CHICAGO—Max Mendez has been selected to receive the 2026 Christian Larew Memorial Scholarship in Library and Information Technology , sponsored by Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures and the American Library Association.
This $3,000 scholarship is for master’s level study, with an emphasis on library technology and/or automation, at a library school program accredited by the American Library Association. Criteria for the Scholarship includes previous academic excellence, evidence of leadership potential, and a commitment to a career in library automation and information technology.
"The Christian Larew Memorial Scholarship Committee is thrilled to award this scholarship to Max Mendez. His academic skill was excellent with a double major in computer science and information technology & informatics, as well as a commitment to bring those technology skills to librarianship. One of his references even noted this connection by saying “As technology, such as artificial intelligence, becomes more prevalent in our lives and in library operations, someone with his training is essential for libraries to contemplate the future with confidence.”
Max is a graduate of Rutgers University and earned Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science and Information Technology, with a minor in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.
When notified he had won, Mendez said, “I am deeply honored that I was chosen by the committee for the Christian Larew Memorial Scholarship this year. This recognition not only provides me with much needed support to advance in the field of Library and Information Science, but it also encourages me to continue working towards creating accessible spaces for communities using digital technologies within the library system.”
Members of the 2025 Christian Larew Memorial Scholarship Committee are: Amy E. Swartz (Chair), Beth Hendrickson, Elizabeth Hunt, Dana Victoria Lema, Danielle Meininger, Buddy D. Pennington, Bethann Zani Rea, Carolyn Francys Schubert, and Diana Silveira..
About Core
Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures is the national association that advances the profession of librarians and information providers in central roles of leadership and management, collections and technical services, and technology. Our mission is to cultivate and amplify the collective expertise of library workers in core functions through community building, advocacy and learning. Core is a division of the American Library Association. Follow us on our Blog, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
About The American Library Association
Since 1876, the American Library Association has worked to expand access to information and strengthen communities through libraries. In 2026, we celebrate 150 years and look ahead to what libraries will make possible in the future.
Contact:
Todd Ross
Membership & Communications Specialist
American Library Association
Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures
tross@ala.org
