Monday, March 3, 2014

Gordon M. Conable Conference Scholarship

Applications open for 2014 FTRF Gordon M. Conable Conference Scholarship To apply, visit http://www.ftrf.org/?Conable_Scholarship CHICAGO — The Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) has opened applications for the 2014 Gordon M. Conable Conference Scholarship, which will enable a library school student or new professional to attend ALA’s 2014 Annual Conference, held June 26-July 1 in Las Vegas, Nev. The goal of the Gordon M. Conable Conference Scholarship is to advance two principles that Conable held dear: intellectual freedom and mentorship. The scholarship provides for conference registration, transportation, housing for six nights and six days per diem. In return, the recipient will be expected to attend various FTRF and other intellectual freedom meetings and events at the conference, consult with a mentor/board member and present a report about their experiences. The recipient also will receive a one-year FTRF membership and will be invited, although not required, to provide daily updates about his or her experience on the Freedom to Read Foundation blog. The deadline for submitting an application for the 2014 Conable Scholarship is Friday, April 11; the award will be announced in late April. Who is eligible: Students currently enrolled in an ALA-accredited library and information studies degree program or an AASL-recognized master’s program in school librarianship and new professionals (those who are three or fewer years removed from receiving a library school degree) are eligible to receive the Conable Scholarship. Those interested must submit an application that includes two references and an essay detailing their interest in intellectual freedom issues. Applicants also are required to attach a résumé. If the recipient is already registered for ALA’s Annual Conference, he or she will have the conference fee refunded. To apply for the Conable Conference Scholarship, visit www.ftrf.org/?Conable_Scholarship. For more information, please contact Jonathan Kelley at (800) 545-2433, ext. 4226 or jokelley@ala.org.