The Beard Scholarship

The Beard Scholarship of the Georgia Library Association is made possible by friends and colleagues of the late Charles Edward Beard who served libraries and the library profession for almost 40 years with distinction and dedication. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide financial assistance toward completing a Master’s degree in library science for candidates who show strong potential to inspire and motivate their peers in the profession and in professional associations.

Friends and members of GLA continue to generously donate to this scholarship fund. In recent years, the annual Scholarship Raffle at the Georgia Libraries Conference (formerly GaCOMO)  also has supported funding for this scholarship, the amount of which the association intends to increase as more funding becomes available.

  • The $1,500 award is presented each year that an applicant meets the criteria.

The Hubbard Scholarship

The Hubbard Scholarship of the Georgia Library Association is made possible by the family and friends of Mr. C. S. Hubbard, an early supporter of libraries in Georgia. The purpose of the scholarship is to recruit excellent librarians for Georgia and provide financial assistance toward completing a Master’s degree in library science.

Friends and members of GLA continue to generously donate to this scholarship fund.

  • The $3,000 award is presented each year.

Scholarship Funding

  • The current principal provides the interest for the annual scholarship awards.
  • Only interest from the principal will be used to fund the scholarships.

What can you do?

  • As the cost of education skyrockets, GLA wants to be responsive by providing increased support to library education.
  • The increased interest generated by the addition of your contribution to the principal will provide greater funding for future scholarship recipients.
  • Complete a contribution form and make check payable to GLA Scholarship Fund, or donate online.
  • Mail to:

GLA Scholarship Fund
Georgia Library Association
1502 W. Broadway, Suite 102
Madison, WI 53713

Qualifications

The recipient must:

  • Be completing the senior year in an accredited college or university or be a graduate of such an institution.
  • Be accepted or enrolled as a student in a master’s degree program at a library school accredited by the American Library Association. Students who have already begun their programs are eligible to apply for both scholarships.
  • Be ready to begin the program of study not later than the fall term of the year in which the scholarship is awarded.
  • Indicate an intention to complete degree requirements within three years.
  • Maintain a passing grade average throughout the program and submit grade reports to the committee chair at the end of each term.
  • Agree to work for one year following graduation from library school in a library-related capacity in Georgia. For the Beard Scholarship, working in library-related capacity can include, but is not limited to, serving in a leadership capacity (as a Secretary, Vice Chair, or Chair) within the Georgia Library Association. For the Hubbard Scholarship, you MUST work in a Georgia library for a year after graduation.

Application Procedure

The application will open on March 11, 2024. To apply, submit the following materials to the Scholarship Committee at scholarship@georgialibraryassociation.org on or before May 17, 2024:

      1. Please submit your applications through the online form. We highly recommend writing your essay in a separate program (such as Word) to allow for spell-checking and then copy/pasting into the appropriate blank. Letters of reference, transcripts, and proof of admissions must still be e-mailed directly to the Scholarship Committee vice-chair at scholarship@georgialibraryassociation.org.
      2. Proof of admission to an American Library Association-accredited Master’s program/library school, i.e., a letter from the dean of the school/program certifying your acceptance (scans or copies are acceptable).
      3. Two letters of reference sent directly to the committee vice-chair.
      4. Unofficial transcripts of all academic work sent directly to the vice-chair at scholarship@georgialibraryassociation.org from each college or university you have attended. Emailed transcripts are preferred. However, if your school does not provide emailed transcripts, contact the vice-chair at scholarship@georgialibraryassociation.org as soon as possible. Please note winners of each award will be required to submit official transcripts from their institutions before receiving their award.
      5. A short essay that states your reasons for wanting to be a librarian and your ultimate professional goals. Include this as a separate file emailed to the committee vice-chair if not using the online form.

In order for your application to be considered, you must email all materials. Applicants may email the vice-chair of the committee directly concerning the status of their application.

Selection of Award Recipients

The Scholarship Committee will review all complete applications received by the deadline of May 17, 2024. Selection will be based on the application and supporting documents.  Other considerations being equal, residents of Georgia will be given preference.  Applicants will be considered for both awards by the committee.  Beard scholarship criteria are the same as for the Hubbard; the committee will choose two top candidates with the Beard being given preferably to applicants demonstrating involvement in a professional library association (e.g., GLA, ALA, SELA) or evidence of library leadership.

Applicants will be notified of the decision no later than June 30. The scholarship will be paid to the recipient in equal installments at the beginning of each term (semester, quarter or other division) of the school in which the recipient is enrolled. Also, reimbursement of some travel expenses will be provided to Beard and Hubbard Scholarship recipients to attend one Georgia Libraries Conference, in order to be honored at the GLA Awards Ceremony and to assist with the Scholarship Raffle.