Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, and the University of Nebraska, are working together to train more librarians. David Gregory, the associate director for public services at the I-S-U library, says they’re focusing on students who want to specialize in science, technology and medical areas. He says there’s a general shortage of librarians and particularly in those who specialize in the sciences. The three schools are sharing a nearly 400-thousand dollar grant to train nine librarians. He says the goal of universities is to have a specialist on staff to cover all the areas of education. Gregory says demographics are catching up to librarians.He says 40-percent of the library directors are going to be retiring in the next nine or ten years. He says 60-percent of the library workforce overall will be turning 60 in the next 10 to 15 years. Gregory was asked about what might draw a student into the profession. He says you have an opportunity to play a unique role in the educational enterprise. Gregory says if you really truly believe the foundation of our democracy is an informed citizenry, a librarian plays a unique role in that. Gregory says the program offers several incentives. He says they get a half time assistantship in an academic library, tuition for library school, and assistance in finding work. Gregory says while this grant will fund only nine students, it’s part of a ten million dollar nationwide effort. He says you can get more information on the program by contacting one of the universities.