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2026 Louise A. Stephens Memorial Scholarship Application

Scholarship Application Form

Louise Stephens, a graduate of the University of Arizona School of Information, worked for Glendale Public Library for 30 years, retiring in January 2007. During that time she served as a children’s librarian and library manager. Throughout her career, Louise was active in the Arizona Library Association, serving as its Association President, Public Library Division President, and Awards Chair at various times. In 2001 she was named the association’s Librarian of the Year, and in 2007, she received the Rosenzweig Award for distinguished service. Louise advocated for libraries as a centerpiece of a community as well as the need to network with other librarians as the forces to keep those institutions running. Louise passed away in July 2007, and an endowed scholarship was established in her memory. The Arizona Library Association is charged with administering the scholarship fund, endowed with the University of Arizona Foundation.

Recipient receives a certificate from AzLA and a monetary award ($2,000) from the Louise A. Stephens Scholarship Fund.

Eligibility Requirements
1. Arizona Resident.
2. Student in good standing, enrolled or admitted to the University of Arizona iSchool M.A. program for a minimum of six (6) credit hours in a semester.
3. Current Member of the Arizona Library Association at any level (student, full, etc.)
4. A completed Louise A. Stephens Memorial Scholarship application.

Deadline is August 31, 2026
1.Students Full Name(Required.)
2.Pronouns
3.Email(Required.)
4.Phone Number(Required.)
5.Full Address(Required.)
6.Are you an Arizona resident?(Required.)
7.How long have you been an Arizona resident (years)?(Required.)
8.What date did you enter the School of Information M.A. Program?(Required.)
9.What is your expected graduation date?(Required.)
10.Are you an Arizona Library Association Member?(Required.)
11.If you answered yes to the above question, how long have you been a member (years)?
12.Personal Statement

Submit a statement of no more than 1000 words, stating why you chose librarianship as a career, outlining your career goals, and describing the importance of involvement in professional associations as it relates to librarianship.(Required.)
13.Supporting Documentation

Required Support Documentation 

1. Undergraduate transcripts (unofficial is acceptable)
2. Evidence of admission and enrollment to the School of Information M.A. Program and the University of Arizona (acceptable letter)
3. Two letters of recommendation, speaking to the applicants ability and promise as a future library professional.

If you have questions or need to submit further documentation, please email conference@azla.org
14.Undergraduate transcripts (unofficial is acceptable)(Required.)
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15.Evidence of admission and enrollment to the School of Information M.A. Program and the University of Arizona (acceptable letter)(Required.)
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16.Two letters of recommendation, speaking to the applicants ability and promise as a future library professional.
Letter of Recommendation #1(Required.)
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17.Letter of Recommendation #2(Required.)
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