Dr. Soohyung Joo is an assistant professor at the School of Information Science.

Dr. Soohyung Joo (Library Science) has been awarded a planning grant in collaboration with Christie Peters, Head of the Science & Engineering Library and Coordinator of eScience Initiatives at the UK Libraries,as part of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program for the 2016 fiscal year. The planning grant funds will be used at University of Kentucky Libraries  to "conceptualize a research data services model for academic libraries based on a patron needs assessment" via a multi-method study of current library services. This research would not only examine patrons' research needs but also perceptions and opinions of "stakeholders, such as librarians, administrators, and scholars." Ultimately, the data gathered from the study may yield new information about the skills and knowledge required for data services librarians and other information professionals, potentially providing a framework for the development of new curricular for library science programs.

IMLS has announced nearly 3 million dollars in grants aimed at " recruiting and educating the next generation of librarians, faculty, and library leaders." For more information about the IMLS planning grants awarded this year, please visit their website. A full listing of this year's recipients, including Dr, Joo, is available here.

UK SIS congratulates Dr. Joo on this immense achievement. It is our hope that UK Libraries benefits from this research as well as burgeoning information professionals whose education it may positively impact through developments in library science curricula. To learn more about Dr. Joo and his research interests, publications, and teaching history, please visit his profile in our directory.