ALAO Diversity Committee

Diversity Scholarship
Description and Application Guidelines

The Academic Library Association of Ohio values diversity in its membership, in the profession, and in future library professionals. For that reason, we offer a $1,500 scholarship to a promising student enrolled in an ALA-accredited MLS program who exemplifies the qualities needed to ensure a diverse library workforce.

The scholarship will be applied directly to the recipient's bursar account for tuition at his or her academic institution. As the scholarship recipient, the student will receive a complimentary registration for ALAO’s Annual Conference, and at least one year of mentorship from a selected ALAO Board Member.

Basic Criteria:

A qualified candidate will…

• Be a full time or part time student (currently enrolled in or recently accepted to) an ALA-accredited MLS program, either on campus or via distance education.
• Currently live in Ohio.
• Demonstrate the following:
  • Potential in the field
  • Leadership ability
  • Diversity in one or more ways, including, but not limited to: race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, life experience, physical ability, and a sense of commitment to these and other diversity issues

Application. Please submit the Scholarship Application Form (Word Format) provided by ALAO via email as an attachment by Friday, March 14, 2008 to ione.damasco@notes.udayton.edu.

References. Two letters of reference are required. These references should be from individuals who can best address your qualifications for graduate study and your likelihood of success in a career in librarianship.

Your letters of reference should be sent directly to the ALAO Diversity Committee Chair, preferably via email as an attachment to the current ALAO Diversity Committee Chair:

Ione Damasco
Roesch Library
University of Dayton
300 College Park
Dayton, OH 45469-1360
(937) 229-4238
fax (937) 229-4590
ione.damasco@notes.udayton.edu