Scholarships

American Library Association (ALA)

Marshall Cavendish Scholarship

 An annual scholarship consisting of $3,000 to a U.S./Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is pursuing an MLS in an ALA-accredited program.

David H. Clift Scholarship

An annual scholarship consisting of $3,000 to a U.S./Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is pursuing an MLS in an ALA-accredited program.

Christopher Hoy/ERT Scholarship

An annual scholarship consisting of $5,000 to a U.S./Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is pursuing an MLS in an ALA-accredited program.

ALA Spectrum Scholarship

The Spectrum Scholarship Program is ALA's national diversity and recruitment effort designed to address the specific issue of under-representation of critically needed ethnic librarians within the profession while serving as a model for ways to bring attention to larger diversity issues in the future.

Association for Library Services to Children

(ALSC - ALA subdivision)

The Bound to Stay Bound Books Scholarship

The Bound to Stay Bound Books Scholarship provides financial assistance in the form of four $7,500 annual awards for the education of men and women who intend to pursue an MLS or advanced degree and who plan to work in the area of library service to children. This work may be serving children up to and including the age of 14 in any type library. The Scholarship is made possible by the ALSC through the generous contributions of Bound to Stay Bound Books, Incorporated.

ALSC Spectrum Scholarship

In 2010, ALSC expanded its commitment to the Spectrum Scholarship Program. ALSC sponsors one Spectrum Scholar each year through the Frederic G. Melcher Endowment. The ALSC Spectrum Scholar is awarded to a Spectrum applicant who expresses an interest in library service to children. Since its founding, Spectrum has provided more than 600 scholarships to qualified applicants enrolled in an ALA-accredited graduate program in library and information studies or an ALA-recognized NCATE School Library Media program.

Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies

(ASCLA - ALA subdivision)

Century Scholarship

An annual scholarship of $2,500 that funds services or accommodation for a library school student(s) with disabilities admitted to an ALA-accredited library school. The scholarship will fund services or accommodations that are either not provided by law or otherwise by the university that will enable the student or students to successfully complete the course of study for a Master’s in Library Science and become a library or information studies professional. Formerly administered by ASCLA. The Century Scholarship is currently being administered by the ALA HRDR office.

Library Support Staff Scholarships

(LSS - ALA subdivision)

Tom and Roberta Drewes Scholarship

Amount: $3,000 (paid in two installments to the recipient)

Miriam L. Hornback Scholarship

Amount: $3,000 (paid in two installments to the recipient)

Tony B. Leisner Scholarship

Amount: $3,000 (paid in two installments to the recipient)

Eligibility: Open to library support staff currently working in a library. Must be a U.S. or Canadian citizen or permanent resident attending an ALA accredited Master's Program with no more than 12 semester hours towards MLS/MLIS/MIS prior to June 1 of year awarded. Factors considered in making the awards include academic excellence, leadership, evidence of commitment to a career in librarianship.

Library Youth Services Scholarship

(LYS - ALA subdivision)

Mary V. Gaver Scholarship

Amount: $3,000 (paid in two installments to the recipient)

Eligibility: U.S. or Canadian citizen or permanent resident specializing in the field of library youth services and attending an ALA accredited master's program with no more than 12 semester hours towards MLS/MLIS/MIS prior to June 1 of year awarded.

Library and Information Technology Association

(LITA - ALA subdivision)

Christian (Chris) Larew Memorial Scholarship in Library and Information Technology

The LITA / Christian (Chris) Larew Memorial Scholarship, begun in 1999, is awarded jointly on an annual basis currently in the amount of $3,000, by the Library and Information Technology Association (LITA), a division of the American Library Association, and Baker & Taylor. The scholarship is designed to encourage the entry of qualified persons into the library and information technology field, who plan to follow a career in that field, and who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a vision in pursuit of library and information technology. This scholarship is for study in an ALA Accredited Master of Library Science (MLS) program.

Candidates should illustrate their qualifications for this scholarship with a statement indicating the nature of their library experience, letters of reference, and a personal statement of the applicant's view of what he or she can bring to the profession, emphasizing experiences that indicate a potential for leadership and commitment to library technology. Candidates must not have earned more than 12 credit hours towards a Master of Library Science degree from an ALA Accredited MLS program. Economic need is considered when all other criteria are equal.

OCLC Minority Scholarship in Library and Information Technology

The LITA/OCLC Minority Scholarship, established in 1991, is awarded jointly annually by OCLC, Inc. and the Library and Information Technology Association, a division of the American Library Association, in the amount of $3,000.00.

The scholarship is designed to encourage the entry of qualified persons into the library and automation field who plan to follow a career in that field; who demonstrate potential in and have a strong commitment to the use of automated systems in libraries; and who are qualified members of a principal minority group (American Indian or Alaskan native, Asian or Pacific Islander, African-American, or Hispanic). The recipient must be a U.S. or Canadian citizen. This scholarship is for study in an ALA Accredited Master of Library Science (MLS) program.

Candidates should illustrate their qualifications for this scholarship with a statement indicating the nature of library experience, by letters of reference, and by the personal statement of the applicant's view of what he or she can bring to the profession, emphasizing experiences that indicate a potential for leadership and commitment to library automation. Candidates must not have earned more than 12 credit hours towards a Master of Library Science degree from an ALA Accredited MLS program. Economic need is considered when all other criteria are equal.

LSSI Minority Scholarship in Library and Information Technology

The LITA/LSSI Minority Scholarship, established in 1994, is awarded annually by the Library and Information Technology Association, a division of the American Library Association, and Library Systems and Services, Inc., in the amount of $2,500.00.

The scholarship is designed to encourage the entry of qualified persons into the library and automation field who plan to follow a career in that field; who demonstrate potential in, and a strong commitment to the use of automated systems in libraries; and who are qualified members of a principal minority group (American Indian or Alaskan native, Asian or Pacific Islander, African-American, or Hispanic). The recipient must be a U.S. or Canadian citizen. This scholarship is for study in an ALA Accredited Master of Library Science (MLS) program.

Candidates should illustrate their qualifications for this scholarship with a statement indicating the nature of library experience, by letters of reference, and by the personal statement of the applicant's view of what he or she can bring to the profession, emphasizing experiences which indicate a potential for leadership and commitment to library automation. Candidates must not have earned more than 12 credit hours towards a Master of Library Science degree from an ALA Accredited MLS program. Economic need is considered when all other criteria are equal.

American Association of Law Libraries (AALL)

AALL is committed to providing opportunities for professional growth. Each year, the Association awards scholarships in significant amounts in the categories listed below to assist individuals in achieving their goal of becoming a law librarian. Individuals who qualify for more than one scholarship are encouraged to apply accordingly. Minorities are particularly encouraged to apply. The deadline for all scholarships that AALL offers is April 1.

Scholarships for Aspiring or Current Law Librarians Seeking Degrees
AALL Educational Scholarships
Educational scholarships are available from AALL to assist individuals studying to become law librarians with their educational expenses. Candidates may apply for more than one scholarship where appropriate.

George A. Strait Minority Scholarship
The George A. Strait Minority Scholarship is awarded to college graduates with law library experience who are members of a minority group as defined by current U.S. government guidelines and are degree candidates in accredited library or law schools and who intend to have a career in law librarianship.
LexisNexis John R. Johnson Memorial Scholarship
The LexisNexis John R. Johnson Memorial Scholarship fund is allocated at the discretion of the AALL Scholarship Jury.

James F. Connolly LexisNexis™ Academic & Library Solutions Scholarship  

Amount: $3,000

Eligibility: Awarded to a library school graduate with meaningful law library experience, who is pursuing a degree in an accredited law school with the intention of having a career in law librarianship and has no more than 36 semester (54 quarter) credit hours remaining before qualifying for the degree. Preference will be given to individuals who have demonstrated an interest in government documents. Evidence of financial need must be submitted.

Scholarships for Law Librarians Seeking Continuing Education
Marcia J. Koslov Scholarship
Jointly established by AALL and member Marcia J. Koslov, this scholarship is directed at members who serve as librarians in state, court, or county libraries.
Scholarship for Continuing Professional Education Classes
Awarded to law librarians with a degree from an accredited library or law school who are registrants in continuing education courses related to law librarianship.

Art Libraries Society of North America (ARLIS)

Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA)

Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL)

The Association of Jewish Libraries is pleased to announce a scholarship of $1000 to a student enrolled or accepted in a graduate school of library and information science.

Prospective candidates should have knowledge of and interest in Jewish studies, and demonstrate the potential, ability, and intention of pursuing a career in Judaica librarianship. The Association of Jewish Libraries awards an annual scholarship to a promising student with a history of participating in Judaic studies or libraries, accepted into or attending an accredited graduate school of library and information science. This scholarship is merit-based rather than needs-based.

The Association of Moving Image Archivists (AMIA)

The Association of Moving Image Archivists is now accepting applications for its 2015 Scholarship Program. Three scholarships will be awarded: the Sony Pictures Scholarship, The Rick Chace Foundation Scholarship and the Universal Studios Preservation Scholarship.

Each student selected as a Scholarship recipient will receive a $4,000 scholarship for the 2015-2016 academic year. Funds will be sent to the student’s educational institution and credited toward tuition and/or registration fees. In addition, each recipient will receive complimentary registration to the 2015 AMIA Annual Conference.

Association of Records Managers and Administrators (ARMA) New York Metropolitan Chapter

Association of Research Libraries (ARL)

ARL Initiative to Recruit a Diverse Workforce

Funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and ARL member libraries, offers a stipend of up to $10,000 to students currently enrolled in an MLIS or equivalent degree program from an ALA–accredited institution in support of graduate library and information science (LIS) education. The purpose of the program is to attract students from racial and ethnic minority groups to careers in academic and research libraries.

Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA)

E.J. Josey Scholarship Award

The E. J. Josey Scholarships are unrestricted grants of $2,000 awarded annually to African American students enrolled in or accepted by ALA accredited programs.

New York Black Librarian's Caucus (NYBLC)

Donna Hoke Scholarship

Amount: Two $1,000 scholarships

Eligibility: Must be accepted into an ALA accredited library program and a resident of New York state.

The Children’s Librarians Association of Suffolk County(CLASC)

The Barbara Flescher Scholarship

This award will be presented in recognition of Barbara Flescher's tremendous contribution to the field of children's librarianship and to honor our first president and founding member.  The presentation will be made by the Children's Librarians Association of Suffolk County, Inc. (CLASC, Inc.) in the amount of $2,000.  In addition, the scholarship winner will receive a one year paid membership to CLASC, Inc. Note: if the winner is already a member, their membership will be extended for an additional year.  No monies will be refunded.
ELIGIBILITY
Each applicant must be currently attending an accredited graduate library school program.  The applicant must be a resident of Suffolk County and exhibit an interest in the field of children's librarianship in a public library.  Former recipients of this award may not apply again.

Connecticut Library Association (CLA)

The Career Development Committee offers scholarships annually to CLA members enrolled in MLS or LTA degree programs. This year the committee, in partnership with the Association of CT Library Boards (ACLB), is awarding two MLS scholarships in the amount of $2,000.00. The Career Development Committee will also award one LTA scholarship in the amount of $750.00. Application and all materials must be submitted/postmarked by February 27, 2015 in order to receive consideration. In addition to the monetary award, scholarship winners receive complimentary 1-day registration and lunch at the 2015 CLA Annual Conference.

Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR)

Law Library Association of Greater New York (LLAGNY)

Medical Library Association (MLA)

Nassau County Library Association (NCLA)

Andrew Ippolito Scholarship Award

Amount: $2,000

Eligibility: Any NCLA (Nassau County Library Association) member enrolled in an ALA accredited Library or Information Science program located within the New York Metropolitan area that has completed at least 12 credits towards a Master's Degree.

New England Library Association (NELA)

NELA Scholarship

New Jersey Library Association (NJLA)

New York Library Association (NYLA)

School Library Media Specialists of Southeastern New York (SLMSSENY)

Suffolk County Library Association (SCLA)

Suffolk School Library Media Association (SSLMA)

BETA PHI MU

View the 2015 Scholarship & Fellowship Recipients

View the Scholarship & Fellowship Recipients Archive

View the complete list of Eugene Garfield Doctoral Dissertation Recipients

View the Beta Phi Mu Doctoral Dissertation Recipients

2016 Beta Phi Mu scholarship and fellowship applications will be available starting November 15, 2015.

Five scholarships and up to six Eugene Garfield Doctoral Dissertation Fellowships are awarded annually. The Beta Phi Mu Scholarship Review Committee meets during May and recipients are announced at the Beta Phi Mu General Assembly G-ALA in conjuction with the ALA Annual Meeting in June.

Click on scholarship name for qualification criteria and for access to the online applications.

Sarah Rebecca Reed
For beginning LIS studies at an ALA accredited school.
Frank B. Sessa – Continuing Education
For continuing education for a Beta Phi Mu member.
Harold Lancour – Foreign Study
For a librarian conducting foreign research.
Blanche E. Woolls – School Media
For beginning LIS studies with a concentration in School Library Media.
Eugene Garfield Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship
For doctoral students who are working on their dissertations in LIS and related fields.

Coalition for Networked Information

Paul Evan Peters Fellowship

Each applicant must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States.

Each applicant must be entering or enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program in information science or librarianship at an accredited U.S. university, or a program that has received American Library Association (ALA) accreditation (including reciprocal), or one that is a member of the iSchools iCaucus. Students in other, closely related disciplines may also be considered, provided that the course of study relates directly to information management/studies.

Staff, officers, and families of the Coalition for Networked Information, the Association of Research Libraries, and EDUCAUSE are not eligible to apply.

Dialog

Roger K. Summit Scholarship

Amount: $5,000

Eligibility: The scholarship recipient is selected based upon the following criteria: academic achievement; demonstrated interest in electronic information services, based on course work, research and experience; proficiency on Dialog online services; and faculty recommendation As part of the application process, there is a test on various elements of Dialog.

The Grolier Club Library Fellowships

Amount: Fellowship awards of up to $2,500

Eligibility: Students enrolled in undergraduate degree programs are not eligible, but all other interested persons are encouraged to apply. There is no application form. Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae and a proposal, not to exceed 750 words, stating necessary length of residence, historical materials to be used, relevance of the Grolier Club Library collections to the project, a proposed budget, and two letters of recommendation.

Description: Available for research in the Library's areas of strength, with emphasis on the history of antiquarian bookselling and private collecting of books and prints in the United States, Great Britain, and Western Europe. The fellowship may be used to pay for travel, housing, and other expenses. A minimum research stay of two weeks is required, and fellows are expected to present a seminar or lecture at the Grolier Club, and submit a written report.

For details of the fellowship awards contact Eric Holzenberg, the Director of the Grolier Club.

Rare Books School

James Davis Scholarship Fund

Amount: N/A - Those named Davis Scholars will receive full-tuition for Rare Book School’s five-day courses on various aspects of research and special collections librarianship. Each year approximately 30 five-day courses are offered in Charlottesville and elsewhere in the northeastern United States. Those awarded scholarships will have credit in the RBS tuition bank that they can then use to pay for any course to which they are thereafter admitted during the following two years.

Eligibility: The Rare Book School scholarship program is particularly directed at persons representing (or in training to represent) traditionally under-served communities.