Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

I am not a resident of the United States or Canada, does the ALA provide any scholarships for non-U.S./Canadian citizens or permanent residents?

Yes. The LITA Christian Larew Memorial Scholarship is the only scholarship that does not have a residency restriction.

I am looking to obtain an undergraduate degree in library and information studies, does the ALA provide any scholarships toward undergraduate work?

No. At this time, the American Library Association does not offer any scholarships for undergraduate work and there is no agency that accredits undergraduate or associates programs in library and information studies. As you continue on in your studies, however, be sure to review the ALA scholarship page in case this changes.

I have already started library school, am I still eligible to apply for any ALA scholarships?

Yes, provided you have not completed more than 1/3rd of the credit requirements toward your degree by June 1st.  For example, if your library school program is 36 credits, you should not have completed more than 12 (12 or less) credits by June 1st.  The scholarship jurors pay careful attention to the number of credits you have listed. 

I have completed more than 12 semester hours toward my MLS/MLIS/MIS, am I still eligible for any ALA Scholarships?

Yes. You are eligible for the following scholarships: the ALA Century Scholarship and the Spectrum Scholarship. You may click on the name for more information.

I am working toward my Ph.D. in library and information studies, am I eligible for any ALA scholarships?

Yes. The ALA Century Scholarship can be used toward a Ph.D. or Master’s program. You may click on name for more information.

What types of degreed programs do I have to attend in order to be eligible for an ALA Scholarship?

You must attend either an ALA-Accredited MLIS program, or a  Nationally Recognized NCATE-AASL Reviewed & Approved School Library Media Education Program.  The specific program you choose will depend on your area of interest.  The NCATE-approved program is generally for people interested in school library media programs.  The ALA-accredited programs are generally for all other areas of librarianship.  See the comparison list of requirements to determine which you need to attend.

Do I need to submit a personal statement? If so, what should be included in it?

Yes. Applicant should include a personal statement as part of the on-line application. It should consist of not more than 300 words and describe your interest and any work in your proposed field of study, including non-course educational experience, volunteer work, teaching or other relevant employment and publications. You should also indicate what specific competencies or characteristics you believe you have to offer the field of librarianship, what you can bring to the profession, and in particular what you have done which indicates your potential for leadership. Describe your career interests and goals and your commitment to library and information service.

Some scholarships may require specific personal statements. How can I best tailor my personal statement to make it stand out to the scholarship jury?

Your personal statement should address and name the specific scholarship you are applying for. To create a compelling personal statement, you must do more than state your general professional goals. The strongest applicant statements connect unique experiences and aspirations directly to the specific scholarship's mission or criteria. A generic statement that could apply to any scholarship does not necessarily demonstrate the thoughtful connection juries are seeking. Your goal is to show the jury why you are the perfect fit for that specific award. Your statement should consist of not more than 300 words and describe your interest and any work in your proposed field of study, including non-course educational experience, volunteer work, teaching or other relevant employment and publications. You should also indicate what specific competencies or characteristics you believe you have to offer the field of librarianship, what you can bring to the profession, and in particular what you have done which indicates your potential for leadership. Describe your career interests and goals and your commitment to library and information service. 

Are the "Professional Activities" and "Leadership Skills" sections of the application required, and how do scholarship juries use this information?

While these sections are not mandatory to complete the application, it is highly recommended that you fill them out. Scholarship juries view your Professional Activities (memberships, honors, awards) and Leadership Skills as evidence of your commitment to the profession and your potential for success. The juries use this information to determine the breadth and depth of your experience and accomplishments. Applications with blank or minimal entries in these areas are typically not viewed as favorably during the final selection process.

Do I need to submit any references?

Yes. Three professional references are required.  Once you begin the application process, you will be asked to provide the name and email addresses of three (3) professional references.  These should be people (excluding family members) who are well acquainted with your educational background, intellectual abilities, professional experience, and personal character.  Each person listed will receive an email message with instructions for completing the online reference form.   An application will not be considered complete unless the three references are submitted  by March 1st.

What guidance should I give my references to ensure they write a high-quality recommendation?

The strongest recommendations typically come from your current or recent LIS professors or direct supervisors. Letters from a relationship older than five years may be less impactful unless you have maintained regular professional contact. Provide each of your references with your resume/CV and a draft of your Personal Statement. Ask them to provide detailed, thoughtful comments in their online reference form that speak to your academic excellence, LIS/related experience, leadership potential, personal character and other qualities listed in the reference section. 

What should I do if my recommender(s) did not receive the online reference form?

Send a message to Kimberly L. Redd at klredd@ala.org with Reference Request as the subject and include the recommenders name and email address.

Do I need to submit any transcripts?

Yes. An official transcript is required from bachelor's degree-granting institutions and any master's level work toward an ALA-accredited or NCATE approved master's in library science. Transcripts for other master's level work are not required but may be submitted for consideration.  The college transcript should be submitted only once regardless of the number of scholarships you apply for.   All transcripts must be received by March 1st (electronic transcripts will not be considered). They should be placed in a sealed envelope and mailed in one package along with other materials (as required by specific scholarships) to the following address:  ALA Scholarship Clearinghouse, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1300, Chicago, IL 60601.