Massachusetts Library Association Scholarship Opportunity
Applications are now closed.
Winners will be notified by telephone by April 2, 2010.
From Meek to Mighty: Reinventing Libraries in Challenging Times
The MLA is offering seven (7) scholarships to help first time attendees defray the costs of attending the annual MLA Conference. The scholarships are available to current and future library staff who wish to attend the Conference at the Resort & Conference Center at Hyannis, April 28-30, 2010.
Who is eligible?
- All applicants must be first time MLA Annual Conference attendees.
- Any Massachusetts librarian or paralibrarian. All staff levels are encouraged to apply!
- Massachusetts librarians or paralibrarians who are between jobs.
- Massachusetts residents who are enrolled in an accredited M.L.S. program.
- Massachusetts residents who are new graduates of an accredited M.L.S. program (degree must have been conferred no earlier than 1/1/2009).
- Currently serving Trustees of a Massachusetts Library.
- Current members of a Massachusetts Library Friends group.
Two (2) scholarships will be awarded to current students.
Five (5) scholarships will be awarded to Massachusetts librarians, paralibrarians, trustees or friends.
How do I apply?
Applicants must fill out the online application form and write a 300-500 word statement answering one of the following questions:
1. Reinvent! What change or changes would you make to keep libraries relevant and why?
2. How would this Conference change you from “meek” to MIGHTY?
3. Challenges! We’ve all had them, but how have you personally made a difference in your library or the Library World?
When is the deadline and when are winners announced?
- Completed applications must be received by March 19, 2010.
- Winners will be notified by telephone by April 2, 2010.
What does the scholarship cover?
The scholarships cover the cost of registration on the days of attendance, conference meals and half the cost of accommodations for those requiring lodging on Wednesday and/or Thursday nights. The scholarship does not cover transportation. Scholarship winners will also receive a complimentary one-year membership to the Massachusetts Library Association.
If I win a scholarship, what are my obligations?
Scholarship winners need only to attend one day of the conference and are free to choose whatever sessions most interest them. They are encouraged to attend a First-Timers Lunch. Scholarship winners may be asked to write a brief account of their MLA conference experience for the MLA newsletter, Bay State Libraries.
If you have questions about the scholarships please contact a member of the scholarship committee:
Mary Behrle at 978-762-4433 x14; email: mary@nmrls.org .
Ellen MJ Keane at 978-934-4594; email: Ellen_Keane@uml.edu
Danielle Kovacs at 413-545-2784; email: dkovacs@library.umass.edu
Kirsten Underwood at 978-686-4080; email: kunderwood@mvlc.org
Charlotte Wood at 978-658-2967; email: cwood@mvlc.org