Scholarships Available

RBMS is committed to increasing equity, diversity, and inclusion in it's membership and anticipates offering $20,000 of scholarships to subsidize attendance at this conference. In-person and virtual scholarships are available.

Full and partial scholarships to the RBMS conference will be awarded. Full scholarships include a waiver of the conference registration fee (a $195 – $360 value depending on registration type) plus a travel stipend ($750). Partial scholarships provide complimentary registration (a $195 – $360 value depending on registration type) and may or may not include a travel stipend depending on applicant need/location ($400 - $750). The majority of scholarships will be awarded to support those who have not previously attended RBMS; a limited number of scholarships are available to individuals who have previously attended RBMS.

Preference is 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 ability. For more information about the RBMS commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, please visit the RBMS website. You are invited to give to the RBMS Scholarship Fund to directly impact these efforts if your circumstances allow. 

Eligibility

All candidates must be currently enrolled in a library, information science, or archival studies program; a graduate of such a 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 

Consideration

In awarding the 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 

Requirements

Scholarship recipients are required to attend the RBMS 2026 Conference and complete the conference evaluation. To help us ensure the ongoing improvement of the scholarship program, all scholarship recipients are also asked to submit a post-conference email with feedback for next year's Scholarship Committee to consider.

All you need to submit:

  • Name and contact info & In-person or Virtual preference
  • Graduate degree (if applicable) / volunteer info / other education
  • Member of ACRL / RBMS / Committee Service / Session proposal (if applicable)
  • Brief Bio (100 words)
  • Identities that may contribute to fuller representation at the conference (a few sentences, optional)
  • What has motivated you to pursue your current career path? (300 words)
  • Provide a brief statement about your interest in RBMS and in attending the Section's conference (300 words max)
  • How do you see increased involvement with RBMS affecting your current career path? (300 words max)
  • Please supply a brief statement of financial need. For those who are employed, this means describing the conference/travel support provided to you by your institution. All applicants will be considered for both full and partial scholarships (200 words max)
  • Initials required at the end for a complete application. 

Apply for Scholarship!

Deadline: December 12, 2025

Notification

All applicants will be notified in early February 2026.