Us Embassy is interested to develop stronger ties with Arba Minch University, wherein some American universities like Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Maryland and others would get connected, thus opening avenues and scope for academic collaboration and study abroad for Ethiopian students, said US Embassy’s Public Affairs Officer, Mr David Kennedy.

Mr Kennedy was orienting AMU officials, teachers and students in a program on ‘e-library and study opportunity in US’ at new auditorium on November 19, 2014. He was accompanied by Embassy’s Information Resource Centre Director, Mr Teklemichael Tefera.

Mr David assured to bring in English language experts from US universities for curriculum, literature and pedagogical training in AMU next year. And under Full-bright Special some US scholars may come to assist AMU researchers, he adds.

The program began with Academic Affairs Vice President, Dr Agena Anjulo introducing the dignitaries and explaining about the importance of e-library to the audience. Mr Teklemichael in his presentation informed that US Embassy has established six American spaces in Ethiopia i.e. Information Resource Centre, at the Embassy, Addis Ababa University American Corner, and four spaces at Jimma, Bahir Dar, Dire Dawa and Harar.

These e-resource centers are free for public to access and to know information generated in US, about reference services, public engagement and platform for English language learning.

He apprised the audience about e-resources, access models, and under major databases, he explained about literature resources and ebrary, the collection of 50,000 electronic books in English, Spanish and Portuguese, history, literature, science and technology and how to exploit them.

These searchable e-resources have different interfaces, he said, which by making search more specific one can get what is required; hence one need to identify relevant databases.

He also touched upon the functionality of Boolean operators, wildcard function. Revealing the entire inventory, he said, IRC has pool of databases on American English, college navigator that has information on US colleges, universities, digital literacy; Education USA advices one how to apply to US colleges and universities, English language Learner reference center, HIV RAP interactive, LitFinder, Middle Search Plus etc.

He also urged people to connect to URL (http://ethiopia.usembassy.gov/irc-membership-form.html) to get registered as members of the e-library and obtain password to be generated by US Embassy for staff and students alike to access e-resources for free.

Mr David while unraveling the information about study opportunity in American universities reiterated that US wants to provide platform where talented individuals from Ethiopia can acquire degrees from globally renowned institutions thus contribute in nation building. And added, 47% international graduate students are funded by US universities.

He revealed that MasterCard Foundation annually earmarks $ 500 million for Sub-Saharan Africa region for education purposes. And 1060 funding agencies provide $ 10000 worth of scholarship while 110 to 250 organizations offer full funding.

Later, he guided students how to be choosy about one’s need, right college, about UG & graduate requirements, funding options, English language skill and deftly arranging required documents to serve the purpose.

At the end, Dr Agena lauding US Embassy staff for orienting staff and students, said, ‘‘e-library is very important for us and in the course of time it will make our study and research more comprehensive.’’

By Corporate Communication Directorate (Philips Joseph)