The Begun Scholarship
- DATE DUE: Applications must be received by July 1. In the case of a tie, interviews will be conducted with the top candidates, either in-person or via conference call. All candidates will be notified of their status in September.
- Complete and print the application form, then mail with requested materials to the CLA office.
- Informational Flier
The Begun Scholarship, named in memory of former librarian Betty Begun, supports continuing library school students who have demonstrated a commitment to becoming children's or young adult librarians in a California public library.
Eligibility:
Applicants must be a permanent California resident currently enrolled in an ALA-accredited master's of library and information science or information studies program. In addition, applicants must have completed their core coursework at the time of application. Applicants must show evidence of commitment to becoming a children's or young adult librarian in a California public library. Students planning to become school librarians are not eligible. Applicants must be US citizens and California residents. Although applicants do not have to be members of the California Library Association at the time of application, the recipient is expected to become a CLA member once the award has been announced, and will be encouraged to participate in the CLA conference where the scholarship will be presented. The Begun Committee reserves the right not to award a scholarship if a qualified candidate is not found.
To apply, please submit the following:
- Application form.
- An official record of master's-level courses completed to date (does not have to be an official transcript).
- Two letters of recommendation, including one from a library school professor.
- A resume (maximum two pages).
- A brief (maximum 125 words) biographical statement.
- An essay (maximum 1000 words, typed, double-spaced) describing applicant's interest in and commitment to youth librarianship.
- A photo of yourself. If you wish to submit a digital photo, send it to info@cla-net.org with "Begun Applicant Photo" as your subject. Photographs will not be considered as part of the application process, but if you win, the photo be shown at the Awards Ceremony during our Annual Conference.
AMOUNT:
One scholarship of $3000 will be awarded annually. Funds will be distributed in two equal payments: half at the time of the award announcement and half after the student successfully completes the school term (semester or quarter) following the award announcement. Recipients must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA.
 |
2009 Begun Scholarship Winner
CLA's annual Begun Scholarship for future youth services librarians has been awarded to Alexandria Godina.
Alexandria is a graduate student in Library and Information Studies at University of California, Los Angeles. Her commitment to youth services is rooted in a deep belief that education truly is the key to change and that children are our future. She believes that being a youth librarian will allow her to partner in the education process and help to meet the needs of our young patrons and their community. She knows that public libraries are vital to their communities as they serve a variety of scholastic and artistic needs. In other words, libraries are critical in supporting children and young people in their education and creative ventures outside of school. After graduation, Alexandria aspires to be a youth librarian. She hopes to be a positive influence in the lives of children and young people by providing excellent, interactive and equitable service in a public library.
Alexandria was awarded the Begun Scholarship during the Awards Ceremony at the 111th Annual CLA Conference & Exhibition in Pasadena, CA.