The School Partnership for Instruction, Research, and Information Technology was implemented in January 2000. The program involves working with high school teachers and administrators to teach library research techniques, information competence and lifelong learning skills to students. Students visit the UCI campus, attend a hands-on instructional session, search for research materials in the UCI Libraries and eat in a residential dining hall.
Peer trainers serve as mentors and role models, and are paid for their time and involvement.
UCI librarians work with high school teachers to help identify appropriate resources and develop specialized library instruction components for their classes. Library instruction is conducted in the high school library, classroom or at a neighboring public library. Major funding came from the Center for Educational Partnerships and UC Office of the President Outreach Funds. The UCI Libraries contribute in-kind funding for library resources and some human resources.