ALA General Scholarships

• The ALA has designated three "general scholarships" for library science students. The Marshall Cavendish Scholarship, the David H. Clift Scholarship and the Christopher Hoy/ERT Scholarship each offer between $3,000 and $5,000 to a library science student attending an ALA-accredited school, with fewer than 12 semester hours completed. The awards are given based on academic excellence, leadership and evidence of commitment to a career in library science.
  
  

ALA Specialty Scholarships

• The ALA has created several scholarships that target library science students who are specializing in certain types of librarianship, including federal librarianship; library automation technologies; service to children, young adults, and teens; and new media. The scholarships range from $1,500 to $7,000. Qualifications vary depending on the scholarship but generally require that the student attend an ALA-accredited school, show proof of interest in the specific type of librarianship that the scholarship is targeting, and have excellent academic qualifications.
  
  

Underrepresented Group Scholarships from the ALA

• The ALA has established several scholarships aimed at assisting library science students who are members of minority groups. The scholarships range from $2,500 to $5,000 and are open to those with physical or visual disabilities as well as to racial minorities.
  
  

ALA Support Staff Scholarships

• Library support staff who have made the decision to go to graduate school in library science are eligible for three ALA scholarships of $3,000 each. These scholarships are meant to encourage library support staff to continue their education in the field of library science and to improve their career options. As with most other ALA scholarships, academic achievements, leadership qualities and evidence of a desire to pursue a professional library career are taken into consideration when winners are chosen.
  
  

Other Scholarships

• The ALA publishes a free financial assistance directory with more than 63 pages of scholarships and grants offered to library science graduate students from library schools, library associations and private citizens. These scholarships range from $100 to several thousand dollars and have varying requirements. Some are merit-based, some require evidence of financial need and some have other qualifications.