The $1,500 Elaine Baran Black Scholarship funding is made possible by donors in memory of Elaine Baran Black, retired Director of Youth Services at the 红杏短视频 Public Library Service (GPLS). During twenty-five years of work with 红杏短视频’s libraries, Elaine made a significant difference in the lives of 红杏短视频’s children and families. Scholarship established in 2023.

 A. Eligibility

  1. MLIS GPA of 3.0 or higher
  2. Preference will be given to current MLIS students who are interested in working in Youth or Teen Services or in supporting family literacy.
  3. If no qualified students apply who do not provide demonstrated interest in working in Youth or Teen Services or in supporting family literacy for the Elaine Baran Black Scholarship, then applications from students with other LIS areas will be considered.
  4. Completion of at least 18 credits toward the MLIS degree prior to the date of application. The 18 credits must be completed at the time of application. Completed Program of Study: a list of the courses you have completed (including grades earned) as well as the courses you plan to take.
    • At least 9 of the 18 credits must be in the MLIS program’s core courses
    • All 18 credits must be taken at Valdosta State University
    • No course grade lower than a 3.0 (B).

 B. Submitting an application

  1. MLIS candidates meeting eligibility standards 1 through 4 may apply for the Elaine Baran Black Scholarship for use in the subsequent fall semester.
  2. Deadline for submitting applications is August 15, 2025.
  3. Write a cover letter that includes a brief profile of your career goals in Youth or Teen Services or in supporting family literacy, and your progress towards those goals so far.
  4. Complete the MLIS Program of Study checklist form. Your Program of Study must include a list of the courses you have completed as well as those you are planning to take, and grades for all the courses you have completed. The blank Program of Study form is located on the MLIS Academic Advising webpage under Program of Study Forms: /colleges/education/master-of-library-and-information-science/student-resources/advising.php
  5. Have your application letter and Program of Study form ready, and fill out the .

 C. Selection

  1. The MLIS Awards and Scholarship Committee will review the application.
  2. The scholarship recipient will receive an award letter prior to the beginning of the semester in which the scholarship will be applied.

 D. Disbursement

For the semester the scholarship is awarded, the award will be applied to the student’s tuition account prior to the fee payment deadline.  Any outstanding balance will be the responsibility of the student.