Library Science Scholarships: Funding Your Path to Librarianship

The field of library science offers a rewarding career path for individuals passionate about information, research, and community engagement. However, pursuing a Master's degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) can be a significant financial investment. Fortunately, numerous scholarships and funding opportunities exist to support aspiring librarians in achieving their educational goals. This article explores a range of library science scholarships, providing valuable information for prospective students seeking financial assistance.

National Organizations and Associations

Several national organizations and associations dedicated to the advancement of library science offer scholarships to support students pursuing MLIS degrees.

American Library Association (ALA)

The American Library Association (ALA) demonstrates its commitment to promoting and advancing the librarian profession by providing more than $300,000 annually for study in a master's degree in library and information studies from an ALA accredited program, or for a master's degree with a specialty in school librarianship that meets the ALA curriculum guidelines for a Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accredited unit. The scholarship process is open annually from September 1st - March 1st. Applications and reference forms (which must be submitted on-line) are available during that time period. Before starting, read the ALA Scholarship FAQ, and carefully review the requirements in each category for the scholarships to which you are applying. Then complete the online application. It is only necessary to complete ONE online application regardless of the number of scholarships you apply for.

American Association of Law Libraries

The American Association of Law Libraries is committed to providing opportunities for professional growth. Each year, the Association awards scholarships in significant amounts to assist individuals in achieving their goal of becoming a law librarian. Students with any combination of Law degree, Library degree, or students seeking either degree may apply.

Art Libraries Society of North America (ARLIS/NA)

Sponsored by the Art Libraries Society of North America (ARLIS/NA) provides a number of scholarships and awards in the area of art librarianship. Awards are available for research and publications, conference attendance, and an internship in architecture.

Black Caucus of ALA

Awarded by the Black Caucus of ALA. Students submit an essay on a topic designated each year.

Medical Library Association (MLA)

The Medical Library Association (MLA) offers a variety of funding opportunities to assist qualified students in graduate library science programs and to enable practicing health sciences librarians to pursue professional development.

North American Serials Interest Group (NASIG)

The North American Serials Interest Group (NASIG) awards a $3,000 scholarship to a library/information science graduate student who demonstrates excellence in scholarship and the potential for accomplishment in a serials career. Approximate Deadline: Feb.

REFORMA

Since 1971, REFORMA has supported the active recruitment of bilingual and bicultural librarians to meet the information needs of the Spanish-speaking community. The REFORMA Scholarship provides financial assistance to encourage and enable Latinos and/or Spanish speakers to pursue or advance a career in Library and Information Science. The scholarship is open to students who qualify for graduate study in Library and Information Science who are Spanish-speakers or interested in serving Latinos or the Spanish-speaking. The scholarships are not restricted by age, sex, creed, national origin, or minority group/association membership.

Society of American Archivists

The Society of American Archivists offers a variety of opportunities for financial assistance through awards, fellowships, and scholarships. Awards provided for outstanding contribution to the archives profession. The awards are given for work produced (publications, advocacy, new method of search, etc.) rather then straight scholarship funding.

Specific Scholarship Opportunities

In addition to the scholarships offered by major library associations, numerous other scholarships cater to specific interests, backgrounds, or career goals within library science.

ARL Kaleidoscope Program

The ARL Kaleidoscope Program, funded by ARL member libraries, offers up to $10,000 in tuition support to students currently enrolled in an ALA-accredited MLIS program.

Beta Phi Mu Scholarships

Several scholarships and the Eugene Garfield Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship are awarded annually by Beta Phi Mu.

E.J. Josey Scholarship

Awarded by the Black Caucus of ALA. Students submit an essay on a topic designated each year.

IEFA Scholarship

IEFA is the premier resource for financial aid, college scholarship and grant information for US and international students wishing to study abroad. At this site, you will find the most comprehensive college scholarship search and grant listings plus international student loan programs and other information to promote study abroad.

Read also: The UGL: A Complete History

Karen Gersten-Sternheim Memorial Scholarship

The $3,000 Karen Gersten-Sternheim Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually by the SLA-SCC to a student member pursuing a career in special librarianship.

Lucille M. Wert Scholarship

American Chemical Society provides a scholarship designed to help people with an interest in the fields of Chemistry and Information to pursue graduate study in Library, Information, or Computer Science. Amount: $1,500 Approximate Deadline: Feb.

Paul Evan Peters Fellowship

The Paul Evan Peters Scholarship was established to honor and perpetuate the memory of Paul Evan Peters (1947-1996), founding executive director of the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI). The fellowship will assist students pursuing graduate studies in the information sciences, librarianship, or closely related field, that advance the frontiers of digital information and technology. Amount: Varies Approximate Deadline: Closed for 2024. Will open in 2026.

PMI Educational Foundation Scholarships and Awards Program

PMI Educational Foundation’s Scholarships and Awards Program supports development of the best and brightest future project management professionals worldwide through learning opportunities. The scholarship program was established to assist students in obtaining degrees from accredited institutions of high learning in the field of project management or a project management related field. Amount: $1,000-$7,500 Approximate Deadline: Varies Eligibility: PMI Educational Foundation’s Scholarships and Awards Program supports development of the best and brightest future project management professionals worldwide through learning opportunities. The program is open to any student preparing to enter or already attending an accredited degree-granting college or university.

Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans

Paul and Daisy Soros, Hungarian immigrants and American philanthropists, established their fellowship program for New Americans in December 1997 with a charitable trust of fifty million dollars. Amount: Up to $25,000 in maintenance grants and $20,000 a year in tuition Approximate Deadline: Oct. 26 Eligibility: Permanent residents or naturalized citizens if born abroad; otherwise children of naturalized citizen parents.

Spectrum Scholarship Program

Spectrum recruits and provides scholarships to American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino and Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander students to assist individuals interested in obtaining a graduate degree and leadership positions within the profession and our organization. Note: The Program matches the Spectrum scholarship.

State and Regional Opportunities

Many state and regional library associations offer scholarships to support students pursuing library science degrees within their geographic area.

Alaska Library Association Scholarship

The stated purpose is to provide financial assistance to worthy students pursuing graduate studies leading to a Master's Degree in Library and Information Studies and to encourage graduates to return to Alaska to work in professional library positions. Scholarships may be awarded for both on-campus and/or distance education programs. Amount: $4,000 Approximate Deadline: Mid-January Eligibility: Alaska resident planning to be enrolled in a graduate school library media specialist certificate program during the academic year, semester, or academic quarter for which the scholarship is received.

California Library Association (CLA) Scholarships

CLA's scholarships recognize future leaders in the California library community. All scholarship recipients are honored at the annual CLA Awards Gala. There are 3 scholarships offered.

California State Library's Public Library Staff Education Program

The California State Library coordinates the Public Library Staff Education Program, a grant program for public library and county law library employees pursuing a graduate library education degree.

Delaware Library Association Scholarships

The Delaware Library Association offers two graduate library education scholarships.

Delaware Valley Chapter of the Association of College and Research Libraries Scholarship

The Delaware Valley Chapter of the Association of College and Research Libraries offers an annual stipend of up to $1,000 to graduate library education students pursuing careers in academic librarianship.

TLA Scholarship

TLA awards a scholarship each year to acknowledge outstanding professional accomplishments of promising students currently enrolled in MLIS or archival training programs specializing in performing arts librarianship.

University of Washington Information School Fellowships

The purpose of this endowment shall be to provide financial assistance to graduate students with academic merit and financial need who are pursuing their Master of Library and Information Science degree in the Information School. Selection of fellowship recipients shall be made by the Dean of the University Libraries or by his or her designee. Selection shall be based on academic merit and economic disadvantage.

Washington Library Association Scholarships

The Washington Library Association awards a number of scholarships annually to WLA members. Amount: Varies Approximate Deadline: June 30 Eligibility: Individual Washington Library Association members.

Scholarships for Specific Areas of Librarianship

Some scholarships are specifically designated for students interested in particular areas within library science.

Alice L. Smith Scholarship

The fund provides research grants, seminar support and other funding for projects related to information and records management.

EBSCO Scholarship

Awarded to a student who demonstrated excellence in scholarship and potential for accomplishment in health sciences librarianship. Amount: Up to $5,000 Approximate Deadline: Nov.

Music Library Association Awards

Awards for achievement in music librarianship, publication and research supporting music research.

Application Requirements and Tips

The following items are required for all scholarship applications. Official academic transcripts. An official transcript is required from bachelor's degree-granting institutions and any master's level work toward an ALA-accredited or NCATE approved master's in library science. Transcripts for other master's level work are not required but may be submitted for consideration. The college transcript should be submitted only once regardless of the number of scholarships you apply for. All transcripts must be received by March 1st (electronic transcripts will not be considered). Personal Statement. Applicant should include a personal statement as part of the on-line application. It should consist of not more than 300 words and describe your interest and any work in your proposed field of study, including non-course educational experience, volunteer work, teaching or other relevant employment and publications. You should also indicate what specific competencies or characteristics you believe you have to offer the field of librarianship, what you can bring to the profession, and in particular what you have done which indicates your potential for leadership.

Before applying for any scholarships, carefully review the eligibility requirements and application instructions. Pay close attention to deadlines and ensure that all required materials are submitted on time.

Key Steps to Take

Talk to your employer: If you are already employed by a library, the first thing you should do is talk to your employer to find out if your organization offers any support.
Investigate scholarships: The next step is to investigate scholarships available through a wide variety of state and national library associations.
Contact the school you are applying to.

tags: #library #science #scholarships