Unveiling Scholarship Opportunities at Book Fairs: A Comprehensive Guide
Book fairs, vibrant hubs for bibliophiles and industry professionals, also serve as avenues for educational advancement through various scholarship opportunities. These scholarships, offered by organizations like Rare Book School (RBS), the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America (ABAA), and the Book Industry Charitable Foundation (Binc), among others, aim to support individuals pursuing careers in bookselling, librarianship, and related fields. This article delves into the landscape of scholarship opportunities available at book fairs, providing a comprehensive overview of eligibility criteria, application processes, and the organizations that make these opportunities possible.
Rare Book School (RBS) Scholarships
Rare Book School (RBS) stands out as a prominent institution offering a range of scholarships to support individuals interested in the study of rare books and manuscripts. The scholarships awarded by RBS are conducted through a single application process, which opens in Fall 2025 for the next cycle. Scholarship recipients will be announced in January or February.
RBS-Awarded Scholarships: Types and Application
RBS awards several types of scholarships each fall. Scholarships are awarded without reference to admission to any particular course. Once a student is admitted to an RBS course, the scholarship award may be redeemed for in-person or online courses. A single scholarship or fellowship award may be redeemed for one in-person course, one 22-hour online course, or two 12-hour online courses within the same year, or three 6-hour courses, or a combination of one 12-hour and two 6-hour courses (partial awards may not be carried over to the second year).
To apply, prospective candidates need to log into their myRBS account (or create a new one). The application can be accessed on the home screen under “Scholarships and Fellowship Applications.” Participation in the scholarship program implies acceptance of the scholarship/fellowship Terms and Conditions. Scholarship recipients must claim their award within two years (e.g., scholarships awarded in January 2025 must be claimed by 31 December 2026).
The 2026 Scholarship Committee comprises Maria Lin (Assistant, Rulon-Miller Books); Kate Siebert Medicus (Special Collections Cataloger and Associate Professor, Kent State University); and Laura Perrings (Director of Programs & Education, Rare Book School).
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Partner Organization Scholarships
Several bibliographical organizations generously offer scholarships towards RBS course tuition. Each organization has its own criteria and selection process; however, eligibility may be contingent on admission to an RBS course.
Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America (ABAA)
The Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America's (ABAA) Elisabeth Woodburn Fund offers annual scholarships for RBS course tuition. ABAA scholarship funds are open to full and associate members of the ABAA, as well as employees of members.
Independent Online Booksellers Association (IOBA)
The Independent Online Booksellers Association (IOBA) awards two annual scholarships to IOBA members that may be used for Rare Book School, California Rare Book School (Los Angeles), or London Rare Books School. These awards do not require pre-acceptance to a specific course and are valid until 31 December of the year following the one in which the scholarship is awarded.
Northern California Chapter of the ABAA (NCC/ABAA)
The Northern California Chapter of the ABAA (NCC/ABAA) accepts applications for the George Robert Kane Scholarship, which will provide funding to attend courses offered by Rare Book School, CABS-Minnesota, or California Rare Book School (Los Angeles). These scholarships honor the memory of longtime NCC/ABAA member George Robert Kane (6 October 1913-28 November 2009) and are designed to promote professionalism and education relevant to the book trade.
Tavistock Books Educational Scholarship
The Tavistock Books Educational Scholarship was a full-tuition scholarship opportunity that was available to all antiquarian booksellers admitted to Joel Silver’s course, Reference Sources for Researching Rare Books (L-25). One Tavistock Scholarship was awarded each year this course was offered. Preference was given to individuals in the early stages of their careers and to those who would not otherwise be able to attend RBS without scholarship assistance.
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American Booksellers Association (ABA) Scholarships
The American Booksellers Association is a national trade association that supports and advocates for the success of independent bookstores. We provide members with education, networking opportunities, advocacy, resources, and technology. In turn our members support local schools through book fairs, donations and author visits; promote literacy; provide inclusive community centers; connect readers and books; add character to neighborhoods; champion and center diverse and new voices; and contribute to the local economy. The ABA accepts applications for scholarships to help cover room, meals and travel expenses. Scholarship winners are selected by the ABA and the funds are provided by the Foundation.
Macmillan Booksellers Professional Development Scholarship
The Foundation believes that the future of healthy bookstores and comic stores lies in the continuing education of the owners and employees. The Macmillan Booksellers Professional Development Scholarship aims to strengthen the industry by encouraging a greater number of individuals from underrepresented groups to choose and/or continue careers in bookselling. This scholarship will allow up to one bookseller to attend each of the fall regional trade shows.
Binc Scholarships
Binc will provide two $750 scholarships to attend the ComicsPRO industry’s annual meeting. The Binc Foundation offers scholarships to cover room, meals and travel expenses to Children’s Institute. The scholarship winners are selected by the ABA.
Friends of George Keating Scholarship
The Friends of George Keating scholarship has the goal of helping booksellers enhance their professional development and advance in roles with their bookstores or within the publishing industry. The scholarship is tied to the regions where Keating worked and was a well-known, beloved colleague. The scholarship provides $750 to a bookseller from each of three regional associations, NAIBA, SIBA and NEIBA, for the purpose of professional development.
Read also: Foundation Scholarship Details
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