Masters of Library Science Scholarships
Masters of Library Science Application Form
Masters of Library Science Recommendation Form
The Foundation’s Scholarship Program was established to enhance the capability of the Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) to meet current and future needs for librarians in order to deliver high quality service to the residents of Fairfax County and the City of Fairfax. Several MLS scholarships are awarded each year, dependent on the availability of highly qualified candidates and funds. The awards are for $3,000 plus a special Edwin S. Clay, III award in the amount of $3,500. They are merit-based scholarships for individuals pursuing a Masters degree in Library Science at an American Library Association (ALA) accredited school. You are eligible to apply if you live, work, volunteer or attend school within Fairfax County or the City of Fairfax, Virginia, and you are enrolled or have been accepted for enrollment by an ALA accredited library school. Please consider applying for a scholarship.
The Scholarship Committee will review applications that are postmarked or received by April 15. The application should be sent to the address below.
Scholarships will be awarded on a merit basis without regard to race, gender, religion, age, physical disability, or sexual orientation. The Scholarship Committee considers the merit of each application carefully and factors evaluated will include:
Evidence of commitment to a career in librarianship, preferably within the FCPL System,
Potential for outstanding achievement in the library profession,
Academic excellence, and
Extent of involvement with the FCPL.
Each applicant will be notified of the Scholarship Committee’s decision within four (4) weeks of the closing date. The Scholarship Committee’s decisions are final and not subject to appeal.
For further information, please write or call 703-324-8300.
Fairfax Library Foundation
Attn: MLS Scholarships
12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 329
Fairfax, VA 22035
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much will be awarded?
$3,000 for each scholarship awarded and $3,500 for the special Edwin S. Clay, III award.
2. How many scholarships will be awarded?
As a general practice, a total of four (4) awards are granted each year to highly qualified individuals. However, the Scholarship Committee may consider awarding fewer scholarships dependent on the availability of highly qualified candidates and funds.
The Foundation is not required to select a recipient if none of the submissions merit the award in a given year. Scholarship Committee decisions are final and not subject to appeal.
3. What eligibility criteria will be considered?
The application must be received or postmarked by April 15.
The application must be complete.
Individuals must live, work, volunteer or attend school within Fairfax County or the city of Fairfax.
Enrollment or acceptance for enrollment in an ALA accredited Library Science Program.
4. What proof of Library Science enrollment is required?
Evidence of current enrollment in or possession of a letter of acceptance to an American Library Association (ALA) accredited school for a Masters degree in Library Science.
5. What factors will be considered in evaluating the application?
Priority will be given to individuals involved with the Fairfax County Public Library System, such as Friends group members, volunteers and employees.
Individual merit, not need-based.
A short essay expressing interest in a Library Science career will be critical to the selection process.
6. What is the payment policy?
Payment will be made directly to the school for crediting to your account.
A transcript must be furnished to the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee upon completion of the term.
7. If I receive a scholarship, may I apply for another?
Yes, you may apply for additional scholarships.
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Masters of Library Science Application
Form
Masters of Library Science Recommendation
Form
Continuing Education | Undergraduate | 2010 Awardees