Apply for a Scholarship
We offer several scholarships throughout the year:
- ALA Emerging Leaders - Each year, LITA sponsors at least one person to participate in this program. The Emerging Leaders program enables newer library workers to participate in problem-solving work groups, network with peers, gain an inside look into ALA structure, and have an opportunity to serve the profession in a leadership capacity. Recipients receive $1,000 to attend leadership training and work with their group mates at the ALA Midwinter Meeting and Annual Conference. Applications are accepted in July and August each year.
- AvramCamp - This popular one-day LITA unconference at each ALA Annual Conference allows female-identifying individuals employed in various technological industries an opportunity to network with others in the field and to collectively examine common barriers faced. We price registration at $25 to lower the barrier to participation, and we offer several $500 scholarships to cover travel expenses. Applications are accepted in February and March each year.
- Christian (Chris) Larew Memorial Scholarship - This annual scholarship helps students just starting out to get their MLS, with an emphasis on library technology and/or automation. Criteria include previous academic excellence, evidence of leadership potential, and a commitment to a career in library automation and information technology. The winner receives $3,000 from our sponsor, Baker & Taylor. Applications are accepted September through February.
- LITA Forum - Each year we provide several $1,500 scholarships to attend our signature Forum, an annual gathering of about 300 technology-minded information professionals. This is where technology meets the practicality of daily information operations in archives, libraries, and other information services. Applications are accepted in May and June.
- LITA OCLC Spectrum Scholarship - Each year, OCLC sponsors a LITA Spectrum Scholar who has plans to focus on technology in libraries. The Spectrum Scholarship Program actively recruits and provides scholarships to American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Middle Eastern and North African, and/or Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander students to assist them with obtaining a graduate degree and leadership positions within the profession and ALA. The scholarship provides $5,000 to to attend the Spectrum Leadership Institute the summer following the first year of study. Applications are accepted September through February.
Blog for LITA
The
LITA Blog features original content by LITA members on technologies and trends relevant to librarians. Our writers represent a variety of perspectives, from library students to public, academic, school, and special librarians. We welcome regular writers or guest posts.
Contact us to get started or learn more.
Share Your Expertise
There are lots of ways to share what you know and help your colleagues:
Start an Interest Group
Interest groups are the heart of LITA. They're where members discuss the latest technologies and trends, get answers, create ad hoc groups, and figure out how best to help our patrons and communities. View
the full list of LITA Interest Groups and if you don't see one that covers a topic of interest to you, it's easy to start a new one. If you're interested in the topic, it's likely other members are, too. Creating it requires just a chair (you or someone else) and the electronic signatures of 9 other members.
Contact us to learn more and get started or go straight to the
petition form to start a new interest group.
Volunteer for a Committee
Participating on a committee is a great way to develop new skills, learn from your peers, help advance LITA's strategic plan, and accomplish concrete goals. LITA succeeds thanks to its members, their talents, and their dedication. We need your talents!
The volunteer form opens in September each year.