Medical Library Association Grant

Scholarship Sponsored by Medical Library Association

MLA Grants, Scholarships, and Fellowships — At a Glance

Overview
**Description**
The Medical Library Association (MLA) provides a range of funding opportunities—grants, scholarships, and fellowships—designed to support graduate students in library and information science programs and to help practicing health sciences librarians pursue professional development. Awards vary in purpose and scope; some support education, others support continuing education or research. Awards are made only when applicants clearly meet or exceed published requirements. Detailed descriptions and criteria are available on individual award pages.

Key takeaways:
- Funding supports graduate students and practicing health sciences librarians.
- Includes grants, scholarships, and fellowships with varied purposes.
- Awards are issued only when applicants meet published standards.
- Check individual award pages for full descriptions.

Eligibility
**Who can apply**
Eligibility varies by award, but most funding opportunities are limited to students in graduate library science programs or practicing health sciences librarians seeking professional development. Many awards require MLA membership as a condition of eligibility. Individual awards often have additional, award-specific criteria (e.g., geographic restrictions, institutional affiliation, or stage of career).

Key takeaways:
- Primary audiences: graduate library science students and health sciences librarians.
- MLA membership is required for most awards.
- Each award has its own specific eligibility criteria.
- Review each award page to confirm your eligibility.

Application Timeline
**When to apply**
Most MLA grants and scholarships open on September 11 and close in December, though exact deadlines vary by award. MLA acknowledges receipt of all submitted applications. Because timelines and requirements differ by award, applicants should consult the individual award pages for precise opening dates, deadlines, and submission instructions.

Key takeaways:
- Typical opening date: September 11; typical deadline: December.
- MLA sends an acknowledgment for every submitted application.
- Deadlines and requirements vary—always verify the specific award page.
- Prepare materials early to meet year-end deadlines.

Award Funding and Value
**How awards are funded**
Some MLA awards are financed through the association’s restricted funds (endowments); the number and amount of these awards are determined annually based on available endowment income. Other awards may be supported by different funding streams or donor contributions. Award amounts and the number of recipients can therefore change from year to year.

Key takeaways:
- Some awards draw on MLA endowments; funding levels vary annually.
- The number and value of awards may change based on available funds.
- Other awards may be funded by separate donor contributions.
- Check each award’s page for current funding and award amounts.

Selection and Announcement
**How decisions are made and communicated**
All grants, scholarships, and fellowships undergo annual review, and awards are granted only when applicants meet or exceed the selection criteria. MLA announces recipients in the spring. Recordings of past virtual award ceremonies are accessible through the vConnections page for those who wish to view presentations or remarks.

Key takeaways:
- Awards are reviewed annually and given only when standards are met.
- Recipients are publicly announced in the spring.
- Past award ceremonies are available via vConnections recordings.
- Selection is merit-based and follows published criteria.

Donating to Support Awards
**How to contribute**
MLA accepts donations to support grants, scholarships, and fellowships; these contributions help sustain award programs and grow restricted funds for future awards. Donors can direct gifts to specific funds or to general support for awards—procedures and options are provided by MLA’s development or giving pages. Contact MLA directly for instructions on donating and for information about how contributions are allocated.

Key takeaways:
- Donations help sustain and expand MLA award programs.
- Gifts can be directed to specific funds or general award support.
- Procedures and options are available through MLA’s development office.
- Contact MLA for donation instructions and allocation details.