The American Library Association and its units offer more than $300,000 annually for master’s students in library and information science. For 2027, published awards range from $2,500 to $8,000 per student per year. One application covers specialized opportunities in public, children’s, youth, and federal librarianship, technology, and other fields.
The general rule is enrollment in an ALA-accredited master’s program in library and information science. A school-librarianship pathway is also available when a program meets ALA curriculum guidelines for CAEP-accredited units. Some awards focus on particular fields or backgrounds, including people with disabilities, people of color, or library workers who do not yet hold a master’s; each fund may add criteria.
The 2027 cycle is open and closes March 1, 2027. The general application requires an online form, personal statement, official transcripts, and three professional references, which must submit their own forms before the deadline. Applications open annually in September. Listing recommenders is not enough: confirm each person received the message and submitted the reference so the file is complete.
Before choosing a program, verify its accreditation and use ALA’s comparison materials to distinguish each award’s conditions. The published range is per student per year, not one amount guaranteed to every applicant. The association directs questions to its Scholarship Clearinghouse. Ask the college how an award would be applied to tuition or other charges and whether it can combine with institutional aid.
Confirm the academic year, local deadline and time, who must submit each document, and whether supplemental questions remain. Keep confirmations and recheck the portal after submitting. Ask the school’s financial-aid office how FAFSA, outside awards, and payments coordinate.
Read the aid-program profile and the FAFSA guide; confirm with the institution how funding is coordinated.
2027 scholarship announcement — American Library Association.
Scholarship application requirements — American Library Association.
Information checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Funding, criteria, and dates can change; confirm the linked cycle rules before submitting documents and ask the school how the award coordinates with other aid.
Confirm eligibility and the 2027 cycle deadline on the official portal before applying.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
American Library Association Scholarship Program
The American Library Association and its units offer more than $300,000 annually for master’s students in library and information science. For 2027, published awards range from $2,500 to $8,000 per student per year. One application covers specialized opportunities in public, children’s, youth, and federal librarianship, technology, and other fields. The general rule is enrollment in an ALA-accredited master’s program in library and information science. A school-librarianship
College scholarship and financial-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
American Library Association · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
American Library Association · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of American Library Association Scholarship Program ↗
Primary source
American Library Association · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
American Library Association · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.