Hirons Library at Goldey-Beacom College Earns Innovation Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:   Janine G. Sorbello, Dir. of Ext. Affairs             DATE: March 19, 2025

CELL:            302-290-3224                              

EMAIL:         [email protected]

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Hirons Library at Goldey-Beacom College Earns Innovation Award

Wilmington, DE – Goldey-Beacom College (GBC) has been named the recipient of the 2024 LIRT Innovation in Instruction Award by the American Library Association’s Library Instruction Round Table (LIRT). This award recognizes the College’s efforts in advancing AI literacy, ethical research practices and innovative library instruction.

“We are incredibly honored to receive the LIRT Innovation in Instruction Award, which highlights our commitment to fostering critical engagement with AI tools and ethical research practices,” said Russell Michalak, director of library and archives at Goldey-Beacom College. “This achievement is the result of a collaborative effort across the College, bringing together students, faculty and institutional leadership to ensure equitable access to AI literacy education.”

GBC’s AI literacy initiative integrates structured instruction into first-year writing and research courses, equipping students with the skills to critically assess AI-generated content, engage ethically with AI and develop essential digital literacy competencies. This initiative was made possible through the support of Dr. Colleen Perry Keith, president and Dr. Joel Worden, provost, along with the dedication of faculty leadership, critical writing faculty and students.

As an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), as well as a Tier 1 Economic Mobility school, Goldey-Beacom College remains committed to ensuring that all students, regardless of background or financial means, have access to the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate an AI-driven world responsibly. In alignment with this commitment, the College will launch new graduate degree programming in AI and Cybersecurity in fall 2025, further expanding opportunities for students to develop expertise in these critical fields.

The American Library Association (ALA) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the ALA has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit ala.org.

Founded in 1886, Goldey-Beacom College has approximately 1,300 students enrolled from 29 states and 65 nations. The College offers 48 degree options in its graduate and undergraduate programs with majors in psychology, economics, criminal justice, communication & media, human services, English, and all areas of business, including accounting, business administration, entrepreneurship and finance.

The College began accepting students into three new degree programs in spring 2024: Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management, Master of Science in Human Resource Management, and an MBA Major in Human Resource Management. The College also began offering fully online options for students in the following degree programs: MBA Analytical Track (STEM-designated), traditional MBA program concentration areas, and the MS in Human Resource Management. Additionally, the College offers 21 certificate programs.

The College is committed to connecting its graduates with careers in their respective fields. For over a decade, the College has achieved a 90% placement rate for graduates. Goldey-Beacom College is in Pike Creek Valley, a suburb of Wilmington, Delaware. The College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

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