The Julia C. Blixrud Scholarship supports the attendance of one master of library and information science (MLIS) student or recent graduate at the annual President’s Institute. The award recipient will receive a scholarship of US$1,000 plus registration to attend the President’s Institute on February 11–12, 2026. This scholarship is supported by generous donations to the Julia C. Blixrud Memorial Fund.
Scholarship Components
The award covers the registration fee for the President’s Institute and provides a scholarship of US$1,000.
Awardee Selection Criteria
The successful applicant will meet the following criteria:
- Be a current MLIS student or a graduate who is within two years of graduation (Spring 2024 graduates are eligible to apply.)
- Exhibit evidence of being a creative thinker who is passionate about the topic of the President’s Institute (The theme of the 2026 President’s Institute is “Unlock Innovation.”)
- Demonstrate strong potential to contribute to the profession
Scholarship Requirements
The scholarship awardee will fulfill three requirements:
- Attend the President’s Institute
- Actively use social media to communicate about the President’s Institute during the event
- Write a summary of their participation to be published by ARL after the event
Application Components
All applicants must submit the following documents:
- An original essay (400 words maximum) or visualization (such as a three-minute video or an infographic) on the topic of the 2026 President’s Institute and why the topic is important to your education, development, and/or career trajectory (ARL reserves the right to distribute all submissions using a Creative Commons license.)
- A résumé or CV that demonstrates strong interest in the area addressed by the President’s Institute
- A letter of reference/recommendation from a supervisor and/or professor nominating the applicant for the Julia C. Blixrud Scholarship that (a) speaks to the applicant’s potential to contribute to the profession and (b) explicitly states the applicant’s current status as a student or recent professional who graduated within the last two years (The Selection Working Group will only consider one letter of recommendation.)
How to Apply
To apply, complete the online application form, and upload your essay or visualization along with your résumé or CV. Your letter of recommendation must be on letterhead, signed, and emailed directly from a supervisor or professor to JCBfund@arl.org.
Applications and supporting documents are due to ARL by 11:59 p.m. Hawaii standard time (HST) on Friday, November 7, 2025. If you have questions about the scholarship or application process, email JCBfund@arl.org.
This cycle, we are pleased to offer applicants the chance for coaching on their materials. If you are interested in meeting with a member of last year’s selection committee about your application, please email JCBfund@arl.org.
Key Dates
- September 16, 2025: ARL issues call for applications
- November 7, 2025: Applications due to ARL
- December 8, 2025: Applicants notified of selection decision
- February 11–12, 2026: ARL President’s Institute
If you have questions about the scholarship or the application process, please email JCBfund@arl.org.
