Released on December 28, 2006
Christine Varnam, who is currently living in Edmonton, Alberta is the successful recipient of the 2006 Library Education Bursary. The annual $5,000 bursary offers funding to a student enrolled or accepted in a Master of Library and Information Science (MLS) program, or equivalent, who will live and work in Saskatchewan for at least two years after graduating."This is the second consecutive year that this bursary has been awarded to a student from another province," Learning Minister Deb Higgins said. "I am pleased that the bursary program not only continues to support our library sector, but it attracts professionals, like Christine, to Saskatchewan who will benefit from and contribute to our prosperous economy."
"I am astonished and delighted to receive the 2006 Saskatchewan Libraries Education Bursary," Varnam said. "I want to thank the Provincial Library, Saskatchewan Learning, the Multitype Library Board and the Saskatchewan Library Association for their co-operative support of library students and librarianship in Saskatchewan."
While currently enjoying her studies at the University of Alberta, Christine is looking forward to returning to Saskatoon to work as a librarian when she finishes the Master of Library and Information Studies program. Varnam moved to Saskatoon in 1999 where she received her library technician diploma from SIAST and worked in several local libraries. "I'm looking forward to working in and contributing to Saskatchewan as an information professional," Varnam said.
The bursary was established through the partnership between Saskatchewan Learning, the Saskatchewan Library Association and the Multitype Library Board, which is a network of public, special and post-secondary education libraries and other information providers.
"Christine is a very deserving recipient and she joins the ranks of past bursary recipients who are contributing to the continued success of libraries in our province. We look forward to her return to Saskatchewan," Saskatchewan Library Association president Carol Shepstone said.
"We are very pleased to award this year's bursary to Christine Varnam, a most worthy candidate. We wish Christine all the best in her future endeavours," Multitype Library Board chair Zenon Zuzak said. "The Saskatchewan Libraries Education Bursary, now in its fifth year, benefits all libraries. This bursary is an excellent example of partnerships within our province that strengthens and enriches our communities now and into the future."
Bursary information and applications for the 2007 bursary are available on the Saskatchewan Library Association website at www.lib.sk.ca/sla or by calling the office at (306) 780-9413.
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For More Information, Contact:
| Jacquie McLean Saskatchewan Learning Regina Phone: 306-787-5609 | Judith Silverthorne Saskatchewan Library Association Regina Phone: 306-780-9413 |