University of Michigan School of Information assistant professor Megan Threats has earned an Institute of Museum and Library Services Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program Early Career Research Development Grant.The three-year award will support Threats’ research on how public libraries can enhance their capacity to support the health information needs of formerly incarcerated people.

UMSI interim dean Elizabeth Yakel made the announcement on Thursday, July 27.

“These highly sought after grants support the research of non tenured tenure-track library and information science faculty, furthering the faculty member’s long-term research agenda, career trajectory, and professional development,” Yakel said. 

The project is in collaboration with the Library of Michigan, the Library Network, the Michigan Department of Corrections Offender Success Program and community organizations who will serve as advisory board members.

“This support will be instrumental for building my research agenda which centers on improving the health and well-being of marginalized communities through informatics,” Threats says. “As a former public librarian who worked closely with returning citizens in the city of Philadelphia, I’m excited to build relationships and resources to support the social determinant of health information needs of returning citizens in Michigan.” 

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Learn more about Megan Threats’ research by visiting her UMSI faculty profile. Read our Q&A with Threats.