First-year GSLIS students Karen Barton and Tracy Drake participated in this year’s Summer Pre-doctoral Institute (SPI) at
the University of Illinois. SPI is a campus-wide
orientation program that accepts incoming graduate students from U.S.
populations that are underrepresented in campus graduate programs. During the
eight-week program, students enroll in an independent study, participate in a
series of research-based seminars, and work with faculty members from their
departments.
Barton and Drake presented their research at the SPI
Symposium on Friday, July 27. Barton presented, “Perspectives and Preferences
of Black and White Youth: Gauging Interest in Multicultural Literature,” while
Drake discussed, “In Search of Soul: The Social Responsibilities Roundtable and
the American Library Association’s Commitment to Diversity and Social Justice
1969-1984.” Barton and Drake are advised by Assistant Dean for Student Affairs
Rae-Anne Montague and Professor and Associate Dean Linda Smith, respectively.
At the end of the institute, Drake received the “Outstanding SPI Fellow” award
for her participation in the program.
“In addition to providing Karen and Tracy with the
opportunity to work on meaningful research topics with experts in the field,
the SPI program provided ample opportunities to develop friendships across
disciplines and gain a sense of the broader Illinois community,” said GSLIS
LAMP Coordinator Amani Ayad, who acted as a mentor for Barton and Drake during
the program.