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Amplifying Library Impact

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Awards & Scholarships

SCELC invests in the success of its member community through scholarships and other community award funding.

Award for Internship Excellence

SCELC acknowledges excellence in internships by students in an ALA-accredited graduate library science program who have completed an internship with distinction in a SCELC Member institution. The SCELC Board of Directors reviews and evaluates all applications.

Criteria for Awards

Several $1,000 awards are given every year based on annual allocation of program funds. Contributions in advancing the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in professional librarianship will factor into the award criteria. The sponsoring library will receive a commendation for its contribution in advancing DEIA values through sponsorship of these internships.

To be eligible for an award, student applicants must:

  • Have completed a library internship with a SCELC Member institution
    • A completed library internship may be referred to by different terminology depending on the institution (e.g. practical engagement project, practicum, field work, etc.)
    • Regardless of the terminology, there should be a formal arrangement between the degree-granting institution and the SCELC Member library for the student to be supervised and feedback provided (It would be something that showed up on a transcript, for example)
    • If you have any questions about the eligibility of your internship, please contact officemanager@scelc.org
  • Be currently enrolled in-- or graduated within the last 12 months from-- an ALA-accredited graduate library science program

Information to Include

Students will need to submit the completed application form via the link below, which beyond your basic contact information also includes:

  1. The following contact information for the financial aid office or registrar of your graduate program:
    • Name of the program
    • Office address
    • Postal address (if different from the office address)
    • Phone number
    • Email contact
  2. Contact information for your internship supervisor.
    • In lieu of a formal letter of recommendation, SCELC Staff will confirm the details of your work directly with your internship supervisor. Please check up with your internship supervisor to let them know that they'll be hearing from SCELC Staff regarding your award application.
    • Contact info does not have to be a work email; if your supervisor is no longer active at the Member institution, please provide the best alternative email for SCELC Staff to reach them.

  3. A personal statement, no longer than one typed page, explaining your purpose for pursuing an MLIS and your future professional aspirations.

Application Form and Timeline

Proposals may be submitted from the link below to the SCELC Executive Director. The SCELC Board of Directors will review all proposals submitted up to 30 days prior to their next scheduled meeting.

Applicants will be notified of award decisions after the next scheduled Board Meeting after proposal submission, unless otherwise stated by SCELC Staff or Executive Committee. If you have any questions about the application process or your submitted application, please contact PPDC Liaison, Eric Chao.

Awards funds are disbursed directly to the award recipient by the SCELC central office. If you have been chosen to receive an Award for Internship Excellence and have questions about the award process, please contact SCELC.