Louise A. Stephens Memorial Scholarship

Background 

Louise Stephens, a graduate of the Univeristy of Arizona School of Information Resources and Library Science (SIRLS), worked for Glendale Public Library for 30 years, retiring in January 2007. During that time she served as a children’s librarian and library manager. Throughout her career, Louise was active in the Arizona Library Association, serving as its Association President, Public Library Division President, and Awards Chair at various times. In 2001 she was named the association’s Librarian of the Year, and in 2007, she received the Rosenzweig Award for distinguished service. Louise advocated for libraries as a centerpiece of a community as well as the need to network with other librarians as the forces to keep those institutions running. Louise passed away in July 2007, and an endowed scholarship was established in her memory. The Arizona Library Association is charged with administering the scholarship fund, endowed with the University of Arizona Foundation.

Donate

Donations for the scholarship endowment are accepted continuously. Donate online or mail a check payable to the Arizona Library Association, with "Stephens Scholarship" in the subject line to 1030 E Baseline Rd, Suite 105-1025. Tempe, AZ 85283 . Attn: Stephens Scholarship.

Purpose 

To support students enrolled in the University of Arizona ’s School of Information Resources and Library Science M.A. program.

Past Recipients

• Sheila Beeson, 2010
• Kristen Curé, 2009
• Kassandra Rodeheaver, 2008

Amount

Amount $1,000, awarded August 1. Scholarship is non-renewable.  

General Eligibility Requirements

• Arizona Resident 
• Student in good standing enrolled or admitted to the SIRLS M.A. program for a minimum of 6 credit hours in a semester 
• Current Member of the Arizona Library Association at any level (student, full, etc.) Join AzLA

Criteria

• Submit a statement of no more than two (2) pages, stating why you chose librarianship as a career, outlining your career goals, and describing the importance of involvement in professional associations as it relates to librarianship.
• Submit evidence of admission and enrollment to SIRLS/UA (acceptance letter and unofficial transcripts, if applicable)
• Undergraduate transcripts (unofficial is acceptable)
• 2 letters of recommendation, speaking to the applicant’s ability and promise as a future library professional.

Terms of Scholarship

• The recipient will commit to continued membership in AzLA throughout SIRLS program.
• The recipient will commit to attend the AzLA Conference. The recipient will be recognized at the annual conference’s awards function.

Deadline for application

The deadline for applications will be posted in early 2011. Submit completed applications electronically to the Arizona Library Association, admin@azla.org . Write “Stephens Scholarship Applicant” in the subject line.  Supporting documentation can be submitted electronically or mailed to AzLA, 1030 E Baseline Rd, Suite 105-1025. Tempe, AZ 85283 . Attn: Stephens Scholarship Applicant.

Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Scholarship Award Committee

The scholarship award committee will review all applications and make a recommendation to the AzLA Board. The AzLA Board will approve the candidate for the scholarship annually at its July Board meeting. 

The scholarship award committee is comprised of:

• One Stephens/Fanchaly Family Member
• Two AzLA Executive Board Members
• One AzLA-SIRLS Advisory Committee Member
• One Glendale Public Libraries Librarian

The scholarship award committee has evaluated past candidates based on the following rubric. This rubric is under review for the 2011 round of applications.

c2010, Arizona Library Association.  Last modified 5-11-2010.

Louise A. Stephens Memorial Scholarship Chair

Ann Dutton Ewbank