For immediate release | September 14, 2026
Candace Aaliyah Russell Selected as the 2026 Christopher Hoy/ERT Scholarship Recipient
2026 Christopher J. Hoy Scholarship Recipient - Candace Russell
The American Library Association (ALA) is pleased to announce the selection of Candace Aaliyah Russell of Cambria Heights, New York as the 2026 Christopher Hoy/ERT Scholarship recipient.
The scholarship was named after a long-time ALA staff member who directed the ALA Conference Services Office for more than 20 years. This scholarship fund was established with donations from Christopher J. Hoy and the Exhibits Round Table (ERT) to honor his memory. The $5,000 scholarship is awarded to a person pursuing a master's degree in library and information studies.
Russell’s career goal is to become an academic librarian who helps students navigate research resources and strengthens information literacy through inclusive research support. A personal experience researching Trinidadian heritage helped shape this commitment. After unsuccessful online searches failed to distinguish among Caribbean cultures, Russell later discovered the book Golden Heritage through an Interlibrary Loan request at Josten Library. The experience demonstrated the powerful personal impact of effective library research support.
“I will strive to strengthen my patrons' informational literacy skills so that they can feel the same validation I experienced when I found Golden Heritage,” Russell said.
Through roles as a Library Research Mentor and Library Assistant at Smith College, Russell has gained experience conducting reference interviews, assisting researchers, and helping students build confidence using library resources. These experiences have reinforced a passion for creating welcoming academic library environments while connecting with patrons from diverse backgrounds.
Russell plans to pursue an MLIS degree focused on academic librarianship, library instruction, and inclusive library services. Long-term goals include helping patrons navigate an increasingly complex information environment while advancing equitable access to knowledge in the digital age.
Russell will be attending Queens College.
For information on the ALA Scholarship program, visit our scholarship page.
The ALA Office for Human Resource Development and Recruitment (HRDR) manages the ALA Scholarship Clearinghouse.
Contact:
Kimberly L. Redd, MSHTM
Program Manager, Certification & Talent Development
Office for Human Resource Development and Recruitment (HRDR)
KLredd@ala.org312.280.4279
