RBMS 2027 Scholarships

RBMS is committed to increasing equity, diversity, and inclusion in its membership and offers scholarships to support attendance at RBMS 2027. In-person and virtual scholarships are available.

Scholarships are funded by a combination of generous contributions from RBMS donors and budgeted funds. RBMS Conference scholarships for in-person attendance include a conference registration waiver (a $160-$360 value depending on registration type) plus a travel stipend ($1,000). Scholarships for virtual attendance provide a conference registration waiver (a $89-$235 value depending on registration type).

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. 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 disability. For more information about the RBMS commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, please visit the RBMS website. 

We invite RBMS members and conference attendees to give to the RBMS Scholarship Fund to help expand opportunities for future scholarship recipients. 

Deadline to Apply: December 11, 2026

Eligibility

All scholarship 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/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 (as a 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 2027 Conference (including scholarship recipient events) and complete a post-conference scholarship recipient experience evaluation. 

Application requirements include:

  • Selecting in-person or virtual attendance
  • Statement about your interest in RBMS and in attending the RBMS Conference (300 words max)
  • Statement about how you see increased involvement with RBMS affecting your current career path (300 words max)
  • Statement of financial need, including indicating what conference/travel support your institution provides if you are employed (200 words max)

Apply for a Scholarship!

Deadline: December 11, 2026

Notification

All applicants will be notified in early February 2027.