Graduate wanted for European initiative
by Nicole Mikajewski
One
of a select group of 19 students from around the world, Katherine Howard
(pictured) is the only Australian to be accepted into the Erasmus Mundus
International Master’s of Digital Library Learning for 2007, part of the
European Initiative to encourage the growth of electronic commerce.
After completing a Graduate Diploma in Library and Information Studies last year, Howard applied for the program and $70,000 scholarship to fund her tuition and living expenses while overseas for two years.
Howard, who leaves for Europe later this month, was surprised to learn she had been accepted.
"I was absolutely in shock," she said. "It is not a small scholarship and to receive something like that is absolutely amazing."
Howard will study at the Oslo University College in Norway, Tallinn University in Estonia and Parma University in Italy.
"It has always been a dream of mine to live and work overseas," Howard said.
Those selected for the program will learn the newest and cutting-edge technologies in digital library research, managing digital conversion programs, implementing digital libraries and developing and implementing educational programs.
Senior lecturer in UniSA’s School of Communication, Sue Myburgh believes the opportunity will give Howard a professional jumpstart.
"She will have the chance to make important international contacts with like-minded scholars from all over the world," Myburgh said.
Howard agreed.
"The people I am going to be studying with are potentially the new leaders in the industry."
Upon her return in 2009, Howard will be able to impart current research, development and digitisation technologies to libraries and businesses. She will be in a position to make a significant contribution to the Australian digital information industry, according to Sue Myburgh.
"There is a dearth of such skills in Australia," she said. "I am sure Katherine will be in much demand upon her return."
Howard said her current interests in digital libraries at the moment are user-accessibility and useability, as well as digital library education.
"I would like to contribute these to the development of digital libraries in Australia when I return," she said.