University of Washington Master of Library and Information Science students Holly Samayoa and Sherry Vazhayil are among those awarded 2026-27 ALA Spectrum Scholarships, announced recently by the American Library Association.
Samayoa and Vazhayil spoke about what drew them to library and information science and what they hope to do with their degrees.
Samayoa said she became interested in library and information science 10 years ago, long before she knew there was a term for her main interest: Information Behavior, which she didn't learn about until her second quarter at the UW Information School. "Libraries encourage and celebrate knowledge and curiosity, whether in the form of books or library staff who help you feel you belong and make it possible to ask questions without implying you should already know the answers," Samayoa said.
As an immigrant and first-generation college student, Samayoa said libraries have had a huge impact on her life. Borrowing books from the public library helped her learn English. During her undergraduate years as a student assistant at the library, staff celebrated and encouraged her learning, as well as her academic goals. Colleagues, mentors, and friends in the library and information science field continue to help her navigate graduate school. She wants to be able to mirror her experience for others.
Samayoa, an online MLIS student, is interested in student success, outreach, instruction, and technology. Her broader goal is for students and professionals to feel seen and know they belong, even in spaces that can seem designed to keep them out.
"Visibility leads to representation, and representation matters," Samayoa said, quoting the podcast “Latinos Who Lunch.” "I want to help make these spaces welcoming rather than intimidating," she said.
Vazhayil's interest in library and information science stems from working as a library assistant at her undergraduate academic library, where she enjoyed helping students navigate library resources to answer complex research questions. The work instilled in her a strong sense of public service.
After graduating, Vazhayil worked in the public health sector in Washington, D.C., and abroad. She collaborated with community members, local leaders and government officials to conduct research and raise awareness of COVID-19, Mpox and various diseases.
"As a future librarian, I want to serve my community by helping patrons find and evaluate critical information and reduce barriers to reliable medical resources," Vazhayil said.
Vazhayil is exploring how to bridge her background in public health with an MLIS degree and is seeking to pursue a career in health sciences librarianship.
Samayoa and Vazhayll were among 60 Spectrum Scholarship recipients this year. A panel selected this year’s Spectrum Scholars based on their commitment to community building, leadership potential, and planned contributions to making social justice part of everyone's everyday work in library and information science.