The Special Libraries Association (SLA) awarded 11 scholarships for library and information science students and recent graduates to attend the SLA 2024 Conference, which took place July 13-16 at the University of Rhode Island.

Each scholarship included complimentary conference registration and a USD 2,000 stipend for travel and housing. The 11 scholarship recipients attend university programs around the world, with two recipients traveling from the United Kingdom and the Philippines to attend. The full list of scholarship recipients may be found HERE.

After a long hiatus, the SLA Board approved appropriations from the Scholarship Fund in 2024 to support professional education and networking opportunities for both students and mid-career members to advance their careers and professional standing in the field. Recipients were chosen from a pool of applicants by the SLA Scholarship Working Group, as appointed by the President and using criteria approved by the Board.

Additional scholarships to support students in post-secondary library and information studies degree programs and mid-career professionals seeking continuing education and certificate opportunities will be announced later in the year.

SLA President John DiGilio remarked, “The SLA Conference is the premier event for special librarians and information professionals, drawing attendees from around the world. SLA is celebrating its 115th anniversary in 2024, and the Back-to-Basics theme recognizes our need to reconnect with our roots and deliver world-class professional development to our members. In bringing back the annual scholarships, we are recommitting ourselves to supporting vital continuing education in our industry.”

The Special Libraries Association (SLA), founded in 1909, is a nonprofit international organization for innovative information professionals and their strategic partners. SLA serves information professionals around the world and in a range of working environments, including business, academia, and government. SLA promotes and strengthens its members through learning, advocacy, and networking initiatives. For more information, visit sla.org.