Oklahoma State University: IMLS Grant Supports Library Pandemic Reflections Project

Press release from Oklahoma State University:

2021-12-16

Media Contact:
Bonnie Cain-Wood | Manager, Library Communication Services | 405-744-7331 | lib-pub@okstate.edu

The Oklahoma State University Library recently received a federal award for nearly
$50,000 from the Institute of Museum and Library Services’ American Rescue Plan grant
program. The grant will fund the Library’s oral history project titled “Impressions
from the Pandemic: Oklahomans Reflect on COVID-19,” and was one of only five awards
made to Oklahoma organizations out of the 390 total awards from this program.

Through a yearlong oral history project, the Library’s Oklahoma Oral History Research Program will collect, preserve and make accessible sources representing a variety of aspects
of the COVID-19 pandemic experience. The OOHRP will capture impressions, in-depth
recollections and analytical reflections of a diverse group of Oklahomans impacted
by the pandemic.

“One thing oral history work can do really well is include perspectives from individuals
who aren’t the focus or public face of heavily documented debates and policy changes,”
OOHRP Head Sarah Milligan said. “It is important to include an intentional diversity
of views in this project so we can understand how policy decisions and resource deployment
have impacted people broadly, including marginalized and under-resourced communities,
over the course of this pandemic.”

These efforts will support preparedness for future public health events and spotlight
underserved communities’ concerns, adding to the core of information policy leaders
will have to reflect on the impacts of the recent pandemic response.

“We hope by being intentional about representation in this documentation project,
we will be able to provide more in-depth primary-source research into how fast-moving
policy changes and overall pandemic responses between 2020-2021 have affected individuals
situated broadly in the state,” Milligan said.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support
for the nation's libraries and museums. They advance, support and empower America’s
museums, libraries and related organizations through grantmaking, research and policy
development. Their vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to
transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Story By:
Taylor Hatheway | lib-pub@okstate.edu

This press release was produced by Oklahoma State University. The views expressed here are the author’s own.