SLAIS Awards Criteria and Application Procedures:
A Guide for Students

Student Awards for:
All SLAIS Students| Master of Archival Studies (MAS) | 
Master of Library & Information Studies (MLIS) |  Master of Arts in Children's Literature (MACL) | 
Doctorate in Library, Archival & Information Studies (PhD)

As per UBC regulations and policy awards are available to FULL-TIME students only, unless otherwise noted. Full-time students are defined as those that are on a Schedule A tuition payment plan. This list contains SLAIS awards only; students are encouraged to explore other award opportunities, for example those offered by UBC's Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Awards open to all students (mas, mlis, mas/mlis, macl, ph.d)

Master of Archival Studies (MAS) Student Awards

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Master of Library & Information Studies (MLIS) Student Awards

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Master of Arts in Children's Literature (MACL) Student Award

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Doctorate in Library, Archival & Information Studies (PhD) Student Award

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External Awards for archival studies, library studies and children's literature students, including PhD [PDF]

Note:

• Letters of recommendation are not required with an application, unless the student wishes to do so. A separate letter should be submitted for each award application.


• Students are no longer considered "continuing students" as soon as degree requirements are complete, not when degree is officially conferred in May or November.


• Students who complete degree requirements in the summer term are eligible for graduating awards in April of the next year, following November graduation.

List of SLAIS Awards in Alphabetical Order

This scholarship is supported by SLAIS Alumni through the Annual Giving Campaign. The scholarships are awarded to students entering a program at SLAIS.

Criterion: Entering SLAIS program
Indicators:

Procedure: Admissions Coordinator with Graduate Advisor recommend to the SLAIS Director, by April 15.

This prize, the gift of Stanley and Rose Arkley, is offered in the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies to the University graduating student whose contribution in the field of children's literature is the most outstanding.

Criterion: Graduating from MLIS program
Indicators:
(a) Courses taken in literature for children and young adults
(b) Academic achievement in courses in literature for children and young adults
(c) Contribution to the field of children’s literature

Procedure: Application by letter, addressing criteria and indicators, to the SLAIS Director, by April 15, and/or nominations with rationale from instructors in children’s literature.

This scholarship was established in 1972 by the UBC Alumni Association in honour of Stanley T. Arkley (B.A., 1925, LL.B., 1976, UBC). It gives recognition to his long and dedicated service to the University. Active in forming the Friends of the University of B.C. Inc. (U.S.A.), he served as its President from 1957 to 1971. Largely through his leadership this organization was not only responsible for many contributions to the University from Alumni in the United States but also for the establishment of a scholarship fund to assist sons and daughters of Alumni living in the United States to attend UBC. His special interest, however, has always been the Library, to which he has made numerous and notable gifts. It is fitting, therefore, that this scholarship is awarded to a student in Librarianship selected by the School on the basis of academic ability, promise, and personal qualities.

Criterion: Entering the MLIS program
Indicators:
(a) Academic achievement
(b) Promise of a success in librarianship

Procedure: Admissions Coordinator and Graduate Advisor make recommendation to the SLAIS Director, by April 15.

A prize has been made available by family and friends of the late Beverley M. Becker. Ms. Becker was a former student of the U.B.C. School of Library, Archival and Information Studies and graduated with her Master of Library Science in 1975. The award is given for outstanding work in courses related to reference and information services in the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies, and is made on the recommendation of the Faculty.

Criterion: Graduating from the MLIS program
Indicators:

• Grades in reference and information services courses
• Number of reference and information services courses taken

Procedure: Based on calculation of grades.

UBC Library, Archival and Information Studies Alumni Lois M. Bewley Scholarship ($650)

A scholarship honouring Lois M. Bewley's devotion to teaching and public service is awarded on the recommendation of the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies to a student with previous public library experience who is entering the second year of the Master of Library and Information Studies program and plans a public librarianship career.

Criterion: Continuing in MLIS program
Indicators:

• Previous public library experience
• Plans a public librarianship career

Procedure: Application by letter, addressing criteria and indicators, to the SLAIS Director, by April 15.

Awards totalling $300 have been endowed by the Brock Family and their friends for students graduating with a Masters in Archival Studies from the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies who demonstrate leadership in planning, implementing and promoting the preservation, organization and effective use of society's record information and ideas. The awards are made on the recommendation of the School.

Criterion: Graduating MAS Student
Indicators:

• Leadership and promotion of preservation

Procedure: Application by letter, addressing criteria and indicators, to the SLAIS Director, by April 15.

A scholarship established by the Alumni Division of the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies, in honour of Margaret Burke. In her role of admissions and placement coordinator she provided students of the School with support and counselling for more than 20 years. The award is made on the recommendation of the School to a student entering second year of any program in the School, who has demonstrated academic ability and shown promise of professional achievement. Priority will be given to alternating the award between the programs in the School if an appropriate candidate is available.

Criterion: Continuing in the MAS or the MLIS program
Indicators:

• Alternate the award between MLIS and MAS where feasible—
  odd numbered years MLIS / even numbered years MAS
• Academic ability
• Promise of professional achievement

Procedure: Nomination by individual faculty members to the SLAIS Director.

This medal, honouring the memory of Miss Ruth E. Cameron, for many years Chief Librarian of the City of New Westminster, is offered annually by the Board of the New Westminster Public Library. It will be awarded to the student whose record in the course for the degree of Master of Library and Information Studies is, in the opinion of the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies, most outstanding.

Criterion: Graduating from the MLIS program
Indicators:

• Top graduating average

Procedure: Based on calculation of grades.

The Greater Vancouver Library Federation has established a book prize to honour two founding members of the Federation on their retirement. Alan Woodland of the New Westminster Public Library and Enid Dearing of the North Vancouver District Public Library retired in the spring of 1991 after many years of service to their respective libraries. Both were founding members of the Greater Vancouver Library Federation and have been instrumental in the success of the organization over the sixteen years of its existence. The prize is to be awarded annually to a student for outstanding work in courses related to public librarianship at the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies. The winner will receive a "Certificate of Award" from the British Columbia Library Association, along with a gift certificate for $100.00 from any local bookstore.

Criterion: Graduating from the MLIS program
Indicators:

• Outstanding work in courses related to public librarianship
• Plans a public librarianship career
• Student member and participant in professional associations

Procedure: Application by letter, addressing criteria and indicators, to the SLAIS Director, by April 15.

Sheila Egoff Scholarship in Library and Information Studies ($1,500)

Scholarships totalling $1,500 have been endowed by friends and colleagues to honour Sheila Egoff’s dedication to teaching and to the profession of Library and Information Studies. The scholarships are awarded to students in the Masters of Library and Information Studies program with preference to students entering first year. The awards are made on the recommendation of the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies in consultation with the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Criterion: Entering MLIS program
Indicators:

• Academic achievement

Procedure: Admissions Coordinator with Graduate Advisor recommend to the SLAIS Director, by April 15.

A prize endowed by the College of Physicians & Surgeons, family, friends and colleagues in honour of C. William Fraser. The scholarship is awarded to a student in the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies and is made on the recommendation of the School in consultation with the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
Criterion: Graduating from the MLIS program
Indicators:

• Success in courses in medical librarianship and/or health sciences
• Background in health science
• Demonstrated interest in medical librarianship (for example, choosing to do medical library related projects in general courses or doing the practicum in a medical library) and good performance in such work
• Collegiality as a personal trait

Procedure: Application by letter, addressing criteria and indicators, to the SLAIS Director, by April 15.

A gift of the Fraser Valley Regional Library is offered annually to a student entering or attending the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies and who is a resident within the Fraser Valley Regional Library's service area. The award is made to a student with sound academic standing who shows professional promise. The financial circumstances of a candidate may be a consideration. In offering this scholarship, the Board of Management of the Fraser Valley Regional Library pays tribute to Dr. Helen Gordon Stewart for her manifold leadership in the development of British Columbia libraries and particularly for her pioneering efforts in the establishment of regional library service in the Fraser Valley in the years 1930-1934. The award is made on the recommendation of the School.

Criteria:

• Entering the MLIS program and
• Residing within the Fraser Valley Regional Library’s service area

Indicators:

• Academic standing
• Professional promise
• Financial circumstances may be a consideration

Procedure: Admissions Officer and Graduate Advisor make recommendation to the SLAIS Director, by April 15.

A prize has been made available by the Toronto Area Archivists Group Education Foundation in honour of James Fraser. Mr. Fraser was an archivist in New Brunswick and Toronto who died while he was a student in the UBC Master of Archival Studies program. The award is made to a top ranking student in the first year in the M.A.S. program in the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies.

Criterion: Continuing in MAS program
Indicators:

• Top ranking student in the first year of MAS program

Procedure: Based on calculation of grades.

A prize is awarded to a student in the graduating class of the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies. The prize will not necessarily be awarded annually. It is given to that student who has demonstrated leadership and academic or research ability in studies relating to special librarianship.

Criterion: Graduating from the MLIS program
Indicators:

• Course work focussing on special librarianship
• Active in the SLA Student Chapter
• Academic record / collaborative research
• Demonstrated leadership

Procedure: Application by letter, addressing criteria and indicators, to the SLAIS Director, by April 15.

Neal Harlow Prize ($500)

This prize is awarded in conjunction with the British Columbia Library Association to an outstanding graduating student in the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies. The award of $200 is given in honour of Neal Harlow, University Librarian from 1951 to 1961, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the development of the University Library and of his work as one of the founders of the School of Librarianship.

Criterion: Graduating from the MLIS program
Indicators:

• Demonstrated interest in a career in academic librarianship
• Student member and participant in professional associations

Procedure: Application by letter, addressing criteria and indicators, to the SLAIS Director, by April 15.

A $1000 award has been endowed by friends and colleagues to honour Ken Haycock, Former Director of the School of Library and Information Studies. The award is offered to a graduating student in the Masters of Library and Information Studies program in good academic standing who demonstrates leadership skills. The award will be made on the recommendation of the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies in consultation with the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Criterion: Graduating from the MLIS program
Indicators:

• Demonstrated interest in management and marketing
• Student member and participant in professional associations
• Demonstrated leadership ability
• Exceptional professional promise for leadership positions

Procedure: Application by letter, addressing criteria and indicators, to the SLAIS Director, by April 15.

A scholarship, the gift of a bequest of Richard David Hughes, is awarded on the recommendation of the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies to a student entering the first year of the Master of Library and Information Studies program. It is awarded on the basis of academic achievement, leadership potential and promise of success in librarianship.

Indicators:

• Academic achievement
• Leadership potential
• Promise of success in librarianship

Procedure: Admissions Coordinator and Graduate Advisor make recommendation to the SLAIS Director, by April 15.

Two scholarships, the gift of a bequest of Amy Hutcheson (Children’s Librarian and Chief Librarian of the New Westminster Public Library, 1942 – 1973), are awarded on the recommendation of the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies to two students who are entering the second year of the M.L.I.S. program. The scholarships are awarded on the basis of specializing in children's and young adult librarianship.

Criterion: Continuing in MLIS program
Indicators:

• Academic achievement
• A detailed outline of the planned program of study in children's and young adult services and literature courses.
• Expressed commitment to a career in children's and young adult services
• An expressed commitment to take a concentration of 12 or more credits in children's and young adult services and literature in the MLIS program, chosen in consultation with the student's adviser

Procedure: Application by letter,fully addressing criteria and indicators, to the SLAIS Director, by April 15.

A prize has been made available by the Archives Association of British Columbia to honour Willard Ireland, Provincial Librarian and Archivist from 1946 to 1974, and to recognize his outstanding contribution in preserving and interpreting the documents of British Columbia's and Canada's past. The award is given to an outstanding student in Archival Studies in the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies. The award is made on the recommendation of the School.

Criterion: Graduating from the MAS program
Indicators:

• Outstanding contribution in preserving and interpreting the documents of British Columbia's and Canada's past
• Academic achievement

Procedure: Application by letter, addressing criteria and indicators, and/or nomination by faculty with rationale to the SLAIS Director, by April 15.

Ronald Jobe Children's Literature Scholarship ($2,000)

The School of Library, Archival and Information Studies has established the Ronald Jobe Children's Literature Scholarship for students in the Master of Arts in Children's Literature Program. Dr. Jobe, professor in the Language and Literacy Department, has been deeply involved in this interdisciplinary children's literature program jointly offered by the UBC departments of SLAIS, LLED, English and Creative Writing. Dr. Jobe established the Children's Literature Roundtables across Canada, co-ordinates the Serendipity conference, and has spent years promoting Canadian children's literature worldwide, through organizations such as the International Board on Books for Young People, of which he was the first non-European President. Applications are adjudicated by a committee of faculty in the MA(CL) program, in consultation with School of Library, Archival and Information Studies and the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Criterion: A student enrolled for full-time study in the Master of Arts in Children's Literature Program who has completed at least 12 credits.
Indicators:

• Academic achievement in courses in literature for children and young adults, taken after enrolling in the Master of Arts in Children's Literature Program.
• Contributions to the authorship, scholarship, promotion and dissemination of literature for children

Procedure: Application by letter, addressing criteria and indicators, to the SLAIS Director, by April 15.

A scholarship has been endowed in honour of Gene Joseph (MLS, 1982) by the British Columbia Library Association, First Nations Interest Group, and the University of British Columbia. The award is offered to a First Nations graduate student at SLAIS. It is made on the recommendation of the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies, in consultation with the First Nations House of Learning and Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Criterion: Entering or Continuing in a SLAIS program
Indicators:

• First Nations (Indian, Inuit, Métis) student

Procedure: Application by letter, addressing criteria and indicators, with short biography identifying First Nations community and interests, and/or nomination by the Admissions Coordinator and Graduate Advisor. The Admissions Coordinator and Graduate Advisor consult with the First Nations House of Learning and make recommendation to the SLAIS Director , by April 15.

A prize has been made available by the B.C. Library Association in memory of C.K. Morison, one of the pioneers of public librarianship in British Columbia. Mr. Morison was the first appointed regional librarian of the Fraser Valley Union Library (the first regional library of its type in Canada) from 1934 to 1940, and later Superintendent of the Public Library Commission of B.C. from 1940 to 1956. The award is made on the recommendation of the School to a student graduating with a Master of Library and Information Studies degree, who has specialized in some aspect of public library work, and who exemplifies C.K. Morison's energy in promoting public library service in the community.

Criterion: Graduating from the MLIS program
Indicators:

• Specialization in some area of public library work through, for example, class projects, directed study, or the practicum
• Outstanding work in courses related to public librarianship
• Student member and participant in professional associations

Procedure: Application by letter, addressing criteria and indicators, and/or nomination with rationale by faculty to the SLAIS Director , by April 15.

A prize has been endowed by friends and family in memory of Harold Naugler. The award will be given to a student achieving excellence in the study of electronic records. The award is made on the recommendation of the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies, in consultation with the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Criterion: Graduating from the MAS program
Indicators:

• Excellence in the study of electronic records
• May consider work on related research projects with faculty

Procedure: Based on calculation of grades. and/or nomination with rationale by instructor(s) in electronic records to the SLAIS Director, by April 15.

Gordon New Memorial Prize ($500)

This prize, established as a memorial to Gordon New by funds collected under the sponsorship of the University of Victoria Library, is offered to students enrolled in the Master of Library and Information Studies program. It is awarded on the recommendation of the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies for demonstrated leadership and academic or research ability in studies relating to academic libraries.

Criterion: Graduating from the MLIS program
Indicators:

• Academic or research ability in studies relating to academic libraries
• Demonstrated leadership ability

Procedure: Application by letter, addressing criteria and indicators, to the SLAIS Director, by April 15.

Burnaby Public Library Picard Memorial Bursary ($750)

A bursary has been made available by the Trustees of the Burnaby Public Library, in memory of Marcelle Lucienne Eleonore Picard. The award is made to a student entering second year in the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies in need of financial assistance, and demonstrating a particular interest in public librarianship. Whenever possible, the award is made to a student who has some connection with Burnaby either through residence or work experience.

Criterion: Continuing in MLIS program
Indicators:

• Financial need
• Particular interest in public librarianship
• Some connection with Burnaby either through residence or work experience preferred

Procedure: Application by letter, addressing criteria and indicators, to the SLAIS Director, by April 15.

This award has been endowed by family and friends in honour of Anne and George Piternick. Professors Anne and George Piternick taught at the School of Library , Archival and Information Studies for a combined total of 48 years during which they provided, through their teaching and personal research projects, a stimulating scholarly atmosphere for library and information science research. The award of $1000 will be given annually to a SLAIS doctoral student to support his or her research.

Guidelines:
1. Students must apply for the award to the Chair of Doctoral Studies by November 1.
2. An ad hoc subcommittee of the Doctoral Studies Committee will adjudicate the applications.
3. The application for the award will be a letter that includes:

a. Title of the research project
b. Objectives of the project
c. Methodology
d. Budget, with a rationale for expenses if appropriate
e. Timeline

4. It is anticipated that the award will cover such research expenses as (but not limited to) travel to consult resources or experts in the research area, travel to participate in a doctoral consortium, travel to interview research subjects, postage to disseminate research instruments, programming expenses or software for data analysis, and travel to present research results in a poster or paper.
5. The Committee reserves the right to split the award into two $500 awards or not to give the award in an individual year.
6. The amount of the award will be advanced to the recipient; the advance must be cleared, with receipts for expenses, within 12 months
7. Recipients of the award must present to the Committee a short follow-up report, detailing how the funds were spent and the benefits realized.

A prize donated by the Archives Association of British Columbia, is awarded to an outstanding student in the graduating class of the Master of Archival Studies. The prize is awarded on the recommendation of the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies.

Criterion: Graduating from the MAS program
Indicators:

• Academic achievement
• Contributions to the program in Archival Studies

Procedure: Application by letter, addressing criteria and indicators, and/or nominations with rationale by faculty to the SLAIS Director, by April 15.

A prize has been endowed by Friends of the Richmond Archives to a student in the Master of Archival Studies program, with preference given to a student demonstrating an interest in community records. The award is made on the recommendation of the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies.
Criterion: Graduating from the MAS program
Indicators:

• Demonstrated interest in community records

Procedure: Application by letter, addressing criteria and indicators, to the SLAIS Director, by April 15.

UBC Library, Archival and Information Studies Alumni Samuel Rothstein Scholarship ($1,750)

A scholarship honouring Dr. Samuel Rothstein, founding Director of the School of Librarianship, was endowed in 1989. The scholarship is awarded on the recommendation of the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies in consultation with the Faculty of Graduate Studies, to a student selected on the basis of academic achievement and promise of success in librarianship. Financial circumstances of the candidate may be considered.

Criterion: Entering the MLIS program
Indicators:

• Academic achievement
• Promise of success in librarianship
• Financial circumstances may be considered

Procedure: Admissions Coordinator and Gradate Advisor make recommendation to the SLAIS Director, by April 15.

Dorothy Blakey Smith Memorial Scholarship ($1000)

A scholarship has been established by family, friends, and colleagues of Dorothy Blakey Smith. The award is made to an outstanding student entering the second year of the Master of Archival Studies Program, on the recommendation of the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies.

Criterion: Continuing in MAS program
Indicators:

• Academic achievement
• Contributions to the program in Archival Studies

Procedure: Nomination with rationale by faculty to the SLAIS Director, by April 15.

This scholarship was established in memory of UBC alumna Margaret Fergusson Smith (B.A. 1937) by her husband, UBC alumnus Donald S. Smith (B.A. 1931, B.A.Sc. 1932, M.A.Sc. 1933) and their children. It is awarded each year to a student enrolled in the Master of Library and Information Studies Program.

Criterion: Continuing in MLIS program
Indicators:

• Academic achievement
• Promise of success in librarianship

Procedure: Nomination with rationale by faculty to the SLAIS Director, by April 15.

This medal honours the second director of the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies, who initiated the Master of Archival Studies Program. It is offered annually to the graduating student whose record in the MAS program is, in the opinion of the School, most outstanding.

Criterion: Graduating from the MAS program
Indicators:

• Top graduating average

Procedure: Based on calculation of grades.

A Scholarship for $900 has been endowed by Edythe Webster for a student in the Master of Library and Information Studies program. This award is made on the recommendation of the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies in consultation with the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Criterion: A student in the MLIS program
Indicators:

• Preference may be given to a mature student

Procedure: Admissions Coordinator and Graduate Advisor make recommendations to the SLAIS Director, by April 15.

One scholarship, given by the H.W. Wilson Foundation, Inc., New York, is available for a student intending to adopt librarianship as a profession. The winner is selected by the School on the basis of academic record, ability, financial need, and promise of success in the field of librarianship.

Criterion: Entering the MLIS program
Indicators:

• Academic achievement
• Promise of success in librarianship

Procedure: Admissions Coordinator and Graduate Advisor make recommendations to the SLAIS Director , by April 15.