2012 SASKATCHEWAN LIBRARIES EDUCATION BURSARY AWARDED

The Saskatchewan Library Association has awarded its 2012 Saskatchewan Libraries Education Bursary to Ms. Justina Datta, a graduate student and an employee of the University of Saskatchewan.

The $5,000 bursary is offered annually to a student who is enrolled or accepted in a Master of Library and Information Science program or equivalent, and who will live and work in Saskatchewan for at least one year after graduating.

"I congratulate Ms. Datta on winning this award," Education Minister Donna Harpauer said. "The bursary is an opportunity to contribute to the future of the province, by supporting library education, which is essential in a knowledge-based economy."

Datta, a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan, is currently enrolled in a Master's program in Information and Library Science at San Jose State University, California. She also works at the Health Sciences Library at the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon. Her interests focus on the importance of information literacy, particularly as it relates to the health care sector.

"I wish to express my heart-felt thanks and appreciation to the Saskatchewan Library Association for awarding me the 2012 Saskatchewan Libraries Education Bursary," Datta said. "The bursary will make an invaluable contribution to my graduate studies in the School of Library and Information Science."

The Saskatchewan Libraries Education Bursary was established through a partnership between the Provincial Library and Literacy Office, Saskatchewan Ministry of Education, the Multitype Library Board and the Saskatchewan Library Association. The bursary was developed to promote the continued growth of professional librarianship in the province.

"Congratulations to Ms. Datta on being awarded this bursary," Saskatchewan Library Association President Amber Christensen said. "She has shown enthusiastic commitment to her vocation, and we are delighted that this bursary will support her desire to contribute to the profession right here in Saskatchewan."

"It is gratifying to award this bursary to Ms. Datta," Multitype Library Board Chair Bryan Wilson said. "I wish her continued success as she pursues her Master's program in Information and Library Science."

More information on the bursary and on the application process is available on the Saskatchewan Library Association web site at www.saskla.ca or by calling the office at 306-780-9413.

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For more information, contact:

Olufunke Okochi
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1613
Email: olufunke.okochi@gov.sk.ca