Course Scholarship for Library Professionals from Developing Countries

Applications for the next round of scholarships will open later this year.
 

About

The goal of this program is to help library professionals from developing countries stay current with the latest trends and developments in the Core areas of focus specified below and enhance their professional knowledge and skills in librarianship and information science.

One free seat per Core online continuing education course session is available to librarians and information professionals from developing countries.


Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

  • Have a degree in library or information science (e.g. a 4-year undergraduate degree or a master’s) or
    • be enrolled in a library or information science program in a developing country or
    • be working as a librarian or information professional in a developing country
  • Be a legal national from a qualifying developing country (see lists of Qualifying Countries: World Bank  | United Nations) Note: Legal nationals from developing countries studying abroad are not eligible for this scholarship
  • Have working knowledge of English
  • Have technical abilities to participate in an online course: *
    • computer skills: be comfortable with Internet browsers such as Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, etc.; a word processing program, such as Microsoft Word, Google Docs, etc., be able to send emails with attachments; copy and paste text; download and save a file, install a program or plugin; quickly learn a new program using online tutorial or Help section
    • regular, unlimited access to a computer
    • a reliable high-speed internet connection (Broadband/DSL, 4G cellular connection)
    • antivirus software installed and kept up-to-date on a computer
  • Have financial need due to insufficient or lack of funding for professional development from their employer

*See Are you ready for online learning? for general information on online learning. Also look for technical requirements on the course description as they may vary from course to course. Send email to tferren@ala.org if you have any questions.

View the current list of Core Courses available for this scholarship.


Selection

The Core International Relations Committee will review all applications according to eligibility criteria and the submission of requested information. Email acceptance will be sent to a successful applicant as soon as the decision is made but no later than one week prior to the course starting date. Eligible applicants need to completely fill out the application and submit both a personal statement and a supervisor’s reference letter in order to be considered for a scholarship. The application form contains instructions for the content of the statement and letter. Please note preference will be given to applicants who have not already been awarded this scholarship, and the Committee puts the most weight on applicants’ personal statements.


Waiting List

The Committee may create a waiting list for eligible applicants if necessary. The applicants placed on a waiting list will be informed about the status of their application. They have the option to stay on the waiting list or to withdraw their application. The waiting list will be kept for one year. Applicants who were not selected during the one-year waiting list period are encouraged to resubmit applications for the next year's course offerings.