MLAA Scholarship Program

Posted July 9, 2018

The Massachusetts Library Aid Association (MLAA) Committee on Aid to Small Public Libraries is pleased to announce its Scholarship Program for the Fall 2018 term. MLAA is a private foundation. The purpose of this program is to subsidize training in Library and Information Science for librarians and library staff who are presently employed in smaller Massachusetts public libraries. This is not an MBLC sponsored grant program.

 

To be eligible for the MLAA Scholarship Program applicants must currently work (for a minimum of one year) in a Massachusetts Public Library in a community of 35,000 population or less and their annual salary may not exceed $35,000.

 

There are two types of individual funding offered to prospective applicants currently employed in a Massachusetts public library. There is also a scholarship available for staff training. 

• Scholarship Assistance (Individual):  Scholarships ranging from $350-500 may be given to cover courses and training programs which must be directly applicable to pursuing an MLS/MLIS degree. Previous grant awardees may apply; however, in no case will more than three scholarships be made to an individual.

Please Note: Occasionally a small amount of additional money is available for a travel allowance for those commuting 80 miles or more.

 

• Continuing Education Grant (Individual): Grants with a $400 maximum may be given to cover taking an online course, attending a workshop or program, or a conference who will in turn share this information with their library staff. Requests for individuals wishing support for course work outside the LIS degree program should apply using this application form.

 

• Staff Development for Libraries: Awards of up to $500 will be given to public libraries in Massachusetts communities of 35,000 population or less, who have identified a staff training or continuing education need and have developed a plan for meeting that need.  The subject of the proposed Staff Development plan may vary widely among libraries, but it should be one that improves and updates staff members’ ability to conduct library operations and services, resulting in better service to library users.

Please email completed application to Amy Clayton, Administrative Assistant, LAD Unit, MBLC. [email protected] 

Applications must be received on Friday, August 17, 2018 by 4:00 p.m. and no applications will be considered after this deadline. Notification will take place after Labor Day.