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Giao Luong Baker has been selected to receive a 2016 ($3,000) sponsored by the and . Baker will use the money to pursue a Graduate Academic Certificate in Advanced Management in Libraries and a Masters in Information Science at the .

This Scholarship is for master’s level study, with an emphasis on library technology and/or automation, at a library school program accredited by the 91´«Ã½. Criteria for the Scholarship includes previous academic excellence, evidence of leadership potential, and a commitment to a career in library automation and information technology. It is awarded to a candidate from an under-represented group to support a more diverse profession.

The Committee immediately recognized Baker as being exceptionally accomplished in her career, already demonstrating great promise. She has actively participated in professional activities outside of her primary responsibilities in both the University of South California Library and professional associations. One of her colleagues said, “I have never seen her be anything other than enthusiastic and helpful when dealing with me or with others. Her genuine excitement in her job is infectious and brings out the best in every interaction.” The Scholarship Committee is honored to select Baker for this well-deserved award.

In addition to her academic pursuits, Baker is the Digital Imaging Manager at the University of Southern California Libraries, where she enjoys working with a dedicated staff of students who assist her in building digital collections for the USC Digital Library. she also serves on the board of the Los Angeles City Historical Society and is a member of the USC Libraries Innovation Council. The prospect of affecting the representation of minority communities in digital and cultural realms is an energizing prospect for her.

Baker's passions include history, urban planning, swap meets, and raising her two young kids with her husband. When notified she had won, Baker said, "I'm absolutely thrilled and humbled with receiving the OCLC/LITA scholarship, as it will enable me to take more courses without incurring greater debt. I am extremely grateful for the recognition and support that the OCLC/LITA scholarship offers to me."

Members of the 2016 LITA/OCLC Minority Scholarship Committee are: Colby Riggs (Chair); Kathryn Ruth Webb; Craig Allen Boman; Mary Anne Duffy; Richard R. Guajardo; Heylicken Moreno; and Christine Tawatao.

About LITA

Established in 1966, the is the leading organization reaching out across types of libraries to provide education and services for a broad membership of nearly 2,700 systems librarians, library technologists, library administrators, library schools, vendors, and many others interested in leading edge technology and applications for librarians and information providers. LITA is a division of the . Follow us on our , , or .

About OCLC

is a nonprofit global library cooperative providing shared technology services, original research and community programs so that libraries can better fuel learning, research and innovation. Through OCLC, member libraries cooperatively produce and maintain , the most comprehensive global network of data about library collections and services. Libraries gain efficiencies through OCLC’s , a complete set of library management applications and services built on an open, cloud-based platform. It is through collaboration and sharing of the world’s collected knowledge that libraries can help people find answers they need to solve problems. Together as OCLC, member libraries, staff and partners make breakthroughs possible.