RBMS 2027 Conference scholarships for in-person attendance include a conference registration waiver (a $160-$360 value) plus a travel stipend ($1,000). Scholarships for virtual attendance provide a conference registration waiver (an $89-$235 value). The majority of scholarships will be awarded to support those who have not previously attended an RBMS Conference. A limited number of scholarships are available to individuals who have previously attended an RBMS Conference.

Scholarship recipients are selected by the RBMS Scholarships Committee.

Eligibility:
All candidates must be:
- currently enrolled in or a graduate of a library, information science, or archival studies program
OR
- currently employed or volunteering as a professional or paraprofessional in a rare books, special collections, or archives capacity

Criteria:
The following criteria will be evaluated when reviewing applicants:
- Evidence of commitment to and interest in the rare books, special collections, and/or archives fields
- For first-time conference participants: Interest in contributing to the profession
- For returning conference participants: Interest in contributing to the profession through proposed conference participation (speaker/moderator) and/or RBMS committee participation
- Potential to benefit professionally from attendance at the conference
- Financial need

In awarding scholarships, preference will be given to:
- Applicants from underrepresented groups that have been historically marginalized or excluded due to race, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, economic background, age, and/or disability
- Applicants working or volunteering at institutions that primarily serve underrepresented or historically marginalized groups (e.g., HBCUs, TCUs, HSIs, AANAPISIs, or similar)
- Applicants who are ACRL/RBMS members
- Applicants who have not previously received a scholarship from ACRL/RBMS

We want to hear from you in your own words. Please do not use generative AI for your application responses.

Applications are open from October 22 - December 11, 2026.
All applicants will be notified in early February 2027.

Questions? Contact ACRL staff.
Applicant Information

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1. Name (Required.)

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3. Phone (Required.)

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4. Mailing Address (Required.)

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5. Select which RBMS 2027 Scholarship you are applying for: (Required.)

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6. [Optional] In the spirit of equity and the 2027 RBMS Conference theme ("Access, Equity, and the Reach Beyond the Academy"), ACRL/RBMS seeks to provide opportunities to underrepresented groups who have been historically marginalized or excluded due to race, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, economic background, age, and/or disability. We also seek participants from all types of libraries, positions, and experiences, including non-library faculty, staff, and administrators.

Please feel free to share any identities you hold that may contribute to fuller representation of diverse groups and perspectives at this conference.

ACRL/RBMS Involvement

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7. Are you a member of ACRL? (Required.)

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8. Are you a member of RBMS? (Required.)

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9. Have you ever received a scholarship from ACRL/RBMS? If Yes, please identify the scholarship and year awarded. (Required.)

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10. Are you currently serving on one or more RBMS committees, and/or have you applied to serve on one or more RBMS committees? If yes, please briefly describe. (100 words max) (Required.)

Career and Conference Goals

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11. Have you completed or are you currently enrolled in a graduate degree in library or information science, archival studies, or museum studies? If yes, please enter degree, year completed/anticipated, and institution. (Required.)

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12. Your career goals or professional identity are most closely aligned with (choose all that apply): (Required.)

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13. Are you employed as or do you volunteer as a professional/paraprofessional at a library, museum, or archive? If yes, please enter your institution and job title. (Required.)

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14. Have you ever attended an RBMS Conference before (either in-person or virtual)? (Required.)

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15. Have you or are you planning to submit a proposal to present at RBMS 2027? If yes, please briefly describe your proposal (100 words max). (Required.)

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16. Are you working or volunteering at an institution that primarily serves underrepresented or historically marginalized groups (e.g., HBCUs, TCUs, HSIs, AANAPISIs, or similar)? (Required.)

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17. Provide a brief statement about your interest in RBMS and in attending the RBMS Conference. (300 words max) (Required.)

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18. How do you see increased involvement with RBMS affecting your current career path? (300 words max) (Required.)

Financial Need

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19. Provide a brief statement of financial need. If you are employed, please indicate what conference/travel support your institution will provide you. (200 words max) (Required.)

Confirmation

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20. I understand that if I am selected as a scholarship recipient and accept the scholarship award, I am required to:

1) attend the RBMS Conference (June 8-11, 2027)
2) attend RBMS Scholarship Recipient events during the Conference
3) complete a post-conference scholarship experience evaluation

By providing my initials in the box below, I confirm that I have read this statement and attest to the truth of all information submitted in my application and consent to the above requirements. (Required.)

If you wish to receive a copy of your application, select the checkbox below and enter your email address.
 
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