HomeACRL offers more than 55 000 in scholarships to 12th National

Contact: Tory Ondrla

312-280-2515

tondrla@ala.org

For Immediate Release

November 18, 2004

ACRL offers more than $55,000 in scholarships
to 12th National Conference

CHICAGO - The Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) is offering 95 scholarships worth more than $55,000 for its 12th National Conference, "Currents and Convergence: Navigating the Rivers of Change," to be held in Minneapolis, Minn., April 7-10, 2005.   There are five scholarship categories. The deadline to apply for all scholarships is January 3, 2005. 

Librarian Scholarship

The purpose of the Librarian Scholarship is to provide opportunities for librarians with five or fewer years of post-MLS experience to update their skills and knowledge by participating in an ACRL professional development experience. In awarding the scholarships, particular attention will be given to librarians from diverse backgrounds and those employed at institutions serving professionally underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. The application deadline is January 3, 2005. The goals of this scholarship are:

• Increase participation of entry-level and minority librarians in ACRL professional development activities.
• Increase ACRL's efforts toward being a more inclusive organization.
• Enhance librarians' ability to provide excellent services to constituent groups.
• Provide members with an active, positive interaction with ACRL that will strengthen membership retention.

Fifty-five scholarships of complimentary conference registration (a $325 value) plus a $250 travel stipend are available (total scholarship value $575).   Recipients for scholarship awards must be ACRL members with five or fewer years of post-MLS experience who are currently employed in a library.

Library School Student Scholarship

This scholarship provides opportunities for library school students to participate in an ACRL professional development experience and to learn more about current issues and developments in academic and research libraries. In awarding the scholarships, special attention will be given to students from diverse backgrounds. The application deadline is January 3, 2005. The goals of this scholarship are:

• Increase participation of library school students in ACRL professional development activities.
• Increase ACRL's efforts toward being a more inclusive organization.
• Provide students with an active, positive interaction with ACRL that will assist them in building a network of colleagues

Fifteen scholarships consisting of complimentary conference registration (a $95 value) plus a $600 travel stipend are available (total scholarship value $695).   Recipients must be enrolled full-time at an ALA-accredited institution and recommended by their library school dean or director. Preference will be given to students who are current members of ALA and ACRL and to students whose graduate programs provide matching financial support for their attendance.

Preconference Scholarship Application

This scholarship is funded by the Friends of ACRL to provide opportunities for ACRL members to participate in a preconference of the ACRL 12th National Conference. The application deadline is January 3, 2005. The goals of this scholarship are:

• Increase participation in ACRL preconferences.
• Enhance librarians' ability to provide excellent services to constituent groups.
• Provide members with an active, positive interaction with ACRL that will strengthen membership retention.

Ten awards of $500 each minus preconference registration fees (to be deducted by ACRL before funds are distributed to recipients) are available. Recipients for preconference scholarship awards must be ACRL members.

E.J. Josey Spectrum Scholar Travel Grants

This scholarship provides opportunities for ACRL E.J. Josey Spectrum Scholars to participate in an ACRL professional development activity and provides an opportunity to build and foster stronger relationships between Spectrum Scholars and their existing or potential mentors. The application deadline is January 3, 2005. The goals of this scholarship are:

• Provide Spectrum Scholars with ACRL professional development activities.
• Provide these Spectrum Scholars with a quality learning experience outside of their traditional educational setting.
• Assist these Spectrum Scholars in building a network of colleagues.
• Give Spectrum Scholars the opportunity to build new, and strengthen existing, relationships with potential or existing mentors.

Five awards consisting of complimentary conference registration (a $95 value) plus a $600 travel stipend are available (total scholarship value $695). Recipients are limited to Spectrum Scholars that are enrolled full-time at an ALA-accredited institution and recommended by their library school dean or director as evidenced by a brief statement of support.

Support Staff Scholarships

The purpose of this scholarship is to provide opportunities for support staff who work in academic and research libraries to participate in an ACRL professional development experience.   The application deadline is January 3, 2005.   The goals of this scholarship are:

• Reach out to support staff working in academic and research libraries.
• Attract interest and participation in ACRL and ACRL professional development programs.

Five awards consisting of complimentary conference registration (a value of $325) and a travel stipend of $250 are available (total scholarship value $575).   An additional five awards consisting of complimentary conference registration only (a value of $325) also are available.   Note: a letter signed by the dean or director of the support staff applicant's library authorizing their attendance at the conference is required.

How to Apply for a Scholarship

Please see the "Overview" or "Registration" sections of the ACRL 12th National Conference Website www.acrl.org/minneapolis for full scholarship details and online applications.  Questions?  Contact acrl@ala.org.

ACRL is the only individual membership organization in North America that develops programs, products and services to meet the unique needs of academic librarians.   ACRL's 12,000 members are comprised of individuals from a wide range of academic institutions, publishers and vendors who sell in the academic marketplace.   ACRL enhances the effectiveness of academic and research librarians to advance learning, teaching and research in higher education.  More information about ACRL's programs and services can be located on the Web at www.ala.org/acrl.html. ACRL is a division of the American Library Association.