ALA awarded IMLS grant for IFLA 2016 Congress Fellowships
For Immediate Release
Tue, 10/13/2015
CHICAGO – The American Library Association (ALA) has been awarded a 2015 Laura Bush 21st Century Library Program grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The $50,000 grant will be used to provide 50 $1,000 scholarships to help a diverse group of librarians, library staff and library students in the United States attend the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) in Columbus, Ohio, Aug. 13-19, 2016. Laura Bush Program grants support the recruiting and educating of library students, continuing education for those already in the profession, research and new programs that build institutional capacity.
Fellowship grants will be provided to individuals in the early or middle stage (20 years or fewer) of their careers who are not already actively engaged in IFLA. The project will help to ensure the next generation of participants and leaders on the global stage from the United States fully represents the diversity in the community and country. Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents of the United States will be eligible to receive these scholarships. The scholarships will help cover costs related to travel, hotel, meals and registration. Interested parties are invited to apply by the deadline of Dec. 31, 2015.
This grant (IMLS grant number RE-00-15-0108-15) is part of a larger scholarship program led by the IFLA 2016 National Committee to fund at least 50 full scholarships to librarians from around the world, primarily from developing countries, as well as 50 additional $1,000 scholarships for North American librarians beyond those funded by the IMLS grant. Over 90 library associations, libraries, and library foundations have pledged $400,000 to date.
About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. Its mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Its grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit imls.gov and follow IMLS on Facebook and Twitter.
About the American Library Association
The American Library Association is the oldest and largest library association in the world, with approximately 55,000 members in academic, public, school, government and special libraries. The mission of the American Library Association is to provide leadership for the development, promotion and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all. To learn more, visit ala.org and follow ALA on Facebook and Twitter.