ALSC Frederic G. Melcher Scholarship

American Library Association

Two awards offered annually.

Graduate students who have completed no more than 12 hours in an approved MLS/MLIS program while attending an ALA-accredited school are eligible for this award. Eligible students must be U.S. or Canadian citizens and plan to work in a library in an area of service to children.

Application requirements for the ALSC Frederic G. Melcher Scholarship are:

• Application form
• Official Transcript
• Personal statement
• References (3)

This scholarship is made possible by contributions from librarians, professional associated and others in the book world in tribute to Frederic G. Melcher. Three major factors are considered in awarding these scholarships: academic excellence; leadership; and a desire to work with children in any type of library. The recipients will be expected to accept positions after graduation in the field of library service to children for at least one year. These positions shall be in the United States or Canada, or in a library provided for dependents of military personnel of the United States or Canada. Within a year of graduation, each recipient is expected to submit to the Association for Library Service to Children a letter from an institution's director or personnel department verifying appointment as a children's librarian. If the recipient does not complete this requirement, for any reason within the recipient's control, the scholarship money must be refunded. Failure to fulfill requirements will result in forfeiture, or repayment of scholarship monies. The recipients are expected to become members of the American Library Association and the Association for Library Service to Children. The names of the recipients will be announced at the American Library Association Annual Conference in June and disseminated through press releases and web posting. All other applicants will be notified by email after July 1.

Award Amount: $8,000 annually, non-renewable. Funds will be paid in two equal amounts at the beginning of the first two semesters or quarters in which the recipient is enrolled.  The total dollars awarded for this scholarship is $16,000.