Library Science Grants

Many students choose to pursue degrees in library sciences because of the excellent opportunities they offer. The prevalence of information systems in contemporary society necessitates a group of professionals who understand, and are able to manage, the way we search for and encounter information.

Thankfully, there are now many grants and scholarships available for students in the field of library sciences. A variety of grants are offered by private organizations and businesses. Students who are studying for this degree or who are considering entering degree programs in this area should apply for the grants for which they may qualify. Grants provide a wonderful way to reduce your tuition burden and help many students complete courses of study in colleges and universities every year.

Where to Look for Grants

You should remember to check and see if there are particular grant programs offered by your state which may assist you in paying for your education. Every state differs, but many offer grants to help students pay for the costs of pursuing their education.

The particular institution you attend may also offer special grants and scholarships for qualified students. It is important to check this information when applying to colleges, as some schools will offer better financial aid assistance than others.

It is also a good idea to join any professional or student organizations in your field of study. These organizations may print information about new scholarships and grants. Membership can also give you a competitive advantage as you apply for grants in the library sciences field. Completing internships and work study programs in libraries and other information centers is also a wonderful way to bolster your resume and to learn about funding sources.

How to Apply

No matter what level of education you are pursuing, your first step in the financial aid journey is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The FAFSA can be filled out online at no cost. Make sure that you have your tax returns and other financial information before sitting down to fill out the FAFSA.

If you are under the age of 24, you will more than likely need to include your parents or guardians on your FAFSA as well. The deadline by which you should complete the FAFSA may vary depending on the state in which you live, so be sure to check your state financial aid agency’s website to be sure that you are turning all information in on time.

General Grants In Library Sciences

The American Library Association (ALA) Scholarship Program

The ALA offers a variety of scholarships to students pursuing their master’s degrees in library science. Students can apply for general scholarships or scholarships in special areas of study. Minority students are also encouraged to apply for one of the ALA’s diversity initiative scholarships.

The ALA Scholarship portion of the ALA website provides information on the various scholarships and grants available. Note that you must be attending or planning to attend an ALA-approved program in order to be eligible for these awards.

Application Requirements & Deadline:

• Complete an online application, including a personal statement.
• Assure that you have three professors or employers who are willing to fill out the required online reference form.
• Have copies of official transcripts sent from the institution which awarded your bachelor’s degree, and any other college or university you may have attended.
• In general, applications are due by March 1st.
• Recipients of these awards will receive a phone call about their scholarship after June 1st. Other applicants will receive an email after July 1st.

Coalition For Networked Information (CNI) Paul Evan Peters Fellowship

These fellowships are awarded in honor of CNI founder Paul Evan Peters and strive to award candidates who embody the spirit and work ethic of Peters. This fellowship is awarded every other year and provides funding of $5,000 per year for two consecutive years of study in a master’s program in library sciences, information sciences, or another closely related field. Applicants should be focused on using advanced technology in the field of information sciences.

The Paul Evan Peters Fellowship is a distinguished award that recognizes the outstanding potential and dedication of budding professionals in this field.

Application Requirements & Deadline:

• Please note that you must be a US Citizen or permanent resident in order to apply for this fellowship.
• Applicants must have been accepted into a master’s program in this field or must have already entered a master’s program at the time of application.
• The CNI will next award this fellowship in 2012. Check the Paul Evan Peters Fellowship website frequently for updated information about application deadlines and procedures.

Council of Library and Information Resources (CLIR) A.R. Zipf Fellowship

This fellowship is awarded to students in the early phases of graduate study. Students must be focused on the use of technology to enhance and support information systems. This fellowship is awarded on an annual basis. Application information can be found on the CLIR website.

Application Requirements & Deadline:

• Please note that you must be a US Citizen or permanent resident to apply for this fellowship.
• Complete an online application form.
• Send in four recommendation letters.
• Send official academic transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate programs you have attended.
• If you have taken the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), you should submit these scores.
• Applications are generally due at the end of March.
• The student awarded with this fellowship will be notified in late May.

The Library of Congress (LOC) Fellowship Programs

The Library of Congress offers a wealth of fellowship and internship programs to qualified students. These programs are available at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Some individuals may wish to complete a post-doctoral fellowship with the LOC as an important part of their career development path.

Because of the number of fellowship programs and the regular addition of new programs, it is not possible to provide a comprehensive list on this site. Please check the LOC website for a full list of fellowship opportunities and information on how to apply to participate in these programs.

The Library & Information Technology Association (LITA) Scholarships

LITA is a branch of the American Library Association (ALA) that focuses on the use of high-tech systems and applications in libraries. They offer several scholarships which award qualified students financial support. A general scholarship and two scholarships for minority students are offered every year. Please note that you will need to follow the ALA Scholarship Program application requirements in order to qualify for these awards.

Application Requirements & Deadline:

• Complete an online application, including a personal statement.
• Assure that you have three professors or employers who are willing to fill out the required online reference form.
• Have copies of official transcripts sent from the institution which awarded your bachelor’s degree, and any other college or university you may have attended.
• In general, applications are due by March 1st.
• Recipients of these awards will receive a phone call about their scholarship after June 1st. Other applicants will receive an email after July 1st.

The Society of American Archivists (SAA) F. Gerald Ham Scholarship

This is one of three scholarships which the SAA offers to qualified graduate students in library sciences. Two F. Gerald Ham Scholarships are awarded to second-year graduate students in library sciences every year. Students must demonstrate exceptional achievement in their education and dedication to the field of library sciences.

Application Requirements & Deadlines:

• Applicants must be US Citizens or permanent residents.
• The application must include a cover letter and personal statement.
• You must send an official transcript from your most recent academic program.
• The deadline for applications is February 28th of each year.
• Recipients are notified of their awards on or around April 15th.

Grants In Library Sciences From Specialized Groups & Organizations

American Association Of Law Libraries (AALL)

The AALL offers various funding opportunities for professionals in the field of library sciences. While the AALL does not currently offer any grant programs designated specifically for university students, it does offer research grants that students may use for completing post-graduate and doctoral research. Such research is an essential part of the higher education process and can be quite costly.

The AALL Research Fund offers opportunities to scholars on an annual basis. Recipients of grants will need to finish their proposed research within a year after receiving the AALL award.

Application Requirements & Deadline:

• Complete a project proposal and grant application form.
• You may wish to have a mentor in the field or your faculty advisor apply as a partner in your research.
• The deadline for this grant is generally in late March of each year. Check the AALL Research Fund website for current information.

The American Indian Library Association (AILA) Library School Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded annually to one American Indian student who has been accepted into a graduate program in library sciences. The program must be accredited by the American Library Association. The AILA Library School Scholarship provides an excellent opportunity for Native American students who are pursuing their education in this field.

Application Requirements & Deadline:

• You must be a member of a federally recognized tribe or must hold an identification card from a recognized tribe.
• You will need to demonstrate commitment to American Indian communities and American Indian initiatives.
• You must complete an application form, including a copy of valid tribal identification.
• You will need to send two letters of reference.
• You must send a resume and brief personal statement.
• All applications must be received by May 2nd.
• Recipients will be announced at the AILA’s annual business meeting.

The Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL) Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded annually to a student who is attending, or has been accepted to, a graduate program in library science. Applicants should be focused on Judaica Librarianship and should demonstrate a strong future commitment to this field. The AJL Scholarship is awarded only to students who are attending ALA approved programs.

Application Requirements & Deadline:

• Applicants must be able to submit a letter of acceptance from a graduate program, or must submit proof that they will be continuing in their current graduate program.
• You must submit proof that you have worked in or for a Judaic library or similar institution, and that you will continue to pursue work in this field.
• You must complete the application form and submit a brief personal statement.
• The deadline for applications is generally April 1st of every year.

Association of Research Libraries Initiative To Recruit A Diverse Workforce (ARL IRDW)

These awards provide financial support to minority students who are working towards their master’s degree in an approved program of study. Stipends of up to $10,000 are offered. These stipends can be paired with other financial aid sources in order to support further studies.

The ARL also provides each student chosen to participate in this program a professional mentor. A three-day summit and visits to the Purdue University Library System round out the package offered under this initiative.

Information about ARL awards can be found on their website. These awards provide not only excellent financial support, but also excellent networking and professional growth opportunities.

Application Requirements & Deadline:

• Complete an online applicant summary sheet.
• Upload a resume and short personal statement through the online applicant system.
• Mail two letters of reference to the ARL.
• Mail official transcripts from your undergraduate university. If you are already in graduate school, you will need to send your current graduate school transcript as well.
• Mail the ARL a copy of the acceptance letter from your MLS program.
• The deadline for applications is generally June 1st.
• All applicants are informed of their status via email after July 15th.

The Chinese American Library Association (CALA) Scholarships

The CALA offers several scholarships to qualified students who are studying for advanced degrees in library sciences every year. These awards are reserved for full-time students who are of Chinese heritage and who have shown commitment to the library sciences field.

Application Requirements & Deadline:

• Students must be of Chinese descent and must be accepted to, or attending, an ALA-accredited master’s program.
• You must submit a CV and personal statement.
• You must submit an official transcript from your current or most recent academic institution.
• You will need to have three references submit letters through an online system.
• Applications are generally due at the end of March.
• Recipients are notified of their awards towards the end of May.

The Lexis-Nexis John R. Johnson Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship, awarded every year in honor of John R. Johnson, is funded by Lexis-Nexis and is awarded through the American Association of Legal Libraries Scholarship program. All students who apply for AALL scholarships are automatically considered for this award.

Application Requirements & Deadlines:

• All applicants must complete the application form and send it via email or snail mail.
• You must send a letter from the admissions officer at the accredited program you will be attending.
• You must submit a brief personal statement and copies of transcripts from every higher education institution you have attended.
• You will be required to write a short personal statement.
• The application deadline is generally June 1st.
• Recipients of these awards will be notified in May.

Medical Library Association (MLA) Grants & Scholarships

The MLA offers a variety of grants and scholarships to students who are studying for their degrees in information and library sciences, and who are specializing in working in medical libraries. Information about these extensive programs can be found on the grants and scholarships section of the MLA website.

The North American Serials Interest Group (NASIG) Fritz Schwartz Serials Education Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a graduate student in library sciences who has experience in the field of serials or periodicals. It includes a financial award, as well as a stipend to travel to the annual NASIG conference. The Fritz Schwartz Serials Education Scholarship is awarded to one applicant every year. The student must be from the US, Canada or Mexico and cannot have completed more than twelve credit hours in their graduate program. They must demonstrate that they have prior work experience with serials and plan to continue in this field after receiving their degree.

Application Requirements & Deadline

• You must complete an application form.
• A reference questionnaire must be filled out by two professionals in the field.
• You must send a CV and a personal statement, which outlines in part your interests and goals in the serials field.
• You must send either a transcript from your current graduate program, or proof of acceptance into an accredited graduate program.
• The application deadline is generally in mid-February.
• The recipient will be notified of their award in mid-May.

The Rozkuszka Award

Administered through the American Library Association (ALA), the Rozkuszka Award is given to an individual who is currently working with government documents in a library, and who is attempting to complete their master’s degree in library sciences.

This award has not been offered in recent years, but interested students should continue to check the Rozkuszka Award website for current updates and information about when the award will be offered again.

The Society of American Archivists (SAA) Josephine Forman Scholarship

One of three scholarships offered by the SAA, this awarded is targeted towards minority students who are working for degrees in library sciences with a special focus on archival management. One recipient is awarded $10,000 through this program every year. The Josephine Forman Scholarship is only offered to students whose academic programs have at least three SAA approved archival science courses.

Application Requirements & Deadlines:

• Applicants must be US Citizens or permanent residents.
• All applicants must be from a minority group, as defined by the US Census Bureau.
• The application must include a cover letter and personal statement.
• You must send an official transcript from your most recent academic program.
• The deadline for applications is February 28th of each year.
• Recipients are notified of their awards on or after June 1st.

The Society of American Archivists (SAA) Mosaic Scholarship

The Mosaic Scholarship is one of three awards offered by the SAA for outstanding graduate students in the field of library sciences. The Mosaic Scholarship is awarded to a minority student who has completed no more than half of the credits required in their master’s degree program.

Up to two scholarships are awarded through this program annually. Candidates should demonstrate commitment to their field and must be attending a school which offers at least three approved archival sciences courses.

Application Requirements & Deadlines:

• Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents.
• All applicants must be from a minority group, as defined by the US Census Bureau.
• The application must include a cover letter and personal statement.
• You must send an official transcript from your most recent academic program.
• The deadline for applications is February 28th of each year.
• Recipients are notified of their awards on or after June 1st.

Remember that memberships in professional organizations, such as the American Library Association and associations in specialty areas within this field, are a great way to find out about current grants and scholarships offered in the library sciences field. Many universities with graduate programs in library sciences also offer competitive scholarship packages.

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