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Core/OCLC Spectrum Scholarship in Library and Information Technology Application Now Open

Core/OCLC Spectrum Scholarship in Library and Information Technology Application Now Open

The application for the Core/OCLC Spectrum Scholarship in Library and Information Technology is now available through March 1, 2022. The Spectrum Scholarship Program actively recruits and provides scholarships to American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Middle Eastern and North African, and/or Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander students to assist them with obtaining a graduate degree and leadership positions within the profession and ALA. As part of this program, the Core/OCLC Spectrum Scholarship in Library and Information Technology focuses on addressing the specific issue of under-representation of racially and ethnically diverse librarians within library technology, providing scholarships for study in an ALA-accredited MLS program as well as funds to attend the Spectrum Leadership Institute held during the ALA Annual Conference. OCLC co-sponsors this scholarship and the ALA Scholarship Clearinghouse reviews the applications and selects the scholarship winner.

To be eligible for a Spectrum Scholarship, you should:

  • be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. or Canada;
  • identify as American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Middle Eastern/North African, and/or Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander;
  • attend an ALA-accredited graduate program in library and information studies or an AASL-recognized School Library Media Program;
  • be enrolled in an accredited program and begin no later than September 1 or fall semester;
  • have full- or part-time status; and
  • plan to maintain a minimum course load of two classes per semester while receiving your scholarship funds.
The following items are required to submit an application for a Spectrum Scholarship:

  • Completed online application (which includes a personal statement);
  • Three professional references (only references on the official online form will be accepted). You will be prompted to indicate your professional references within the online application;
  • Official academic transcripts from the institution where you received your bachelor’s degree. If you are currently enrolled in an MLIS program or an AASL-recognized School Library Media Program, you will need to send a transcript from your current institution, as well. Only official (sealed) copies will be accepted. ​

All applications, references, transcripts, and other documents must be received no later than March 1.