Below is information concerning scholarships sponsored by SLIS and donations to the school, as well as scholarships sponsored by professional, cultural and other organizations external to SLIS.
Each September, the School of Library and Information Science announces a call for applications for its donor- and school-funded scholarships, listed below. Scholarship amounts vary from year to year, and not all scholarships are offered each year. The call for applications will be announced on the school's listserv, home page, Facebook and Twitter feed.
Alumni & Friends Council Endowed Minority Scholarship
The Alumni & Friends Council scholarship is based on capacity to achieve academic and professional goals and potential for leadership on campus or in the community. Preference will be given to ethnic minority students (i.e., African American, Hispanic, Native American and Asian American). No library experience is required.
A. Robert Rogers Memorial Scholarship
The A. Robert Rogers Memorial Scholarship is based on prior academic performance and potential for scholarly research. No library experience is required.
H. W. Wilson Scholarship Fund Awards
The H. W. Wilson Scholarship Fund Award is based on prior academic performance and accomplishments.
Health Informatics Leadership Fund
The Health Informatics Leadership Fund has been established at the Kent State University School of Library and Information Science for to support two annual scholarships of $5,000 each for students in the school's Information Architecture and Knowledge Management (IAKM) concentration in Health Informatics. The award is intended to support students who have demonstrated outstanding health informatics leadership potential.
J. Allen Oakum Memorial Scholarship
An endowed scholarship in memory of J. Allen Oakum was established to provide awards for students interested in school librarianship. Awards are based on prior academic performance and accomplishments, financial need, and demonstrated leadership.
James E. Cook Scholarship in Young Adult Librarianship
Applicants for the James E. Cook Scholarship in Young Adult Librarianship must have a strong desire to specialize in teen librarianship, strong interest in young adult literature, a passion for telling others about what he or she has read, and an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above.
Jesse H. Shera Memorial Scholarship
The Jesse H. Shera Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Jesse H. Shera, who was the dean of the School of Library Science, Case Western Reserve University. Successful applicants will be those students who maintain an excellent academic record and demonstrate potential for future scholarly research and publication.
Lubrizol Foundation: Library Information Services Scholarship (application PDF)
(Application in MS Word)
NOTE: application must be emailed from student's @kent.edu address in order to be considered valid. The Lubrizol Foundation Scholarship is open to students who are juniors or seniors enrolled in a combined bachelor's program and master’s program in library and information science. The award is based primarily on established academic achievement and/or academic potential or the financial need of exceptional students. Scholarship criteria may require diversity in gender and/or race.
Marian Porter Huffman Scholarship
The Marian Porter Huffman Scholarship has been established for students who have demonstrated the capacity to achieve educational and professional goals, to give them the motivation to achieve these goals and the initiative to seek opportunities to further their progress. Successful applicants will be those who maintain an excellent academic record and demonstrate potential for future scholarly research and publication.
Mary T. Kim Endowed Scholarship
The Mary T. Kim Scholarship was established by the estate of Mary T. Kim and from individual donors to go to a Master of Library and Information Science student who is studying to become a library manager and/or researcher in library and information science. Preference will be given to a student who is in the Columbus program.
The Rose Vormelker Scholarship
The Rose Vormelker Scholarship was established as an annual scholarship award for a student in the Kent State University School of Library and Information Science who, in the judgment of the faculty, shows the most promise in the field of special librarianship.
The Rowfant Club Annual Scholarship
The Rowfant Club Annual Scholarship is intended to support students who are studying the bibliographic arts and who embrace the love of books and the preservation of the written word. Recipients of the award should have an interest in some or all of the following areas: Rare books; archives; book arts; binding; history of books; publishing; preservation. To be considered for the award, you must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA, and you must be a currently enrolled student having completed no more than 12 credit hours in the M.L.I.S. program.
Walter Brahm and John Rebenack Ohio Library Foundation Annual Scholarship
The Walter Brahm and John Rebenack Ohio Library Foundation Annual Scholarship was established to continue the legacy of Walter Brahm, former State Librarian, and John Rebenack, former library director, by honoring their commitment to outstanding library service. This scholarship supports the educational advancement of an outstanding student in the Master of Library and Information Science program at Kent State University. (Funding for 2012-2013 to be determined)
Below is a partial list of scholarships and fellowships sponsored by outside organizations. Please note that all applications and inquiries should be directed to the sponsoring organization, not to the School of Library and Information Science.
General Scholarships
By Specialty or Practice Area
Travel Grants/Stipends
n Library Association
http://ala.org/ala/educationcareers/scholarships/allscholarships/index.cfm
Beta Phi Mu
http://www.beta-phi-mu.org
College Scholarships Foundation: Library and Information Science Scholarships
http://www.collegescholarships.org/scholarships/librarian-students.htm
Friends of the Library Scholarship
Scholarships in the amount of $1,500 for graduate students pursuing a degree in library science. Application is open to area residents and non-resident employees of The Hudson Library and Historical Society. Applicants should submit a scholarship application, undergraduate and graduate transcripts and a list of references. Additional information and application forms are available at http://www.hudsonlibrary.org/VolunteerOpportunities/Scholarships.html and at the Hudson Library circulation desk.
Louisa Bowen Memorial Scholarship for Graduate Students in Archival Administration
One scholarship of $750 (payable to the educational institution) and a one-year membership to MAC. Provides financial assistance to a resident or full-time student of the MAC region pursuing graduate education in archival administration. http://www.midwestarchives.org/bowen
Art
Art Libraries Society of (ARLIS/NA)
http://www.arlisna.org/about/awards/awards_index.html
American Library Association
http://ala.org/ala/educationcareers/scholarships/specialty/young/index.cfm
Federal Librarians Cicely Phippen Marks Scholarship
A $1,500 award given to a library school student who has an interest in working in a federal library. http://ala.org/ala/educationcareers/scholarships/specialty/fedlibrarian/index.cfm
International Librarianship
Rovelstad Scholarship in International Librarianship
Sponsored by the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR), for a student of library and information science to attend the World Library and Information Congress of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). http://www.clir.org/fellowships/rovelstad/rovelstad.html
Law
American Association of Law Libraries
http://www.aallnet.org/services/sch_edu.asp
Scholarships
For applicants with JDs: Awarded to a law school graduate working towards a degree in an accredited library school with the intention of having a career as a law librarian. Preference is given to AALL members, but scholarships are not restricted to members. Preference in selection is given to persons with meaningful law library experience. Evidence of financial need must be submitted.
For applicants without JDs: Awarded to a college graduate with meaningful law library experience who is a degree candidate in an accredited library school with the intention of having a career as a law librarian. Preference is given to members of AALL, but scholarships are not restricted to members. Preference is given to applicants working for degrees with emphasis on courses in law librarianship. Evidence of financial need must be submitted.
Scholarships
For applicants with M.L.S./M.L.I.S.: Awarded to a library school graduate working toward a degree in an accredited law school with the intention of having a career as a law librarian, who has meaningful law library experience and has no more than 36 semester (54 quarter) credit hours remaining before qualifying for the law degree. Preference given to members of AALL, but scholarships are not restricted to members. Evidence of financial need must be submitted.
For applicants seeking a Dual JD/M.L.I.S. Degree: Awarded to a college graduate working toward a dual degree in an accredited law school and library school with the intention of having a career as a law librarian. Preference given to members of AALL, but scholarships are not restricted to members. Evidence of financial need must be submitted.
Scholarships for Graduates Seeking a Non-Law Degree
Awarded to library school graduates who are degree candidates in an area, other than law, which will be beneficial to the development of a professional career in law librarianship and who intend to have a career as a law librarian. Scholarship restricted to members of AALL. Evidence of financial need must be submitted.
The American Association of Law Libraries Scholarships
Library Automation Technologies
Library and Information Technology Association (LITA) http://ala.org/ala/educationcareers/scholarships/specialty/automationtech/index.cfm
LITA/Christian (Chris) Larew Memorial Scholarship in Library and Information Technology
A $3,000 scholarship awarded jointly on an annual basis by the Library and Information Technology Association (LITA), a division of the American Library Association, and Informata.com. 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.
LITA/LSSI Minority Scholarship
Awarded annually by Library Systems and Services Inc. and LITA in the amount of $2,500, to encourage the entry of qualified persons into the library and automation 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.
LITA/OCLC Minority Scholarship
Awarded jointly annually by OCLC Inc. and LITA in the amount of $3,000, to encourage the entry of qualified persons into the library and automation 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.
Information Science and Technologies
Technical Services Librarians (NOTSL) Scholarships
For applicants currently working in an library in a professional or support position in a technical services area, or for students (residing or studying in ) currently taking coursework in librarianship. The content of the proposed educational activity must relate to technical services topics, which may include cataloging, serials, acquisitions, preservation, processing or management of technical services. Typically funded activities can include costs for workshops, conferences, coursework, professional meetings or research; however, funds may not for training required by an employer. Awards can range from $100 to $500. Total awards are usually between $1,000 and $1,500. http://notsl.org/
Library Management
Library and Administration Management Association (LLAMA) Diana V. Braddom FRFDS Scholarship
Offers librarians and/or staff members from all types of libraries an opportunity to learn new fundraising skills enabling them to increase funding to their libraries from public, private and corporate sources. http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/llama/awards/index.cfm
Medical
Medical Library Association
http://www.mlanet.org/awards/grants/
Religious
The Reverend Andrew L. Bouwhuis Memorial Scholarship
Awarded each year for graduate study toward a master's degree in library science. The Reverend Andrew L. Bouwhuis Scholarship is a memorial to a great librarian and loyal member of Catholic Library Association. The association hopes with this scholarship to encourage promising talent to enter the profession, and to foster advanced study in the field. The scholarship consists of a $1,500 award to the person chosen by the Scholarship Committee of the Catholic Library Association. http://www.cathla.org/scholarships-a-grants/the-reverend-andrew-l-bouwhuis-memorial-scholarship
New Media
Peter Lyman Memorial/SAGE Scholarship in New Media
Established to honor the memory of a of , professor emeritus and university librarian who made many contributions in new media and library services. Applicants must specialize in the field of new media, be a or Canadian citizen or permanent resident, attending an ALA-accredited master's program with no more than 12 semester hours towards the M.L.S./M.L.I.S./M.I.S. prior to June 1 of year awarded. http://ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/hrdr/scholarshipprgm/alascholarshipslibrarymedia.cfm
Underrrepresented Groups
Academic Library Association of Ohio (ALAO)
A $1,500 scholarship to a promising student enrolled in an ALA-accredited M.L.S. program who exemplifies the qualities needed to ensure a diverse library workforce. The scholarship will be applied directly to the recipient's bursar account for tuition at his or her academic institution. As the scholarship recipient, the student will receive a complimentary registration for ALAO's Annual Conference, and at least one year of mentorship from a selected ALAO Member. http://www.alaoweb.org/committees/diversity/scholarship-guidelines
American Library Association
http://ala.org/ala/educationcareers/scholarships/underrepgroups/index.cfm
Association of Jewish Libraries Scholarship
A scholarship of $1,000 for 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. www.jewishlibraries.org
Chinese American Librarians Association (CALA) Scholarships
http://www.cala-web.org/node/303
E. J. Josey Scholarship Award
Two unrestricted grants of $2,000 awarded annually to African American students enrolled in or accepted by accredited programs. Established to memorialize the life and accomplishments of the founder of the Black Caucus of the American Library Association, former President of ALA, library leader, social activist and humanitarian. http://www.bcala.org/awards/joseyapps.htm
Harry E. Jackson LGBT Endowment Fund Scholarship
Available through the generosity of Akron businessman Harry Jackson, who has established a fund to serve the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered students on the Kent State University campus. His current emphasis is that of providing scholarships to LGBT students.The requirements for the scholarship are: 2.00 minimum GPA; must have financial need; LGBT student; and FAFSA on file. The scholarships are open to any major and to either undergraduate or graduate students. Interested students must complete an application and submit it to the Center for Student Involvement, 226 Student Center. Applications are available at the Center for Student Involvement front desk. If you have questions about this scholarship, please contact the Center for Student Involvement at 330-672-2480.
Art Libraries Society of (ARLIS/NA)http://www.arlisna.org/about/awards/awards_index.html
Association for Library and Information Science Education
http://www.alise.org/mc/page.do?sitePageId=82127
Catholic Library Association: Sister Sally Daly Memorial Grant
Established in 2007 in honor of Sister Sally Daly. Grant of up to $1,500 provided by Junior Library Guild for attendance by a new Catholic Library Association member at CLA's annual convention. http://www.cathla.org/scholarships-a-grants/the-sister-sally-daly-memorial-grant
Public Library Association: DEMCO New Leaders Travel Grant
Designed to enhance the professional development and improve the expertise of public librarians new to the field by making possible their attendance at major professional development activities. Plaques and travel grants of up to $1,500 per applicant are presented annually at the ALA Annual Conference. This grant is sponsored by DEMCO Inc. http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/pla/awards/demconewleadersgrant/index.cfm
Medical Library Association
David A. Kronick Traveling Fellowship
Annual $2,000 fellowship to cover the expenses involved in traveling to three or more medical libraries in the or , for the purpose of studying a specific aspect of health information management. http://www.mlanet.org/awards/grants/
Library Leadership and Management Association (LLAMA): YBP Student Writing and Development Award
Given to honor the best article on a topic in the area of library administration and management written by a student enrolled in a library and information studies graduate program. The purpose of this award is to enhance the professional development of students of library and information studies through publication of the winning article in Library Administration & Management, the LLAMA magazine, and enabling the award recipient to attend the ALA Annual Conference. http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/llama/awards/index.cfm
Music Library Association: Kevin Freeman Travel Grant
An annual grant to support travel and hotel expenses to attend the Music Library Association annual meeting. Recipients must be either a student, recent graduate or a colleague who is new to the profession. http://www.musiclibraryassoc.org/awards.aspx?id=42
Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA)