Making it REAL! Recruitment, Education, And Learning:
Creating a New Generation of Librarians to Serve All New Yorkers
Scholarship Opportunities for Entering MLS or MSIS Degree Students
Sponsored by New York State Teaching Libraries
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.
Through Teaching Libraries, recipients will receive scholarships, as well as on-the-job training, mentoring,
professional development opportunities, and work experience within the Teaching Library. Scholarship funds, ranging
from $5,000 to $25,000, will be available beginning January 2005. [NOTE: All scholarship
funds have been awarded as of January 2006.]
TEACHING LIBRARY 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.
- To be provided with experience-based learning and mentoring opportunities.
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 located in the United
States.
- 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 Teaching Library and New York State Library scholarship forms. All
applicants are subject to final approval by the Teaching Library 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 Teaching Library 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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