Scholarship Opportunities for Entering MLS or MSIS Degree Students

Sponsored by New York State Graduate Schools of Library and Information Science

Making It REAL! Recruitment, Education, And Learning: Creating a New Generation of Librarians to Serve All New Yorkers is a New York State Library statewide recruitment grant project funded by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The purpose of this project is to recruit and educate forty-four new librarians in such a way that diversity in the profession will be enhanced.

Scholarship funds, ranging from $5,000 to $30,000, will be available beginning Summer 2005. [NOTE: All scholarship funds have been awarded as of January 2006.]

SCHOLARSHIP OBJECTIVES

MLS degree candidates will receive scholarships with the following purposes:

  • To increase the numbers of candidates representing diverse groups who enter the profession.
  • To develop the capabilities of future librarians to serve diverse populations, including people with disabilities.

SCHOLARSHIP ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants shall meet the following requirements:

  • The applicant shall be a United States citizen and a resident.
  • The applicant shall be eligible to enter an ALA-accredited MLS or MSIS degree program in New York State.
  • The applicant shall have no more than 12 credits to be used toward the MLS or MSIS degree program.
  • The applicant shall complete all required academic institution and New York State Library scholarship forms. All applicants are subject to final approval by the academic institution and the New York State Library.
  • Strong preference will be given to applicants from diverse backgrounds. Diversity includes, but is not limited to race, color, gender, disability and national origin. For more information, go to the American Library Association's Spectrum Initiative web site.

SCHOLARSHIP CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

Approved scholarship recipients shall sign a contract with the New York State Library and academic institution that includes the following requirements:

  • The recipient shall not take more than one semester off from coursework (excluding summers), and shall complete the MLS or MSIS program and graduate by December 2007.
  • The recipient shall work at a library, library system or library organization in New York State for at least two years after he/she graduates.
  • The recipient shall report on follow-up scholarship-related activities through periodic surveys or other methods.
  • The recipient shall contribute to statewide and nationwide librarian recruitment efforts by agreeing to talk with potential library school candidates.
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Last Updated: July 10, 2009