KNOXVILLE –
Library Anchor Models for Bridging Diversity Achievements (LAMBDA) brings together the University of Tennessee’s School of Information Sciences and the Center for Literacy, Education
& Employment with the San Diego County Libraries and other public libraries in California and Tennessee to provide education, training, workshops, and support materials to support library staff members who serve
LGBTQ homeless youth.
Activities and materials will focus on educating library personnel about the needs of
LGBTQ homeless youth who come to the public library to access the Internet, read, find employment, contact
family, or socialize with others. Activities will help libraries build partnerships with community organizations that work with homeless populations.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) awarded the grant of $189,416. Dr. Cortez, Director of the School of Information Sciences at UT will lead the research team along with co-PI
Beth Ponder.
“We continue to give our students extraordinary learning experiences which also serve the greater good of the communities we serve,” said Cortez. “This research speaks directly
to the core of UT’s Vision for ideas that advance society through discovery, inquiry, innovation, research and scholarship.”
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. Through grant making, policy development, and research, IMLS helps communities
and individuals thrive through broad public access to knowledge, cultural heritage, and lifelong learning.
Donna Silvey
Communication Specialist
The University of Tennessee
College of Communication & Information
School of Information Sciences
1345 Circle Park Dr. Suite 451
Knoxville, TN 37996-0341
865.974.6727