The iSchool and Project Information Literacy (PIL) have been awarded a $471,054 National Leadership Grant (NLG) from the Institute for Museum and Library Sciences (IMLS).

The PIL research team will conduct a two-year quantitative study investigating how recent college graduates find, evaluate, and use information for lifelong learning once they leave campus, particularly in areas such as staying competitive in the workforce, engaging in civic affairs, and personal development.

From the data collected and analyzed, researchers will study graduates’ information needs and the information systems they employ as lifelong learners. In related analysis, the team will also study the role libraries currently play in lifelong learning as well as opportunities to enhance lifelong learning that are feasible, practical, and affordable.

Affiliate Associate Professor Alison Head will lead the study and Professor Mike Eisenberg will chair the study's Lifelong Learning Advisory Board. Head is also a Faculty Associate at the Berkman Center for Internet and Society at Harvard University.