Are You Studying Library and Information Science?
Apply for Scholarships Specific to Your Coursework
Majoring in Library and Information Science is perfect for those individuals who love to research and help people seek information. There are a number of scholarships available to Library and Information Science students; many of them from accredited library associations are geared for Master's degree programs, but there are still some scholarships to be had for undergraduate degree programs from universities.
Be sure to choose a college that has an accredited Library Science program. The American Library Association has a complete listing of all of these colleges and universities across the country.
University-Based Scholarships
The University Of Texas School Of Information, one of the nation's top ten schools in Library and Information Sciences, has a number of scholarship options for undergraduate students. There are two main categories: the Academic Competitive Scholarship and the Endowed Presidential Scholarship. In both instances, students must take at least nine semester hours and be in good academic standing. The differences lie in the fact that with the Academic Scholarship, it can be based on a full or partial academic year. The Endowed Presidential Scholarship is based on a full year. Each scholarship may have a slight different focus in regards to the direction of the student's Library Science studies.
Here is a sampling of some Academic Competitive Scholarship options available at the University of Texas:
- The Kate Polk Dimmit Memorial Scholarship is geared toward students who are residents of Texas and interested in future employment with a Texas library serving in a rural area.
- The Betty Bullington Threadgill Scholarship targets returning students who have previous military experience.
Some of the Endowed Presidential Scholarships in Library Science at the University of Texas are as follows:
- The Carolyn Hixson Harris Endowed Presidential Scholarship has a preference for conservation and preservation students in the information sciences.
- The C. Glenn Sparks Endowed Presidential Scholarship is unrestricted and any student in good academic standing from the School of Information is eligible.
There are a number of additional scholarship opportunities available for students at the University of Texas School of Information.
Library Associations
The American Library Association (ALA) is perhaps the largest benefactor of Library and Information Science scholarships in the country. However, they do not award scholarships to undergraduate students. Any degreed library professional in a Master's degree program has a number of options available to them. Listed below is a sampling of the scholarships available through the American Library Association:
- The ALA Spectrum Scholarship targets applicants from under-represented portions of the community in an effort to promote diversity. Ethnic minorities wishing to pursue their Master's degree in Library and Information Sciences are encouraged to apply.
- The Mary V. Gaver Scholarship is targeted toward a librarian seeking an advanced degree with an emphasis in library youth services.
- The Miriam L. Hornback Scholarship is typically award to a Master's degree candidate who serves as library support staff.
There are a number of ALA scholarships for students working on a Master's in an accredited Library and information Science degree program; some are for general studies and others have specific focus areas. Check out the ALA website for additional details.
Specifically Focused Scholarships
Library and Information Science students have a variety of avenues to pursue in regards to employment. Academic libraries cater to universities and colleges while public libraries serve the community. Public schools have their own libraries as do law schools, medical schools and hospitals and even arts organizations will have special music or art libraries. By choosing a specifically focused course of study, you can find additional scholarships.
- The American Association of Law Libraries offers a number of scholarships to those students pursuing a career in a law library. Some of these students seek employment at law schools or large law firms.
- The Medical Library Association has several scholarships available to students wanting a career in the health sciences area. Laboratories, hospitals and medical schools employ medical librarians as do pharmaceutical companies.
- The Music Library Association serves students in advanced studies with emphasis in music. Large performing arts organizations like symphonies or conservatories employ music librarians as do radio stations and music publishers.
