Conference Scholarships

The ASIS&T Board is offering Awards for students and 2025/26 graduates (undergraduate, graduate, and PhD) library and information science programs to attend the ISS/SLC Conference at in Albuquerque, NM June 6–9, 2026. ASIS&T will award up to 15 scholarships that will cover meeting registration and at least $1,000 in travel support for those travelling to the meeting. The travel support will be paid as a cash stipend and granted as a lump sum without a requirement of receipts.* All other expenses connected with conference attendance are the responsibility of the awardee. 

After the conference, awardees will be required to write a summary or impressions of the conference for publication in Inside ASIS&T or make a webinar presentation, and to volunteer with an ASIS&T SIG, Chapter, Committee, Subcommittee, or Working Group.

Applicants must complete the application form by 11:59 pm PT on March 12, 2026 and write an essay of 500-1,000 words about how their attendance will benefit their career and/or how their attendance will benefit ASIS&T.  Please upload completed applications and essays in the form below.

Applications and essays will be reviewed by the Scholarship Committee and awards are expected to be granted in April 2026.

Scholarship applicants should not register for the meeting ahead of the Early Bird deadline. Any unsuccessful applicants will be sent a coupon code to receive the Early Bird Registration rate valid until May 1, 2026.

For questions about the award, please contact the Scholarship Committee.

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Criteria to Apply

• Applicants must be a 2025/26 graduate or be currently enrolled in a post-secondary study program (bachelors, masters, or PhD degree) in Library/Information Science
• Applicants may not have received funding from any SLA or ASIS&T entity in 2024 or 2025. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis; please contact the Scholarship Committee with specific questions. Preference will be given to applicants who have never received funding from SLA or ASIS&T.
• Applicants may not be a member of the Scholarship Committee.
• Successful applicants will not be eligible for other ASIS&T scholarships in 2026.
• Preference shall be given to those who display an aptitude for and interest in special library work and/or information science research.
• Applicants need not be members at the time of application, but successful applicants must join ASIS&T at the applicable rate if not already a member. Funds will be not be distributed until membership is confirmed.
• Within six months of receiving the scholarship, successful applicants must write an article for Inside ASIS&T or make a webinar presentation about their conference experience; how conference attendance impacted their education or career; and/or the value of the ASIS&T scholarship.
• Scholarship receipients must commit to volunteering with an ASIS&T SIG or Chapter, Committee, Subcommittee, or Working Group in the 2026 and/or 2027 calendar year. Such participation may be facilitated and tracked by the Scholarship Committee.

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Application Process:

• The application form asks for:
  • An essay of 500 - 1000 words addressing how attending the conference will benefit the applicant's career and their interest in and involvement with ASIS&T and/or previously with SLA. The essay should address any prior involvement with or volunteering in ASIS&T, SLA, or other organizations and institutions that demonstrate commitment to the profession. Generative AI tools may not be used to write the essay.
  • A current résumé / CV
  • Proof of student or recent graduate status
  • A commitment to attend the 2026 Information Science Summit & Special Libraries Conference in Albuquerque, NM June 6-9, 2026
  • A commitment to write an article for Inside ASIS&T or making a webinar presentation about their conference experience; how conference attendance impacted their education or career; and/or the value of the ASIS&T scholarship
  • A commitment  to volunteering with an ASIS&T SIG or Chapter, Committee, Subcommittee, or Working Group in the 2026 and/or 2027 calendar year (such participation may be facilitated and tracked by the Scholarship Committee)

*Please note that the value of the scholarship is taxable as income in the United States. Successful applicants who are taxpayers in the United States must submit a W-9 form before receiving funding.