SALALM Conference Attendance Scholarship
Donate to the Conference Attendance Scholarship
Applications are now being accepted through March 10, 2025. Details below.
See poster here.
Description
Since its founding in 1956, the Seminar on the Acquisition of Latin American Library Materials (SALALM) has served as the sole national and international forum dedicated to Latin American studies research librarianship, as well as the development of library collections and services. Established in December 2011, the SALALM Scholarship supports professional and leadership development in academic librarianship focused on Latin America, the Caribbean, Iberian, and Latinx diasporas.
The award, offering up to $2,000 and a one-year membership in the organization, aims to promote professional and leadership development in Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian studies librarianship. It supports master’s candidates enrolled in ALA-accredited library, information, or archival studies programs, as well as entry-level or early-career librarians in the U.S. and Canada. Recipients will have the opportunity to attend the SALALM 70th Annual Conference, taking place May 26–29, 2025 in New York City. This year’s conference is hosted by New York University’s Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies (CLACS), in partnership with Columbia University, the City University of New York, and the New York Public Library’s Stephen A. Schwarzman Building.
See a list of past winners.
Who Should Apply
Applicants able to demonstrate a strong interest in Latin America, the Caribbean, or their diasporas, or Iberia, and who have career aspirations involving service to academic users seeking information about or researching topics involving the Latin American, Caribbean, or Iberian regions are encouraged to apply. Interest may be demonstrated through previous work, internships, undergraduate or graduate-level study, involvement through volunteer programs with governmental, non- governmental, or private sector organizations, and research and publication on topics relevant to the area. Competency in one of the area’s major languages is highly important.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be master’s degree candidates in ALA-accredited programs in library science, information science, or archival studies (with equivalent accreditation where applicable) in the United States or Canada.
- Applicants must have successfully completed at least one quarter or semester of study, and recipients must be enrolled students at the time the award is made. Anyone having received this scholarship in previous years or a travel grant from SALALM is not eligible to apply.
Selection Criteria
- Knowledge of Latin America, the Caribbean, and/or Iberia Commitment to a career in academic libraries and information science or a related field
- Record of academic achievement
- Competency in one or more of the area’s languages
Required Application Materials
May be submitted in any of the official languages of SALALM: Español, English, or português
- Completed application form
- Personal statement (maximum of 500-800 words)
- Current résumé or CV(not to exceed 2 pages)
- Unofficial transcripts for all college and university study
- Presentation Abstract (300 words maximum)
- Letter of reference
Deadline for all application materials: March 10, 2025.
Submit application here: https://form.jotform.com/250074923018149
Submit letter of reference here: https://form.
Guidelines
Personal statement (500-800 words maximum): In the personal statement, please tell the committee about your documented commitment and interest in the Latin American, Caribbean, and/or Iberian region. Explain why you would like to attend the conference and how it aligns with your career goals. The committee is also interested in your commitment to related areas such as human rights, transnationalism, migration, ecology or natural resources, indigenous peoples, politics, etc. Discuss your academic, professional, or volunteer experiences and expertise in these areas. Documented commitment may include work, research, or volunteering in the region or with Latino/a populations through NGOs, libraries, government service, legal aid, sports, education, after-school programs, etc. Submit as a PDF file using the following naming convention: LASTNAME.firstname_ps.Letter of reference: One letter of reference is required as part of your application. The letter should be written by someone who can speak to your abilities, achievements, and personal qualities. Your reference may come from a professor, employer, supervisor, professional colleague, or a similar individual involved with Latin America, the Caribbean, U.S. Latino/a populations, or Iberian studies. Please ask your reference to upload their letter at https://form.jotform.com/250074883671159.
Note: An application is considered complete only when a letter of reference is received by the committee on or before the deadline. Submit as a PDF file using the following naming convention: LASTNAME.firstname_rec.
Unofficial transcripts: Please upload an unofficial transcript of your academic record in the library, information, or archival studies program in which you are currently enrolled, along with transcripts from each institution where you have earned an academic degree.
Submit as PDF files using the following naming convention:
LASTNAME.firstname_transcripts.
Presentation Abstract (300 words maximum): Applicants must provide a preliminary abstract of the presentation they intend to deliver at the SALALM conference. The abstract should clearly outline the topic, objectives, methodology, and expected contributions of the presentation to the field of Latin American, Caribbean, or Iberian studies, or its intersections with U.S. Latino/a populations. Be concise and specific, highlighting the relevance and originality of your research or project. The abstract will be an important component of the selection process and should demonstrate your ability to communicate your ideas effectively. Please review the SALALM website scholarship description for additional guidance. PDF files only. Use the following file naming convention: LASTNAME.firstname_abstract.
Document checklist: Before submitting your application, please make sure to gather the following documents:
- Personal statement (500-800 words maximum, PDFs only; please use the following naming convention for the file: LASTNAME.firstname_ps)
- Current CV or résumé (2 page maximum, PDFs only; please use the following naming convention for the file: LASTNAME.firstname_resume)
- Unofficial transcripts for each academic degree and transcript of current graduate study (PDFs only; please use the following naming convention for the file: LASTNAME.firstname_transcripts)
- Presentation Abstract (300 words maximum): PDF files only. Use the following file naming convention: LASTNAME.firstname_abstract.
Important Dates
Application Submission Deadline: March 10Award notification: April 4
Submit application here: https://form.jotform.com/250074923018149
NOTE: YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE AN EMAIL CONFIRMATION. YOUR CONFIRMATION WILL BE DISPLAYED ON THE PAGE WHEN YOU HAVE SUBMITTED THE REQUIRED MATERIALS.
For any questions please contact Milton Machuca-Gálvez (mmachuca2 [AT]KU[DOT]edu)