What is the Conable Conference Scholarship?
The Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) offers an annual scholarship for library school students and new professionals to attend ALA’s Annual Conference. The goal of the Gordon M. Conable Conference Scholarship is to advance two principles that Gordon held dear: intellectual freedom and mentoring.
The Conable Scholarship provides for conference registration, transportation, housing for six nights, and a $300 stipend for meals and other expenses. The recipient also will receive a one-year membership in the Freedom to Read Foundation. Â In return, the recipient will be expected to attend various FTRF and other intellectual freedom meetings and programs at conference, consult with a mentor/board member, and present a report about their experiences and thoughts.
Who Is Eligible?
Students currently enrolled in an ALA-accredited library and information studies degree program or an AASL-recognized master’s programs in school librarianship and new professionals (those who are three or fewer years removed from receiving an LIS degree) are eligible to receive the Conable Scholarship.
Note: If the recipient is already registered for ALA’s Annual Conference, he or she will have their conference fee refunded.
The conference scholarship winner will be expected to arrive on Wednesday and stay through Monday afternoon.
 How to Apply
The application requires a resume, two references, and an essay of up to 500 words describing your interest in intellectual freedom issues and how you will use your attendance at an ALA conference to further your interest in intellectual freedom during and after the conference. Â Your resume should include your education, work history, and volunteer experience.
Application deadline: April 21, 2017. Winners will be announced in early May.
