THE GEMOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF AMERICA'S KEYS TO DISCOVERY: PUBLIC OUTREACH PROGRAMS

The Gemological Institute of America's (GIA) nonprofit mission to ensure the public trust in gems and jewelry is exemplified through core programs of education, research and laboratory services. During our 75 year history, GIA has delivered gemological expertise from our research efforts and world-class repository of gemological information. GIA has developed complementary programs in our library, museum, and guest services expanding our public outreach in support of our mission. These programs demonstrate our commitment to discovery learning and make valuable resources available to the public, the jewelry industry, and the staff and students of GIA.

As the largest gemological library and reference center in the world with over 38,000 titles, the Richard T. Liddicoat Gemological Library and Information Center is the heart of GIA. Our expert library staff is accessible by phone, e-mail, or in person to answer questions, and the library is open to the public and the jewelry industry for on-site research. GIA's Digital Asset Management System, online Web OPAC, and the addition of new titles to our collection, emphasize how the library is growing and evolving.

The GIA Museum is committed to advancing the world's understanding of gemstones, gemology and jewelry. Through the development of the permanent display collection, and collaboration between our Museum, Research department, and our peer-reviewed journal, Gems & Gemology, along with other institutions, the GIA Museum has proven itself to be a strong and viable presence. Exhibits are rotated through our fourteen campuses internationally to benefit GIA's many visitors and students. Through our Museum lecture series, renowned speakers impart their insight and knowledge to the public.

The GIA Guest Services department hosts thousands of public and industry guests each year. The Carlsbad campus is open weekdays, and tours of exhibits are free to the public through scheduled tours. Our successful GIA Junior Gemologist Program™ is taught on campus and at county elementary schools in a hands-on learning environment using microscopes and gemstones.

Through these outreach programs, GIA presents relevant geoscience information important for citizens of today and tomorrow. These gemological experiences generate excitement in both children and adults creating the foundation for further discovery learning.