The Manitoba Library Association administers several awards and scholarships; Jean Thorunn Law Scholarship, John Edwin Bissett Scholarship, Manitoba Library Service Awards and Library Innovation of the Year.

Scholarships

Scholarships are open to Master's of Library and Information Studies (MLS/MLIS) students from Manitoba. Deadline for scholarship applications is June 1.  Applicants must read the Scholarship FAQ to determine their eligibility. Applicants receive notification of receipt of complete application; contact the Association if notification has not been received by June 1.

Scholarship amounts will vary based on number and quality of applicants and available funds. Scholarships are competitive. The Manitoba Library Association Scholarships Committee notify applicants of results by July 15.  Questions? Please contact the Association by email at manitobalibrary@gmail.com

Jean Thorunn Law Scholarship (pdf) (up to $3000)

    Available to eligible applicants who have worked in a Manitoba library and who choose to further their career by pursuing a graduate program in library and information science. Applicants must have been engaged in recent library work in Manitoba for twelve months.

John Edwin Bissett Scholarship (pdf) (up to $6500)

    Available to eligible undergraduates of the University of Manitoba who are pursuing a graduate program in library and information science. Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree at the University of Manitoba.

Scholarship FAQ (pdf)

Scholarship Application (pdf) (word)

Scholarship Reference Form (pdf) (word)

Awards

The service awards honour people - librarians, library workers, trustees, volunteers - who have made an important contribution to the development of libraries and library services in our province. Each year the winner will be presented with the award at the Annual General Meeting or Manitoba Libraries Conference.

Anyone may make a nomination, on their own behalf or on behalf of an organization. Nominations should be submitted in the form of a letter of not more than two pages, naming the person, specifying the professional or volunteer category, and detailing the work they have accomplished for libraries. A Committee chosen by the MLA Executive will consider the nominations and choose the winner. We all know people who have significantly contributed to our field; now is the time to give them the credit they deserve! Nominations are accepted by email at manitobalibrary@gmail.com.

The Manitoba Library Association's Library Innovation of the Year Award is given to libraries who through innovative thinking have created or demonstrated improvements in library services. Winners are presented their awards at the Annual General Meeting or Manitoba Libraries Conference. Visit our news area to find the winners of last year's Library Innovation of the Year and celebrate innovation in Manitoba libraries! Nominations are accepted by email at manitobalibrary@gmail.com. Anyone can make a nomination.

Manitoba Library Association Award: Library and Information Technology Program (automatic selection)

The Manitoba Library Association awards a full-time graduating student in the Library and Information Technology program at Red River College who has demonstrated academic excellence and career promise. The recipient's achievement is also honoured on a plaque displayed in the library at Red River College. This award is selected by educators at Red River College and is presented at the Annual General Meeting or Manitoba Libraries Conference.