Beverly Murphy MLA Scholarship for Underrepresented Students
Offered by Medical Library Association
About This Scholarship
The Beverly Murphy MLA Scholarship for Underrepresented Students is the Medical Library Association's diversity scholarship, named for the Duke University medical librarian who became the first Black president of MLA in the association's 120-plus-year history. It exists to bring students from underrepresented backgrounds into health sciences librarianship, a field that serves every community but has long lacked diverse representation.
The scholarship grants up to $2,500 annually to a student who is Black/African-American, Latinx, Asian, Aboriginal, North American Indian or Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander. Applicants must be entering an ALA-accredited master's program or within the first half of their degree, and MLA membership is not required.
As with MLA's other student scholarships, a jury judges three essay responses — what the scholarship means to the applicant, their career and academic plans, and the impact of their activities on their communities and themselves. The application cycle opens in mid-September and closes at the start of December.
Eligibility
- Member of an underrepresented group: Black/African-American, Latinx, Asian, Aboriginal, North American Indian or Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
- Entering an ALA-accredited master's program in library/information science, or within the first half of the degree
- U.S. or Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- MLA membership not required
How To Apply
- Create a free MLANET account and complete the online application after the cycle opens in mid-September, including essay responses to the three jury prompts and your academic details. Submit before the early-December deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Beverly Murphy?
A longtime Duke University Medical Center librarian who in 2018 became the first Black president of the Medical Library Association; the scholarship advances her work to diversify the profession.
How much is the award?
Up to $2,500, granted annually to one qualified student.
Can I apply if I'm already in library school?
Yes, as long as you have completed no more than half of your master's degree requirements when you apply.