Scholarships, Staff Development and Continuing Education Opportunities for Fall 2015

The Massachusetts Library Aid Association (MLAA) Committee on Aid to Small Public Libraries is pleased to announce its Scholarship Program for fall 2015.  MLAA is a private foundation. The purpose of this program is to subsidize training in Library and Information Science for librarians and library staff who are presently employed in small Massachusetts public libraries. This is not an MBLC sponsored grant program, however the MBLC has worked in partnership with MLAA for more than seventy years.

To be eligible for MLAA Scholarship Program applicants must currently work in a Massachusetts Public Library in a community of 35,000 population or less and their annual salary may not exceed $35,000 for this scholarship program.

There are 2 “TYPES” of scholarships offered to prospective applicants currently employed in a Massachusetts public library.  There is also a scholarship that a library may use to apply for staff training. 

•           Scholarship Assistance (Individual):  Small grants (ranging from $350-500) may be given to cover courses and training programs which must be directly applicable to public library service. Please note this Scholarship Program is intended to help individuals who lack a Masters in Library Science (MLS) degree to make progress in completing their education. 

Please Note: Occasionally a small amount of additional money is available for a travel allowance for those commuting 80 miles or more. Previous grant awardees may apply; however, in no case will more than three awards be made to an individual.

•           Continuing Education for Individuals: Grants with a $400 maximum are awarded for someone who is either taking another online course, attending a workshop/program/ or conference who can in turn share this information with their library staff.  Requests for Individuals wishing support for course work outside the Library and Information Science (LIS) degree program should apply using this application form.

•           Staff Development for Libraries: Awards of up to $500 will be given to public libraries in Massachusetts communities of 35,000 population or less, who have identified a staff training or continuing education need and have developed a plan for meeting that need.  The subject of the proposed Staff Development plan may vary widely among libraries, but it should be one that improves and updates staff members’ ability to conduct library operations and services efficiently and effectively, resulting in better service to library users.

Application forms were attached to an email distributed on the AllRegions list July 3, 2015.  Please email completed applications to Rachel Masse, Administrative Coordinator LAD Unit, MBLC. Rachel.masse@state.ma.us  Applications must be received on Thursday, August 13, 2015 by 4:00 p.m. and no applications will be considered after this deadline. Notification of recipients will take place after Labor Day.

Questions? Please contact Shelley Quezada, Consultant to the Underserved at the MBLC by email at shelley.quezada@state.ma.us or call (617) 725-1860 ext. 235 for any clarification.