields like education, social sciences, public affairs, and humanities. Other programs have more specific tests. Business requires GMAT, Law requires LSAT and the Medical field requires MCAT, DAT, or OAT. The Princeton Review outlines what is required for each of these examinations plus it includes links to scheduling the exams as well as resources for students.

Application Requirements:

Typically, the graduate school application is much more in-depth than an undergraduate application, and for good reason. Graduate programs are more selective and after four years of college and a bachelor’s degree, applicants should be ready for a more rigorous application.

The most important aspects of a graduate school application would be the recommendation letters and the essays or personal statements. These two pieces say the most about you as a student; the references tell about you from another person’s perspective while the personal statement should show part of your personality and your desire for graduate school.

• When it comes to finding your references, make sure you talk to each of them individually and explain your career goals. Also, provide them with a copy of your resume and your personal statement so they know exactly where you are coming from and how to highlight your biggest accomplishments.
• For an essay or personal statement, check with the program to see if they have any specific requirements. Usually questions are similar, so it always helps to have a rough outline of points and then write one specifically for the program to which you are applying.

Application Deadlines:

Unfortunately, these deadlines vary greatly between programs and schools, so be sure to check with each program you’re considering to see what deadlines they require. For programs requiring an assistantship or internship position, typically deadlines will be earlier.  Conversely, there may be programs you can apply to just weeks before classes start. Whenever you apply though, be sure to call or email the department and confirm your application materials were received.

Waiting for Acceptance:

Many programs will give you a general idea when you should hear back from them in regards to your acceptance. Remember: this is not an overnight process! Often times, schools put together committees to review applications and decide on their top students. Programs can be selective and unfortunately they cannot accept everyone. If you feel like you should have heard one way or the other or the deadline has passed, you can call and check on the status of the applications. Even if they cannot tell you specifics over the phone, they should be able to give you a better idea of a timeline.

4.      Wrapping it Up

The most important part of any graduate school decision is do your research; decide what program you want, where you want the program to be and what you want out of the program. Make sure you visit any prospective school and meet with faculty and current students. There are some places that are perfect on paper but it can be a different story once you’re there!

If you aren’t sure about grad school right now, don’t stress. Take time in the workforce to see if that fits your style. If you’re dying to get back to school once you start a full-time job, it’s time to consider graduate school. Some programs prefer work experience, so it won’t hurt to take time if it’s best for you.

Remember there is no wrong or right decision! It takes a little bit of soul-searching, but it’s all about what is best for you and your career goals.

To start off your research, check out some of CCI’s very own master’s degree programs!

School of Communication Studies:

Master of Arts in Communication Studies

Concentrations: Interpersonal Communication, Mediated & Mass Communication, Health Communication

School of Library and Information Science:

Master of Science in Information Architecture and Knowledge Management

Master of Library and Information Science  

School of Journalism and Mass Communication:

Master of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication 

Concentrations: Media Management, Public Relations, Reporting-Editing, Journalism Educators, Broadcasting, Newspaper, Convergence.

School of Visual Communication Design:

Master of Arts in Visual Communication Design

Master of Fine Arts in Visual Communication Design

Emily is a senior communication studies major and a marketing assistant for the College of Communication and Information.

Crain’s Cleveland Breakfast sponsored by Kent State School of Library and Information Science

Kent State University’s School of Library and Information Science will be sponsoring the next breakfast in the Crain’s Cleveland Business Breakfast Series. Crain’s partners with business leaders in their “Ideas at Dawn” breakfast series. Each event in the series allows people to network during breakfast and listen to a panel discussion on various themes that can help your organizations performance and end results.  

The breakfast will be Wednesday, April 6 at The Ritz Carlton, Cleveland focusing on Health Care Informatics: Information management for today’s medical community. School of Library and Information Science professor, Michael Bice will be the lead panelist. Breakfast and networking will take place from 7:00-8:30 a.m. with the panel discussion wrapping up the event from 8:00-9:30 a.m.

To register now visit: http://www.crainscleveland.com/marketing/bizbfast.html

CCI invited to Kent State Day at the Ohio Statehouse

 

Last Wednesday, March 16, Kent State University was invited to the Ohio Statehouse to highlight Excellence in Action for Kent State Day at the Statehouse. Approximately 130 faculty, staff and students from all eight campuses joined together to represent KSU.

The College of Communication and Information was invited to display during the “Impact and Innovations Exhibit” which showcased newest advancements from around the University.

Emily Carle, Dawn Burngasser, Dr. Stan Wearden

Dean of CCI Dr. Stan Wearden, Jennifer Kramer, and students Dawn Burngasser and Emily Carle represented CCI with the tags: Innovative, Competitive and Entrepreneurial.

CCI displayed the ScanPath technology used in the Usability Lab through the School of Library and Information Science as well as the newest, award-winning web courses offered at the undergraduate and graduate level in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

Dawn Burngasser

Cleveland Memory Project Brings Together KSU Students, Alumni to Preserve City’s History

By Brianne Kimmel

Image from http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/4657205285_daf62f520e.jpg

Kent State School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) graduates Bill Barrow and Kif Francis work with SLIS practicum students to share Cleveland heritage with students and community members.

Barrow became interested in Cleveland history while working for the Michael Schwartz Library at Cleveland State University as a part his practicum for the Library and Information Science program at Kent State. The Cleveland Memory Project began when Barrow was appointed a special collections archivist in 1999.

In order to better preserve Cleveland history and make the information available to the public, Barrow has hosted more than 60 practicum students, nearly all of them from Kent State. “They will research, select materials, design digital work, collaborate with community institutions, cataloging, and the final creation of a website around their project,” Barrow said. The entire project serves as a gateway to a particular topic or community’s history around the local northeast Ohio area.

In 2002, the Cleveland Memory Project began its online efforts to ensure community members can assess Cleveland history at any time from any location. The online archives serve both an academic and professional purpose. “Authors, genealogists, neighborhood development corporations, government, and the media” utilize the Cleveland Memory Project, Barrow added. The project has helped engineering firms understand the history of an area or building to help a specific development plan. Moving all of the history to an online database has been time consuming, but Barrow said the Cleveland Memory Project is pleased to offer this service to Ohioans.

Kif Francis, a 2007 SLIS graduate and previous Cleveland Memory Project practicum student, now serves as a metadata librarian for the Cleveland Memory Project. Her responsibilities include managing the digital library system for the Cleveland Memory Project and training new staff and volunteers. During her practicum, she digitized a collection from the Greater Cleveland Ethnographic Museum, which debuted in 1975 and closed in 1981. Francis said her experience in the Digital Image Processing class with SLIS Professor Marcia Zeng, Ph.D, prepared her for the 150-hour practicum with the Cleveland Memory Project.

At the Cleveland Memory Project, Francis “stumbled upon something she was truly interested in learning more about.” In the SLIS program, being open to all types of knowledge is key. “Graduate school is a great time to explore all the different options of librarianship,” said Francis. “There are always opportunities for working in the community using your organizational skills.”

The Cleveland Memory Project continues to offer opportunities for SLIS students. Ongoing projects include: the Ohio’s Heritage Northeast and Summit Memory, which was created by both alumni and a former practicum student. “The Cleveland Memory Project is the umbrella for all of the practicum projects and a community platform for collaboration around local history,” Barrow explained. “We’ve had tremendous assistance from graduate students… they own the projects.” The collaboration between different departments, outside organizations and practicum students has made the Cleveland Memory Project a convenient resource for Cleveland history.

Visit the Web for additional information on Kent State’s School of Library and Information Science, The Cleveland Memory Project , The Greater Cleveland Ethnographic Museum , and the Summit Memory Project.

Brianne Kimmel is a senior advertising major and marketing assistant in the Dean’s Office of the College of Communication and Information.

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