2026 Virginia Library Association Scholarship Applications - Now Open!
The Virginia Library Association (VLA) Scholarship Committee's scholarship opportunity is designed to recognize and support outstanding individuals committed to advancing the field of library science.
We are proud to award annual scholarships, each valued at $3,000, to deserving recipients who embody the spirit of excellence and dedication to the library profession. Winners will also receive one year of non-prorated joint student membership with the American Library Association and the Virginia Library Association. Applications are due by March 31, 2026. Winners will be contacted summer 2026 and receive recognition during the opening reception of the 2026 VLA Conference in Norfolk, Virginia on Sunday, October 18, 2026.
Criteria
The eligibility requirements for VLA Scholarships are:
- Residence in the state of Virginia or currently employed in a Virginia Library.
- Undergraduate degree (BS, BA, BFA, etc.).
- Acceptance by, or currently enrolled in, an American Library Association accredited library school.
- Must be earning a Master of Library Science Degree (MLS, MLIS, MSLS, MIS).
The major factors considered in making the awards are:
- Evidence of commitment to a career in librarianship in Virginia.
- Potential for outstanding achievement in the library profession.
- Academic excellence.
In order to be considered, your application must have two (2) references. One (1) of the two (2) references is strongly recommended to be a librarian or other information professional. Your application must include an academic transcript - unofficial transcripts are accepted.
Scholarship Application FAQ's
I'm pursuing an undergraduate degree in library science. Am I eligible?
No, you must already possess an undergraduate degree to be considered for a VLA scholarship.
I'm already a student in a library science program. Is there a credit limit for the scholarship?
There is no credit limit and current library science students are encouraged to apply. However, you must use the scholarship funds for upcoming payments - scholarship funds cannot be awarded to cover the cost of past semesters.
What information do I need to prepare for the application?
The application asks for academic, work, and extracurricular information including, but not limited to, awards, professional memberships, community service, and employment history. In addition, the form will require you to upload:
- 2 letters of recommendation (PDF)
- One essay (PDF/DOC/DOCX formats)
- One undergraduate transcript (PDF)
- One letter of acceptance to an ALA accredited library science program OR an unofficial transcript that shows current enrollment.
Do I have to submit an essay?
Yes, you must write an essay to accompany your application. Your essay is your opportunity to describe your journey in librarianship to the evaluation committee. Your essay must be based on the italicized prompts below.
Choose three (3) of the following five (5) prompts to include in your essay.
- Describe your journey to pursue a master’s degree in library science.
- What made you choose librarianship as your profession? In your response, include examples of patron interactions, projects, research experiences, or initiatives that you are especially proud to have been a part of.
- What are your goals after earning your degree, and how do you plan to contribute to the field?
- Describe how your experiences and/or identities (i.e. race, ability, gender, etc.) have shaped the lens through which you view librarianship.
- What barriers are you currently facing in obtaining your MLIS?
Are official transcripts required?
Transcripts are required but they do not need to be official. You may submit a PDF of an unofficial transcript.
The person writing my recommendation letter would like to submit the letter themselves. Is that possible?The recommender can send an email to the VLA Communications Manager Vanessa Garbarino at [email protected] - please request that they identify themselves and the applicant in the body of their email. Please make the subject line "Scholarship Application Recommendation Letter - Name of Applicant". You will receive an email confirmation when your letter is received. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their recommenders submit their letters, if forwarded to the Communications Manager. If a letter is not received by the closing deadline, the committee will not consider the application. The committee will NOT contact recommenders for a letter. If two letters are not submitted, then the application will NOT be considered.
Do I need to be a member of the Virginia Library Association to apply?
As of 2026, it is no longer a requirement that you must be a member of VLA to receive a scholarship. Scholarship recipients will receive one year of joint student membership to VLA and the American Library Association upon receipt of their funds. Dues will not be pro-rated and will not include membership to ALA subdivisions or round tables, such as the Association for Library Services to Children or the Public Library Association, as those require additional fees. Membership in forums of your choosing is always free and open to any VLA member.
What will happen if I don't include a portion of the application?
The Scholarship Committee will only review complete applications that are received, in full, before the deadline.
What is the deadline to submit my application?
March 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
When will applicants be informed of the committee's decision?
By June 30, 2026.
When will winners receive their award?
Winners will receive scholarship funds following confirmation of eligibility and acceptance and will be honored at the annual conference in October.
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