ASCLA Awards & Scholarships
The ASCLA awards and scholarships program recognizes outstanding achievement by members of the library profession. These awards honor librarians and libraries for significant current or past achievements such as publications, program development, and leadership in the profession. Awards may include a citation and a cash award, and may be made to individuals or groups. Depending on the terms of the award, recipients need not necessarily be members of ASCLA. All ASCLA awards must conform to the guidelines contained in the Awards Manual of the American Library Association.
Current Awards & Scholarships
ASCLA/Keystone Library Automation System (KLAS)/National Organization on Disability (NOD) Award
A $1,000 award and certificate for a library organization that has provided services for people with disabilities. The award recognizes an innovative and well-organized project which successfully developed or expanded services for people with disabilities. The award can be for a specific service(s) program or for a library that has made their total services more accessible through changing physical and/or attitudinal barriers. Original funding for this award was provided by Aetna U. S. Healthcare beginning in 2000 through the National Organization on Disability. Keystone Systems assumed sponsorship of the award in 2004. Download the award nomination form.
Francis Joseph Campbell Award
A citation and a medal presented to a person or institution that has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of library service for the blind and physically handicapped. This contribution may take the form of an imaginative and constructive program in a particular library; a recognized contribution to the national library program for blind persons; creative participation in library associations or organizations that advance reading for the blind; a significant publication or writing in the field; imaginative contribution to library administration, reference, circulation, selection, acquisitions, or technical services; or any activity of recognized importance. Administered by the Libraries Serving Special Populations Section (LSSPS) of ASCLA. Visit the website for the Royal National College for the Blind to read more about Francis Joseph Campbell, for whom this award is named. Download the award nomination form.
Century Scholarship
An annual $2,500 scholarship that funds services or accommodation for a library school student(s) with disabilities admitted to an ALA-accredited library school. The scholarship will fund services or accommodations that are either not provided by law or otherwise by the university that will enable the student or students to successfully complete the course of study for a Master’s or Doctorate in Library Science and become a library or information studies professional. More information about this and other ALA scholarships is available at www.ala.org/scholarships. Visit the online application and apply for this scholarship. The application period opens in October of each year. Questions about the application process should be directed to the ALA Scholarship Clearinghouse, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL, 60611, at scholarships@ala.org or 1-800-545-2433 ext. 4279. Applicants must provide medical documentation of their disability or disabilities, services, or accommodations and/or services the applicant would need for their studies, demonstrate the need for financial assistance and be citizens of the United States or Canada. Documentation should identify the applicant�s disability and how it affects his or her ability to complete a course of study. Any additional supporting documents are welcome. Documentation is only used to determine eligibility for the scholarship, and will remain confidential. All documentation must be received by the ASCLA office by March 1 and should be sent to Liz Markel, American Library Association, 50 E. Huron St, Chicago, IL, 60611 ATTN: ASCLA Century Scholarship. Only medical documentation should be sent to this address. All other scholarship application materials-including transcripts-should be sent to the ALA Scholarship Clearinghouse. The initial funding for the scholarship was made by an anonymous donor. Since its inception in 2000, numerous other donors have provided funding. Donations to the Century Scholarship fund may be sent to ASCLA, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611, ATTN: Century Scholarship Donation.
ASCLA Exceptional Service Award
A citation presented to recognize exceptional service to patients, to the homebound, to older adults and adults with disabilities who live in group homes or residences, and to inmates, as well as to recognize professional leadership, effective interpretation of programs, pioneering activity, and significant research of experimental projects. Download the award nomination form.
ASCLA Leadership & Professional Achievement Award
New in 2008, this award represents the achievements previously recognized by the Leadership Achievement Award and the Professional Achievement Award. It recognizes leadership and achievement to one or more ASCLA members in the following areas of activity: consulting, library cooperation, networking, statewide service and programs and state library development. Download the award nomination form.
Cathleen Bourdon Service Award
Formerly the ASCLA Service Award, this citation is presented to an ASCLA personal member for outstanding service and leadership to the division. The award recognizes sustained leadership and exceptional service through participation in activities which have enhanced the stature, reputation, and overall strength of ASCLA; and representation of ASCLA to other appropriate organizations, institutions, or governmental agencies. Download the award nomination form.