Because the 2026 annual conference will be held virtually, AALA will offer multiple grants to cover the conference registration fees. Specific travel awards will resume at the next in-person conference. The grants reduce the financial barrier for members and open the opportunity to include new attendees. To apply for a grant, visit the Virtual Conference Grant page.
STUDENT TRAVEL AWARD
PURPOSE
The AALA Student Travel Award is intended to introduce a library school student or recent graduate interested in a career in architecture school librarianship to the membership and activities of AALA through in-person attendance at the organization’s annual conference. The awards committee will also consider applications from currently enrolled or recently graduated (within twelve months) M.Arch or B.Arch students who are pursuing careers in architecture librarianship. The award defrays travel expenses for in-person attendance of the annual AALA Conference, provides free membership to AALA for one year, and provides a registration fee waiver for the annual AALA conference.
AWARD BENEFITS
1. The amount of the award is up to $750.00 to defray travel expenses.
2. Conference registration fee waiver.
3. Waiver of annual AALA student membership fees for a period of one year. If applicable, the award recipient will also have the option to be paired with a fellow conference attendee ('buddy") to support them in navigating their first AALA conference experience.
ELIGIBILITY AND CONDITIONS
1. Students who are currently enrolled in an ALA accredited graduate program or individuals who have graduated from an ALA accredited program within twelve months of the application deadline are eligible to apply for this award. Consideration will also be given to M.Arch or B.Arch students who are pursuing careers in librarianship.
2. The recipient of the award must confirm in writing via e-mail that they able to meet the requirement of in person or virtual conference attendance.
3. The award recipient must submit a brief post-conference report for posting on the AASL Website. The report should outline conference activities and experiences and include an account of how the award supported the recipient's professional development goals.
APPLICATION PROCESS
1. Complete the application form here, https://forms.gle/shMpmUeQG8TkSWPq7, by Friday, February 7, 2025 [extended from January 31], at 11:59pm Pacific Time.
2. Send a current curriculum vitae to AASL Awards Committee Chair Lynn Kawaratani (lkawarat@andrew.cmu.edu).
3. If you would like to view the application questionnaire prior to submitting your application, you may see a preview version of the application form here: https://forms.gle/BSFqErw4yoKxZufX7
MORE INFORMATION
Inquiries about the award should be directed to: Lynn Kawaratani (lkawarat@andrew.cmu.edu).