Institute of Museum and Library Services Scholarship

THE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PERIOD HAS CLOSED.

St. John’s Division of Library and Information Science funds 40 full scholarships for qualified applicants who are interested in careers in urban special libraries and information centers. Courses are held in Manhattan and on line.

View Frequently Asked Questions: 

St. John’s University, in partnership with the Metropolitan New York Library Council (METRO) and the Law Library Association of Greater New York (LLAGNY), will improve the services offered by special libraries to their clients and to affiliated libraries and members of the information professions by recruiting and preparing 40 very committed students for future employment in special libraries in the New York City metropolitan area. This exciting degree program focuses on leadership, professional involvement and best practices. In addition to other benefits, a recent survey indicates that salaries for experienced managers can exceed $300,000, with approximately 1/3 of survey respondents reporting salaries in excess of $150,000.

Tuition Benefit

Full tuition and fees for 40 students; first cohort of 20 began January 2009 and second cohort of 20 began May 2009.

Technology Benefits

  • Practical hands-on instruction (for areas where individuals and groups of students need improvement as well as updates in the latest software)
  • A wireless laptop for each cohort member, including specialized software packages of importance to students in the MLS program
  • Access to the four fully wireless campuses in the metropolitan area (Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan and Oakdale)
  • On-campus and remote access to over 180 library databases
  • Access to the University’s Information Technology support
  • Workshops conducted by experts on blogs, wikis, Web page design, digital libraries, virtual reference and gamers/gaming and how these technologies can be applied in curriculum and used in libraries

Additional Benefits

  • Strong academic program in the library and information sciences, supplemented with cross-domain courses in Knowledge Management, Competitive Intelligence, Marketing Research, Strategic Planning and other relevant subjects. Course content focuses on developing evidence-based insights and technical capabilities that lower costs and improve the value of information assets held or used by the firm.
  • Access to (and funding for) supplemental education and technical training opportunities
  • Access to the University’s Institute for Writing Studies, an endowed program, which focuses on improving writing capabilities for students at every level
  • Access to presentations by outstanding leaders in the field
  • Interaction with leaders in the field
  • Formal mentoring by professionals
  • Student membership in METRO and another professional information organization of the student’s choice
  • Funding for travel to participate in conferences sponsored by approved associations of information professionals.
  • Classes are online and face-to-face in Manhattan in the late afternoon, evenings or weekends. Internships are available.

MLS Commitment

  • Participate in workshops and other co-curricular activities

Post-MLS Commitment

  • Service in a special library or information center in the NYC metropolitan area for a minimum of three years
  • Active engagement in the DLIS electronic community of St. John’s Central, which will focus on mentoring and sharing of information about trends and opportunities
  • Active participation in professional organizations

St. John’s University, Division of Library and Information Science

The Division of Library and Information Science is accredited by the American Library Association.A St. John's education offers a strong theoretical foundation coupled with the practical experience necessary for success in dynamic problem-solving environments. Through a mixture of service learning courses, special projects, field trips and internships, you will be exposed to information resources and introduced to the variety of work environments that only New York can offer. All of this happens in a supportive environment with world-renowned faculty and small class sizes.