The University of Pittsburgh is accepting applications from Virgin Islands residents for the online FastTrack Masters in Library and Information Science (MLIS) program. The deadline for application is February 14, 2007. Classes begin May 8, 2007. The application form, which must be filled in online, is accessible at http://fasttrack.sis.pitt.edu/admissions/virginIslands.htm. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.

The University of the Virgin Islands is collaborating with the University of Pittsburgh School of Information Sciences in this project designed to educate and equip 25 Virgin Islands residents with the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree through the University of Pittsburgh's School of Information Science's FastTrack MLIS Program. The first cohort of 15 students began the MLIS program in May 2006. This project is funded by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

Instruction is delivered almost entirely online and the program extends over six semesters beginning Summer 2007. Faculty from the University of Pittsburgh will travel to the Virgin Islands once per semester for face-to-face interaction with the cohort. This interaction occurs over the weekend beginning on Friday evening and extending through Sunday afternoon. These mandatory sessions will be held on either St. Thomas or St. Croix. Students will be required to travel between the islands as necessary. Students will also receive academic and professional support through field experience, targeted mentoring, and exposure to one national professional meeting.

Program Requirements

• Applicants must have an undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Successful applicants must make a commitment to work in a library in the Virgin Islands for at least two years following graduation.
• The IMLS grant will pay tuition, fees, and travel and accommodation for the mandatory on-site sessions. Students are required to buy their own textbooks and other course materials. They must also have access to a computer with a reliable high speed Internet connection.
• Students are required to maintain a B average or better throughout the six semesters of the program.

In addition to the general Statement of Intent that is a requirement, Virgin Islands applicants must also submit the following documents:

1. Explanation of why you believe you will succeed as an independent learner in the FastTrack MLIS program

2. Projected ten-year professional goal statement

Other Information

• At the time of application, students are required to choose the track of librarianship - academic or public, school, or medical, in which they intend to specialize. Prospective applicants are therefore encouraged to learn more about the different branches of the profession before beginning the application process.
  
• The application can be started at any time. Applicants are encouraged to begin the application as soon as possible, and save the input at the end of each session. The application is only submitted when the Submit button is used.. Applicants are encouraged to fully review all input before hitting the Submit button.
  
• The University of Pittsburgh will begin reviewing applications soon after the submission deadline date. They will conduct interviews, in the Territory, early in March 2007, with applicants who meet the criteria.
  
  

Contact information and Questions

The Virgin Islands coordinator is Mrs. Jennifer Jackson. She can be contacted by email at jjackso@uvi.edu or at 778-0956. You are strongly advised to make Mrs. Jackson your first point of contact if you have any questions or concerns, and to let her know of your intent to submit an application. Among other duties, Mrs. Jackson maintains a list of candidates who have submitted applications and cross checks this list with the University of Pittsburgh to ensure that all applications and supplementary materials are received.