Good afternoon,
My name is Dr. Ed Benoit, III, and I am one of the Co-PIs of the research team for the Virtual Footlocker Project 2.0, a national initiative funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and led by researchers at Louisiana State University and Kent State University.
Our project is focused on a critical challenge at the intersection of cultural heritage and community service: developing strategies to help Vietnam-era veterans preserve their personal military records. As this generation of veterans ages, their firsthand accounts, letters, photographs, and journals are at imminent risk of being lost forever. These materials are not only vital family heirlooms but also invaluable primary sources for understanding a pivotal period in American history.
As a library, archives, or museum professional, your perspective is essential to this work. We are seeking a small group of practitioners to participate in a focus group to help us understand the current landscape of veteran-related collections and services. Your insights will directly inform the creation of a national program model designed to empower libraries and archives to better support veterans in their communities.
We would be delighted if you would join us for a 90-minute virtual focus group to discuss:
- Your experiences working with veteran communities or military-related collections.
- The challenges in acquiring, preserving, and providing access to these sensitive materials.
- The training and resources needed to help LIS professionals feel more confident and effective in this work.
- Opportunities for collaboration between cultural heritage institutions and veteran support organizations.
This is an opportunity to contribute your expertise to a national project that aims to create practical, implementable resources for our field.
If you are interested in participating and sharing your valuable perspective, please complete the registration survey at https://lsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0cWa9yzcieuTVUW
Thank you for your dedication to preserving our nation's diverse histories. We look forward to the possibility of collaborating with you to ensure the legacy of our Vietnam-era veterans is not forgotten.
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Edward Benoit III, Ph.D. (He/Him)
Interim Director & Associate Professor
School of Information Studies
Louisiana State University
223B Peabody Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
office 225-578-1469 | fax 225-578-4581
ebenoit@lsu.edu | lsu.edu | sis.lsu.edu
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