Planning LIS doctoral education around a focused theme: A report on the B2A Program.

Abstract

This report discusses the Overcoming Barriers to Information Access (B2A) program, a doctoral cohort program at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee funded by the Institute for Museum and Library Services. The program has focused on educating the next generation of doctoral graduates in library and information science with an emphasis on the theme of overcoming barriers to information access. Fellows were provided resources to support their educational activities, research and instructional experiences. The principal investigator for the program and the B2A Fellows reflect on the challenges and the rewards of their experiences in the program. Key findings that emerged include the importance of community throughout the program and exposure to diverse perspectives. Although funding packages provide important resources to students, they do not buy extra time. The reflections provide insights into the doctoral student experience that can benefit other library and information science doctoral programs.