Scholarships

The James S. McPhee Memorial Scholarship fund was created to provide financial support for members in good standing of the Nevada Library Association who are seeking educational opportunities in library science. Persons selected to receive an award from this fund must show potential for emulating James S. McPhee’s contribution to Nevada libraries. Jim spearheaded the Instruction Program at UNLV during the late 1980s and was an advocate for school library programs in southern Nevada. He had a passion for intellectual freedom and kept this ideal at the forefront of Nevada Library Association activities through his position as chair of the NLA Intellectual Freedom Committee. James S. McPhee passed away in 1995.

Applicants must:
• be a member in good standing of the Nevada Library Association
• be eligible for admission to an American Library Association accredited graduate library science program
• have a complete application file as of the final date indicated on the application form

APPLICATION GUIDELINES 

Nevada Library Association (NLA) Scholarships are awarded annually. Applicants are eligible for one NLA scholarship per year, with a maximum of two awards.  The NLA Scholarships award grants one award ($500) in support of graduate course work in an American Library Association accredited library science programs (MLS or MLIS) and for the certification of school librarians. Course work may be taken via on-site or distance education programs. 

Scholarship monies must be used to pay tuition and course-related textbook expenses for course work taken in spring 2020 only. Reimbursement information and procedures will be provided to recipients with their scholarship notification letter. A reimbursement check payable to the awardee will be sent upon verification of tuition and textbook purchases and successful completion of the course(s).

In addition to completing the attached application form, the applicant agrees to be interviewed, if required, by the Nevada Library Association Scholarships Committee. Any interviews will be conducted in person or via telephone conference call. The applicant is responsible for ensuring her/his application file is complete by the deadline indicated on the Application Form. A complete file includes the NLA Scholarship Application, applicant’s Personal Statement, and two Confidential Evaluations.

The applicant understands that, upon completion of the library science program, persons awarded NLA scholarships are strongly encouraged to pursue full-time employment in a Nevada library.

The deadline for the scholarship application is Friday, April 30 at 5 pm. Winners will be notified by Monday, May 10, 2021.
Apply online now!