College library receives national grant for small and rural libraries

The Garrett College library plans to sponsor a community conversation to raise local awareness and draw attention to the resources and information on the history and culture of the indigenous peoples in Garrett County.

“We are so proud to be chosen for this amazing opportunity,” Director of Library and Learning Commons Jenny Meslener said. “This grant will provide an excellent resource to the college and local community, and will allow for expanded research opportunities and deeper conversations about the indigenous history of the county.”

As part of the grant, a college library staff member will take an online course in how to lead conversations, a skill vital to library work today. Staff will then host an in-person conversation with college community members and Garrett County residents about the history of the indigenous peoples and share resources for attendees to learn more.

“Indigenous people have lived in, and traveled through, Garrett County for over 10,000 years (sites.google.com/site/wmdasm/western-maryland-prehistory),” Dean of Academic Affairs Ryan Harrod said. “With this grant, Director Meslener and the library staff at Garrett College will work to recognize and highlight this deep and rich history. As part of the grant and future funding efforts, we are working to establish relationships with the Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs and federally recognized tribes that traditionally inhabited the county (e.g., Shawnee in Oklahoma and the Seneca in New York).”

The goal of this project is to educate and spread awareness to the Garrett County and Garrett College communities about the historical and cultural importance of local indigenous populations.

In addition, this project will allow for materials and resources on this topic to be more accessible and discoverable for those who attempt more in-depth research on this topic. The collection will promote academic excellence and improve academic scholarship opportunities for all students and researchers in Garrett County.

To get involved or take part in the conversation, contact Meslener at jenny.meslener@garrettcollege.edu or 301-387-3022, or visit garrettcollege.libguides.com/gclibrary for more information.