ALA Scholarships for Library Support Staff

Some scholarships available through the ALA Scholarship Program are geared towards individuals currently working as support staff in libraries.  They include:

  • Tom and Roberta Drewes Scholarship - established with a donation from the founder of Quality Books, this $3,000 scholarship is open to library support staff currently working in a library. 
  • Miriam L. Hornback Scholarship - named for long time ALA staff member(1944-1991) and secretariat to the ALA Council and Executive Board, this $3,000 scholarship is open to library support staff currently working in a library.
  • Tony B. Leisner Scholarship - established with a donation from an active ALA member and former member of ALA Council, this $3,000 scholarship is open to library support staff currently working in a library. 

Applicants for the Drewes, Hornback and Leisner Scholarships must be a U.S. or Canadian citizen or permanent resident; must attend an ALA accredited master's program; must not have completed more than 12 semester hours or one-third of the required semester hours towards MLS/MLIS/MIS prior to June 1 of the year awarded; and must submit a complete application.

Factors considered in making these awards include:

  • academic excellence;
  • leadership; and
  • evidence of commitment to a career in librarianship.

Achievement in these areas may best be demonstrated by statements indicating the nature of library and other experience, by professional references, and by the personal statement included in the online application.  PLEASE NOTE: for all scholarships in the library support staff category you will be asked to complete only one (1) personal statement during your online application.

ALA also has general scholarships, scholarships for  speciality or practice area, and scholarships for underrepresented groups. All ALA Scholarships can be applied for through the ALA Scholarship Program.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the ALA Scholarship Clearinghouse at 1-800-545-2433 ext. 4279  or scholarships@ala.org.