Conover-Wihtol Scholarship Opportunity, NJ

Posted April 12, 2023

Description:

The Board of Trustees of the Middletown Township Public Library has announced that a
Conover-Wihtol Scholarship will be awarded to a student interested in a career in the rewarding
and challenging profession of librarianship.

The Scholarship was created in 1972 to honor and remember Edith B. Conover and Karl F. Wihtol, both long-time residents of Middletown Township and dedicated friends of the Library. Since its inception, the Fund has awarded 54 scholarships to qualified individuals, many of whom have become quite active in the information field. Heather Andolsen, Director of the Library, noted that there are a great number of career opportunities in academic, special libraries, and public libraries. For example, public libraries are no longer just books and audio-visual materials. Public libraries are cultural, educational, and informational centers. For the past several years, the New Jersey State Library has run programs across the state promoting the library profession. By offering the Conover-Wihtol Scholarship for 42 years, Middletown Township Public Library has shown its commitment to the library field through its support of those individuals seeking to enter the profession.

The Conover-Wihtol Scholarships are offered for a minimum of $2,500 to applicants possessing a bachelor’s degree or who are in the final semester of undergraduate studies. The applicant will be expected to provide evidence of acceptance for graduate work at an ALA accredited school of Library Science.

Additional information and application forms are available at the Reference Desk at the
Middletown Township Public Library or by calling 732-671-3700 ext. 320 or ext. 311.
Completed application forms must be postmarked no later than July 1, 2023. Scholarship(s) will
be announced at the July 19, 2023 Library Board of Trustees meeting.

PURPOSE:

To provide funds for deserving scholars participating in Master of Library Science (MLS).

SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNTS:

The amount of each scholarship will be no less than $2,500.00 per annum. The number of
awards per year will be wholly within the discretion of the Board of Trustees.

MANNER OF DISTRIBUTION:

All monies awarded to scholarship recipients will be disbursed to the college or university they
are attending, to be applied against tuition or fees charged. The check will be made out jointly to
the college/university and the recipient.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

The candidate must:

1. Complete the standard application form which can be obtained from the Library.
2. Submit a written statement of 150-200 words indicating what contribution you can make
   to the library profession and librarianship as a career.
3. Submit a transcript from the college/university you are attending
   (Graduate/Undergraduate).
4. Submit two reference letters.
5. Submit evidence of enrollment or acceptance to an accredited program for a Masters in
6. Library Science (MLS).
7. Submit all applications and attachments to the Middletown Township Public Library by July 1, 2023. (Scholarship(s) will be awarded at the July 19, 2023 Board of Trustees meeting.)

SCHOLARSHIP CONDITIONS REQUIRED:

1. Must be a resident of New Jersey.
2. Must be attending or be accepted for admission at an accredited School of Library
   Science for a Masters degree in Library Science or other post graduate library science degree.
3. Must meet requirements of character and scholarship as determined by the selection
   committee.

How to Apply:

Please read the application and announcement in full before completing the application.
Please return completed application, with transcripts, if possible, postmarked no later than
July 1, 2023 to:

Scholarship Committee
Middletown Township Public Library
55 New Monmouth Road
Middletown, NJ 07748

Applicants accepted for further consideration may be asked to appear before the Library Board
of Trustees for a personal interview.