General MLIS Scholarship Opportunities
Alaska Library Association Scholarship [http://www.akla.org/scholarship.htm] $2000 scholarship awarded annually. Preference is given to a person meeting the federal requirements of Alaska Native ethnicity. An applicant must be an Alaskan resident who: 1) possesses a Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university; 2) is eligible for acceptance, or is currently enrolled, in a Graduate Degree program in Library and Information Science in a university program accredited by the American Library Association; 3) is or will be a full-time student during the academic year, semester, or academic quarter for which the scholarship is received; and 4) makes a commitment to work in an Alaska library for a minimum of one year after graduation as a paid employee or a volunteer, or for two semesters for one semester's financial assistance. (A scholarship recipient who fails to fulfill this commitment will be required to repay the money received.)
American Library Association--Bound-to-Stay-Bound Scholarship [http://www.ala.org/] Two $6000 scholarships are awarded annually. Factors considered: Academic excellence, leadership qualities. Recipients are expected to work directly with children in any type of library for at least one year following completion of educational program. Open to United States or Canadian citizens pursuing a master’s of library science or beyond, in an ALA-accredited program. Applicants may not have started program. Scholarship descriptions, criteria, application forms, and reference forms are all included at this website.
American Library Association—David H. Clift Scholarship [http://www.ala.org/] Provides support for a scholar to pursue an MLS degree in a sponsor-accredited program. Eligible applicants are U.S. citizens, Canadian citizens, and permanent residents. An award of $3,000 will be made. Scholarship applicants cannot have completed more than 12 hours (or its equivalent) towards a master’s degree in library and information science prior to June 1. Scholarship descriptions, criteria, application forms, and reference forms are all included at this website.
American Library Association—Frederick G. Melcher Scholarship [http://www.ala.org/] Two $6000 scholarships are awarded annually. Factors considered: Academic excellence, leadership qualities, desire to work with children in any type of library. Upon graduation, the recipients are expected to work in library service to children for at least one year. U.S. and Canadian citizens entering a ALA-accredited master's degree program may apply (may not have begun coursework). Scholarship descriptions, criteria, application forms, and reference forms are all included at this website.
American Library Association—Marshall Cavendish Scholarship [http://www.ala.org/] This $3000 scholarship is awarded to a worthy United States citizen, Canadian citizen, or permanent resident to pursue a MLS degree in an ALA-accredited program. Scholarship applicants cannot have completed more than 12 hours (or its equivalent) towards a master’s degree in library and information science prior to June 1. Scholarship descriptions, criteria, application forms, and reference forms are all included at this website.
American Library Association—Mary V. Gaver Scholarship [http://www.ala.org/] This $3000 scholarship is awarded to an individual specializing in youth services. Must be a United States citizen, Canadian citizen, or a permanent resident pursuing a master’s degree in library science. Scholarship applicants cannot have completed more than 12 hours (or its equivalent) towards a master’s degree in library and information science prior to June 1. Scholarship descriptions, criteria, application forms, and reference forms are all included at this website.
American Library Association—Miriam L. Hornback Scholarship [http://www.ala.org/] This $3000 scholarship is awarded to an American Library Association library support staff person currently working in a library pursuing a master’s degree in library science. Must be a United States citizen, Canadian citizen, or a permanent resident. Scholarship applicants cannot have completed more than 12 hours (or its equivalent) towards a master’s degree in library and information science prior to June 1. Scholarship descriptions, criteria, application forms, and reference forms are all included at this website.
American Library Association--NMRT--EBSCO Scholarship [http://www.ala.org/] Provides $1,000 to a U.S. or Canadian citizen enrolled or planning to enroll in an ALA-accredited graduate studies program of library education leading to a master's degree. Candidates must be members of New Member’s Round Table (NMRT) or must join ALA and ALA/NMRT prior to acceptance of the award. Scholarship descriptions, criteria, application forms, and reference forms are all included at this website.
American Library Association—Tom and Roberta Drewes Scholarship [http://www.ala.org/] This $3000 scholarship is awarded to a library support staff person currently working in a library, pursuing a master’s degree in library science. Must be a United States citizen, Canadian citizen, or a permanent resident. Scholarship applicants cannot have completed more than 12 hours (or its equivalent) towards a master’s degree in library and information science prior to June 1. Scholarship descriptions, criteria, application forms, and reference forms are all included at this website.
Art Libraries Society of North America Gerd Muehsam Award (ARLIS/NA) [http://www.arlisna.org/muehsam00.html] Given annually to recognize excellence in a graduate paper or project on a topic relevant to art librarianship or visual resources curatorship. Award includes $200 cash, a one year membership to ARLIS/NA, $300 travel reimbursement to attend the annual ARLIS/NA conference, and publication of your abstract, and possibly your paper, in Art Documentation, ARLIS/NA’s bi-annual journal. This website includes instructions for how to enter and where to mail entries to.
Association of Jewish Libraries Scholarship
[http://aleph.lib.ohio-state.edu/www/ajl.html]
In order to encourage students to train for, and enter, the field of Judaica librarianship, the Association of Jewish Libraries awards a scholarship of $500 to a student attending or planning to attend a graduate school of library and information science. Prospective candidates should have an interest in, and demonstrate a potential for, pursuing a career in Judaica librarianship.
Christopher Hoyt/ERT Scholarship [http://www.ala.org/] This $3000 scholarship is awarded to an individual pursuing a master’s degree in library science. Must be a United States citizen, Canadian citizen, or a permanent resident. Scholarship applicants cannot have completed more than 12 hours (or its equivalent) towards a master’s degree in library and information science prior to June 1. Scholarship descriptions, criteria, application forms, and reference forms are all included at this website.
College Scholarship Fund [http://lib.nmsu.edu/nmla/scholarships.html] Up to $500 for one semester. Candidates may reapply once for a total of $1,000 in scholarship funds. Applicant must be a resident of New Mexico and must be accepted or currently enrolled in either 1) an undergraduate college program culminating in an associate's degree in Library Science which leads to certification OR 2) undergraduate or graduate study towards school librarian certification. The primary consideration in selecting recipients will be scholarship and potential contribution to librarianship in New Mexico. Preference will be given to those currently employed in a New Mexico library and to members of the New Mexico Library Association.
McKinstry Libraries Fellowship and Employment Opportunity: The purpose of the McKinstry Library Fellowship and Employment Opportunity is to provide tuition assistance for a maximum of two years and part-time employment at the University of Washington Libraries to a graduate student enrolled in the School of Library and Information Science . The donors believe that a diverse learning environment enhances the education of students, and that a UW education should be available to all members of our community. Because of these reasons, the donors have a strong interest in providing financial assistance to students from ethnic backgrounds that are underrepresented in the library profession. See this webpage for specific information on the application process.
Idaho Library Association Scholarships [http://www.idaholibraries.org/scholarships.awards.htm] All applicants must be current members of the Idaho Library Association. A scholarship application form is provided at this web site. Applicants also need to write a detailed statement regarding the need for financial assistance as well as contact a reference who will submit a brief recommendation directly to the Committee.
Library and Information Technology Association (LITA) Awards and Scholarships [http://www.lita.org/a&s/awards.htm] Web site includes information on four awards and four scholarships provided by this division of the American Library Association as well as application materials.
Marion Dorroh Memorial Scholarship [http://lib.nmsu.edu/nmla/scholarships.html] $1,500 for study toward an advanced degree at an ALA-accredited library school. Applicant must have resided in New Mexico during the year preceding application and must be accepted or currently enrolled in an ALA-accredited school as a full or part-time student. The primary considerations in selecting the scholarship recipient will be scholarship and potential contributions to the profession in New Mexico. Preference will be given to applicants who are members of New Mexico Library Association. This web site includes application materials.
NASIG and SISAC FRITZ SCHWARTZ SERIALS EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP [http://www.nasig.org/public/timedated/fritzaward.html] The North American Serials Interest Group (NASIG) and the Serials Industry Systems Advisory Committee (SISAC) team up each year to award a $2500 scholarship to a library science graduate student who demonstrates excellence in scholarship and the potential for accomplishment in a serials career. The purpose of the scholarship is to advance the serials profession by providing an aspiring library student who has prior serials experience with enhanced educational opportunities. In addition to the scholarship, the recipient will also receive a Student Grant Award to attend the NASIG conference for the year in which the scholarship is granted and will receive a one-year NASIG membership. The 2001 NASIG conference will be held at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, May 23-26, 2001. The applicant must have serials-related work experience and a desire to pursue a professional serials career after earning the graduate library degree. Application materials must be postmarked/faxed by January 31, 2001.
Oregon Education Media Association [http://www.oema.net/scholarships/scholarships2003_4.html] Two $800.00 scholarships are being offered by OEMA to individuals studying at the graduate level in the fields of educational media/instructional technology. The scholarship grants may be used to assist the recipients to further their education in a summer session or academic year of graduate study at any accredited college or university in Oregon. Programs of study may be at the Masters or Doctoral level. Recipients are selected by the OEMA Scholarship Committee. All recipients much belong to OEMA. Selection requirements are included at this website.
Reference Service Press Fellowship [http://www.cla-net.dreamhost.com/awards/rspf.php] Sponsored by the California Library Association. Applicant must: - be a college senior or college graduate who has been accepted in an accredited MLS program (documentation required). Graduate students currently enrolled in an MLS program are also eligible (as long as no more than 8 credits have been completed by the date of the award); - be either 1) a California resident attending or planning to attend library school in any state or 2) a resident of any state pursuing or planning to pursue an MLS at a school in California; - be interested in preparing for a career in reference or information service librarianship and, if awarded the fellowship, agree to take at least 3 classes specifically dealing with reference or information service. Students pursuing an MLS on a part-time or full-time basis are equally eligible to apply. Selection is based on 1) academic record; 2) applicant essay on career plans and preparation; and 3) two letters of recommendation.
Roger K. Summit Scholarship [http://training.dialog.com/cip-lis/scholarship.html] A $5000 award is made annually by The Dialog Corporation to a graduate student in library or information science who has demonstrated outstanding interest or performance in electronic information services. The scholarship recipient will be selected based upon the following criteria: 1) academic achievement; 2) demonstrated interest in electronic information services, based on course work, research, and experience; 3) proficiency on The Dialog Corporation’s online services and products; and 4) faculty recommendations. At present, this scholarship is available only in the United States. An application for this scholarship is available at this website.
Special Libraries Association--Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) Scholarship [http://www.sla.org/content/memberservice/scholarship/sch-index/hpschol/index.cfm] Provides support for beginning graduate study leading to a Ph.D. from a recognized program in library science, information science, or related fields of study. Applicants must be Special Libraries Association members who are beginning doctoral candidates. One $1,000 scholarship is available.
Special Libraries Association--Southern California Chapter: Karen Sternheim Memorial Scholarship
[http://www.sla.org/chapter/csca/stern.htm]
This annual scholarship is designed to assist a master's degree student in an ALA accredited library and information studies program planning for a career in special librarianship. The scholarship recipient must be a permanent resident of California or Nevada. However, there is no geographic restriction on the school in which the student is enrolled. The amount of the scholarship this year is $3000. The application deadline is April 1, 2001. Complete information is available on the Chapter's website. For any questions about the scholarship, please contact Susan Hendrickson Chair, SLA Southern Calif. Chapter Scholarship Committee, 1145 Allen Ave, Unit B, Glendale, CA 91201; Phone: 818-562-3048 SMHendrickson@aol.com
Special Libraries Association--Mary Adeline Connor Professional Development Scholarship [http://www.sla.org/content/memberservice/scholarship/sch-index/hpschol/index.cfm] Granted for post-M.L.S. certificate or degree programs in any subject area, technological skill, or managerial expertise relevant to the applicant's career needs and goals in special librarianship. Eligible applicants are Special Libraries Association members who have the M.L.S. degree. One or more scholarships of $6,000 each will be awarded.
Special Libraries Association--Plenum Scholarship [http://www.sla.org/content/memberservice/scholarship/sch-index/hpschol/index.cfm] Applicants must be members of the Special Libraries Association and have worked in a special library. Preference shall be given to those who display an aptitude for and interest in special library work, who show promise of accomplishment, and who are judged capable of making specific contributions to the library profession. Applicants must be doctoral candidates who have dissertation topic approval and are enrolled in a course of study by the time the award is given. Application Criteria: Applicants must submit evidence of high academic achievement, evidence of financial need and evidence of dissertation topic approval. Additional Information: The Plenum Scholarship will be granted for graduate study leading to a Ph.D. from a recognized program in library science, information science or related fields of study. One $1,000 Plenum scholarship is available each year.
Special Libraries Association Scholarship [http://www.sla.org/content/memberservice/scholarship/sch-index/hpschol/index.cfm] Up to three $6000 SLA Scholarships are available each year for graduate study in librarianship leading to a master’s degree at a recognized school or library or information science. Applicants must be college graduates or college seniors with an interest in special librarianship. Extra consideration will be given to members of the Special Libraries Association and to persons who have worked in and for special libraries, but the scholarship is not restricted to these persons.
Texas Library Association Spectrum Scholarship
[http://www.txla.org/html/awards/scholar.html] Eligibility Criteria: In order to receive a TLA Spectrum scholarship, the following criteria must be met: 1) Be an ALA Spectrum Scholar; 2) Be enrolled in an ALA recognized master's degree program in library and information studies at a Texas university; 3) Agree to work in a Texas library for two year following completion of degree requirements for the master's program; and 4) Be a TLA member. Award amount is $2000.
Washington Library Association Scholarship [http://www.wla.org/awards/gradscholarship.html] Criteria—1) A record of significant achievement which may include: demonstrated potential for leadership in the profession experience in community activities, volunteering, professional associations or work involving libraries academic achievement; 2) Membership in the Washington Library Association; 3) Washington State residency or employment in a Washington library; 4) Scholarship tuition payments will not begin until the awardee has successfully completed the equivalent of at least 12 credits in an ALA accredited graduate school and will continue as long as satisfactory progress is being made toward graduation within five years of the first payment or until the total amount of the grant has been awarded. Online education programs may qualify; 5) The awardee is willing to sign a contract delineating the details of the award, agreeing to actively participate in WLA for at least two years and will be encouraged and supported in efforts to obtain employment in a Washington library upon graduation.
Washington Library Media Association (WLMA) [http://www.wlma.org/Association/scholar.htm] WLMA offers eight scholarships for undergraduates, graduate students, professionals and para-professionals to continue their education and training in the field of school librarianship. Includes instructions to scholarship applicants and application forms.
West Excellence in Law Librarianship Scholarships
[http://west.thomson.com/librarians/resources/llscholarships.asp]
The West Group Excellence in Law Librarianship is offering $2500.00 scholarships to individuals working toward a graduate level library science degree, law degree, or techology/computer science degree. Applicants are not required to be in a law librarianship program, but "meaningful law library experience or a clear career preference for or commitment to law librarianship is desirable." To apply, submit a completed application; a personal statement; official transcript or acceptance letter; and three letters of recommendation to: Lori Hedstrom Program Manager, Librarian Relations West Group 610 Opperman Drive, D5-N193 Eagan, MN 55123 For additional application information please see the West Group website. All materials must be received by February 28, 2001.
WICHE [http://www.wiche.edu]
Residents of Nevada, New Mexico, and Wyoming may be eligible for financial assistance through the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) Professional Student Exchange Program. Since these states do not offer professional library education program, they arrange to partially pay the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition for qualified applicants. Funding is limited so early application is advised. Requests for information should be directed to WICHE, Professional Student Exchange Program, P.O. Box 9752, Boulder, Colorado 80301-9752, (303) 541-0214
Resources to learn about other
MLIS Scholarship Opportunities
ALA Awards, Grants, and Scholarships Web Page [http://www.ala.org/]
Includes a grants and scholarship index; 17 American Library Association/Division/Roundtable Scholarships (with descriptions, criteria, scholarship checklist, applications, and reference forms) within 7 groups; and information on ALA awards.
American Association of School Librarians [http://www.ala.org/aasl/] The American Association of School Librarians (AASL), a division of the American Library Association, is offering ten awards, grants, and scholarships totaling $48,000. Applications for the awards are available on the AASL website.
Medical Library Association Grants and Scholarships [http://www.mlanet.org/awards/grants/index.html]
Variety of grants and scholarships to assist students studying health sciences librarianship and to give practicing health sciences librarians the opportunity for professional development.
SLA Scholarship Program [http://www.sla.org/content/memberservice/scholarship/sch-index/hpschol/index.cfm] Includes information and application forms for five Special Libraries Association Scholarships.