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$25,000 Scholarship Available for Future Librarians

The Montana State Library announced today the availability of scholarship money for people interested in pursuing their Master in Library Science (MLS) degree. One $25,000 scholarship is available to attend library school through a distance learning program at the University of Washington.

The State Library was selected in 2003 for a $206,167 and again in 2005 for a $460,444 "Recruiting and Educating Librarians for the 21st Century" award from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services. The two separate three-year grants are being used to fund a statewide effort designed to attract Montana residents to the library profession, with an emphasis on recruiting more Native American librarians. Stipends will also be awarded to help libraries bring these new graduates into their communities.

Thus far, sixteen Montana residents have already received $370,000 in scholarship money to attend graduate programs in library science. In addition to the scholarships, a total of $180,000 will be awarded to libraries to hire professional librarians. The libraries are required to provide matching funds in order to receive the stipend.

Sue Jackson, PEEL project coordinator, said, "Because graduate degrees in library science are not offered in-state, pursuing the education needed to become a professional librarian can be prohibitively expensive. We’re glad we have the opportunity to help more Montanans train for a rewarding career in the library field."

Applicants must complete their graduate school applications to the University of Washington by March 15, 2007. Application materials for the PEEL Scholarship are due to the State Library by April 15, 2007. The State Library’s PEEL advisory committee will meet in May to review applications and make its recommendations to the Montana State Library Commission, whose members will name the winners. The scholarship winner will begin school in the fall of 2007 at the University of Washington.

Visit http://msl.mt.gov/greatcareer to download a scholarship application or learn more about a career in Montana’s libraries. For more information about the PEEL project, contact Sue Jackson at the Montana State Library at (406) 444-5350 or at [email protected].

Sara J. Groves

Communications and Marketing Coordinator

Montana State Library

P.O. Box 201800

1515 East Sixth Avenue

Helena, MT 59620-1800

PHONE: (406) 444-5357

FAX: (406) 444-0581

Email: [email protected]

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