ALSC Bound to Stay Bound Books scholarships

The Bound to Stay Bound Books (BTSB) Scholarship provides financial assistance in the form of four $8,000 annual awards for the education of individuals who intend to pursue an MLS or advanced degree and who plan to work in the area of library service to children. This work may be serving children up to and including the age of 14 in any type library. The Scholarship is made possible by the ALSC through the generous contributions of Bound to Stay Bound Books, Incorporated.

Special thanks go to the Bound to Stay Bound Books foundation, which has encouraged the professional development of Children's librarians through this scholarship since 1985. The 30th anniversary of the scholarship was in 2015, click here to read the commemorative Children and Libraries article featuring past recipients!

ALA Scholarship Application Requirements

The following items are required for all scholarship applications. Be sure to check the requirements of the specific scholarship for which you are applying because you may need to mail additional documents.

1. Completed online application (which includes a personal statement).

2. Completed references (only references on the official online form will be accepted). Three professional references are required. Once you begin the application process, you will be asked to provide the name and email addresses of three (3) professional references. These should be people (excluding family members) who are well acquainted with your educational background, intellectual abilities, professional experience, and personal character. Each person listed will receive an email message with instructions for completing the online reference form. An application will not be considered complete unless the three references are submitted by March 1st.

3. Official academic transcripts. An official transcript is required from bachelor's degree-granting institutions and any master's level work toward an ALA-accredited or NCATE-approved master's in library science. Transcripts for other master's level work are not required but may be submitted for consideration. The college transcript should be submitted only once regardless of the number of scholarships you apply for. All transcripts must be received by March 1st (electronic transcripts will not be considered). They should be placed in a sealed envelope and mailed in one package along with other materials (as required by specific scholarships) to the following address: ALA Scholarship Clearinghouse, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1300, Chicago, IL 60601.

4. Personal Statement. Applicant should include a personal statement as part of the online application. It should consist of not more than 300 words and describe your interest and any work in your proposed field of study, including non-course educational experience, volunteer work, teaching or other relevant employment and publications. You should also indicate what specific competencies or characteristics you believe you have to offer the field of librarianship, what you can bring to the profession, and in particular what you have done which indicates your potential for leadership. Describe your career interests and goals and your commitment to library and information service.

The completed online application, personal statement, and three references must be received in the ALA Scholarship Clearinghouse by March 1st to be considered.