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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 COMO Conference also has supported funding for this scholarship, the amount of which the association intends to increase as more funding becomes available.

• The $1,000 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
• Mail to:

GLA Scholarship Fund
Georgia Library Association
P.O. Box 793
Rex, GA 30273-0793

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 as a student in a master's degree program at a library school accredited by the American Library Association.
• 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, or agree to pay back a prorated amount of the award plus interest.  Repayment must be made within a two year period.

Application Procedure

To apply, submit to the Chair before May 1:

1. One official application form (you may be considered for both scholarships via one form and other accompanying documentation - do not send duplicate materials).


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 (a photocopy is acceptable).


3. Three letters of reference sent directly from the reference to the committee chair.


4. Official transcripts of all academic work sent directly to the chair from each college or university you have attended.

Selection of Award Recipients

The Scholarship Committee will review all complete applications received by the deadline of May 1.  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 not later than June 1. 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 COMO conference, in order to be honored at the GLA Awards Banquet and to assist with the Scholarship Raffle.

Send all application materials to the GLA Scholarship Committee Chair:

Elizabeth Bagley, Director
Agnes Scott College, McCain Library
141 East College Avenue
Decatur, GA  30030-3797
ebagley@agnesscott.edu