ALA Scholarships for Librarians 2024: Apply Now!

About the ALA Scholarships for Librarians 2024

The American Library Association (ALA) is offering scholarships worth over $300,000 to help students pursuing a master’s degree in library and information science or school library media. Whether your interests lie in new media, public or children’s librarianship, school librarianship, federal librarianship, or library automation, these scholarships can help reduce the financial burden of graduate school. This is an excellent opportunity for those passionate about advancing their careers in librarianship.

Eligible Fields of Study

The ALA scholarships are available to students pursuing master’s degrees in:

Library and information science
School librarianship

These scholarships are limited to ALA-accredited programs or specialties within the field of school library media.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the ALA program, candidates must meet the following requirements:

Applicants must have applied for admission to a formal program of library and information studies that leads to a master’s degree.
Scholarships are generally open to U.S. and Canadian citizens.

The LITA Christian Larew Memorial Scholarship has no residency restrictions, allowing non-U.S./Canadian citizens to apply.

Selection Criteria

The selection process focuses on:

Academic excellence

Leadership qualities
Commitment to a career in librarianship

Applicants will be evaluated based on their submitted application materials, including references and a personal statement. The selection committee places a strong emphasis on candidates who demonstrate a clear dedication to the field of librarianship.

Scholarship Benefits

Recipients of the ALA Scholarships will receive financial awards that can significantly offset the cost of tuition and other educational expenses. These funds are intended to support future librarians and information professionals in achieving their academic and professional goals.

Duration of the Program

The scholarship typically covers one academic year, but the duration may vary depending on the recipient’s enrollment status and the specific scholarship awarded.

How to Apply

To apply for the ALA program, follow these steps:

Complete the online application, ensuring that all sections are filled out accurately.
Submit a personal statement that highlights your passion for librarianship and future career goals.
Provide three professional references who can attest to your qualifications and potential.

Include official academic transcripts as part of your application.

For further details on the scholarship and to begin the application process, visit the ALA’s official webpage linked below. Please note that the The application deadline for the ALA Scholarships is March 1st 2025.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY