News & Noteworthy

LITA Scholarships in Library and Information Science

CHICAGO — The Library and Information Technology Association (LITA), a division of the American Library Association, is pleased to announce that applications are being accepted for three Scholarships:

LITA/Christian Larew Memorial Scholarship (sponsored by Baker & Taylor)

LITA/LSSI Minority Scholarship (sponsored by Library Systems and Services, LLC)

LITA/OCLC Minority Scholarship (sponsored by Online Computer Library Center)

The scholarships are designed to encourage the entry of qualified persons into the library technology field.  The committees seek those who plan to follow a career in library and information technology, who demonstrate potential leadership, who hold a strong commitment to the use of automated systems in libraries and, for the minority scholarships, those who are qualified members of a principal minority group (American Indian or Alaskan native, Asian or Pacific Islander, African-American or Hispanic).

Candidates should illustrate their qualifications for the scholarships with a statement indicating the nature of their library experience, letters of reference and a personal statement of the applicant’s view of what he or she can bring to the profession, with particular emphasis on experiences that indicate potential for leadership and commitment to library automation.  Economic need is considered when all other criteria are equal.  Winners must have been accepted to an ALA recognized MLS Program.

You can apply for LITA scholarships through the single online application hosted by the ALA Scholarship Program. The ALA Scholarship Application Database will open Sept. 15.

References, transcripts and other documents must be postmarked no later than March 1, 2015 for consideration.  All materials should be submitted to American Library Association, Scholarship Clearinghouse, c/o Human Resource Development & Recruitment, 50 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL  60611-2795.  If you have questions about a LITA Scholarships please email the LITA Office at vedmonds@ala.org.

The winners will be announced at the LITA President’s Program at the 2015 ALA Annual Conference in San Francisco.