ALA Annual Diversity Research Grant Program

Continuing the American Library Association's commitment to diversity, the ALA Office for Diversity began sponsorship of a Diversity Research Grant program in 2002 to address critical gaps in the knowledge of diversity issues within library and information science. The Diversity Research Grant consists of a one-time $2500 annual award for original research.  Three grants are awarded each year. 

Description of Awards

The Diversity Research Grant consists of a one-time $2500.   A jury of ALA members will evaluate proposals and is encouraged to award a total of three awards.  Grant recipients will be expected to compile the results of their research into a paper and will be asked to present and publish the final product in conjunction with the American Library Association within three months of completing their research. Grant proposals may address any diversity topic that speaks to critical gaps in the knowledge of diversity issues within library and information science.  Grant applicants may also email diversity@ala.org to request a list of proposal topic suggestions.

Submission Guidelines

Proposals are only accepted during the open call for applications (from the conclusion of the ALA Midwinter Meeting - April 30th).  Persons submitting a proposal must be a current member of the American Library Association.  If you are not presently a member of ALA but wish to submit a proposal please visit the  Membership Website for more information on the benefits of joining ALA. You will be required to supply your membership ID number with your proposal.  A complete proposal must include the following:

  1. A cover letter with name, primary contact information, and ALA member ID of the researcher(s).
  2. A concise abstract of the project (no more than 200 words).
  3. Description of the project (of no more than 5 pages in length) detailing:
    a. Justification and needs for the research project
    b. Research objectives
    c. Design, methodology and analysis of the project
    d. Expected outcomes and benefits
  4. Budgetary plan and timeline, including other sources of support sought for the project.
  5. A one-page vita for each of the researchers involved in the project.

Electronic submissions are preferred.  All proposal elements should be collated and should be submitted in a single Word document attachment via email to diversity@ala.org. Proposals must be received by the deadline.

Proposal Evaluation Criteria

Once a proposal has been deemed both complete and clearly in fitting with the Diversity Research Program, it will be evaluated on the following criteria:

  • Contributions - The project contributes to the original, conceptual and/or practical knowledge of diversity in LIS.
  • Professional Impact - The project has the potential of impact on diversity research and practice in the LIS profession.
  • Sustainability - The project has the potential for encouraging further research in diversity in the LIS profession.
  • Adaptability - The project can be adapted by libraries of similar interests or concerns.
  • Design - The project is designed to effectively carry out the proposed work.
  • Management Plan - There is a cohesive plan for managing the project effectively, as reflected in the managerial aspects of the project, such as the division of labor, timeline and institutional support.
  • Budget - The proposed budget for the project is appropriate in terms of amount and usage. Staff training, general operating or overhead expenses, and other indirect costs are not funded and should not be included in the budget request.
  • Personnel - The principal investigator(s) has the credentials to successfully carry out a research project, based on his/her prior involvement in diversity work.
  • Evaluation - The project includes an outcome-based evaluation component.
  • Cooperation & Dissemination - The researcher(s) demonstrates a commitment to working with the American Library Association to publicize and disseminate his/her project.

Grant Timeline

  • The call for proposals for 2013 Diversity Research Grants is currently open. The deadline for submitting proposals is April 30, 2013.
  • 2013-2014 Recipients are announced in June 2013.
  • The 2012-2013 Diversity Research Grant recipients are conducting their grant-funded research from the summer of 2012 through the summer of 2013.  They will present their findings by September 1, 2013.

Past Diversity Research Grant Recipients

Review our recipients in the ALA Awards Database.

Honoring Excellence - Achievement in Library Diversity Research Honorees

As part of its ongoing support of the propagation of library-based diversity research, the ALA Office for Diversity annually identifies an "Achievement in Library Diversity Research" Honoree.  If you would like to nominate an individual for this honor, please submit their name, contact information and a short description of their recent research accomplishments to diversity@ala.org. Nominations received prior to April 1st each year will be considered.

Questions about this page? Please direct comments to diversity@ala.org or reach us toll free at 800.545.2433 ext. 5048.