Government of Saskatchewan Western Red Lilies
Executive Council - Media Services
Legislative Building - Regina, Canada S4S 0B3 - (306) 787-6281

News Release


December 28, 2006

Learning - 926

2006 LIBRARY EDUCATION BURSARY AWARDED

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


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